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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

So you’d like to give more, but you don’t know how? Good news! If money’s scarce, it doesn’t mean your giving has to be.Hebrews 13:16 reads:“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”It doesn’_t say, “unless you’re broke.” Today, we’ll give you some ways you can give _without money:1. Give Your Time to Your ChurchOne of the easiest ways to be generous is by offering your time. Your local church has plenty of service opportunities:Join a missions committee or teach a Sunday School class.Serve in the children’s ministry if teaching isn't your strength.Help with outdoor work like weeding flower beds or raking leaves.If you’re unsure where to start, ask a church leader what help is needed. You’ll likely receive plenty of suggestions!2. Visit and Care for OthersAnother impactful way to serve is by visiting members of your church or community, especially those in the hospital or who are elderly shut-ins. Spending an hour with someone can brighten their day. You c

There are plenty of Christian retirement plans out there…but is retirement itself actually biblical?The answer depends on your definition of retirement. For Christians, that should be quite different from the world’s view of retirement.Work: A Biblical CallingThe world often sees work as something to escape—a negative experience endured under the pressure of a demanding boss. However, the Bible presents a very different view. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul tells us: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men."God is our true boss, and we are called to serve Him through our work.Work existed before the Fall. Genesis 2:15 shows us that God put Adam to work in the Garden of Eden. Nowhere does the Bible suggest that we should stop serving God once we have saved enough money to retire into a life of leisure.Moreover, God Himself is a worker. In John 5:17, Jesus says:“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”This means that our service to the Lord should never truly

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14At one time, finding someone who shared your Christian values and could give you expert financial guidance was quite a challenge. But today, a nationwide network of Christian financial professionals fills that void. Sharon Epps joins us today to explain “What is a CKA®?”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 Origin of Certified Kingdom AdvisorsIf you’re new to the concept of a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA), you might wonder what sets these financial professionals apart. CKAs are not only trained in financial services but also rooted in a biblical worldview, helping individuals and families make faith-based financial decisions. There are over 1,500 CKAs across the U.S. and Canada, and that number c

The definition of synergy is two things put together, having an effect greater than the sum of the parts. Synergy can play a beneficial role in family finances. A case in point is an ABLE account working together with a special needs trust for a person with disabilities. Matt Syverson joins us today to talk about it.Matt Syverson is Managing Partner & Senior Wealth Advisor for Sound Stewardship in Overland Park, Kansas. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®). What is an ABLE Account?An ABLE account, short for “Achieving a Better Life Experience,” is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. It allows them to save money and work without losing access to crucial government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, which have strict asset limits of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. The key features of an ABLE account include:Eligibility: Available to those who are blind or disable

You should have 3 to 6 months’ living expenses in your emergency fund…but what if you can’t get to that money?Does your emergency fund need an emergency fund? That would be money you actually have on hand, not in a bank. And if so, how much?Today, many of us rely heavily on debit and credit cards for everyday transactions. They’re convenient, especially with the added perks of reward points or cashback programs. But as easy as it is to swipe a card, it’s still wise to keep a small cash reserve on hand. Why? Let’s take a look.The Importance of Cash in a Digital WorldWith ATMs and mobile banking apps available 24/7, you might wonder why keeping cash around is necessary. While it’s true that ATMs are convenient, there are rare but possible situations where cash access might be temporarily unavailable. This could be due to:Network-wide banking outagesA hacking incident affecting your bankIdentity theft or a compromised accountThese disruptions could leave you without access to your funds, even if it’s just for a

There’s a saying…“When the wolf comes in the door, love creeps out the window.”Money problems are always listed among the top reasons couples divorce. This is all the more tragic because money problems are fixable. Rachel McDonough joins us today with a three-step approach to better money and marriage.Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor..Finding UnityManaging money in marriage can be a significant source of frustration for couples. With different financial habits, priorities, and values, it’s easy for disagreements to arise. However, finding unity in your finances can bring peace and strengthen your relationship. Rachel McDonough has advised many couples on navigating their finances, and she shares a powerful three-step approach to help couples align their values, priorities, and financial goals:1. Understand Each Other’s Personal ValuesThe foundation of financial unity in marriage is understanding each spo

Many believers would agree that churches should follow the same financial principles that God’s Word provides for individuals. But even within that agreement, there’s still plenty of room for debate. For example, should churches borrow for building and expansion projects?Borrowing for church projects can be a sensitive topic, raising important questions about finances and faith. While the Bible does not declare borrowing a sin, it does offer several warnings about its potential pitfalls. Let's explore the biblical principles and guidance for churches considering debt.Biblical Warnings About DebtProverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.” This warning reminds churches that while borrowing isn’t inherently sinful, it can create a burden and dependency on lenders. The late Larry Burkett emphasized that debt can be destructive if taken to excess, and it’s more about an attitude than an absolute rule.Principles for Church BorrowingFinancial expert Ron Blue offers s

Can you name two things that don’t seem to go together—but actually do? How about freedom…and budgeting?We hear from folks all the time who feel that living on a budget cramps their style, hems them in, and makes them feel trapped. Brandon Sieben is with us today to make the case that just the opposite is true.Brandon Sieben is the Chairman of the Board at Compass Financial Ministry. How Simplified Finances Lead to Peace of MindAlthough budgeting might seem restricting, it can lead to financial freedom and peace of mind. Here are the fundamental principles to consider if you’re struggling with putting together a budget: 1. Keep It SimpleThe first principle of freedom budgeting is simplicity. Often, people avoid budgeting because they think it's too complicated or time-consuming. The goal is to make the process easy, so you'll stick with it, whether utilizing a simple Excel spreadsheet on the fridge to track your expenses or using a tool like the FaithFi app for simplicity and visibility.2. Be HonestThe second

