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You track your steps. Maybe even your calories. But do you know what it really costs to live each month?Your personal cost of living is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. Without it, you may be spending in ways that don’t reflect your values—or your faith. Let’s explore why this number matters, how to calculate it, and how it ties into faithful stewardship.The Basics of StewardshipNo matter your income level or stage of life, the same principles apply. There are five things you can do with money:Earn itLive on itGive it awayOwe it to othersGrow it through saving and investingToday, we’re focusing on “living on it”—what it really takes to cover your day-to-day needs. And remember: it’s not just rent and groceries. A true cost of living includes less frequent expenses too—insurance premiums, car repairs, or even Christmas gifts.Why Tracking MattersInflation may be slowing, but most of us are still paying more than before. The government reports a national “cost of living,” but that number

Some people think being rich means owning a lot of things—when in reality, being “rich” often means a lot of things owning you. The signs of wealth are all around us: luxury cars, upscale neighborhoods, designer clothes, vacation homes. But do possessions really make people rich in a way that matters?It’s hard to keep a Christ-centered perspective on wealth when our culture constantly pressures us to want more, buy more, and accumulate more. But this isn’t a new problem. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15:“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”Money and possessions aren’t inherently bad, but they often tempt us toward greed, selfishness, and discontent. We need money to live, but when money becomes the main thing, it becomes a dangerous master.When Possessions Begin to Possess YouJesus doesn’t just warn against greed—He offers us the key to true life: don’t make your existence all about “the abundance of possessions,” or your pos

It’s easy to forget how something as simple as a pair of shoes can change a life. But for vulnerable children around the world, shoes mean protection, dignity, and the chance to dream.Today, we’ll hear how Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls is meeting this need with the love of Christ. Shawn Spurrier joins us to share the incredible impact that is being made all around the world, one pair of shoes at a time.Shawn Spurrier is the Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls at Buckner International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Heart of Buckner InternationalFounded in Dallas, Texas, Buckner International has been serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors for more than 146 years. Their mission is clear: to follow the example of Jesus by serving the most vulnerable in every phase of life. From foster care and adoption to family-strengthening programs and senior care, Buckner demonstrates Christ’s love in tangible ways.The Shoes for Orphan Souls initiative began 25 years ago in Dallas as a small

Businessman and author T. Harv Eker once wrote, “Financial freedom is the ability to live the lifestyle you desire without having to work or rely on anyone else for money.”It’s tempting to think that financial independence is the ultimate goal of life—but what does the Bible say? God’s Word points us toward a far better kind of freedom.In recent years, financial independence has become a cultural ideal. People long to be self-sufficient, debt-free, and free to pursue their passions. While these desires can be wise, they also carry a subtle danger: believing we don’t need anyone—including God.The Warning of the Rich FoolThis temptation isn’t new. In Luke 12, Jesus told a parable about a wealthy man who thought he had “made it”:“I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, and be merry.’”But God’s response was sobering:“Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and

Billy Graham once said, “Tell me what you think about money, and I will tell you what you think about God, for these two are closely related.”In Jesus’ Parable of the Talents, we see that stewardship isn’t just about money—it’s about how we view God. Today, Taylor Standridge joins me to explore how our image of God influences the way we give, spend, and live.Taylor Standridge is the Production Manager here at Faith and Finance, co-author of Look at the Sparrows, our 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety, and a frequent contributor to our quarterly magazine, Faithful Steward, as well as other FaithFi studies and devotionals.Our View of God Shapes EverythingA.W. Tozer once wrote, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This truth has enormous implications for stewardship. How we see God determines how we handle what He has entrusted to us.If we see Him as generous, trustworthy, and sovereign, we will hold our resources with open hands and joyful hearts

For years, the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset reduced benefits for those who had rightfully earned them. Now that those policies are gone, many are left with questions. Eddie Holland joins us to help clarify what’s changed and what it means for your retirement.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®).A Quick History of WEP and GPOThe Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), enacted over 40 years ago, reduces Social Security benefits for individuals receiving a non-covered pension—a pension from which no Social Security taxes were withheld. This often included employees in state and local government jobs, such as teachers, police officers, and firefighters.Similarly, the Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduced a spousal or survivor benefit for individuals in the same situation. These rules were designed to prevent “double-dippi

What if your portfolio could help advance justice, compassion, and human flourishing?Aligning your investments with your faith isn’t just about avoiding harm—but actively shaping the world around them for good. Stella Tai joins us to talk about how investors are putting their values to work in the marketplace.Stella Tai is the Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis Manager for Praxis Investment Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Faith-Based Investing in Action: Praxis’ 2024 Impact ReportFor many believers, investing isn’t just about building wealth—it’s about aligning financial decisions with faith values. Praxis Investment Management, a pioneer in faith-based investing since 1994, continues to demonstrate how Christians can utilize their investments to promote justice, compassion, and tangible change in the world. In its latest Impact Report, Praxis highlights how investor dollars are transforming communities and influencing some of the world’s largest companies.Shaping a more just and comp

