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Many of us are quick to offer help to others but struggle when it comes to asking for help ourselves. Why is that? As Christians, we are known for our generosity and willingness to assist those in need. However, when it’s our turn to seek help, we often hesitate. Let’s explore why that is—and why asking for help is not only okay but also glorifies God.The Reluctance to Ask for HelpChurches frequently establish benevolence funds to support members going through financial hardships. Most of us gladly contribute to these funds, eager to help those in need. But when the tables turn, and we are the ones facing difficulties, we often resist seeking assistance.One common reason is that we don't want to burden others. Many of us would rather go without—sometimes even at the expense of our families—than impose on someone else. However, the Bible challenges this mindset. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” God's design for us is not self-sufficiency but a supporti

What financial lessons can we learn from a tax collector who climbed a tree? Stay tuned and find out.Of course, you know I’m talking about Zacchaeus in Luke 19. That story is filled with important teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. Dr. Kelly Rush joins us today with some interesting observations about the life of Zacchaeus.Dr. Kelly Rush is a Professor of Finance, Department Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. The Cultural and Financial Context of ZacchaeusIn first-century Israel, political, social, and religious divides were as prevalent as they are today. Labels like Pharisee, Sadducee, and zealot carried heavy connotations, just as terms like Democrat or Republican do in our culture. Among the most despised figures in Jewish society were the tax collectors, or publicans, who collected tribute for the oppressive Roman Empire.A publican acted as a financial middleman, collecting various taxes such as road tolls, harbor dues, and purc

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Plain are a reminder that we should look for ways to be generous with all aspects of our finances, including investments. Brian Mumbert is here today to share some helpful ideas.Brian Mumbert is Vice President and Regional Sales Executive at Timothy Plan, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Dispelling the Myth: Performance vs. ValuesA common misconception in Faith-Based Investing is that investors must compromise financial performance to adhere to their values. Since the inception of Faith-Based Investing in 1994, the industry has made tremendous strides. What started with limited resources and headwinds has now evolved into a robust market with proven fund management, strong fundamentals, and competitive returns. Today, investors can achieve great risk-adjusted returns while stay

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” - Proverbs 22:3That verse is all about how critical it is to look ahead and spot potential problems so you have more time and resources to fix them before they happen. Harlan Accola joins us today to discuss the dangers of keeping mortgage payments into our retirement years.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, which is an underwriter of this program. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement. The Changing Landscape of Retirement and DebtToday’s retirees face a vastly different financial landscape compared to previous generations. In 2024 alone, 4.2 million people will turn 65, and more than 50% of them are still making mortgage payments—the highest percentage in history. This contrasts sharply with previous generations, where fewer than 5% of retirees carried mortgage debt into retirement.Several factors contribute to t

What would you call a marriage where spouses see “eye to eye” about money? Some might call it bliss.It’s true that most couples at least occasionally quarrel about their finances. But could a better understanding of each other’s values help spouses avoid that bickering? Shaunti Feldhahn thinks so, and she joins us today to talk about it.Shaunti Feldhahn is a Harvard graduate, former Wall Street analyst, social researcher, best-selling author, as well as a prominent public speaker. She is the co-author of Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself with her husband, Jeff, and has written several books with him revealing impactful truths about relationships at home and in the workplace.A Lesson Learned Over DinnerShaunti and her husband, Jeff, learned this lesson early in their marriage. Living in New York, they often ate out due to their demanding schedules. However, a seemingly small issue—ordering a Diet Coke—would trigger recurring arguments. Jeff,

Proverbs 13:22 tells us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…” But while the Bible emphasizes the importance of leaving an inheritance, it doesn’t provide a step-by-step guide. That’s where careful planning and biblical wisdom come into play. Here are some principles to help you make wise decisions about your estate—particularly when it comes to real estate—and avoid unintended conflicts among your heirs.The Common Approach: Equal DivisionOne of the most common phrases in wills is, “My estate will be divided equally among my children.” This approach seems fair and straightforward, especially when the estate consists entirely of financial assets. However, complications arise when property, such as a home or vacation property, is included.When real estate is left to multiple heirs, they face tough decisions:Joint ownership: Should they retain the property together, splitting the responsibilities and costs?Sell and split proceeds: Should they sell the property and divide the cash?Buy out

Larry Burkett once said, “The one principle that surrounds everything else is that of stewardship; that we are the managers of everything that God has given us.” These words remind us that stewardship is not just about money or tithing—it’s about faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to us.As believers, we’re called to be stewards because God created and owns everything. Our role is to manage His resources wisely for His purposes. But how can we know if we’re fulfilling this calling? To guide our journey of faithfulness, let’s explore the seven marks of a good steward.1. Acknowledging God’s OwnershipGood stewards recognize that everything belongs to God, including their resources, skills, and abilities. They understand they’re temporary managers entrusted with God’s gifts for His purposes.Scripture to Reflect On: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)2. Understanding Their MissionGood stewards grasp the significance of their role i

