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What if the greatest change you could make in your financial life didn’t start with budgeting, investing, or earning more—but with surrender? We don’t usually think of surrender as a financial word. Yet Scripture places it at the center of faithful stewardship. The life-changing truth that God owns everything reshapes how we live, give, and manage what we’ve been entrusted. The First Question Scripture Asks About Money When we talk about finances, we tend to ask familiar questions: How much do I have? How much do I need? Am I doing well? They’re natural questions—but they’re not the first question Scripture asks. From the beginning, the Bible establishes that God is the owner. Before humanity ever managed a garden or named a creature, God formed, filled, and ruled creation. Psalm 24:1 declares it plainly: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” Simply put, God is the owner—and we are the stewards. For many of us, that’s a familiar idea. But familiarity doesn’t always lead to surrender. We may affi

Over the coming decades, women will steward a majority of the wealth being passed from one generation to the next. For many, that responsibility will arrive suddenly—during seasons of grief, transition, or new beginnings. Yet within that shift lies a remarkable opportunity for wise and faithful stewardship. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and cofounder of Women Doing Well, joins us on today’s show to share what she has learned after spending years studying this moment and walking alongside women as they step into it. A Quiet but Significant Shift Today, research consistently shows that women are inheriting a large portion of generational wealth. One primary reason is longevity—women often outlive their spouses by several years, placing financial responsibility squarely on their shoulders. In fact, nearly 95% of women will become the primary financial decision-maker at some point in their lives. Many step into that role unexpectedly, often while navigating grief, life transitions, or new responsibil

For many girls in Uganda, one opportunity can alter the course of their entire future—and that opportunity often begins with education. Around the world, poverty creates barriers that shape a child’s path long before adulthood. But through the work of ministries and local partners, those stories are being rewritten with hope, dignity, and the love of Christ. Aaron Griggs joins the show today to share how Cross International is helping young women stay in school, discover their God-given purpose, and step into a future that once felt out of reach. The Mission: Serving the Most Vulnerable Cross International exists to serve some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children and families for the glory of God. Rather than operating independently, the ministry works through trusted local churches and organizations across Africa and other regions—partners who understand the communities, relationships, and long-term needs on the ground. This approach allows them to provide immediate help—such as food, clean wa

Trusting God for our financial needs feels especially real when life gets tight. When savings shrink, markets fluctuate, or expenses rise faster than income, the pressure exposes what—or who—we truly rely on. Long before budgets, retirement accounts, or emergency funds existed, one man stood on a mountain believing God could provide in the most impossible circumstances. His story in Genesis 22 gives us one of the most powerful names of God in all of Scripture: “The Lord Will Provide.” And it offers a blueprint for faithful stewardship today. Provision Is Forged in Pressure Trusting God’s provision rarely happens in comfort. It’s forged in seasons when resources feel thin, and the future looks uncertain. Throughout Scripture, God’s people learn His faithfulness not at banquets, but in deserts. Not in surplus, but in scarcity. Whether wandering in the wilderness, facing famine, or standing before overwhelming odds, they discover that provision isn’t merely about resources—it’s about relationship. God is not sim

Henry Drummond once wrote, “To become like Christ is the only thing in the world worth caring for…before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain.” Those words cut straight to the heart of how Scripture defines success. In a culture that measures achievement by accumulation and applause, Jesus offers a very different scoreboard—one centered not on what we gain, but on who we become. The Success Story We’ve Been Taught It’s easy to believe that if we could just reach a little higher, earn a little more, or move a little faster, we’d finally arrive. We see this impulse at the very beginning of Scripture. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve weren’t lacking anything, yet they believed something better was being held back (Genesis 3). At the Tower of Babel, humanity declared, “Let us make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). Success, in their minds, meant defining greatness on their own terms. That same instinct shapes us today. We measure success by paychecks and promotions, by titles,

“Give us this day our daily bread.”These seven words from the Lord’s Prayer are so familiar that we can easily miss how radical they are. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:11, He invited them to trust God for provision—not all at once, but one day at a time. In a world obsessed with tomorrow, this simple request calls us back to dependence, humility, and trust in God’s care today.Daily Bread in the WildernessThe idea of daily bread takes us back to Israel’s journey through the wilderness. In Exodus 16, God fed His people with manna each morning. It was enough for the day—no more, no less. When they tried to store extra, it spoiled.The lesson wasn’t primarily about food; it was about trust. God was teaching His people that He—not their stockpiles or strategies—was their provider.Today, we work, budget, plan, save, and invest—and Scripture commends those practices. Proverbs celebrates diligence, and Joseph’s preparation in Genesis 41 helped save entire nations. Trusting God isn’t passivity, a

