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It’s only day two of the new year. How are those resolutions holding up?Every January, many of us recommit to eating better, exercising more, or finally getting our finances on track. And yet, most resolutions fade long before winter does. The issue usually isn’t a lack of desire—it’s a lack of accountability and perspective.That’s especially true when it comes to budgeting. Managing money well requires more than good intentions. It requires clarity about why we’re doing it and a system that supports us day by day.To explore that idea, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at FaithFi, to discuss what actually helps people follow through on their financial goals.Why Budgeting Often Feels Like a DietChad shared an observation from years of building budgeting tools: many people view a budget the same way they view a diet. They know it’s necessary, but it feels restrictive, temporary, and easy to abandon when life gets busy.The problem usually isn’t the budget itself. It’s the missing “why.”You ma

Every January, millions of people set fresh goals: eat healthier, exercise more, or get their finances in better shape. These are good and worthy aims. Yet studies consistently show that most resolutions fade within a few weeks.So if this is the year you want to steward money more wisely—get out of debt, save consistently, or live with greater margin—what actually helps habits last beyond January?The answer isn’t more motivation. It’s a better foundation.Why Good Intentions Aren’t EnoughResolutions often fail for predictable reasons. We set goals that are vague or unrealistic. We don’t connect them to a meaningful “why.” Or we jump in without a system to support change. When life gets busy or discouraging—as it always does—old habits quickly take over.If you’ve ever tried to stick to a spending plan, curb impulse purchases, or make steady progress on debt, you know those difficult moments will come. Lasting change doesn’t happen by hoping harder. It happens when old patterns are replaced with new, intentional

A new year often inspires fresh resolve. We plan more carefully, set ambitious goals, and commit to making this time different. But year after year, many resolutions quietly fade—not because people lack sincerity, but because most change efforts rely on willpower alone.That’s where a deeper, more biblical approach to change comes in.Today on Faith & Finance, I sat down with Taylor Standridge, Production Manager at FaithFi and lead writer of Our Ultimate Treasure and Look at the Sparrows, to explore why so many resolutions fail—and what Scripture reveals about change that truly lasts.Why Willpower Isn’t EnoughTaylor explained that most resolutions fade because they’re built on effort rather than formation.“Willpower is a limited resource,” Taylor said. “We assume that if we just try harder or become more disciplined, we’ll finally become the person we want to be. But once motivation wears off, or life gets stressful, old patterns take over.”According to Taylor, the problem isn’t that people set bad goals—i

As we step into a new year, one question guides everything we do: How can we better serve believers who want to manage God’s money, God’s way?At FaithFi, that question has shaped a season of prayer, growth, and fresh vision. Today on Faith & Finance, we sat down with Afton Phillips, our Head of Content, to talk about what God has been doing—and where He’s leading us next.What follows is a look at the remarkable momentum of the past year and the exciting resources coming in the year ahead.A Year of Remarkable Growth and God’s ProvisionThe past year has been one of extraordinary growth for FaithFi—growth that reflects a deep hunger for biblical wisdom applied to everyday financial decisions.Our podcast audience grew by 55,000 listeners, bringing the total to more than 880,000 listeners.Faith & Finance is now heard on over 2,000 radio stations nationwide.Our FaithFi Partner community grew by nearly 600 partners, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact.Behind the scenes, God also provided th

Missionary martyr Jim Elliot famously wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Those words capture a vision of life that values eternal reward over temporary success—and they’re being lived out today in an unexpected place: the NFL.When many people think of professional athletes, generosity may not be the first word that comes to mind. But Kirk Cousins, a 4-time Pro Bowl quarterback, is quietly challenging that assumption. For Cousins, faith isn’t a compartment—it’s the lens through which he approaches football, finances, family, and the future.A Faith Shaped at HomeKirk often points back to his upbringing as a pastor’s kid. His parents modeled two complementary virtues: careful stewardship and open-handed generosity. Budgets mattered. Overspending was avoided. But when it came to helping others, generosity was practiced freely.That example left a lasting impression. As Kirk puts it, generosity was caught, not just taught. Watching his parents hold money loosely prepar

