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In Mark 10:7, Jesus tells us, “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” But does “becoming one” extend to the checkbook? Should husbands and wives have joint or separate bank accounts? Let’s explore this question and see if the Bible says anything about it. What Does the Bible Say About Joint Finances?The Bible doesn’t specifically address joint or separate bank accounts, as their banking looked much different than our modern system today. However, Scripture provides timeless principles that guide financial unity in marriage:1. Marriage Is About OnenessIn Mark 10, Jesus emphasizes that marriage involves two becoming one. While spouses remain individuals, marriage is a partnership requiring trust, openness, and communication—qualities that are essential for managing finances together.2. Promote Transparency and TrustJoint accounts can foster financial transparency and eliminate the temptation for hidden spending. They encourage couples to avoid a “

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." - Luke 12:48When the housing market collapsed in 2008, more than 10 million Americans experienced crashing home values and foreclosures. But out of that financial chaos, a new company arose with a mission to do things differently. Harlan Accola joins us today to talk about it.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. A Vision Born in CrisisMovement Mortgage stands out in the world of residential lending for more than its exceptional service. Founded during the tumultuous 2008 housing crisis, this company has defied the odds, growing into one of the largest mortgage providers in the nation. With financial institutions collapsing and the housing market in turmoil, Casey Crawford, a former NFL p

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22God’s Word is clear that faithful stewards should leave an inheritance for future generations. That inheritance doesn’t have to be money. Passing along biblical principles such as generosity to grandkids, well, that’s priceless. Ron Blue joins us to talk about it.Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, including Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives.More Than Money: The Heart of GenerosityGrandparents have a unique opportunity to model and teach generosity to their grandchildren. Generosity is about much more than giving money. Money is just a tool we can use to bless others and make the world a better place.When taught early, generosity can break the grip of materialism and shape how children view and manage money for a lifetime. By demonstrating that financial success

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9That verse is among the most cited on the subject of generosity…and for good reason. It links generosity with the Gospel. Dr. Nathan Harris joins us to make that connection even stronger.Dr. Nathan Harris is Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. He is also the author of A Short Guide to Gospel Generosity: Giving as an Act of Grace.What Is Gospel Generosity?Gospel generosity is giving rooted in the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Generosity is not merely a virtue for the Christian life but a cheerful disposition that springs forth from the gospel. This kind of generosity arises from new life in Christ, is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reflects the Father’s model of grace throughout creation.At its core, gospel generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about proclaiming and

Did you know that as a believer in Jesus, you already have what it takes to make wise financial decisions? The Bible tells us that Christians “have the mind of Christ.” But what does this mean for managing money and possessions? Let’s explore how adopting Jesus’ perspective can transform our financial decisions and bring us closer to God’s purpose for our lives.Understanding the Mind of ChristHaving the mind of Christ means seeing the world—and our finances—through Jesus’ perspective. As Christians, we aim to serve, think, and love like Him in every area of life, including how we handle money. One practical way to apply this is by asking, “What would Jesus do in this financial situation?”The Bible emphasizes the vastness of God’s wisdom. Isaiah 40:13 reminds us of His unmatched understanding:“Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord or instruct the Lord as his counselor?”Yet in 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul tells us something remarkable:“But we have the mind of Christ.”Through Jesus, we’re no longer limited to worldl

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us how we should pray and how not to… “…do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”Of course, Jesus then gives us the Lord’s Prayer as an example of how we should bring our needs to God. But are we skimming over part of it?A Prayer of DependenceIn our world of abundance, it’s easy to forget that everything we have comes from God. From food and water to shelter and income, every provision is a gift from Him. Yet, we often assume that our efforts alone secure these blessings.Jesus teaches us to approach God with a heart of dependence, recognizing that even our ability to work and earn is from Him. This mindset shifts us away from self-sufficiency, reminding us to humbly rely on God for all our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual.Lessons from a World of ScarcityIn Jesus’ time, food security was uncertain, and people truly depended on God for their daily sustenance. Today, in a world of convenience and plenty, it’s e

Thanksgiving is more than just a feast—it's a celebration rooted in faith, courage, and sacrifice. The Pilgrims' journey and pursuit of religious freedom have shaped American heritage and continue to inspire gratitude.The Pilgrims, also known as Separatists, broke away from the Church of England, believing it had strayed from biblical teaching. In contrast, the Puritans, or Non-Separatists, sought to reform the church from within. While the Puritans aimed to purify, the Pilgrims chose complete separation, making their journey to the New World a bold stand for freedom of worship.Fleeing Persecution and Seeking FreedomPersecuted in England for their independent worship and devotion to the Bible as their final authority, the Pilgrims fled to Leiden, Holland, in 1609. However, challenges persisted, and they realized their dream of true freedom required a journey to the New World.In 1620, about 120 men, women, and children boarded the Mayflower, enduring a treacherous Atlantic voyage to establish a new life where