Younger investors are reshaping the markets—from crypto and AI to ETFs and gaming. But with so many new platforms, trends, and voices competing for attention, how can believers invest wisely across generations?Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, has been tracking these shifts closely, and he joins the show today to share his insights and highlight both what’s changing and what remains timeless—especially when biblical wisdom guides our financial decisions.The Surge of Younger InvestorsSince 2020, millions of new investment accounts have been opened—many by Gen Z and millennials. In fact, a significant portion of today’s investors entered the market during the early pandemic years, despite dramatic market volatility. Why? Several factors converged:Extra time at home during lockdownsStimulus payments and increased savingsCommission-free trading platformsSocial media influencers showcasing day tradingApps that made investing feel simple—even entertainingInstead of retreating when markets dropped,

Every day, we’re faced with financial decisions—some small, some life-shaping. We decide how to spend, save, give, borrow, invest, and provide for our families. But behind each of those choices lies a deeper question: where do we go to find wisdom?Many assume the Bible is a spiritual book meant only for spiritual matters, not for the realities of modern financial life. After all, Scripture was written thousands of years ago. There were no index funds, tax-advantaged accounts, or credit cards in ancient Israel. So how could it possibly speak to retirement planning, debt, generosity, or contentment today?Yet what Scripture offers isn’t a financial playbook—it’s something better: timeless wisdom rooted in the character of God.Timeless Wisdom, Not Financial FormulasBiblical wisdom isn’t about giving us modern strategies or formulas. It’s about helping us understand who God is, who we are, and what we were made for. Until we know the Author, we won’t trust His instruction. And without trusting His instruction, we

Monks and money don’t seem to go together—but maybe they should. Early Christian monastics developed a biblical approach to possessions that offered freedom from fear and created space for generosity. Their example continues to resonate with believers navigating modern financial pressures.Dr. Shane Enete, Chair of the Finance Department at Biola University, joins the show today to help us explore what he calls “monk finances,” drawing on early Christian history to uncover insights that remain strikingly relevant today.Why Monks and Finances Feel Like OppositesFor many people, the idea of monks and money in the same sentence feels contradictory. That perception has historical roots.In the early centuries of the church, some believers reacted to growing spiritual complacency by withdrawing from society. These early monks sought lives of radical devotion and discipline. In extreme cases, they rejected material possessions entirely, viewing the physical world—and even the body itself—as spiritually dangerous.But

From ancient times to modern markets, gold and silver have captured people’s attention—especially during seasons of uncertainty. It’s one reason more believers are asking whether precious metals belong in their investment portfolios. The question isn’t simply financial; it’s also about stewardship. Where do metals fit—and where don’t they—when we’re seeking to make wise, faithful decisions with what God has entrusted to us?A Long History as a Store of ValuePrecious metals are among the oldest forms of money in human history. For thousands of years, gold and silver have served as a store of value. Even today, in an economy dominated by fiat currencies, they still carry an aura of stability and permanence.There’s a practical reason for that: governments can print more dollars, but they can’t print more gold or silver. As a result, investors often turn to metals during periods of inflation, geopolitical tensions, or financial instability. They’re commonly viewed as a hedge—an asset that may preserve purchasing p

What happens when we stop drifting financially and start stewarding intentionally?When God’s purposes shape our financial decisions, money takes its rightful place—not as a source of identity or security, but as a tool that brings clarity, freedom, and faithful living. That conviction is at the heart of our conversation today with Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, about an upcoming gathering designed to help believers live it out in practical ways.Why Purpose Matters When It Comes to MoneyBrian explains that the idea for the conference begins with a familiar phrase: money is just a tool. While that’s true, tools are always created with intention. A hammer isn’t good or bad—but it’s designed for a specific purpose. When we don’t understand what money is for, we risk using it indiscriminately, assuming every financial decision is wise simply because it seems practical.Scripture calls us to something better: stewardship shaped by God’s design. When we understand His purposes for money, our decision

Banking isn’t usually the first place we think about living out our faith. Yet for many believers, where we bank is becoming an important part of faithful stewardship. Financial institutions don’t just hold our money—they decide how it’s used, invested, and leveraged for impact.That’s why faith-based banking is gaining attention. It offers Christians an opportunity to align everyday financial decisions with deeper convictions about money, integrity, and service.Today, we sat down with Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) and AdelFi, to talk about why believers may want to reconsider where they bank—and what truly matters when evaluating a financial institution.Start With the Basics: Stewardship Still Requires ExcellenceBefore talking about faith alignment, there’s a practical reality we can’t ignore: a bank still needs to do its job well.Good stewardship requires systems that are secure, efficient, and reliable. Strong digital tools, responsive customer service, and c

Scripture reminds us that wisdom often begins with counting the cost. As the average age of a first-time homebuyer approaches 40, many people are asking an important and sincere question: Is now the right time to buy a home—or should we continue renting?That question usually reflects a desire to make a wise, lasting decision—one that supports long-term stability rather than undermining it. Before comparing monthly payments or imagining life in a new space, it’s worth taking a clear-eyed look at what it truly costs to move from renting into homeownership.The Upfront Costs Many First-Time Buyers MissOne of the biggest surprises for first-time buyers is the sheer cost of getting into a home. The pre-approval and closing process involves numerous expenses, including appraisals, inspections, credit reports, earnest money, title searches, loan origination fees, and closing costs. Taken together, these can add up to thousands of dollars before move-in day ever arrives.For renters transitioning to homeownership, thes

