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One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much will I need to retire?” The answer is, “It depends.” It depends on your lifestyle, needs, and one key factor: how much you’re willing and able to cut from your budget. Let’s explore how thoughtful adjustments can help you bridge the retirement income gap and make this season of life meaningful and fulfilling.Understanding Retirement IncomeMost retirees experience a drop in income. While many work-related expenses disappear—like commuting, clothing, and dining out—studies show the average retirement budget is about 60% of pre-retirement income.Experts generally recommend aiming for 75-80% of your working income to cover expenses. For example, if you’re earning $75,000 annually, you’ll need approximately $56,000 in retirement. However, if Social Security and investments only generate 60% of your income, you’ll face a shortfall of $11,250 annually—or $940 per month.To bridge that gap, you can:Work longer to save more.Work part-time in retirement.Cut expen

If you’re wondering what the economy will do in 2025, you don’t want to miss this program.Few major league hitters can bat .300 in a given season. Imagine hitting .700! That’s what Bob Doll does every year: forecasting economic trends. He joins us today with his ten predictions for 2025.Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets like Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC. Key Economic Predictions: Fewer Tailwinds, More Tail RisksThe theme of Doll’s predictions signals a shift:Fewer Tailwinds: Slower earnings growth and high valuation levels create less upward momentum.More Tail Risks: A new political administration introduces uncertainty around regulation, tax policies, and trade.Doll shares insights on everything from inflation to sector performance. Let’s dive into his top predictions for the year ahead.1. Slower Economic Growth and Rising UnemploymentDoll predicts economic growth will slow as unemployment rises past 4.5%

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” - Proverbs 30:8Every generation has struggled to learn contentment, and ours is certainly no different. But God’s Word provides great instruction on this tough topic. Brian Holtz helps us work through it today.Brian Holtz is the CEO of Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.What Is Contentment?In Philippians 4:12, the apostle Paul shares, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”As Paul describes it, contentment is being satisfied with having enough—neither desiring more nor less. It’s a state of recognizing God’s provision as sufficient for every situation.On the surface, contentment sounds simple: accept and be grateful for what you have. But as with most heart issues, it’s far more complex.A

Losing a loved one is a time of profound grief and confusion, and the practical tasks that follow can feel overwhelming. Settling a loved one’s estate requires careful attention and preparation. Let’s walk through six financial steps to take during this challenging time, all underpinned by prayer and reliance on God’s guidance.Begin with PrayerBefore addressing financial matters, take time to pray. Invite God into your decisions and ask for wisdom. James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”Prayer offers clarity and comfort, helping you approach the estate settlement process with confidence and peace, knowing the Holy Spirit is interceding on your behalf (Romans 8:26).Step 1: Obtain the Death CertificateThe death certificate is a critical legal document you’ll need to settle your loved one’s affairs. It’s usually prepared by the medical examiner and provided through the funeral home.You’ll need multiple copies for

When the topic of generosity comes up in church, reactions can be mixed. Some tune out, assuming the message is about funding a project or filling a financial gap. But generosity is about much more than meeting needs—it’s about the heart behind the act. Let’s explore not only why we should give but also why we shouldn’t and how to cultivate a heart for biblical generosity.Why We Shouldn’t Give1. Guilt Shouldn’t Be Your MotivationMany Christians have been influenced by guilt-driven messages, from legalism to the prosperity gospel. These teachings suggest that not giving enough equates to stealing from God or forfeiting His blessings. However, the Bible paints a different picture.In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Faithful giving stems from joy, not guilt or obligation.It’s also crucial to distinguish between guilt and conviction. Guilt comes from the enemy and leads us

Do you dream of being financially free but are unsure where to start? Stay with us—we’re here to help.Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. Today, we’ll share the steps to achieve financial freedom, but the decision to take action is yours. Like most worthwhile goals, it starts with the desire and determination to make it happen.Start with a Mindset ShiftFinancial freedom begins with a change in perspective. Many people approach budgets like a diet—focused on restriction and deprivation. Just as restrictive diets often lead to overeating, feeling financially deprived can lead to overspending.Why does this happen? The Bible identifies underlying issues like greed, envy, covetousness, or a lack of faith in God’s provision. To overcome these, you need to cultivate gratitude.As 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” - Proverbs 12:15It’s good to learn from your mistakes, but it’s even better to learn from someone else’s. Rachel Wong joins us today with three big financial mistakes that young adults often make…so you can avoid them.Rachel Wong is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and the creator of Open Hands Finance: a biblically-based content curriculum that teaches money skills to emerging adults.Money Missteps: 3 Easy Mistakes To Avoid As A Young AdultMoney management is a crucial skill, especially for young adults just starting their financial journey. Here are three key financial mistakes young adults often make and how to avoid them: 1. Waiting to Save for RetirementMany young adults think they’ll start saving for retirement once they “make more money.” This delay can cost them valuable years of compound interest. Starting in your 20s is like taking a leisurely walk—manageable and effective. Waiting even a few years turns the journey in

