Moneywise On Oneplace.com

Randy Alcorn is the author of over 60 books on Christian Living and the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries.  WHY IS MATERIALISM A CHALLENGE, ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA?Materialism is a significant challenge, especially in America, because it acts like a false god or idol, as identified by Jesus. This idolatry of materialism is often overlooked in our culture. Accumulating possessions leads to being in orbit around our wealth, even for Christians striving to honor God.Materialism, likened to a false god 'mammon', exerts a powerful hold over people's lives.The accumulation of possessions creates a gravitational pull, making us orbit around our wealth.This challenge affects everyone, including Christians, making it difficult to focus solely on honoring God. WHAT ARE THE PRECONDITIONS TO THE GUIDELINES FOR GIVING?The preconditions to giving involve recognizing ourselves as stewards of God's resources, not owners. This stewardship perspective is essential, although often overlooked. Happiness and co

Crystal Paine is the creator of the amazing website MoneySavingMom.com. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR FAMILY SAVORS THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS?To savor the meaning of Christmas, Crystal Payne's family engages in simple yet meaningful traditions. They use an Advent calendar, specifically Ann Voskamp's, which includes daily devotionals, to focus on the spiritual significance of the season. Additionally, they undertake a family giving project, where each member contributes and decides on a cause to support, fostering a sense of ownership and generosity.They use an Advent calendar with daily devotionals to focus on the meaning of Christmas.The family partakes in a giving project, where each member contributes and selects a cause.These activities help instill a sense of ownership and remind them of the true spirit of Christmas. WHAT ARE SOME PRACTICAL WAYS TO MANAGE CHRISTMAS SPENDING AND GIFT GIVING?When managing Christmas spending and gift-giving, it's crucial to start by determining who you need to buy for and align th

Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors. WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY ACCORDING TO RECENT RESEARCH, AND WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS?Economic uncertainty is at a high, as indicated by the International Monetary Fund's World Uncertainty Index. Covering data from 143 countries over the past 60 years, the current level of uncertainty is among the highest since 2000. This uncertainty can lead to fear, decision paralysis, and irrational decision-making.Economic uncertainty is significantly high currently, comparable to the highest levels since 2000.This uncertainty can cause fear, hinder decision-making, and lead to irrational choices.Historical perspective shows that economic uncertainty is a recurring phenomenon. WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS CAN WE TAKE DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES?To navigate uncertain times, focus on God's control and promises, such as His assurance in Hebrews 13:5 ("I will never leave you nor forsake you") and the call for contentment in 1 Timothy 6:8. Acknowledge that economic conseq

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Matthew 6:20Ken Boa and Russ Crosson are our guests today.. Ken is a pastor and founder of Reflections Ministries. Russ is executive vice president and chief mission officer of Ronald Blue Trust. They’re authors of Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain.  WHAT IS BIBLICAL LEVERAGE, AND HOW CAN IT IMPACT ETERNITY?Biblical leverage is the concept of using your current wealth to make a significant impact on eternity. It involves investing in God's work around the world, allowing one to witness how God multiplies these investments for eternal purposes.Biblical leverage is using present wealth to contribute to eternal impacts.It's about investing in God's work and seeing the multiplication of these investments.This concept mirrors leveraging in finances, but with a focus on eternal outcomes. HOW SHOULD INDIVIDUALS DETERMINE WHERE TO GIVE, AND IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO GIVE OUTSIDE THE

Mark Biller is executive editor at Sound Mind Investing.  WHAT'S THE CURRENT STATE OF BOND INVESTING, AND HOW HAVE RECENT EVENTS IMPACTED IT?Bond investing has been challenging lately, especially after a long period of historically low interest rates. Recently, there's been a significant shift with the 30-year treasury bond yield rising from under 1% in 2020 to over 5%. This has led to losses in long-term bond funds, comparable to the worst stock market declines, showing it's a tough time for bond investors.There's been a drastic shift in the bond market, with major losses in long-term bond funds.The rise in treasury bond yields signifies a challenging environment for bond investors.This period contrasts starkly with the previous era of low interest rates. WHAT ARE THE MAIN RISKS IN BOND INVESTING, AND HOW DO THEY AFFECT BOND PRICES?The two primary risks in bond investing are credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk relates to the borrower's ability to make interest payments and repay the bond at matur