Some things change with the times—but God’s financial principles never do. They’re not only timeless; they work in every situation, for every person, at every income level.Whether you’re barely making ends meet or managing significant wealth, the Bible’s wisdom for handling money is always right on target. Today, Ron Blue will unpack five proven principles for managing your money well.Ron Blue is a nationally recognized financial expert, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, and author of more than 20 books on biblical money management. With decades of experience advising families and leaders, he has dedicated his life to equipping Christians to manage their resources wisely and steward them for God’s kingdom purposes.A Lesson From the Senate FloorBack in the early 1990s, Ron Blue was invited to testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on family and money matters. When asked what advice he would give American families, his response was simple yet profound:Spend less than you earn.Avoid debt.Build liquidity or marg

Cutting your budget doesn’t have to mean cutting joy out of your life. With a bit of creativity and intention, you can save money while still enjoying what truly matters. Here’s how to bring more purpose—and even fun—into your spending plan.Before diving into practical steps, begin with prayer. Ask God to help you cultivate contentment, because wise spending starts with a heart that trusts Him. As Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Budgeting isn’t just about numbers; it’s about aligning your heart with gratitude for what God has already provided.1. Try a “Pantry Challenge” MonthCommit to eating what you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry for an entire month. You’ll reduce grocery spending and uncover forgotten items—maybe even a few surprises. Free apps like SuperCook or Cooklist can help you find creative recipes using your existing ingredients, turning the challenge into a fun family adventure.2. Create a Family Fun FundEntertainment doesn’t have

What if your work isn’t just a job—but part of God’s bigger story for your life?For some, work is a source of stress, struggle, or simply something to endure. But what if we’re seeing it all wrong? What if God designed work to be a vital part of how we worship Him and serve others? Dr. Tom Nelson joins us today to talk about that. Dr. Tom Nelson is the President of Made to Flourish and has served as the Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, a multi-site congregation across Kansas City, for over 30 years. He is also the author of Why Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World.False Narratives About WorkCulture tells us many things about work—most of them untrue.“Thank God it’s Friday” reflects the belief that work is a curse and that our real lives happen only on weekends.Work as mere productivity reduces our calling to a paycheck or to-do list.Sacred vs. secular divide suggests ministry work matters more than other vocations.However, if we return t

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” —Proverbs 11:24Scripture calls us to be both wise savers and generous givers—but holding those two together can feel like a tension. How do we avoid fear on one side and foolishness on the other? Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to show how these two principles actually go hand in hand.Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and founded the Biola Center for Financial Planning. He is also the author of the book Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.Living in the TensionJohn Wesley famously wrote, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” It sounds simple enough, but when you sit down with a budget, the statement can feel more like a paradox than a plan. After all, how can you both save as much as you can and give as much as you can? At some point, choices must be made.Rather than resolving the paradox with rigid rules, we

It’s easy to believe that having more money would fix everything—that if we just had enough, life would finally feel secure, peaceful, and even meaningful.From lotteries to luxury ads, our world constantly tells us that more wealth is the goal. But Scripture invites us to ask a better question: not how much money do I have?—but why do I want it in the first place?Money itself isn’t the problem. Scripture never condemns wealth. But it does warn us about the heart behind it. The late Larry Burkett, a mentor to many in biblical finance, once said there are seven reasons people pursue wealth—and six of them can lead us astray. Why? Because when money becomes our focus, it often takes the place of God.Before we talk about how to use it, we need to ask: What’s driving us to accumulate it?1. ConformitySome pursue wealth simply because everyone else is. Whether from family pressure or cultural expectations, they chase money without asking if it’s what God wants.Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern o

When it comes to our finances, we often wonder: Where does God’s provision end and our responsibility begin? Should we simply wait and trust Him—or get to work and provide for ourselves?The truth is, it’s not either-or. God calls us to both trust Him and participate in His provision. Not because He needs our help, but because He delights in working through us.Avoiding Two ExtremesYou’ve likely heard the phrase, “Let go and let God.” While it sounds spiritual, it can sometimes lead to passivity. On the other end of the spectrum, some of us live as if everything depends on us—hustling, stressing, and striving in our own strength.Scripture offers a better way: a life of faith that doesn’t ignore work, and a life of work that doesn’t ignore faith. God invites us into a partnership—trusting His sovereignty while faithfully engaging in our responsibilities.Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:6, “It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.” The farmer can’t make the rain fall or the seeds gr

What if the greatest gift you leave your children isn’t your money, but your wisdom?As stewards, we often focus on managing God’s resources well during our lifetime—but what happens after we’re gone? How do we equip the next generation to carry on a legacy of faithful stewardship? Today, Sharon Epps joins us to talk about that.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.Recognizing God’s Design in Our ChildrenAt FaithFi, we frequently emphasize the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us. But there’s a deeper question to consider: What about the next steward?Proverbs 13:22 tells us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” While an inheritance can be a blessing, without preparation, it can also lead to conflict. That’s why we need to think carefully not just about pas

