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“Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” - Ephesians 5:33Love and respect are often conveyed in the words that spouses choose to communicate. Those words can have a big impact on the marriage relationship. Kathleen Edelman joins us to discuss choosing the right words for your spouse.Kathleen Edelman is the author of “I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication.” She is certified in biblical studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over thirty years coaching clients in communication.The Key to Healthy Communication in MarriageCommunication styles are the key to understanding one another. There's a big gray area between what we say and what our spouse hears. Each temperament speaks its own language, and we must apply it to become fluent in our spouse’s language.Many marital conflicts appear to be about money, parenting, or household responsibilities, but at their core, they stem from miscommunication. Recogniz

With financial fraud on the rise, protecting your personal and banking information has never been more important. A recent JD Power study found that nearly 29% of bank account holders experienced fraud in some form over a 12-month period.To help us navigate the best security practices, Aaron Caid shares expert advice on how to safeguard your accounts from cybercriminals.Aaron Caid is the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. 1. Strengthen Your Password SecurityA strong, unique password is your first line of defense against fraud. Here’s how to create one that’s tough to crack:Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.Avoid using common words or easily guessed phrases (e.g., "password123" or your birthdate).Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.In addition to a strong password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your financial apps. This extra layer of security

"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." - Matthew 22:21This statement from Jesus is one of the most profound and thought-provoking verses in the New Testament. While it is often quoted in discussions about paying taxes, it carries far deeper implications. What does this passage truly mean for us as Christ-followers today? Let’s explore its historical context and the spiritual truths that challenge us to live with a kingdom perspective.The Trap Set for JesusThe words of Jesus in Matthew 22:21 came during a tense confrontation between Him and the Pharisees. They sought to trap Him with a politically charged question:"Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"At that time, Israel was under Roman rule, and paying taxes to the emperor was a sore subject among the Jewish people. Saying “yes” would alienate Him from His Jewish followers, who resented Roman oppression. Saying “no” would paint Him as a revolutionary in the eyes of the Roman authorities.But instead of falling into their t

The real estate market may be in its winter slump, but spring is just around the corner—only five weeks away!Higher interest rates have kept many home buyers and sellers off the sidelines in recent years. But could a change be on the horizon? Today, mortgage expert Dale Vermillion joins us with a market forecast and some practical advice on how to move forward.Dale Vermillion is the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home. This book covers everything you need to know about securing a mortgage—all from a biblical perspective.Is the Housing Market About to Shift?For the past few years, many homeowners have stayed put due to high interest rates, a phenomenon known as the lock-in effect. However, recent data suggests a shift might be on the horizon.Existing home sales rose by 6.1% in November 2024, signaling a potential increase in market activity. While December and January are traditionally slow, spring is expected to bring renewed momentum as buyers become more eager

One book of the Bible reminds us that life is short and we should make the most of every moment.If you guessed Ecclesiastes, you’re right. This book emphasizes that our time here is fleeting, but what lies beyond is eternal. In this post, we’ll explore this profound truth and introduce a new FaithFi study on the book of Ecclesiastes—Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money.The Shortness of LifeImagine standing on the summit of Mount Everest, over 29,000 feet above sea level. At that moment, you are higher than every other person on the planet. But as breathtaking as the view may be, you can’t stay there long.At 26,000 feet, climbers enter the “death zone,” where oxygen is too thin to sustain human life. Even the most well-trained mountaineers must rely on oxygen tanks just to survive the final push to the peak. And when they reach the top, they have just five minutes—300 precious seconds—before they must begin their descent or risk never making it back.How do you think a climber should spend

“The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” - Proverbs 20:5Man’s ultimate purpose is to glorify God, but deciding how to do that can be challenging. Sometimes, we need help from a trusted advisor. I’ll discuss that today with Rachel McDonough. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor.The Cultural Challenge: Are We Asking the Right Financial Questions?Money is more than just a tool—it’s a reflection of our values, priorities, and ultimately, our faith. But how do we ensure that our financial decisions align with God’s purpose for our lives?As believers, we all want to honor God with the resources He has entrusted to us. However, navigating financial decisions can be overwhelming—especially when culture pushes us in the opposite direction.Traditional financial planning often starts with one simple question: “What are your financial goals?”At first glance, that so