High-yield savings rates have dipped slightly since early spring, but they remain strong enough that choosing the right account right now can still be a wise move. After several quarter-point interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, savings yields have eased—but not disappeared. In fact, many online banks continue to offer returns well above those of most brick-and-mortar institutions.Understanding what’s happening—and how to respond—can help you steward your cash with wisdom and confidence.Why Savings Still Matter in Your Financial PlanSavings and investments play very different roles. A savings account is designed for money that must remain safe, accessible, and dependable—your emergency fund, short-term needs, and dollars you’ll rely on in the next few years.Savings won’t deliver investment-level growth, but the interest they earn still matters. Every bit of growth helps preserve purchasing power and strengthens your financial footing over time.Over the past few years, inflation rose well above the Feder

Every Christmas season, A Christmas Carol returns to our screens and pages as a story of generosity, redemption, and hope. But beneath the familiar narrative, Charles Dickens was also making a powerful argument—one that challenges how society views the poor, children, and human worth itself.In today’s Christmas episode of Faith & Finance, we sat down with Jerry Bowyer, our resident economist and president of Bowyer Research, to explore the deeper economic and theological message Dickens embedded in this classic tale.The Meaning Behind “Surplus Population”One of the most disturbing lines in A Christmas Carol comes from Ebenezer Scrooge, who suggests that the poor might be better off dying to reduce the “surplus population.”Jerry explained that this phrase wasn’t casual or poetic—it was loaded with meaning in Dickens’ day. It reflected the influence of Thomas Malthus, an economist whose ideas shaped early 19th-century thinking. Malthus believed population growth would always outpace food and resources, maki

The Bible contains many stories of God’s miraculous provision, but few are as rich and practical as the account of the widow’s oil in 2 Kings 4:1–7. Though only seven verses long, this passage offers profound insight into how God provides for His people—and how He invites them to participate in His provision.On today’s Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, joined the program to unpack this story, one she often describes as a clear picture of “God’s part and our part” in stewardship.A Crisis That Drives a Cry for HelpThe story opens with a widow in dire circumstances. Her husband, a member of the company of prophets and a man who feared the Lord, has died, leaving behind unpaid debt. With no means to repay it, she risks losing her two sons to creditors.In desperation, she cries out to the prophet Elisha for help. His response begins with a question that shapes the entire story: “What do you have in your house?”Her answer is simple and heartbreaking—nothing, except a small jar of oil.

As Christmas draws near, many of us feel the pressure to buy just one more thing—or worry the season won’t feel special unless we spend more. Tight deadlines, emotional expectations, and last-minute sales create the perfect environment for impulse spending to quietly take over. But Scripture offers a wiser, more freeing way to approach giving—one rooted in love rather than pressure.Christmas brings out many good desires. We want our homes to feel warm, our families to feel loved, and our gatherings to feel joyful. Emotional spending happens when those good desires turn into pressure—internal or external. We begin asking questions like: What if this isn’t enough? What will they think if I don’t give something big? If I don’t hurry, will Christmas feel incomplete?Emotional buying often peaks in the final days before Christmas, not because we’re unwise, but because we’re human. We feel the weight of expectations, the excitement of the season, and the fear of missing out. But perfect moments aren’t purchased. The

We live in a world overflowing with stuff—and messages about stuff. Everywhere we turn, someone promises that the next purchase, upgrade, or financial milestone will finally bring joy or peace. But Scripture offers a far better—and far more freeing—vision for how believers relate to money and possessions.The Bible doesn’t ignore material things. It puts them in their proper place.When Good Things Promise Too MuchWe’ve all heard the phrase money can’t buy happiness, yet it’s still easy to live as though it might. When life feels overwhelming, we often reach for the nearest distraction—a purchase, an upgrade, or a new financial goal—hoping it will calm our anxiety or restore a sense of control.But Scripture never teaches that possessions themselves are bad. In fact, Paul writes, “God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). Ecclesiastes adds that when God gives someone wealth, possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, “this is a gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:19).Enjoying God’s go

