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Money and relationships are a tricky combination. When a family member or close friend asks to borrow money, it can put you in a difficult spot. On the one hand, you want to help someone you care about, but on the other, lending money can easily lead to strained relationships or hurt feelings.Proverbs 22:7 reads, “The borrower becomes slave to the lender.” Lending money can hurt a relationship. And that can happen whether you lend the money or not. You’re “between a rock and a hard place,” and it seems like either way, someone may end up resentful.There are really only three things that can happen, and only one of them is good: If you decide not to lend the money, the other person could be upset. If you do lend the money and the other person doesn’t repay it, you’ll probably be upset.It’s only the third possibility that makes everyone happy: You lend the money, and the borrower pays it back. But consider carefully why they asked to borrow in the first place. They may not be able to repay the loan if they’re a

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." - 1 Corinthians 9:24The apostle Paul exhorted the early church at Corinth to run in such a way as to win the prize, but sometimes, with finances, it feels like we’re in a race with no end! Today, Rachel McDonough joins us to talk about setting financial finish lines. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor.What Are Financial Finish Lines?Financial finish lines answer the question: How much is enough? This concept is built around two primary purposes for financial resources:Provision: Ensuring we meet our personal and family needs.Kingdom Impact: Using resources generously to advance God’s Kingdom.While there’s no finish line for Kingdom impact—our generosity can grow indefinitely—establishing clear finish lines in the provision bucket enables us to responsibly allocate more resources for generos

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. today? You might assume that we have a major anxiety problem just by the number of commercials you see for new medicines to treat these disorders, but is anxiety really a new thing?The Reality Of AnxietyModern medicine recognizes anxiety in many forms: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and various phobias. Data shows nearly a third of all U.S. adults will experience some form of anxiety in their lifetime. The cost of treating anxiety disorders in the U.S. runs into the tens of billions of dollars, with an even higher economic impact due to lost productivity.What causes this widespread anxiety? According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes aren’t fully understood but likely include physical and mental health issues, as well as negative life events such as job loss or financial troubles.If you’re struggling with persistent anxiety, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Medication and counseling can be transformat

Some people learn from the mistakes of others. Unfortunately, some people have to be the others.Well, you certainly don’t want to be one of the “others” who have to learn things the hard way by making mistakes. Today, we’ll talk to Ron Blue about some of the biggest financial mistakes you want to avoid.Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, most notably “Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment.”Setting Financial GoalsWithout clear financial goals, you're essentially aiming at nothing. Goals help you prioritize and manage your spending effectively. Setting goals provides direction and ensures that your spending aligns with your priorities.Avoiding a Consumptive LifestyleA consumptive lifestyle involves spending significantly more than necessary, often on things that don’t build financial equity. We all face the temptation of greed—a new car or a dress. Overspending on consumable items leads to a lack of financial gr

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17God created man for His glory. That means everything we do should glorify God, including how we manage money. Chad Clark joins us today to talk about how FaithFi is helping God’s people be more faithful stewards—all for His glory.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. Why FaithFi’s Mission Is CrucialMoney is more than a financial issue—it’s a heart issue. Chad explained how money and possessions, as seen throughout Scripture, often lead to pride, greed, and idolatry, drawing hearts away from God. This is just as true today as it was in biblical times.Shockingly, a recent study revealed that 94% of Christians do not hold a biblical worldview, highlighting the urgent need for ministries like FaithFi. Our work centers on equipping and encouraging

The world is becoming more complex every day. Technology solves problems and creates new ones. How do you keep up?Among so many other things today, maybe you’ve noticed that managing your finances is increasingly complicated and involves more than balancing a checkbook. Sharon Epps joins us today with some much-needed advice—the 5 Ds of a Financial Reset.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.1. Define Your Financial VisionThe first step in a financial reset is to Define your standard of living. This goes beyond just wanting financial health; it’s about understanding your deeper motivations. What is your “why”? The Bible reminds us in John 10:10 that Jesus came so that we might have life and have it abundantly. This abundant life isn’t about wealth but about living a life full of peace and purpose. Define what tha

You have to be at least 62 to collect Social Security…maybe because it takes that long to understand the program.Do you have questions about Social Security? Of course, you do. Who doesn’t? Well, you don’t want to miss today’s program. Eddie Holland is back to answer more of your questions about Social Security.Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®).Can You Claim Benefits Early and Switch Later? You can claim Social Security benefits at 62 and switch to spousal benefits later if the spousal benefit is higher than your own. However, if your benefit is higher, you must take that instead. Conversely, you must wait to claim spousal benefits first and then switch to your benefit at full retirement age; you must take the higher of the two benefits available.Survivor Benefits Exception Survivor benefits are an exception where you can take one benefit and let