Counterfeits are dangerous precisely because they look convincing. The same is true of spiritual sayings that sound biblical but quietly distort how we think about God, stewardship, and money.Many believers can quote phrases that feel deeply spiritual—comforting even—but when placed under the light of Scripture, they don’t actually appear there at all. Or worse, they twist what Scripture truly says. These “counterfeit verses” often shape how we view success, risk, provision, and dependence on God without us even realizing it.To explore this issue, we sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager of FaithFi and a regular contributor to Faithful Steward. Taylor is also the lead writer behind Look at the Sparrows and Our Ultimate Treasure. In his recent article, Counterfeit Verses: How to Spot The Sayings That Aren’t in the Bible, Taylor traces this problem all the way back to the beginning.“Did God Really Say?”—The First CounterfeitTaylor begins in Genesis 3, when the serpent approaches Eve with a decepti

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, and 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, written with her husband, Jeff, and has co-authored several other 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 argu

The holidays are behind us; you know what that means—it’s tax season! But before you start gathering your W-2s and receipts, there’s an important question: Do you know who will prepare your taxes this year?With a nationwide shortage of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax professionals, waiting too long to find a preparer could leave you scrambling—and vulnerable to scams. Here’s how to protect yourself and find a trusted tax preparer.Who Can Prepare Your Taxes?When hiring a tax professional, your preparer will likely fall into one of three categories:Certified Public Accountant (CPA): These professionals undergo rigorous education, exams, and licensing requirements. Many specialize in tax preparation and can also provide broader financial guidance.Enrolled Agent (EA): Licensed by the IRS, EAs are tax experts who can prepare and file returns, represent clients before the IRS, and provide tax planning services.Tax Attorney: These legal professionals specialize in tax law and are particularly useful for

Faith-based investing has expanded dramatically in recent decades. What began as a niche concept—often misunderstood or difficult to implement—has grown into a global movement driven by conviction, transparency, and a renewed understanding of stewardship. Today, new tools are opening fresh doors for Christians who want their investing to reflect biblical values.Among the most discussed innovations are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer investors greater flexibility and access. To explore the growing opportunity, we spoke with Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan and a long-time pioneer in Faith-Based Investing.From Idea to Movement: The Story Behind Timothy PlanBefore ETFs and portfolio screens were commonplace, Timothy Plan helped shape the language and frameworks believers use today to think about investing.“Back in the early 90s, Timothy Plan was really just an idea,” Mumbert recalls. “In 1994, that idea became a mutual fund aimed to serve non-denominational pastors. Our very first slogan asked,

Many Americans are wondering whether the housing market has finally begun turning a corner—or if uncertainty is still here to stay. After years of elevated mortgage rates, stubbornly low inventory, and affordability concerns, the question feels more relevant than ever.Today, mortgage expert Dale Vermillion, author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home, joined the show to weigh in on what the 2026 housing landscape may look like and how today’s buyers and sellers can navigate it with wisdom.A More “Normal” Market ReturnsAccording to Vermillion, the extreme swings of recent years may finally be behind us.“It isn’t the market of 2020–2021 when rates were in the twos, threes, and fours,” Vermillion explains. “But it’s also certainly not 2008. This is a very normal market.”He noted that although many think of today’s mortgage rates as high, they are actually below the 30-year average. Inventory is rising, sales are stabilizing, and government attention on housing has increased

Sports betting is exploding across the country. With online platforms, mobile apps, and aggressive marketing, it’s never been easier to gamble — or easier to hide it. What many view as harmless entertainment may actually be reshaping how we think about money, community, and even discipleship.Pastor and author Kyle Worley—Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and author of Home with God: Our Union with Christ—recently wrote on this growing trend for Faithful Steward magazine. Today, he joins the show to explain why the rise of sports gambling deserves more careful thought from believers.A Different Kind of GamblingSports gambling carries a unique appeal. Unlike casinos or the lottery, it taps into nostalgia, play, and community.“Sports connect to childhood memories and communal experiences,” Worley notes. “That nostalgia makes sports betting feel natural, even harmless.”The danger lies in how subtly wagering attaches itself to something already meaningful—game

Money and marriage—two things God designed to bless us, but they can also be two of the greatest sources of stress. What if we turned financial conflict into connection? Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to share six creative ways couples can build stronger relationships by having intentional financial conversations—what he calls “money dates.”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.Why You Need to Talk About Money—IntentionallyMany couples avoid conversations about money out of fear. A study of 2,000 couples found that half of them were uncomfortable discussing money because they worried it would lead to conflict. The irony is that by avoiding those talks, the conflict only deepens.On average, couples argue about money 58 times a year. But what if, instead of waiting for issues to flare up, you set aside regular time