Sometimes, you have to travel far to learn about things close to home—like your finances.They say that “travel is broadening”—that it expands your horizons and increases your understanding of how things really work. Sharon Epps experienced that recently on the tram in the Netherlands, and today, she’ll share some financial lessons she learned along the way. Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.Faith, Finance, and the TramDuring a recent Christmas visit to The Hague, Sharon enjoyed time with her family and learned valuable lessons riding the Dutch tram system. These lessons beautifully parallel financial wisdom rooted in faith. Let’s explore these five lessons and how they can guide us in making faith-filled financial decisions.1. Plan in AdvanceBefore boarding the tram, you need to purchase a card or use an app

Major changes are likely coming for the U.S. economy. Will you be ready for them?We have a new president who’s pledged to overhaul the economy. How will that affect investors and the markets? Mark Biller joins us today with a plan for managing “anticipated disruption.”Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Learning from the Past: Market Trends in ReviewBefore diving into predictions, it’s essential to recognize the value of reviewing recent market trends. Forecasting is often unreliable, so Sound Mind Investing focuses on building robust portfolios that can withstand a variety of market conditions.Key Observations from 2024:Strong Stock Market Performance: 2024 was a banner year for stocks.Struggles in Bonds: Higher long-term interest rates created challenges for bond investors.Rather than predicting, SMI uses trend-following strategies, aligning portfolios with market behavior to enhance resilience against uncertainties.Wha

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." - Proverbs 21:5That verse is often used to encourage people to avoid “get rich quick” schemes and other risky investments. However, it also conveys a message about budgeting. Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to discuss why budgeting is a form of worship.Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and the author of the brand new book, “Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.”Why Do People Dislike Budgeting?Many people react negatively to the idea of budgeting. A CNBC article titled "People hate budgeting" spotlighted a financial professional who observed that over 60% of her clients felt as though they were "literally going to suffer" at the mere mention of budgeting. The misconception that budgeting is about reducing spending or losing freedom often drives this aversion. In reality, budgeting is a tool for aligning financial resources with pers

One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much will I need to retire?” The answer is, “It depends.” It depends on your lifestyle, needs, and one key factor: how much you’re willing and able to cut from your budget. Let’s explore how thoughtful adjustments can help you bridge the retirement income gap and make this season of life meaningful and fulfilling.Understanding Retirement IncomeMost retirees experience a drop in income. While many work-related expenses disappear—like commuting, clothing, and dining out—studies show the average retirement budget is about 60% of pre-retirement income.Experts generally recommend aiming for 75-80% of your working income to cover expenses. For example, if you’re earning $75,000 annually, you’ll need approximately $56,000 in retirement. However, if Social Security and investments only generate 60% of your income, you’ll face a shortfall of $11,250 annually—or $940 per month.To bridge that gap, you can:Work longer to save more.Work part-time in retirement.Cut expen

If you’re wondering what the economy will do in 2025, you don’t want to miss this program.Few major league hitters can bat .300 in a given season. Imagine hitting .700! That’s what Bob Doll does every year: forecasting economic trends. He joins us today with his ten predictions for 2025.Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets like Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC. Key Economic Predictions: Fewer Tailwinds, More Tail RisksThe theme of Doll’s predictions signals a shift:Fewer Tailwinds: Slower earnings growth and high valuation levels create less upward momentum.More Tail Risks: A new political administration introduces uncertainty around regulation, tax policies, and trade.Doll shares insights on everything from inflation to sector performance. Let’s dive into his top predictions for the year ahead.1. Slower Economic Growth and Rising UnemploymentDoll predicts economic growth will slow as unemployment rises past 4.5%

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” - Proverbs 30:8Every generation has struggled to learn contentment, and ours is certainly no different. But God’s Word provides great instruction on this tough topic. Brian Holtz helps us work through it today.Brian Holtz is the CEO of Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.What Is Contentment?In Philippians 4:12, the apostle Paul shares, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”As Paul describes it, contentment is being satisfied with having enough—neither desiring more nor less. It’s a state of recognizing God’s provision as sufficient for every situation.On the surface, contentment sounds simple: accept and be grateful for what you have. But as with most heart issues, it’s far more complex.A