At this time of year, many people hate going to the mailbox or checking their email. That’s because the Christmas bills are starting to roll in.Yes, the holidays are behind us, but for many people, burgeoning credit card balances are just ahead. If you think you’ll have trouble making those payments, Neile Simon is here with a plan to help you get out of debt.Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), an underwriter of Faith & Finance.The Growing Problem of Credit Card DebtCredit card debt has surpassed $1.16 trillion, marking a 50% increase in just three and a half years. By 2024, the average credit card debt for individuals carrying unpaid balances reached $7,200. Rising costs due to inflation have pushed many to rely on credit cards just to get by.This growing burden isn’t just financial—it also creates fear, anxiety, and helplessness. These feelings do not come from God. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation is the first step toward finding freedom from

“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” - Proverbs 21:20God’s Word couldn’t be any plainer on the need to live below one’s means and to be able to save for the future. To do that, you need a budget. Chad Clark is here to share some interesting facts about budgeting.Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety. More People Budget Than You Think—But There's a CatchA recent NerdWallet survey revealed that 75% of Americans have a monthly budget. Encouraging, right? However, the same survey found that 84% of those individuals regularly exceed their budget.What happens when people overspend? For 44%, it means relying on credit cards, while 56% dip into their savings. Both paths can lead to financial instability, highlighting the importance of creating a budget that works—and sticking to it.Why Do People Avoid Budgeting?We have heard a variety of reasons

What if everything you own isn’t really yours? It’s a biblical truth that changes everything once you grasp it. The belief that God owns it all has profound implications for how we manage our resources—and our lives. Let’s explore what it means to be a faithful steward of everything God has entrusted to us.The Foundation of Biblical Money ManagementThe cornerstone of biblical money management is the belief that God owns everything. Psalm 24:1 states this clearly:“The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.”Paul builds on this truth in 1 Corinthians 4:7, reminding us that all we have is a gift from God:“What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”Acknowledging this truth is one thing; living it out is another. It requires a shift in how we view money and possessions. God isn’t a consultant or silent partner in our financial decisions—He’s the owner. As His stewards, we’re entrusted to manage His

Money and relationships are a tricky combination. When a family member or close friend asks to borrow money, it can put you in a difficult spot. On the one hand, you want to help someone you care about, but on the other, lending money can easily lead to strained relationships or hurt feelings.Proverbs 22:7 reads, “The borrower becomes slave to the lender.” Lending money can hurt a relationship. And that can happen whether you lend the money or not. You’re “between a rock and a hard place,” and it seems like either way, someone may end up resentful.There are really only three things that can happen, and only one of them is good: If you decide not to lend the money, the other person could be upset. If you do lend the money and the other person doesn’t repay it, you’ll probably be upset.It’s only the third possibility that makes everyone happy: You lend the money, and the borrower pays it back. But consider carefully why they asked to borrow in the first place. They may not be able to repay the loan if they’re a

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." - 1 Corinthians 9:24The apostle Paul exhorted the early church at Corinth to run in such a way as to win the prize, but sometimes, with finances, it feels like we’re in a race with no end! Today, Rachel McDonough joins us to talk about setting financial finish lines. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor.What Are Financial Finish Lines?Financial finish lines answer the question: How much is enough? This concept is built around two primary purposes for financial resources:Provision: Ensuring we meet our personal and family needs.Kingdom Impact: Using resources generously to advance God’s Kingdom.While there’s no finish line for Kingdom impact—our generosity can grow indefinitely—establishing clear finish lines in the provision bucket enables us to responsibly allocate more resources for generos

Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. today? You might assume that we have a major anxiety problem just by the number of commercials you see for new medicines to treat these disorders, but is anxiety really a new thing?The Reality Of AnxietyModern medicine recognizes anxiety in many forms: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and various phobias. Data shows nearly a third of all U.S. adults will experience some form of anxiety in their lifetime. The cost of treating anxiety disorders in the U.S. runs into the tens of billions of dollars, with an even higher economic impact due to lost productivity.What causes this widespread anxiety? According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes aren’t fully understood but likely include physical and mental health issues, as well as negative life events such as job loss or financial troubles.If you’re struggling with persistent anxiety, it’s crucial to see a doctor. Medication and counseling can be transformat

