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“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” - Matthew 6:24Serving two masters is not merely an economic or social concern but is profoundly spiritual. It touches on what it means to be a follower of Christ, challenging us to examine what truly governs our lives. Taylor Standridge joins us today to talk about it.Taylor Standridge is the Production Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety.Overcoming Financial Anxiety with FaithMany struggle with financial worries—bills, job security, or retirement savings—leading to sleepless nights and constant stress and anxiety. Look at the Sparrows addresses these concerns by guiding readers through biblical teachings that reveal a path to peace. It emphasizes that true security doesn’t come from money but from trusting in God’s provision and grace. This 21

These days, more workers are opting to stay on the job after signing up for Social Security.The percentage of Americans over 65 who are still working has doubled since 1980. Of course, many of them also get security benefits. Eddie Holland is here to explain how working affects the monthly benefit check.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®).The Impact of Earnings on Social Security Before Full Retirement AgeIf you begin drawing Social Security before reaching your full retirement age (FRA) and continue working, your benefits may be subject to an earnings test. Here’s how it works:Under Full Retirement Age: For 2024, the income limit is $22,320. If your earnings exceed this limit, Social Security reduces your benefits by $1 for every $2 earned above the threshold.Year You Reach Full Retirement Age: The earnings limit increases to $59,520, with a reduc

“And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house…“ - Deuteronomy 26:11God is worthy of all the praise we can give Him, but that’s not the only reason to be grateful for His blessings. Sharon Epps is here to tell us what happens when we rejoice in God’s provision.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.The Connection Between Gratitude and GenerosityTrue generosity begins with a sense of gratitude. This gratitude comes from recognizing that we are made in God's image. As His image-bearers, we are inherently wired with traits like generosity. However, generosity is difficult to practice without first appreciating all that God has given us. We must take the time to regularly practice being grateful for life itself, our families, friends, and the resources God has entruste

If you think there’s only one way to pay for healthcare, maybe it’s time to think outside the box of health insurance.Of course, health insurance is a great thing to have, but is it necessarily the best way to pay for healthcare costs? Lauren Gajdek joins us today to discuss medical cost sharing and how it might be a better option.Lauren Gajdek is the Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What Are People Looking for in Healthcare?Many people are searching for options beyond traditional health insurance. CHM members often seek three key elements:Freedom to Choose Providers: Members value the ability to select their healthcare providers, especially those they trust, without being restricted by a network.Faith-Aligned Solutions: They want a healthcare solution that aligns with their Christian beliefs, which can be hard to find in conventional insurance plans.Lower Costs: Cost is a major factor, and many people are looking for more af

If you bought a house in the last couple of years, you’ve probably been wondering, “When can I refinance?”The Federal Reserve has already made one interest rate cut, and more are expected before the end of the year. So when will it make sense to refinance your mortgage?If you’re considering refinancing your mortgage, it’s crucial to weigh various factors before making a decision. Movement Mortgage provides a helpful article, "Refinancing? Calculate Your Break-Even Point First!", which explains when refinancing makes sense and how to determine if it's right for you. While lower interest rates are a common reason to refinance, it’s not the only factor to consider.What Is the Break-Even Point?One effective way to decide if refinancing is a good move is by calculating your "break-even point." This is when the savings from your lower monthly mortgage payments equal the costs of refinancing, which can range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Knowing this number can clarify how long it will take before you start to s

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” - Ephesians 4:29Have you ever wanted to take back words, maybe even right after saying them? We often use the phrase, “That came out wrong.” Kathleen Edelman joins us today to talk about getting communication right the first time.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 more than 30 years coaching clients in the art of communication.Temperament vs. Personality: What’s the Difference?Many of us think of communication in terms of personality, but temperament is actually a concept rooted in ancient studies by Hippocrates. While personality is shaped by factors like life experiences and birth order, temperament is hardwired and unchangeable—like your eye color or fingerprint.Temperament defines

Employment scams skyrocketed last year, increasing by nearly 120%. Would you be able to spot one?The FTC routinely handles thousands of employment scam complaints each year, but that number is rising dramatically as technology makes conning job seekers easier for online thieves.The Bible warns us about living in a hostile and deceptive world. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus reminds us: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”This means we are called to live innocently, doing no harm, but also to practice discernment and wisdom to avoid harm—especially in areas like employment and finances.One piece of advice that’s particularly useful, especially when money is involved, is: “If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.” This simple principle can help protect you from many employment scams that prey on your trust. But with today’s AI advancements, some scams have become more challenging to spot.Artificial intelligence has made it easier fo