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale cherished for its powerful story of transformation. Yet beneath its heartwarming narrative lies a deeper commentary on economics, generosity, and faith—one that challenges the worldview of scarcity and embraces God’s abundance.Today, Jerry Bowyer will dive into the philosophical and theological themes within the story and help us discover what we can learn from Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.”The "Surplus Population" MindsetOne of the most striking moments in A Christmas Carol is Scrooge’s cold remark about the “surplus population.” This phrase reflects an ideology rooted in the teachings of Reverend Thomas Malthus, an 18th-century economist who believed that population growth would outpace resources, leading to widespread poverty. Malthus advocated

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10As Christians living in a materialistic society…we must remember to celebrate for the right reason…the birth of our Savior. Howard Dayton joins us to talk about that.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former host of this program. He is also the author of several books on Christian Finance and Stewardship.The True Reason for the Season: A Savior Is BornAs Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season—gifts, decorations, and endless to-do lists. But amidst all the festivities, it’s important to intentionally focus on the true reason for the season: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.At the heart of Christmas is the message of Luke 2:11–14:"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."This Scripture serves as a powerful reminder that Christmas is not about the gifts we give or

Beauty matters to painters, musicians, and photographers, but what does it have to do with investing? The creation account suggests that beauty is also at the core of faithful stewardship and investing. Today, we’ll discuss “Investing in Beautiful” with Jason Myhre of the Eventide Center for Faith & Investing.Jason Myhre is the Executive Director of the Eventide Center for Faith & Investing, an educational initiative of Eventide Asset Management, and an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Experience of BeautyWe all encounter beauty in various forms—an orchestral performance, a mountain hike, a beach stroll, or even a bouquet of flowers at home. However, we seldom consider the role of beauty in our work or finances. Beauty is integral to creation and essential in our stewardship of God’s world.In Genesis, God is depicted as a worker, creating the heavens and the earth and declaring His creation "very good." The Hebrew word for "good" encompasses moral perfection, functional excellence, and surpassi

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in Luke 12:16-21, the Parable of the Rich Fool. While most of us don’t have barns today, Jesus’ warning about storing up earthly treasures is just as relevant now as it was then. So, what does it mean to be “rich toward God,” and why does it matter? Let’s dive into this powerful lesson.The parable begins with a wealthy man who has a problem many might envy—his land has produced so much that his barns aren’t big enough to store it all. His solution? Tear down the old barns and build bigger ones. He says to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19).At first glance, this sounds practical, even responsible. But Jesus reveals the man’s tragic mistake. God calls him a “fool” because his life will end that very night, and all his possessions will be left behind. Jesus concludes with a warning: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).What Does It Mean to Be Ri

As Christmas draws near, stories of generosity and the spirit of giving abound. Few stories, however, embody these virtues more powerfully than the life of Saint Nicholas. Behind the modern image of Santa Claus lies the legacy of a man whose life reflected the true meaning of Christmas—selfless love and sacrificial giving.Born around 280 A.D. in Patara, Turkey, Nicholas was raised in a wealthy Christian family. From an early age, he was taught to care for the poor and live out the teachings of Jesus. His parents modeled these values daily, planting seeds of faith and generosity in his heart.Tragedy struck early in Nicholas’ life when an epidemic claimed both of his parents. Left orphaned but with a significant inheritance, Nicholas could have chosen to live in comfort. Instead, he embraced his faith, seeing his wealth as a tool to serve others and spread the love of Christ.The Secret Acts of KindnessNicholas became known for using his wealth to quietly help those in need. His most famous act of generosity inv

We sometimes regret the things we say, but often, words left unsaid can bother us just as much.We’ve all had the thought, “Oh, I wish I’d said this or that.” You had more to say, but for whatever reason, time ran out. Sharon Epps has some things to say about unfinished conversations today.Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles.The Power of Unfinished ConversationsThe end of the year naturally becomes a season of change. Whether through unexpected interruptions or shifting circumstances, we often find ourselves in the middle of conversations that feel unresolved. These “unfinished” moments can leave us longing for closure or clarity, especially when circumstances prevent us from completing the dialogue.Unfinished conversations can be deeply personal. A sudden change at work, a shift in a relationship, or even an unexpected goodbye can leave us wi