We want to thank the folks at the National Christian Foundation for a great article on an alternative way to give and a new twist in 2023.Here are some alternative giving strategies for those of you who might be feeling the pinch financially but still have a heart to support your favorite charities. Drawing on insights from an article by the National Christian Foundation, we’re focusing on using your IRA for charitable giving.Of course, these are general recommendations and may not apply to everyone. You should consult with your CPA for specific advice based on your circumstances.Okay, here are a few terms you need to understand first.Adjusted gross income or AGI – This is basically your income before you take your standard or itemized deduction. Regular distribution – This is just money taken from your IRA after you turn 59 ½. It’s reported as income on your tax return.Qualified charitable distribution or QCD. This is a distribution from an IRA paid directly to the qualified charity after the owner turns 70½

Cole Pearson is the President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, which is a family of companies dedicated to faith-based investing and an underwriter of this program.  HOW DOES ONE ASCENT VIEW INTERNATIONAL INVESTING?One Ascent views international investing as a critical component of a well-diversified investment portfolio.They believe that investing in international markets can mitigate risks and potentially enhance returns.Historical data shows that international markets have outperformed U.S. markets in several decades, highlighting the importance of global diversification. IS VALUES-BASED INVESTING POSSIBLE WHEN INVESTING ABROAD?One Ascent strongly believes that values-based investing is achievable globally.They emphasize that every person and market has inherent dignity, advocating for investment in global markets, similar to the approach to missions and ministries.The team at One Ascent has extensive experience in international markets and focuses on investing in companies that positively impact soci

This year plan a Christ-centered celebration without any of the financial regrets. As in so many areas of life, parents have opportunities here to set an example. Here are four ways you can do that:Set a good example with your attitudeTheParentCue.org suggests that you do one less thing this year.Make family time a priority during the weeks leading up to Christmasstart a new tradition this year.One of Rob’s favorites is the Jesse tree.  Go to faithward.org for daily Bible readings and printable ornaments for the Jesse tree.put the phones downpray together.Stick to your budget (even during the holidays)your children will see your commitment to financial peace.Demonstrate generosity towards those less fortunate, and invite your kids to participateMake Christmas cookies together and take them to the local police or fire station, along with handmade Christmas cards.Leave bagged Christmas snacks and drinks at your doorstep for the delivery people who stop by. Make a sign to say “thank you!”Sponsor a child together

WHAT DOES A "MOVEMENT OF FAITHFUL STEWARDS" LOOK LIKE AND WHAT IS FAITHFI TRYING TO ACHIEVE?FaithFi aims to integrate faith into financial decisions, moving beyond just wise money management. The mission is to help Christians see their finances through the lens of faith, as every aspect of life, including finances, should be influenced by faith. FaithFi supports this integration, recognizing the challenge but stressing its importance. The goal is to guide Christians to be good stewards of their resources.It's about integrating faith and finances, not just being wise with money.FaithFi's mission is to equip Christians to integrate their faith and financial decisions.The goal is to help people be good stewards of God's resources, even in challenging times. HOW DOES FAITHFI DIFFER FROM OTHER FINANCIAL RESOURCES, AND WHAT IS ITS VISION?FaithFi differs from secular financial advice by centering on God, not self. The goal is to replace worldly financial promises with gospel truth, seeing God as the ultimate treasur

WHAT IS ALPHA IN INVESTING, AND CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE FIRST THREE SOURCES OF IT?Alpha refers to an investor making higher returns than the overall market.The first source is having access to superior information, like fundamental investors using detailed research.The second source is better processing of information, where quantitative investors use models and patterns.The third source involves exploiting irrational behavioral biases in other investors, like investing contrary to market trends. EVENTIDE NOW SUGGESTS A FOURTH SOURCE OF ALPHA. WHAT IS IT?The fourth source comes from a biblical worldview, focusing on why to invest, not just how.It involves assessing if a business's product or service contributes to human flourishing and cares for all its stakeholders.This approach aligns with loving God and neighbors, seeing the purpose of business as serving people. HOW DOES THIS FOURTH SOURCE OF ALPHA APPLY IN REAL BUSINESS EXAMPLES?A positive example is a lab instrument company that invests in its employees and