As Christmas Day draws near, we often hear stories of generosity, kindness, and the spirit of giving. But perhaps no story has inspired these virtues more than the life of St. Nicholas—a real man whose faith-filled generosity continues to echo through the centuries.Long before red suits and reindeer entered the picture, Nicholas lived a quiet, Christ-centered life marked by sacrificial love. His story reminds us that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t found in what we receive, but in how we reflect the love of Jesus to others.A Childhood Shaped by Faith—and LossNicholas was born around A.D. 280 into a wealthy Christian family in Patara, a bustling port city in modern-day Turkey. From an early age, his parents taught him the teachings of Jesus—especially the call to care for the poor and the vulnerable. Their daily example planted seeds of compassion that would later bear extraordinary fruit.A tragedy occurred when Nicholas was still young. An epidemic claimed the lives of both his parents, leaving him orphan

With college costs rising faster than inflation, many families feel cornered—scrambling for scholarships, stretching savings, or bracing for years of student loan payments. But there’s one meaningful option that often gets overlooked: military service.For students who feel led to serve, military pathways can provide full tuition, a monthly stipend, and exceptional leadership development—all while graduating debt-free. Today, we sat down with Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, to explore how these programs work and who they’re best suited for.Matt brings a personal connection to this topic. One of his sons is currently attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, and his insight helped illuminate both the opportunity—and the responsibility—this path entails.Why Military Education Pathways Are Often MissedFor the right student, military service can be a remarkable way to fund higher education. And that qualifier matters.As Matt shared, these programs are designed for students who are willing to serve

The holidays naturally inspire generosity. As Christians, we feel a heightened awareness of need—empty tables, struggling families, and financial hardship made more visible by the contrast of celebration all around us. And that impulse to give is good.But God calls us to something deeper.True, Christ-centered generosity goes beyond a one-time act of charity. It invites us to walk alongside people in ways that restore dignity, build hope, and reflect God’s heart for renewal—not just during Christmas, but throughout the year.To explore what that kind of generosity looks like in practice, we sat down with Lisa Sheltra, Director of Community Engagement at Salt & Light, a ministry committed to helping without hurting by empowering individuals rather than creating dependency.A Biblical Vision for Deeper GenerosityScripture sets the tone for how we approach generosity. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). That verse reminds us that generosit

Many retirees today feel squeezed. Rising costs, fixed incomes, and market uncertainty can make the retirement years feel more fragile than expected. Yet for many households, one of their largest assets—their home—often sits unused in their financial plan.For years, reverse mortgages carried a mixed reputation. But significant reforms over the last decade have reshaped the program, making today’s options safer, more flexible, and better aligned with thoughtful retirement planning. Today, we are joined by Harlan Accola, National Reverse Mortgage Director with Movement Mortgage, to explore how home equity can play a more intentional role in retirement.Why Home Equity Is Often OverlookedFor many retirees, their home represents their single largest asset. Yet it’s frequently absent from retirement conversations.One reason is perception. Outdated assumptions and negative press have long hampered reverse mortgages. Another reason is structural: many financial advisors simply aren’t trained—or compensated—to incorpo

We’re deep into December, and the window for smart year-end tax planning is closing quickly. Taxes may not be at the top of your Christmas wish list, but they are an important reminder of God’s provision—and an opportunity to honor Him through wise stewardship.As Scripture reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). That includes the resources He’s entrusted to us. Thoughtful planning isn’t about avoiding responsibility—it’s about managing God’s gifts with intention and gratitude.Today, we sat down with Kevin Cross, a seasoned CPA who has helped countless families navigate taxes with clarity and confidence. As we approach December 31 and look ahead to 2026, here are some of the most important moves to consider.Rethinking Charitable Giving at Year-EndCharitable giving is always close to the hearts of our listeners, and year-end is an especially strategic time to consider it.Recent changes to the tax code—including a higher standard deduction and an expanded SALT (state and local t