Some people learn from the mistakes of others. Unfortunately, some people have to be the others.Well, you certainly don’t want to be one of the “others” who have to learn things the hard way by making mistakes. Today, we’ll talk to Ron Blue about some of the biggest financial mistakes you want to avoid.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.”Setting Financial GoalsWithout clear financial goals, you're essentially aiming at nothing. Goals help you prioritize and manage your spending effectively. Setting goals provides direction and ensures that your spending aligns with your priorities.Avoiding a Consumptive LifestyleA consumptive lifestyle involves spending significantly more than necessary, often on things that don’t build financial equity. We all face the temptation of greed—a new car or a dress. Overspending on consumable items leads to a lack of financial gr

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17God created man for His glory. That means everything we do should glorify God, including how we manage money. Chad Clark joins us today to talk about how FaithFi is helping God’s people be more faithful stewards—all for His glory.Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety. Why FaithFi’s Mission Is CrucialMoney is more than a financial issue—it’s a heart issue. Chad explained how money and possessions, as seen throughout Scripture, often lead to pride, greed, and idolatry, drawing hearts away from God. This is just as true today as it was in biblical times.Shockingly, a recent study revealed that 94% of Christians do not hold a biblical worldview, highlighting the urgent need for ministries like FaithFi. Our work centers on equipping and encouraging

The world is becoming more complex every day. Technology solves problems and creates new ones. How do you keep up?Among so many other things today, maybe you’ve noticed that managing your finances is increasingly complicated and involves more than balancing a checkbook. Sharon Epps joins us today with some much-needed advice—the 5 Ds of a Financial Reset.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.1. Define Your Financial VisionThe first step in a financial reset is to Define your standard of living. This goes beyond just wanting financial health; it’s about understanding your deeper motivations. What is your “why”? The Bible reminds us in John 10:10 that Jesus came so that we might have life and have it abundantly. This abundant life isn’t about wealth but about living a life full of peace and purpose. Define what tha

You have to be at least 62 to collect Social Security…maybe because it takes that long to understand the program.Do you have questions about Social Security? Of course, you do. Who doesn’t? Well, you don’t want to miss today’s program. Eddie Holland is back to answer more of your questions about Social Security.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®).Can You Claim Benefits Early and Switch Later? You can claim Social Security benefits at 62 and switch to spousal benefits later if the spousal benefit is higher than your own. However, if your benefit is higher, you must take that instead. Conversely, you must wait to claim spousal benefits first and then switch to your benefit at full retirement age; you must take the higher of the two benefits available.Survivor Benefits Exception Survivor benefits are an exception where you can take one benefit and let

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale cherished for its powerful story of transformation. Yet beneath its heartwarming narrative lies a deeper commentary on economics, generosity, and faith—one that challenges the worldview of scarcity and embraces God’s abundance.Today, Jerry Bowyer will dive into the philosophical and theological themes within the story and help us discover what we can learn from Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.”The "Surplus Population" MindsetOne of the most striking moments in A Christmas Carol is Scrooge’s cold remark about the “surplus population.” This phrase reflects an ideology rooted in the teachings of Reverend Thomas Malthus, an 18th-century economist who believed that population growth would outpace resources, leading to widespread poverty. Malthus advocated

“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” - Luke 2:10As Christians living in a materialistic society…we must remember to celebrate for the right reason…the birth of our Savior. Howard Dayton joins us to talk about that.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former host of this program. He is also the author of several books on Christian Finance and Stewardship.The True Reason for the Season: A Savior Is BornAs Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season—gifts, decorations, and endless to-do lists. But amidst all the festivities, it’s important to intentionally focus on the true reason for the season: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.At the heart of Christmas is the message of Luke 2:11–14:"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."This Scripture serves as a powerful reminder that Christmas is not about the gifts we give or

Beauty matters to painters, musicians, and photographers, but what does it have to do with investing? The creation account suggests that beauty is also at the core of faithful stewardship and investing. Today, we’ll discuss “Investing in Beautiful” with Jason Myhre of the Eventide Center for Faith & Investing.Jason Myhre is the Executive Director of the Eventide Center for Faith & Investing, an educational initiative of Eventide Asset Management, and an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Experience of BeautyWe all encounter beauty in various forms—an orchestral performance, a mountain hike, a beach stroll, or even a bouquet of flowers at home. However, we seldom consider the role of beauty in our work or finances. Beauty is integral to creation and essential in our stewardship of God’s world.In Genesis, God is depicted as a worker, creating the heavens and the earth and declaring His creation "very good." The Hebrew word for "good" encompasses moral perfection, functional excellence, and surpassi