A Home Buyer’s Market? With Dale VermillionNormally, November through February are the slowest months of the year for home sales, and that means buyers have more bargaining power. Will it happen this year? Dale Vermillion gives us his take on the market today.Dale Vermillion with us again today. Dale’s the author of Navigating The Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home.  CURRENT TRENDS IN INTEREST RATES AND MORTGAGES:Dale Vermillion notes that interest rates are continuing to rise, but there's hope for decreases in 2024 as predicted by the Mortgage Bankers Association.Assumable mortgages are becoming somewhat more common due to higher rates. These allow buyers to assume a seller's lower rate, though qualification and legal representation are necessary.HOME VALUES AND MARKET DYNAMICS:Home values are moderating, with some markets experiencing price drops. A 3% increase in property values is expected overall for the year.The current market offers less competition for buyers, more acceptance of

THE WORLD'S MESSAGE VS. JESUS' CALL:The world encourages material accumulation and personal success for happiness, but this stands in contrast with Jesus' call to follow Him for abundant life.Material success is fleeting and ultimately insignificant in the light of eternity, and while happiness is ambiguous, abundance as promised by Jesus is desirable and everlasting. THE CONCEPT OF ABUNDANCE:The Old Testament presents abundance in material terms, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:11 and Psalm 31:19, with the caveat that it required faithfulness to God.Despite this, human nature led to repeated loss of abundance due to disobedience. JESUS' REDEFINITION OF ABUNDANCE:With Jesus, abundance is redefined from material wealth to a focus on a relationship with Him.Matthew 6:33 highlights that by seeking God's kingdom first, material needs are met, allowing a life of true satisfaction in Christ. BARRIERS TO ABUNDANT LIFE:Human self-centeredness can make us lose sight of the fact that life is about Jesus, not ourselves.Lack o

THANKSGIVING'S ORIGINS AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT:The official declaration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday occurred in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, amidst the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, to offer thanks to God and pray for national healing.The Puritans' first Thanksgiving in 1621 followed a period of severe hardships, including a delayed voyage on the Mayflower, a tough winter, and a period known as "the starving time," where nearly half of the Puritans perished.PERSEVERANCE AND FAITH OF THE PURITANS:Despite their struggles, the Puritans' Thanksgiving celebrated survival and harvest, with Governor William Bradford using a passage from Hebrews 11 to commemorate their faith and longing for a heavenly country.The Puritans' journey was motivated by a quest for religious freedom, facing persecution in England and even in Holland, leading to their risky expedition to the New World. LESSONS ON GRATITUDE AND GOD'S PROVIDENCE:Be thankful for religious freedom and God's role in providing for us. Deu

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS: 1. Ceiling Fans: Reverse ceiling fan direction clockwise in winter to circulate warm air from the ceiling.2. Conserve Electricity: Unplug electronic devices when not in use. Use power strips to easily cut off power to multiple devices.3. Chargers: Unplug device chargers when not in use to prevent unnecessary energy draw.4. Home Maintenance:Seal drafty doors and windows.Install foam gaskets behind switches and outlets on exterior walls for better insulation.Ensure proper attic insulation.Regularly check heating and air system filters.5. Thermostat Setting: Keep at 68 degrees when the heat is on.6. Utilize Sunlight: Open shades during the day for solar heat; close them at night for insulation.7. Additional Clothing: Add a layer of clothes before adjusting the thermostat8. Avoid Blocking Vents: Ensure no furniture or obstructions are blocking heating vents.9. Consult Power Company: Check for energy-saving suggestions and potential rebates for energy-efficient upgrades.10. Lighting: Upgrade to

AVOIDING RETIREMENT PLANNING MISTAKES:The most significant mistake is not saving enough during working years. A recommended practice is contributing 10-15% of income to a retirement plan like a 401(k), 403(b), or an IRA.The earlier the start in saving for retirement, the better, due to the benefits of compound earnings. Relying solely on Social Security is not advisable. COMMON ROLLOVER MISTAKES TO AVOID:Not adhering to the one-per-year rule for IRA rollovers can result in significant tax implications and a 6% tax for excess contributions.Missing the 60-day deadline for rollovers from an IRA to another plan can result in the distribution being added to adjusted gross income.Losing the ability to take the 10% penalty exception for early withdrawals from qualified plans. Different rules apply for IRAs and 401(k) plans.Performing a rollover from a 401(k) to an IRA with an outstanding loan against the 401(k) can lead to taxable distribution and potential penalties. ADVICE FOR RETIREMENT PLANNING AND ROLLOVERS:Con