Do you find yourself trapped in a "one-day" mindset? Maybe you think, "One day, I'll be out of debt," "One day, I'll have enough," or "One day, I'll finally relax." We often tie our contentment to future circumstances, yet the Apostle Paul shows us a different way—contentment in the here and now.Paul, who experienced both wealth and poverty, wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 about the secret to contentment:“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”Paul’s contentment wasn’t based on his circumstances but on his relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether he faced abundance or need, his joy remained unshaken because it was rooted in something eternal.Contentment Is LearnedContentment doesn’t happen overnight. As Paul emphasized, it’s a learned behavior. By shifting our focus from earthly circumstances to God, we begin to see that no amount of money, success, or possessions will ever satisfy us. Only a deep relationship with Jesus can fill the longing

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14The words of that verse apply to all areas of Christian life, including financial stewardship. According to God's financial principles, good counsel is important for managing His money wisely. Dr. Art Rainer joins us today to talk about it.Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is a regular contributor here at Faith & Finance and the author of Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.What Does a Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) Do?Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFCs) are trained to help individuals and couples with immediate financial challenges. Using biblical principles, they guide people in key areas such as:Budgeting effectivelyEliminating debtBreaking free from paycheck-to-paycheck livingSaving for future expensesLiving generouslyTheir goal is to

As Thanksgiving week reminds us of the many blessings we enjoy, it’s natural to reflect on gratitude. But does gratitude naturally lead to generosity? Leo Sabo joins us today to discuss three things your pastor wishes you knew about giving.Leo Sabo is the President of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN), where he gets to share the incredible impact financial stewardship and generosity can have on the Church. 1. Giving Has Spiritual BenefitsYour pastor wants you to know that giving is deeply tied to your spiritual growth. It’s not just about meeting church needs—it’s about discipleship and trust in God. Learning to surrender your finances to God is a major step in your faith journey.A Holistic View of Stewardship: Generosity encompasses more than money. It includes your time, talents, and treasures. Your pastor hopes you'll see giving as a condition of the heart, not just a financial act.100% Belongs to God: Some believe tithing is the only portion of our money that matters to God, but your pastor wants yo

With mortgage rates fluctuating, now might not seem like the perfect time to buy a home, but it’s an ideal time to prepare, especially for first-time homebuyers. Movement Mortgage recently shared helpful tips on FaithFi.com for those looking to enter the housing market. Here’s a breakdown of these critical steps to set you up for a successful and financially wise home purchase.Step 1: Determine Your Budget—And Keep It ConservativeFirst things first, know what you can afford. It’s wise to set a sale price and monthly payment that’s less than the maximum a lender or loan calculator may suggest. Keeping a buffer in your budget allows for unexpected costs and helps you avoid financial strain. As Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”Step 2: Set a Savings Goal for Your Down PaymentWhile a 20% down payment isn’t always required, it has some major benefits:Reduces the loan amountEliminates private mortgage insurance (PMI)It gives you enough equity

There’s a great investing option out there, and chances are, it’s not in your portfolio.That option is Exchange-Traded Funds or ETFs, and they’re worth considering. Brian Mumbert joins us today to discuss the advantages of ETFs.Brian Mumbert is Vice President and Regional Sales Executive at Timothy Plan, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.What is an ETF?An Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is an investment option similar to a mutual fund but with distinct features. ETFs typically follow an index, such as the S&P 500 or NASDAQ, and are not actively managed. This means that an ETF holds a broad mix of investments, providing diversification that tracks the chosen index. One key advantage is that ETFs, like stocks, can be traded throughout the day, allowing investors to buy or sell at the current market price.How Do ETFs Differ from Mutual Funds?Unlike mutual funds, where the exact purchase price isn’t known until the end of the trading day, ETFs offer real-time pricing. This flexibility allows investors to trade

Did you hear about the guy who paid his taxes to the IRS with a smile? It didn’t work out, though—it turns out they prefer money.Well, paying taxes is certainly no laughing matter, and we don’t want to miss something that could end up costing us money. Fortunately, Kevin Cross is here today with a list of year-end tax tips you don’t want to miss.Kevin Cross is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has headed CPA firms in Florida and now Georgia. He has studied the tax code extensively and specializes in representing taxpayers before the IRS. 2024 Year-End Tax StrategiesAs the end of 2024 draws near, these are some critical financial moves that can help you maximize your tax savings: 1. Review Withholding and Estimated PaymentsThe first step in year-end tax prep is to check how much you’ve paid in taxes this year. Avoid underpaying (which leads to penalties) or overpaying (which gives the government an interest-free loan on your money). For those behind on withholding, consider adjusting your remaining paych