Today’s parents have better ways to save for their kids’ college than existed a generation ago. So, are you making the most of your college savings program?It’s been less than 30 years since Congress authorized the tax-advantaged 529 plans. More options soon followed. Mark Biller joins us today with the pros and cons of several college-savings programs.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Rising Cost of CollegeOver the past few decades, the cost of higher education has increased at a rate much higher than general inflation. Today, more than half of college graduates leave school with student loans, and the average debt load has nearly doubled in the last 15 years. For parents, saving for college can be daunting, but starting early is essential. For instance, if you have 14 years to save for a child’s education, you'll need to set aside about $520 per month to cover 70% of the four-year cost at a public institution. Wai

They say life insurance is like a parachute. If you don’t have it the first time, odds are you won’t need it again.While that’s a funny line, all kidding aside, life insurance is the only way most people can provide for their families if they should die. But what happens when it ends?Term life insurance is often recommended due to its simplicity and affordability. Unlike whole life insurance, it doesn’t combine investing with a death benefit, allowing you to invest separately for better financial returns. But when your term life insurance expires, what should you do? Let’s explore the four options available to you.1. Let the Policy LapseWhen your term life insurance expires, you can choose to let the policy lapse. This option may make sense if you no longer need life insurance. For instance, if your kids are grown, out of the house, and supporting themselves, and your spouse’s income (plus Social Security survivor benefits) can cover their needs, you might find that life insurance is an unnecessary expense. I

Student loan forgiveness is much in the news these days. It’s on. It’s off. It’s on again, maybe. What’s the lesson here? The lesson is this: Avoiding student loan debt is much easier than getting out of it. It just takes discipline. We’ll talk about that with Dr. Art Rainer today. Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is a regular contributor here at Faith & Finance and the author of “The Money Challenge for Teens: Prepare for College, Run from Debt, and Live Generously.” A Biblical Foundation for College FinancesWhen it comes to preparing for college, it’s important to keep Proverbs 22:7 in mind: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” This verse serves as a crucial reminder that borrowing money, especially for education, can lead to long-term financial burdens. It’s easy to accumulate tens of thousands of dollars in student debt that could take decades to repay.Four Strategies to Minimize Coll

“​​Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” - Matthew 6:26God has promised to provide, and He is ever faithful. Knowing that is one thing; believing and living by it is another. Taylor Standridge and Chad Clark join us today to launch a brand new tool to help you overcome financial fear and anxiety. Taylor Standridge and Chad Clark (along with Carolyn Calupca) are the authors of the new FaithFi devotional “Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety.” Chad Clark is also the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance, and Taylor Standridge is the Production Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance. Why This Devotional is So ImportantAt FaithFi, we're excited to introduce a brand new resource, Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety. This devotional, authored by Taylor Standridge and Chad Clark, with contributions from Carolyn Ca

All your relationships—with your spouse, family, and friends—are important but temporary. Your only eternal relationship is with God.The bonds of family and friends help us thrive in this world, but they pale in comparison to the significance of our relationship with the Lord. Today, I’ll share some practical ways you can draw closer to God.Connecting Faith and Finances: Why Your Relationship with God Affects Your MoneyYou might wonder, "What does my relationship with God have to do with finances?" After all, this is a blog about money, right? Yes, but it’s also about faith. For Christians, faith and finances are deeply intertwined, and the Bible provides three key principles that connect the dots between the two.Principle 1: God Owns EverythingThe first principle is foundational: God created everything, and therefore, He owns everything. Colossians 1:16 makes this clear: “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—a

You’ve probably heard it said that “anything worth doing is worth doing well.”Today, we’ll find out why working hard at something can pay big dividends—spiritually and financially.The Secret to Success: Discipline in Every Area of LifeWhat does it take to succeed? If you ask any successful person, they’ll likely tell you that success doesn’t happen by accident—it requires hard work, preparation, and the ability to learn from failure. As former U.S. Secretary of State General Colin Powell once said, “There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”Success demands more than wishful thinking, whether in finances, job, school, or relationships. It requires action and, most importantly, discipline.The Importance of DisciplineAthletes understand this concept well: the more reps you do in the gym or the more miles you run, the better you perform on competition day. The principle of “no pain, no gain” is universally recognized. Similarly, students who study consis

You’ve saved up your downpayment and found the perfect house to buy. But have you considered closing costs?They’re really the first big expense you’ll have with home ownership. Which can you negotiate, and which are set in stone?The Hidden Costs of Homebuying: What You Need to Know About Closing CostsBuying a home is an exciting milestone, but amidst the thrill of owning your first house, it’s easy to overlook the long list of closing costs that come with it. Many people think that because these costs are often rolled into the mortgage, they don’t need to worry about them. However, understanding and negotiating these costs can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.For a typical mortgage, closing costs usually range between 3% to 6% of the mortgage amount. Let’s break it down with an example. Suppose you borrow $250,000 at 6.5% interest on a 30-year loan. Your monthly payment would be around $1,580. If your closing costs are on the higher end—say $15,000—and you roll them into your mortgage, y