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 fo

“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” - Proverbs 22:9Do you have a generous heart—one that seeks out opportunities to bless others, especially those in need? Today, Kelly Miller joins us to share a powerful way you can not only support the poor around the world but also help bring lasting transformation to their lives.Kelly Miller is the CEO and President of Cross International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Global Crisis: Hunger, Clean Water, and PovertyPoverty remains a critical issue around the world, affecting millions of families who struggle to access basic necessities like food, clean water, and education.The numbers are staggering:Over 800 million people go hungry every day.More than 50% of child deaths are linked to hunger-related issues.Nearly 700 million people lack access to safe and clean water.Cross International is a faith-based humanitarian organization dedicated to transforming the lives of impoverished individuals and families worl

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” - 3 John 1:4In that verse, the Apostle John praises his friend Gaius and other believers for their generosity toward missionaries. As parents, we want our children to be generous toward God’s Kingdom. Dr. Art Rainer joins us today with some steps we can take to grow our kids in generosity.Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is also the author of The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design for You and Your Money and the Secret Slide Money Club, a book series designed to teach young readers about God’s way of being wise with money. Why Teaching Generosity MattersParenting is a high calling. Everything we say and do influences our children’s lives, shaping their worldview and their relationship with God. Generosity is part of God’s plan for His people, so we must intentionally guide our kids away from selfishness and toward selflessness.But how d

You want to give generously to your church, but your non-believing spouse objects. What do you do?We occasionally get that question, and it’s a situation that must be handled with care. If you or someone you know is in that position, don’t miss today’s program, as Ron Blue is here with some sage advice.Ron Blue is the co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, most notably “Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment.”Biblical Principles for Giving in MarriageThere are two key biblical principles to consider when navigating giving disagreements in marriage:Marriage is more important than money. While generosity is an important biblical value, unity in marriage takes precedence. Submission and honor in marriage matter. Ephesians 5:21 reminds us to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ,” emphasizing mutual respect in financial decisions. Likewise, Matthew 19:6 affirms that a husband and wife “are no longer two, but one flesh. W

Many of us are quick to offer help to others but struggle when it comes to asking for help ourselves. Why is that? As Christians, we are known for our generosity and willingness to assist those in need. However, when it’s our turn to seek help, we often hesitate. Let’s explore why that is—and why asking for help is not only okay but also glorifies God.The Reluctance to Ask for HelpChurches frequently establish benevolence funds to support members going through financial hardships. Most of us gladly contribute to these funds, eager to help those in need. But when the tables turn, and we are the ones facing difficulties, we often resist seeking assistance.One common reason is that we don't want to burden others. Many of us would rather go without—sometimes even at the expense of our families—than impose on someone else. However, the Bible challenges this mindset. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” God's design for us is not self-sufficiency but a supporti

What financial lessons can we learn from a tax collector who climbed a tree? Stay tuned and find out.Of course, you know I’m talking about Zacchaeus in Luke 19. That story is filled with important teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. Dr. Kelly Rush joins us today with some interesting observations about the life of Zacchaeus.Dr. Kelly Rush is a Professor of Finance, Department Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. The Cultural and Financial Context of ZacchaeusIn first-century Israel, political, social, and religious divides were as prevalent as they are today. Labels like Pharisee, Sadducee, and zealot carried heavy connotations, just as terms like Democrat or Republican do in our culture. Among the most despised figures in Jewish society were the tax collectors, or publicans, who collected tribute for the oppressive Roman Empire.A publican acted as a financial middleman, collecting various taxes such as road tolls, harbor dues, and purc

“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” - Luke 6:38Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Plain are a reminder that we should look for ways to be generous with all aspects of our finances, including investments. Brian Mumbert is here today to share some helpful ideas.Brian Mumbert is Vice President and Regional Sales Executive at Timothy Plan, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Dispelling the Myth: Performance vs. ValuesA common misconception in Faith-Based Investing is that investors must compromise financial performance to adhere to their values. Since the inception of Faith-Based Investing in 1994, the industry has made tremendous strides. What started with limited resources and headwinds has now evolved into a robust market with proven fund management, strong fundamentals, and competitive returns. Today, investors can achieve great risk-adjusted returns while stay