They say that winners never quit and quitters never win, but that’s not really true, is it? What if you’re trying to quit a bad habit?It’s not only okay to quit a bad habit; it’s something we should always strive to do—especially with investing. Mark Biller joins us today with a list of bad habits you should quit if you find yourself doing them.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Go Ahead, Be a QuitterIn a recent article titled “Go Ahead, Be a Quitter” at SoundMindInvesting.com, six bad investing habits are discussed as they explain why quitting them can lead to better financial outcomes.1. Quit Standing on the SidelinesOne of the worst habits in investing is not starting at all. Time is crucial for building wealth, thanks to the power of compound interest—often referred to as the “8th wonder of the world.” Investing in well-managed, growing businesses, primarily through stocks, has historically provided returns that outp

You’ve heard of the Great Wealth Transfer taking place as Baby Boomers pass away, but did you know that women will inherit the majority of those assets?It’s true. The Great Wealth Transfer is really horizontal, with widows inheriting most private wealth before it’s passed on to the next generation. Sharon Epps joins us today to talk about how women should prepare.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.Women as the Primary InheritorsOne surprising fact is that women will inherit the majority of this wealth. Since women typically outlive men by about six to seven years, nearly 70% will experience widowhood and manage their spouse’s share of assets. In addition to inheriting from their husbands, many women will also receive an inheritance from their parents, and, increasingly, they are generating their own income through employment. This convergenc

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1That verse reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship—and maybe even more…when that crisis involves the marriage relationship. Howard Dayton joins us today to talk about surviving a marriage crisis.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, including Money and Marriage God's Way.Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Marital CrisisMarriage challenges can emerge when stress or unresolved conflicts grow too intense for a couple to manage. Financial struggles, in particular, often go beyond “dollars and cents” and can breed emotions like anger, resentment, and frustration. This strain can lead to poor communication or even emotional withdrawal. A financial crisis in marriage becomes incredibly complex when both partners contribute to it, eroding trust in the relati

Bonds are considered safe investments but also a bit boring. Is that true, though?In the investing world, all the drama, for good or ill, is in the stock market. It’s up, it’s down, you get the picture. However, bonds also have an interesting story, and Benjamin Bailey is here to tell us about it.Benjamin Bailey is Vice President of Investments and Senior Fixed Income Manager at Praxis Mutual Funds, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Introduction to Bonds and StocksBonds play a unique role in building a well-rounded investment portfolio compared to stocks. Stocks represent ownership in a company—owning a small piece of a business like Verizon or Lowe's. Investors typically buy stocks hoping for price appreciation, aiming to sell them for more than they paid. Bonds, however, function differently. When a large company needs significant funding, they may issue bonds to raise capital, allowing investors to “lend” the company money. In return, bondholders receive interest payments (often bi-annually) and get th

Christmas is six weeks away, and some folks may already be feeling the stress.The holidays should be a time of spiritual reflection and reconnection with family and friends…but too often, we lose sight of that in the quest for perfection. Crystal Paine is here to help us stay focused on the actual “reason for the season.”Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most.1. Start with a Christmas BudgetOne of the best ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday is by setting up a Christmas budget. A budget is like a set of guardrails—it keeps you on track, preventing you from overspending or going into debt. Here’s a simple way to create one:Determine Your Total Spending Limit: Decide how much you can comfortably spend this season.List Your Recipients: Write down everyone you’re buying for and assign a spending amount for each.Track Your Spending: Use a spreadsheet or the FaithFi app to keep a running total o

If you’ve ever thought you view the world differently than others—that has probably never been more true.A new study has revealed a sharp drop in the number of Americans with a biblical worldview. Chad Clark joins us today with his insights.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. The State of the Biblical WorldviewRecent findings from the 2023 American Worldview Inventory conducted by Arizona Christian University. This survey, led by Dr. George Barna, polled over 2,000 Americans on topics like marriage, money, and morals. The results were surprising: only 4% of American adults hold a biblical worldview, a percentage that has been on a steady decline. Particularly concerning, just 1% of those under 30 identified with a biblical worldview.The survey further revealed that even among self-identified Christians, only 6% hold a biblical worldview. This means that a significant majority—94%—are

The Bible is full of wisdom on managing money and possessions, yet there are common beliefs about wealth that are simply unbiblical. These misconceptions can lead people away from God’s truth about finances, creating confusion and stress. Let’s examine five of these myths and explore what the Bible actually teaches.1. The “I Win, You Lose” MentalityOne widespread belief is that money is a zero-sum game: for someone to have more, someone else must have less. This scarcity mindset fuels anxiety and fear, making people view wealth as something limited.Scripture, however, reveals God’s generosity and ability to provide abundantly. In Psalm 50:10, God reminds us that He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” Jesus also demonstrated abundance in Matthew 14:13-21 when He fed five thousand with just five loaves and two fish, leaving behind twelve baskets of leftovers. God is not restricted by human limitations; His resources are limitless, allowing us to live with trust rather than fear.2. Building Wealth Is SelfishS