Brian Holtz is the Chief Operating Officer at Compass—Finances God’s Way. He’s also the author of a brand new book, Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children. WHY A BOOK ABOUT MONEY FOR PARENTING?Jesus used money in parables to teach spiritual lessons, making it relatable and insightful for teaching children.Managing money according to God's principles impacts our relationship with Him. ACTIVE VS. REACTIVE PARENTINGActive parenting involves setting goals and preparing children for future financial decisions.Reactive parenting addresses issues only as they arise, often in a negative context. WHY A BOOK ABOUT MONEY FOR PARENTING?Jesus used money in parables to teach spiritual lessons, making it relatable and insightful for teaching children.Managing money according to God's principles impacts our relationship with Him.ACTIVE VS. REACTIVE PARENTINGActive parenting involves setting goals and preparing children for future financial decisions.Reactive parenting addresses issues on

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17Ken Boa is a pastor and founder of Reflections Ministries. Russ Crosson is executive vice president and chief mission officer of Ronald Blue Trust. This is the second of our interviews about a book they co-authored, titled Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain. [1:35]WHAT IS BIBLICAL LEVERAGE AND IS GIVING TO CHURCH AND MINISTRIES CONSIDERED BIBLICAL LEVERAGE?(Biblical leverage is the concept of using one's financial resources in ways that align with God's will, rather than accumulating wealth for its own sake.)It's about seeking guidance from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to determine how much to give and where to give.The act of giving is a way to counteract the idolatry of money and wealth, avoiding the search for security and significance in financial accumulation.Biblical leverage involves sacrificial giving that transcends mere

Faith Full GivingAccording to Hebrews 11:1, faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Faith is the heartbeat of our walk with God. Today we’ll find out what the story of Cain and Abel has to tell us about faith as it relates to giving.Our confidence, or faith, that God is who he says he is, and that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life…are rooted in God’s word.  We have purpose and hope because of our faith, which touches every area of life, including our finances.  Today, we’re going to take a trip way back into Genesis to find out how faith in the area of giving played a part in the story of brothers Cain and Abel.You may remember that Cain and Abel were sons of Adam and Eve, born after the couple sinned and were driven from the Garden of Eden.  Their story is found in Genesis 4. It’s a tragic tale of resentment and murder. Cain killed his younger brother Abel because of an offering.  Here’s what it says in Genesis 4:2-5:Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the so

Making Money an Asset to Marriage With Gary ChapmanMoney is usually cited as one of the top reasons for divorce. It’s almost never seen as a way to actually strengthen a marriage. Gary Chapman joins us today to talk about how you can make that happen.Gary Chapman is a pastor, speaker, counselor, and author of several books on Christian relationships.1:38 - DEBUNKING THE MYTH: MORE MONEY, BETTER MARRIAGE:Dr. Chapman clarifies that having more money does not necessarily improve a marital relationship. He emphasizes that some of the happiest and strongest marriages involve couples who are just making ends meet. 2:08 - IMPACT OF DIFFERENT MONEY BACKGROUNDS AND PERSONALITIES:Exploring how family upbringing affects attitudes towards money, Dr. Chapman shares personal stories and emphasizes the need for understanding and respect for these inherent differences in marriage.They also address the common spender-saver dynamic in marriages, highlighting the importance of empathy and respect in navigating these differences

A Home Buyer’s Market? With Dale VermillionNormally, November through February are the slowest months of the year for home sales, and that means buyers have more bargaining power. Will it happen this year? Dale Vermillion gives us his take on the market today.Dale Vermillion with us again today. Dale’s the author of Navigating The Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home.  CURRENT TRENDS IN INTEREST RATES AND MORTGAGES:Dale Vermillion notes that interest rates are continuing to rise, but there's hope for decreases in 2024 as predicted by the Mortgage Bankers Association.Assumable mortgages are becoming somewhat more common due to higher rates. These allow buyers to assume a seller's lower rate, though qualification and legal representation are necessary.HOME VALUES AND MARKET DYNAMICS:Home values are moderating, with some markets experiencing price drops. A 3% increase in property values is expected overall for the year.The current market offers less competition for buyers, more acceptance of