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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

Are you looking for tools that clarify, simplify, and anchor faithful stewardship in biblical wisdom? That question has shaped our vision for the newly updated FaithFi app—a discipleship tool designed to help you build financial rhythms that bring peace, clarity, and Christ-centered focus to your money decisions.To help unpack what’s new, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at Kingdom Advisors and FaithFi. Chad has led the development of the FaithFi app since day one, shaping it into a tool that serves real families seeking to honor God with His resources.When the app first launched, the goal was straightforward: build a biblical stewardship tool that was both practical and accessible. Early versions focused primarily on budgeting and cash-flow management. Over time, the app expanded to include a robust content library of articles, podcasts, and videos, along with a community discussion board—features that helped users learn and encourage one another.This latest update is the biggest we’ve e

For most of us, water is rarely something we think about. It’s as close as the kitchen sink, the refrigerator door, or the bottle beside us at work. But for millions of people around the world, clean water remains out of reach—and the consequences stretch far beyond thirst.Jesus once said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones… that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, Aaron Griggs of Cross International shows us just how literal—and transformative—that cup of water can be.Globally, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. In places like Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda, the crisis is especially severe. Women and children often walk long distances every day to gather water from open pits shared with animals. The water is contaminated, illness is common, and the time lost reinforces generational poverty. Girls miss school, mothers miss work, and entire communities struggle to flourish.This quar

Money has a way of making life feel complicated. Whether we’re facing major financial crossroads or simply trying to steward everyday expenses with wisdom, many of us default to figuring things out on our own. But Scripture reminds us that navigating life in isolation isn’t a sign of strength—it's often a barrier to wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 teaches that “where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Wise counsel, especially when rooted in biblical truth, protects us from blind spots, emotional decision-making, and unnecessary regret.On this episode of Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps—President of Kingdom Advisors and a familiar voice to FaithFi listeners—joins us to explore why seeking counsel is an essential part of faithful stewardship. Sharon explains that while Scripture is our ultimate authority, God often uses people to speak wisdom into our lives. Advisors, mentors, and trustworthy peers help us see what we might otherwise miss, and their influence can re

Jesus taught that the true measure of giving isn’t the size of the gift but the heart behind it. Generosity begins long before anything leaves our hands. It starts with what we treasure, love, and worship.Few writers explore the inner life of faith as clearly as Pierce Taylor Hibbs, senior writer at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of more than twenty books on Christian living. In today’s episode, he joins us to invite believers to examine not just the act of giving but the spiritual forces beneath it.In a recent article for the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine titled "Motive Is Everything," he draws from counselor David Powlison to explain that there’s always a “sun” around which the planets of our lives turn. We’re always pulled toward something—success, security, comfort, pleasure, affirmation, or money—because we’re created to worship. The question isn’t whether we worship, but what we worship.When the created things we enjoy begin to occupy the center, Scripture calls it idolatry.

Why do we give? Many Christians would answer simply: because Scripture tells us to. But if giving is only an obligation, something we do because we “should,” generosity will always feel heavy—like a tax, a duty, or a calculation. The Bible offers a far more compelling vision. It tells a story where generosity flows not from guilt or pressure, but from grace.Most of us genuinely want to be generous. Few people say, “I don’t want to give.” Yet generosity doesn’t always come easily. We run the numbers. We think about what’s coming next. We worry whether our gift will make a difference. Sometimes we even reduce generosity to a math problem—something we’ll do once everything feels secure.Beneath those questions is a deeper one: Why do we give in the first place?Scripture doesn’t begin the conversation about giving with budgets or even with commands. It begins with identity. Before you ever give a dollar, you are already living on a gift. Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift

Most people, when asked about their biggest financial regret, will point to mistakes involving debt, missed investment opportunities, or overspending. But for today’s guest, the regret was far more surprising—and far more spiritual. Dr. Art Rainer says his greatest financial regret is not having started tracking his generosity sooner.On this episode of Faith & Finance, Dr. Art Rainer joins us to talk about how something as simple as recording our giving can strengthen our stewardship, deepen our joy, and align our financial lives more closely with Scripture. Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, has spent years helping believers think biblically about money. But this particular practice—tracking generosity—came to him through a friend and quickly reshaped his financial priorities.Dr. Rainer identifies four compelling reasons every believer should consider tracking their giving. First, generosity is not merely an optional add-on to the Christian life

Investing doesn’t require a fortune — just a willingness to begin with what you have. That’s the message Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, emphasizes as he encourages listeners to start small, stay consistent, and keep investing simply as an act of faithful stewardship.Biller starts by reminding beginners that wise investing is built on a solid financial foundation. Before putting money at risk in the markets, he urges individuals to pay down high-interest consumer debt, establish a modest emergency fund, and follow a spending plan. Paying off double-digit credit card debt offers a guaranteed return that most investments struggle to match. The exception comes when an employer offers matching contributions in a retirement plan—since a match functions like an immediate return on contributions, it’s often worth taking advantage of even while still eliminating smaller debts.For those ready to invest, workplace retirement plans—such as 401(k)s—are typically the bes

Economic forecasters expect U.S. growth in 2026 to settle between 1.5% and 2%—sluggish, but not recessionary. Still, analysts warn that if inflation reignites or global trade pressures intensify, a mild downturn is possible. For many households, this uncertainty fuels anxiety—especially around rising health-care costs.On today’s program, Lauren Gajdek, Senior Director of External Affairs at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), joins us to offer practical guidance for navigating health-care expenses in a slow-growth, high-uncertainty environment.Lauren notes that beyond slower GDP projections, unemployment remains elevated at 4.4% and inflation has yet to return to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. That combination creates financial pressure for both working families and retirees. If someone loses their job—and, with it, employer-provided health coverage—Lauren explains the options: COBRA allows continuation of benefits, but the individual must pay the full premium, which is extremely costly. Marketplace plan

Staying on budget doesn’t have to be complicated—or exhausting. A growing number of families are discovering that a simple, five-minute weekly check-in can make the difference between feeling reactive and feeling in control. On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Crystal Payne joins us to offer a practical rhythm for keeping your spending aligned with your priorities. Crystal is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of several bestselling books on frugal living and family budgeting. She writes extensively on financial stewardship in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine.Crystal’s approach centers on six weekly questions—each one designed to build awareness, reduce stress, and encourage intentionality rather than guilt or perfectionism.1. What worked this week? Begin with the wins. Identifying progress reinforces good habits and motivates continued change.2. What didn’t work this week? Honesty about drift or weak spots brings clarity. Patterns often emerge in categories such as dining out

We live in a culture that stretches us to the very limits of our time, energy, and finances. Every hour gets booked, every dollar gets assigned, and before we know it, we’re operating without room to breathe. Scripture calls that lack of space folly—and the presence of space wisdom. Today, we’re talking about margin and why it’s essential to biblical stewardship.Margin is the space between our limits and our load—the distance between what we could do and what we actually do. Proverbs 21:20 tells us, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” Wise people don’t consume everything they have. They create space. They build reserves. They plan ahead. The foolish run to the edges, spending and consuming as fast as resources arrive.One of Scripture’s most beautiful pictures of margin appears in the story of Ruth. In Leviticus 23:22, God instructs His people not to harvest their fields all the way to the edges. They were to leave grain for the poor, the widow, and the forei