British philosopher G.K. Chesterton once said, “I know as much about the future as you do, which is nothing.” Only God knows the future, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan for it. Mark Biller is here today to help you do that. Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Today, we’ll cover some key takeaways from Sound Mind Investing’s recent article, “Your 10 Most Important Financial Moves for 2025,” which offers over 60 actionable tips across six categories. Let’s dive into some highlights to help you plan your next year's top financial moves.1. Put First Things First: Aligning Finances with FaithDevelop a Financial Plan: A solid plan is essential for managing God’s resources well. As Luke 19:13 reminds us, faithful stewards are called to “put this money to work until I come back.”Build an Eternity Portfolio: Once your family’s needs are met, embrace “exponential generosity.” As your income grows, increase your giving perce

From Genesis to Revelation, generosity is a resounding theme in the Bible. The ultimate example of this is captured in Romans 6:23:“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”As children of a generous God, Christians are called to reflect His generosity in their lives. Let’s explore the biblical foundation of generosity, its spiritual significance, and some timeless wisdom from godly leaders to inspire you on your journey.The Biblical Foundation of GenerosityThe Bible paints a vivid picture of what it means to live generously:Sharing What We Have: Jesus instructed His followers, saying, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise” (Luke 3:10–11).Giving Cheerfully: The Apostle Paul teaches that generosity should come from the heart: “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” (2 Corinthians 9:7).Reflecting God

They say that money is a good servant but a terrible master—especially when it comes to debt.Surveys show that taking on debt ranks near the top of the list of financial regrets. Debt can make profound changes in your life and have spiritual consequences. Sharon Epps joins us to talk about that today.Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles.Four Key Uses of Money: Live, Give, Owe, and GrowMany of us face the challenge of managing debt, but approaching it with biblical principles can transform the way we handle our finances.To help simplify money management, we can divide our finances into four categories: Live, Give, Owe, and Grow. These categories are like slices of a pie. Since the pie is limited, enlarging one slice means another must shrink. This analogy helps us view money as a finite resource that requires intentional stewardship. Today, we’

India has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. It’s also a world leader in…human trafficking.Human trafficking is a problem in many countries around the world, but perhaps nowhere more than in India. David Harms is here today to share some hope-filled stories about an organization that’s changing the lives of young women and children in India.David Harms has devoted nearly a decade of ministry to the work of India Partners, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. With over 35 years of experience in rescuing victims of human trafficking, India Partners continues to make a profound impact on the lives of the most vulnerable.The Human Trafficking Epidemic in IndiaIndia is home to one of the world's fastest-growing economies, but it also faces a devastating crisis—human trafficking. Millions of underage girls are trafficked and sold, often tricked into exploitative situations under the guise of finding work. In the red light districts of Mumbai alone, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 underage girls are tra

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” - Luke 2:8-14That’s from the Christmas Story in Luke, Chapter 2. The angels announce the coming of the Savior to a group of shepherds. It sounds simple enough…but there’s more to the story. Jerry Bowyer joins us to talk about it.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.” You can also read his insightful columns for World News Group. Why Shepherds?When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, their audience wasn’t kings or scholars but shepherds. Often portrayed as social outcasts historically, shepherds were viewed negatively because their flocks could wander onto others’ property, leading to accusations of theft. De

Have you started working on your New Year’s resolutions yet? Are you including your investing decisions in the mix?A New Year always gives you the chance to make improvements, especially with finances. Cole Pearson is here today to talk about starting 2025 strong with values-based investing.Cole Pearson is the President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, a family of companies seeking to help people align their investments with their Christian values. OneAscent is also an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What Is Values-Based Investing?Values-based investing is the practice of deploying financial resources in a way that aligns with a set of values or convictions, with the expectation of generating a profit. At OneAscent, values not only inspire why we invest but also guide how we invest. For Christians, this perspective is rooted in Psalm 24:1, which states, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”As stewards of God’s creation, Christians have a responsibility to consider the impact of their in

Hey, open enrollment ends in just a few days—have you decided on a new health insurance plan yet? If not, you might not have to. What if there was another way—a biblical solution for meeting your healthcare costs? Let’s explore medical cost sharing, a faith-based alternative to traditional health insurance that could save you hundreds of dollars a month.What Is Medical Cost Sharing?Medical cost sharing is a cooperative approach to healthcare expenses rooted in biblical principles. It’s an alternative to traditional health insurance in which members share each other's medical costs. The concept is inspired by Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”One of the pioneers in this space is Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), the oldest organization in the medical cost-sharing space. Since 1981, CHM has enabled members to share nearly $11 billion in medical expenses. It’s a nonprofit organization that operates on biblical stewardship, focusing on members’ needs rather than pr