Many rules come with exceptions. Perhaps that’s nowhere more true than with financial decisions.In most situations, paying off the mortgage and becoming debt-free is the right decision, but it may not be possible for everyone. Harlan Accola joins us today to discuss “red doors” and exceptions to the rule.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement.The Meaning Behind Red DoorsRed doors have rich historical significance. In biblical times, red signified safety and protection, as seen with the Israelites marking their doors during the Passover. In Scottish tradition, a red door symbolized that a home was mortgage-free—a point of pride. Early Americans painted their doors red to signal a place of rest for weary travelers.While red doors symbolize safety and accomplishment, it’s important to rethink what safety truly means. Is safety just

You’ve heard the saying, “Past performance is no guarantee of future results.” Does that apply to Federal Reserve policy?The Fed is finally cutting interest rates for the first time in four years. What does this mean for investors? You might be surprised. Mark Biller has the details.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Guiding Principle: Don’t Fight the FedIn mid-September, the Federal Reserve surprised many investors by cutting the funds rate by half a percent. While many might view this as a positive signal, it’s essential to understand that rate cuts don’t always lead to stock market gains.A phrase often heard in the investment world is, “Don’t fight the Fed.” This principle has guided investors for decades, suggesting that investors should be cautious when the Federal Reserve raises rates and optimistic when it cuts rates. This belief has only grown stronger in recent years as the Fed has regularly intervened in th

You’ve heard the identity theft protection ads for years, but do you really need it?Today, dozens of companies sell identity theft protection, so people obviously buy it. But what exactly are they getting, and is it really worth it?Understanding Identity Theft Protection: Is It Worth It?Identity theft is a growing problem that affects millions of people every year, with schemes ranging from credit card fraud to insurance and tax fraud. With this in mind, many companies offer identity theft protection plans. But is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the features, their value, and whether or not you should invest in one of these plans.Before diving into the specifics, it's important to remember that fear should never dictate our financial decisions. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds us:“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”When considering whether to purchase an identity theft protection plan, look at the facts, pray for guidance, and make an educated decision.Typical

Giving is supposed to be a source of great joy for God’s people. But sometimes, we act like it’s just another pain in our wallet.Christians are supposed to be generous, but maybe you’re having trouble getting excited about the idea. Today, we’ll point you back to the radical joy of godly generosity.Has Your Giving Become Automatic?Let’s start with an honest confession—has your Sunday donation become a routine, more about the habit than the heart? Or maybe you’ve been cutting back on giving due to financial challenges, and guilt is starting to creep in. Perhaps you and your spouse are facing tension over financial decisions, making discussions about giving stressful and uncomfortable.If your generosity feels stale or joyless, it’s time to hit reset. A renewed perspective on giving can not only restore your joy but also realign your heart with God’s purposes.Christian Generosity Is DifferentUnlike the world’s view of generosity, where recognition, self-esteem, or even a building with our name on it might be the

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” - Isaiah 1:17Widows are often unprepared to face a range of difficulties, including grief, social isolation, and, of course, financial challenges. Valerie Hogan joins us today to discuss some ways we can help.Valerie Hogan is an attorney, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a member of Kingdom Advisors, as well as the co-author of Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More with Miriam Neff. Helping Widows Build Financial ConfidenceMore than 60% of married women outlive their husbands, and over one million new widows are added in the U.S. every year. Caring for widows is not just a societal need but a biblical mandate found in James 1:27, where God calls us to look after widows in their distress.So, how can we help a widow gain financial confidence?1. Respect the Time to GrieveGrief is deeply personal, and everyone experiences it differently. We should respect eac

Many folks with 401ks and IRAs probably don’t think much about proxy voting…but it can be a powerful tool for the Kingdom.As investors, we have an opportunity to make our Christian values known to the companies in our portfolio. We just need to take advantage of it. Brandon Pizzurro joins us today to tell us how.Brandon Pizzurro is the President and Chief Investment Officer of GuideStone Capital Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.What Is Proxy Voting?When you purchase stock in a company, you become an owner, and as an owner, you have a say in how the company operates. This voice is exercised through shareholder meetings, typically held annually. At these meetings, shareholders can vote on corporate policies and other important matters. However, many shareholders are unable to attend these meetings in person. In such cases, they delegate their voting rights to another person or firm, known as a proxy, who votes on their behalf.If you invest in a mutual fund, you technically own shares of that mu

English statesman Francis Bacon once wrote, “Money is a great servant but a bad master.”If we don’t learn to manage money wisely to take control of it, it will soon master us. It’s one way or the other. Today, Bob Lotich tells us how to be the master and not the servant when it comes to money—and he makes it pretty clear, as well.Bob Lotich is a high-performance financial coach and Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) and has been named a top-20 influencer in personal finance. His wife Linda and his award-winning website, SeedTime.com, and SeedTime Money Podcast have reached over 50 million people in the past decade. He is also the author of Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact. The Wake-Up Call: A Breakdown Leads to BreakthroughBob’s story, which began in 2002 when his car broke down while he was on his way to deposit a paycheck, is one that many can relate to. He described how that moment of crisis led to a deep spiritual awakening about finan