Losing a loved one is a time of profound grief and confusion, and the practical tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. Settling a loved one’s estate requires careful attention and preparation. Let’s walk through six financial steps to take during this challenging time, all underpinned by prayer and reliance on God’s guidance.Begin with PrayerBefore addressing financial matters, take time to pray. Invite God into your decisions and ask for wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”Prayer offers clarity and comfort, helping you approach the estate settlement process with confidence and peace, knowing the Holy Spirit is interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:26).Step 1: Obtain the Death CertificateThe death certificate is a critical legal document you’ll need to settle your loved one’s affairs. It’s usually prepared by the medical examiner and provided through the funeral home.You’ll need multiple copies for

When the topic of generosity comes up in church, reactions can be mixed. Some tune out, assuming the message is about funding a project or filling a financial gap. But generosity is about much more than meeting needs—it’s about the heart behind the act. Let’s explore not only why we should give but also why we shouldn’t and how to cultivate a heart for biblical generosity.Why We Shouldn’t Give1. Guilt Shouldn’t Be Your MotivationMany Christians have been influenced by guilt-driven messages, from legalism to the prosperity gospel. These teachings suggest that not giving enough equates to stealing from God or forfeiting His blessings. However, the Bible paints a different picture.In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Faithful giving stems from joy, not guilt or obligation.It’s also crucial to distinguish between guilt and conviction. Guilt comes from the enemy and leads us

Do you dream of being financially free but are unsure where to start? Stay with us—we’re here to help.Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. Today, we’ll share the steps to achieve financial freedom, but the decision to take action is yours. Like most worthwhile goals, it starts with the desire and determination to make it happen.Start with a Mindset ShiftFinancial freedom begins with a change in perspective. Many people approach budgets like a diet—focused on restriction and deprivation. Just as restrictive diets often lead to overeating, feeling financially deprived can lead to overspending.Why does this happen? The Bible identifies underlying issues like greed, envy, covetousness, or a lack of faith in God’s provision. To overcome these, you need to cultivate gratitude.As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” - Proverbs 12:15It’s good to learn from your mistakes, but it’s even better to learn from someone else’s. Rachel Wong joins us today with three big financial mistakes that young adults often make…so you can avoid them.Rachel Wong is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and the creator of Open Hands Finance: a biblically-based content curriculum that teaches money skills to emerging adults.Money Missteps: 3 Easy Mistakes To Avoid As A Young AdultMoney management is a crucial skill, especially for young adults just starting their financial journey. Here are three key financial mistakes young adults often make and how to avoid them: 1. Waiting to Save for RetirementMany young adults think they’ll start saving for retirement once they “make more money.” This delay can cost them valuable years of compound interest. Starting in your 20s is like taking a leisurely walk—manageable and effective. Waiting even a few years turns the journey in

At this time of year, many people hate going to the mailbox or checking their email. That’s because the Christmas bills are starting to roll in.Yes, the holidays are behind us, but for many people, burgeoning credit card balances are just ahead. If you think you’ll have trouble making those payments, Neile Simon is here with a plan to help you get out of debt.Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), an underwriter of Faith & Finance.The Growing Problem of Credit Card DebtCredit card debt has surpassed $1.16 trillion, marking a 50% increase in just three and a half years. By 2024, the average credit card debt for individuals carrying unpaid balances reached $7,200. Rising costs due to inflation have pushed many to rely on credit cards just to get by.This growing burden isn’t just financial—it also creates fear, anxiety, and helplessness. These feelings do not come from God. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation is the first step toward finding freedom from

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” - Proverbs 21:20God’s Word couldn’t be any plainer on the need to live below one’s means and to be able to save for the future. To do that, you need a budget. Chad Clark is here to share some interesting facts about budgeting.Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety. More People Budget Than You Think—But There's a CatchA recent NerdWallet survey revealed that 75% of Americans have a monthly budget. Encouraging, right? However, the same survey found that 84% of those individuals regularly exceed their budget.What happens when people overspend? For 44%, it means relying on credit cards, while 56% dip into their savings. Both paths can lead to financial instability, highlighting the importance of creating a budget that works—and sticking to it.Why Do People Avoid Budgeting?We have heard a variety of reasons

What if everything you own isn’t really yours? It’s a biblical truth that changes everything once you grasp it. The belief that God owns it all has profound implications for how we manage our resources—and our lives. Let’s explore what it means to be a faithful steward of everything God has entrusted to us.The Foundation of Biblical Money ManagementThe cornerstone of biblical money management is the belief that God owns everything. Psalm 24:1 states this clearly:“The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”Paul builds on this truth in 1 Corinthians 4:7, reminding us that all we have is a gift from God:“What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”Acknowledging this truth is one thing; living it out is another. It requires a shift in how we view money and possessions. God isn’t a consultant or silent partner in our financial decisions—He’s the owner. As His stewards, we’re entrusted to manage His