Feeling the post-summer financial fog? You’re not alone—but now’s the perfect time to reset.Summer is a season of rest, family, and fun—but it can also knock our financial habits off course. That’s why fall is an ideal time to pause, reflect, and get back on track. Let’s explore six small but meaningful steps that can help realign your finances with your goals—and your faith.Summer Spending Can Leave You Off BalanceSummer often brings looser schedules and, sometimes, looser spending. That’s okay—we need time to rest. But if your finances feel off-center, it may be time for a reset.1. Review Your Summer SpendingBefore moving forward, look back. Did your summer spending reflect your values or just your impulses? Whether it was vacations, eating out, or spontaneous purchases, reviewing where your money went brings clarity. Think of it as an act of stewardship—learning from the past so you can plan better for the future.2. Revisit Your BudgetSeasons change—and so do financial rhythms. Back-to-school costs, higher

Gratitude is a natural response to God’s goodness—but does it show up in the way we give?Many pastors wish their congregation knew that giving isn’t just about meeting a church budget—it’s a vital part of growing as a disciple of Jesus. Today, Leo Sabo joins us to unpack three things your pastor wishes you knew about giving.Leo Sabo is the President of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN). He has spent the last 22 years working with couples, individuals, and church leaders, helping them understand and manage their finances according to biblical principles.Why Conversations About Giving MatterEffective conversations between church members and leadership aren’t just about meeting financial goals. Because God owns everything and we are His stewards, money decisions are both practical and deeply spiritual. How we handle what God has entrusted to us reveals our hearts and our motives.1. The Spiritual Benefits of GivingPastors understand the connection between generosity and discipleship. Trusting God with our m

“And he gathered up all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and put the food in the cities. He put in every city the food from the fields around it.” - Genesis 41:48Joseph’s story isn’t just dramatic—it’s a powerful example of godly wisdom in uncertain times. His preparation during years of abundance helped an entire nation weather a famine. Today, Mark Biller joins us to explore what Joseph’s legacy teaches us about planning ahead.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Learning from Joseph’s ExampleJoseph’s story in the book of Genesis is one of the most dramatic and inspiring accounts in all of Scripture. From his rise and fall—from favored son to slave, from prisoner to ruler of Egypt—Joseph’s journey demonstrates God’s providence at every turn. His famous words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 capture the theme: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”But Joseph’s story is al

When you think about making a Kingdom impact, your checking or savings account probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But what if it should be?Most of us view our bank account as a simple holding place for our money—a safe spot until we’re ready to spend, give, or invest. However, the truth is that your money is never truly at rest. Banks utilize those deposits daily to fund loans, support business ventures, and invest in various projects. That’s standard practice. But here’s the exciting part: you can actually choose a banking institution that uses your money to support Kingdom work.Let’s unpack how your everyday banking decisions could be part of something far bigger than you imagined.Banking That Builds the KingdomWhen you bank with a faith-based financial institution—one that’s intentionally aligned with biblical stewardship—you allow your money to participate in Kingdom work, even when you’re not actively spending or giving. Your checking account. Your savings. Even your emergency fund. All o

Have you ever noticed how some people light up when they give, while others treat it like just another transaction?Maybe the difference isn’t in the amount they give—but in how God designed them to give. What if discovering your God-given giving style is the key to finding joy in generosity? Today, Chris Gabriel joins us to unpack the idea of W.I.S.E. Generosity.Chris Gabriel is a philanthropic leader and financial advisor with over 30 years of experience. A Yale and Oxford graduate, he created the WISEgenerosity framework to help individuals and institutions give well. Chris leads a thriving wealth management practice and is the author of WISEgenerosity: A Guide for Purposeful and Practical Living and Giving.From Inspiration to ApplicationGenerosity isn’t just about giving money—it’s about connecting your giving to your God-given identity and calling. Generosity is an essential virtue of a life well lived. It’s also perhaps the aspect of God’s nature that’s closest to our own. We’re made in His image, and th

Have you ever felt a quiet sense of pride after giving, like you were just a little more faithful than others?It’s a subtle temptation, but one we must take seriously. When our giving becomes a way to elevate ourselves rather than glorify God, we’ve missed the heart of generosity—and possibly much more.When Giving Becomes About UsSelf-righteous giving hides behind good behavior. It’s giving to feel morally superior. Giving to prove we’re spiritually ahead. Giving to show God—or others—that we’ve “got it right.”Jesus addressed this in Luke 18:“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector… The Pharisee… prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people… I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector… said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”The tithing, fasting Pharisee was not justified—not because his actions were wrong, but because he trusted in himself.Th