One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if…?” Unfortunately, those “What if” questions lead right down the road to fear.2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us:“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”How many times have you worried about your finances, asking those scary “what if” questions like:“What if I lose my job?”“What if I don’t have enough money for retirement?”“What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?”We all have these fears, often driven by uncertainties about the future. The problem with “what if” thinking is that it focuses on events that haven’t happened—and may never happen. We can’t control the future, but we often let fear about it consume us. Yet, God knows this struggle, and Jesus offers a comforting reminder in Matthew 6.Trust in God's ProvisionIn Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus tells his disciples:“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, wh

Ecclesiastes 3:13 says, “every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God.”The Bible calls work a gift. But if you have to work more than one job, it might not feel like it. Today, we’ll offer a few practical and spiritual insights for working multiple jobs.Work: A Gift and a StruggleGod created us for work. Throughout the Bible, we see the importance of work, not just for our own benefit but for God’s glory. From the beginning, Adam and Eve’s work in the garden was meant to be a gift—an opportunity to partner with God in cultivating His creation. However, with the fall of humanity and the entrance of sin, work became a struggle (Genesis 3). Despite this, our desire for meaningful work remains. In today’s world, this struggle is evident in the growing number of people working multiple jobs.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 7.7 million workers held two jobs in 2022, with 400,000 working two full-time jobs simultaneously. The numbers are likely even higher now. So,

When a low-income person asks your church for help, what do you do next?God is extraordinarily generous, and our churches should be, too. However, helping low-income people often requires going beyond meeting their material needs. Dr. Brian Fikkert joins us today to talk about how your church can help the poor in ways that lead to lasting change.Dr. Brian Fikkert is a Professor of Economics and Community Development and the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. He is also the co-author of the best-selling book, “Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence: A Practical Guide to Walking with Low-Income People.” The Struggles Churches Face with Benevolence MinistriesMany churches feel overwhelmed when trying to address their community's needs. They want to help but often feel powerless, worried about enabling destructive habits or frustrated by the lack of visible long-term change. These challenges are common, but with proper gui

Christians are generous people, as God calls us to be. That means we must also be discerning.We should always give with our hearts out of a passion for advancing God’s Kingdom, but we must also use our heads to strategically choose which organizations or causes receive our financial support. Ron Blue joins us today with some advice before you write that check.Ron Blue, co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and author of numerous books on biblical personal finance, offers valuable insights into how we can give effectively to ministries. Drawing from his book Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives, he provides a strategic approach to ensure our giving is impactful and aligned with God's work. Here are seven critical questions to consider before financially supporting a ministry.1. Are the Leaders Marked by Godly Characteristics?When choosing to support a ministry, the first thing to examine is the character of its leaders. Christian leaders—whether they are pastors,

Are you worried about a recession? Some economists say there’s still a 35% chance it could happen in 2024.People often ask, “Will we have a recession?” The answer, of course, is “Yes.” We’ll always have another recession—the real questions are, “When?” and “Are you prepared for it?” If you’re not, now’s the time to get started.With the economy showing signs of slowing down, preparing yourself financially for a potential recession is essential. Here are seven practical steps to “recession-proof” your finances and help you navigate uncertain times:1. Check Your Credit Score and ReportsThe first step is to assess where you stand financially by checking your credit score and obtaining your credit reports. You can access free credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax at AnnualCreditReport.com. This gives you a baseline to track any changes and helps you negotiate with creditors if needed, especially if you face temporary financial hardship.Having a history of on-time payments can work in your favor if

God’s Word says a husband and wife become one flesh…but it doesn’t say anything about prenups.It’s true; you won’t find “prenuptial agreement” in your concordance. So, does that mean a Christian should never have one?God’s Design for Marriage: Oneness and CovenantA prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal contract that couples agree to before marriage, outlining how their assets—money, property, and other possessions—will be divided if they divorce. While this can seem like a practical way to handle complex financial conversations, many wonder if it aligns with God’s design for marriage.In Genesis 2:24, God sets the foundation for marriage: "A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." Paul reinforces this principle in 1 Corinthians 7:4, reminding us that in marriage, even our bodies are not our own but belong to our spouse. This unity is central to God’s plan for a thriving marriage—there should be no "mine" or "yours," only "ours."Marriage is also a covenant rela