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” - Proverbs 22:3That verse is all about how critical it is to look ahead and spot potential problems so you have more time and resources to fix them before they happen. Harlan Accola joins us today to discuss the dangers of keeping mortgage payments into our retirement years.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, which is an underwriter of this program. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement. The Changing Landscape of Retirement and DebtToday’s retirees face a vastly different financial landscape compared to previous generations. In 2024 alone, 4.2 million people will turn 65, and more than 50% of them are still making mortgage payments—the highest percentage in history. This contrasts sharply with previous generations, where fewer than 5% of retirees carried mortgage debt into retirement.Several factors contribute to t

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, as well as 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 with her husband, Jeff, and has written several 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 arguments. Jeff,

Proverbs 13:22 tells us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children…” But while the Bible emphasizes the importance of leaving an inheritance, it doesn’t provide a step-by-step guide. That’s where careful planning and biblical wisdom come into play. Here are some principles to help you make wise decisions about your estate—particularly when it comes to real estate—and avoid unintended conflicts among your heirs.The Common Approach: Equal DivisionOne of the most common phrases in wills is, “My estate will be divided equally among my children.” This approach seems fair and straightforward, especially when the estate consists entirely of financial assets. However, complications arise when property, such as a home or vacation property, is included.When real estate is left to multiple heirs, they face tough decisions:Joint ownership: Should they retain the property together, splitting the responsibilities and costs?Sell and split proceeds: Should they sell the property and divide the cash?Buy out

Larry Burkett once said, “The one principle that surrounds everything else is that of stewardship; that we are the managers of everything that God has given us.” These words remind us that stewardship is not just about money or tithing—it’s about faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to us.As believers, we’re called to be stewards because God created and owns everything. Our role is to manage His resources wisely for His purposes. But how can we know if we’re fulfilling this calling? To guide our journey of faithfulness, let’s explore the seven marks of a good steward.1. Acknowledging God’s OwnershipGood stewards recognize that everything belongs to God, including their resources, skills, and abilities. They understand they’re temporary managers entrusted with God’s gifts for His purposes.Scripture to Reflect On: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” (Deuteronomy 8:18)2. Understanding Their MissionGood stewards grasp the significance of their role i

Sometimes, you have to travel far to learn about things close to home—like your finances.They say that “travel is broadening”—that it expands your horizons and increases your understanding of how things really work. Sharon Epps experienced that recently on the tram in the Netherlands, and today, she’ll share some financial lessons she learned along the way. 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.Faith, Finance, and the TramDuring a recent Christmas visit to The Hague, Sharon enjoyed time with her family and learned valuable lessons riding the Dutch tram system. These lessons beautifully parallel financial wisdom rooted in faith. Let’s explore these five lessons and how they can guide us in making faith-filled financial decisions.1. Plan in AdvanceBefore boarding the tram, you need to purchase a card or use an app

Major changes are likely coming for the U.S. economy. Will you be ready for them?We have a new president who’s pledged to overhaul the economy. How will that affect investors and the markets? Mark Biller joins us today with a plan for managing “anticipated disruption.”Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Learning from the Past: Market Trends in ReviewBefore diving into predictions, it’s essential to recognize the value of reviewing recent market trends. Forecasting is often unreliable, so Sound Mind Investing focuses on building robust portfolios that can withstand a variety of market conditions.Key Observations from 2024:Strong Stock Market Performance: 2024 was a banner year for stocks.Struggles in Bonds: Higher long-term interest rates created challenges for bond investors.Rather than predicting, SMI uses trend-following strategies, aligning portfolios with market behavior to enhance resilience against uncertainties.Wha

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." - Proverbs 21:5That verse is often used to encourage people to avoid “get rich quick” schemes and other risky investments. However, it also conveys a message about budgeting. Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to discuss why budgeting is a form of worship.Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and the author of the brand new book, “Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.”Why Do People Dislike Budgeting?Many people react negatively to the idea of budgeting. A CNBC article titled "People hate budgeting" spotlighted a financial professional who observed that over 60% of her clients felt as though they were "literally going to suffer" at the mere mention of budgeting. The misconception that budgeting is about reducing spending or losing freedom often drives this aversion. In reality, budgeting is a tool for aligning financial resources with pers