Christmas is meant to be a season of joy—but for many of us, it becomes a whirlwind of overspending, overcommitting, and feeling overwhelmed. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of planning and the right perspective, you can slow down, simplify, and savor what truly matters.Today, Crystal Payne—creator of MoneySavingMom.com—shared practical ways to simplify Christmas while keeping your heart centered on Christ. Here’s a look at her best advice for making this season more peaceful, meaningful, and budget-friendly.Rediscover the Meaning of ChristmasBefore diving into logistics or budgeting, Crystal encourages families to anchor the season in what matters most.1. Practice Daily Advent ReflectionsHer family uses Ann Voskamp’s Advent book, complete with ornaments and daily devotionals. The readings are short, kid-friendly, and a gentle, daily reminder of the story at the heart of Christmas.2. Create a Family Giving ProjectEvery December, Crystal’s children choose a giving project—something me

Faith shapes every part of life—not only what we believe, but how we spend, save, invest, and give. Every financial decision reveals something about what we value, trust, and treasure most. That’s why conversations about money are never just about budgets or balances; they’re deeply spiritual.Today, Afton Phillips, our Head of Content at FaithFi, joins the show to talk about how our faith reshapes the way we steward God’s resources. This conversation grew out of our upcoming 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, and the themes behind it.The Heart Behind the New DevotionalAfton has been shaping this project from its earliest concept to its final pages. She shared that when she first joined FaithFi, she longed for a place where people could revisit core biblical principles—not simply hear them once, but reflect on them deeply.“Money isn’t just about math,” Afton said. “It’s really about our hearts.”The devotional walks readers through foundational truths:God owns it all.Money issues are heart issues.Our fin

As the year winds down, most of us feel the crunch of holiday travel, family gatherings, and a calendar that fills up faster than we expect. But this season also offers something incredibly valuable: a natural pause. A moment to look back, look ahead, and make sure our financial lives still reflect the things—and the people—we care about most.To help us think through this year-end reset, we sat down with Cole Pearson, President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, a family of companies committed to helping believers invest in alignment with biblical values. Cole shares practical, hope-filled steps to set your finances on a firm footing as you head into a new year.Start With What Matters Most: Your ValuesBefore crunching numbers or updating accounts, Cole suggests beginning with the why behind your financial decisions.“As the year winds down,” he says, “it’s the perfect time to pause and make sure our financial life still reflects our actual life—our goals and values.”This is the heart of wise stewardship. Mo

New tax laws are on the horizon—and they could significantly influence the way you give. The recently passed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (often shortened to the OBBBA) introduces several changes that affect charitable givers today and in the years to come. To help unpack these shifts, we sat down with Bruce McKee, attorney and Senior Vice President of Complex Gifts at the National Christian Foundation (NCF).What the OBBBA Actually DoesDespite its cheerful name, the OBBBA carries serious implications for donors. Bruce explains that the bill makes permanent many provisions that were originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Key extensions include:Higher standard deductionsHigher estate tax exclusionsNew deduction floors for charitable giftsA new limit on itemized deductionsExtended business deductionsUpdated rules for university endowment taxesThese changes will affect different givers differently, but nearly everyone will feel the impact of the new standard deducti

When hope is tied only to a desired outcome, disappointment becomes inevitable. Katherine Wolf knows this truth more personally than most. At just 26, with a newborn in her arms and a lifetime ahead of her, she suffered a massive and unexpected stroke that changed everything.Today, through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit ministry Hope Heals, Katherine invites others into a deeper, sturdier hope—one that can withstand even the darkest valleys.On today’s show, she joins us to share her journey: how suffering reshaped her faith, her understanding of God’s goodness, and even her family’s finances.A Life Forever ChangedIn 2008, without warning or symptoms, Katherine experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke caused by a congenital condition she never knew she had—an arterial venous malformation (AVM). Overnight, she went from fully able-bodied to fighting for her life.A 16-hour surgery saved her, but her new reality included significant impairments. Today, she uses a wheelchair, has facial paralysis, reduced