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A boomerang is supposed to return when it leaves your hand. But a boomerang kid, well, that’s something else entirely.Do you have a boomerang kid? That’s a term for an adult child that’s returned home, like a boomerang, and now lives with you again. If so, you’re not alone. We’ll talk about what you can do about it.You're not alone if you have a boomerang kid living in your basement. The latest Boomerang Kids Survey by Thrivent, conducted in April, found that 46% of parents have had an adult child move back in with them at some point. This trend brings unique financial challenges for both parents and children.Impact of Student Loan DebtThe survey revealed that student loan debt is a significant factor preventing boomerang kids from achieving financial milestones:Buying a home: 39%Saving for retirement: 34%Building emergency savings: 36%Additionally, 28% of young adults report living paycheck to paycheck due to student loans, with only 22% saying their first job helps them pay down that debt.Financial Strain o

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” - Proverbs 13:11Patience is definitely a virtue, especially when it comes to investing. But too often, we allow our emotions to rule over us. Dr. Art Rainer joins us today to discuss four ways emotions ruin smart investing.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 “Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.”The Impact of Emotions on InvestingWe often hear comments like, “The market has been on fire! I’m putting more money in!” or, “The market is tanking! I’m taking all of my money out!” These reactionary decisions in response to market fluctuations are rarely smart. When it comes to investing, emotions are your enemy. Allowing them to guide your decisions will likely lead to buying high and selling low, undermining the growth of a solid reti

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? - 2 Corinthians 6:14That warning from the Apostle Paul is usually interpreted to mean that you shouldn’t marry outside the faith. But does it apply to other relationships just as much? Ron Blue joins us today with his practical and spiritual insights about partnerships.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.”Understanding Partnerships Beyond MarriageIn 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wasn’t just talking about marriage in his teachings; he was referring to all kinds of partnerships. Partnerships are prevalent in various professions, often seen in businesses with multiple partners and owners. These partnerships can last a long time. Business partnerships, much like other types, require careful consideration and managemen

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” - Psalm 139:14God made each of us in His image, yet unique in our own way. We have different abilities to serve the Kingdom and different needs. For example, our healthcare needs differ. We’ll talk with Lauren Gajdek today about a great way to help you pay your individual healthcare costs.Lauren Gajdek is the Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Christian Healthcare Ministries for Every ChristianChristian Health Care Ministries, or CHM, is for every Christian, regardless of where you live in the country or your denominational background. It's the body of Christ coming together to share each other's health care costs. Their common bond is the love we all have for God and the salvation we have through Jesus Christ.Healthcare needs differ and change over time. Whether you're a single person, a married couple, a younger or o

The late Tim Keller once said, “Just because you can’t see or imagine a good reason why God would allow something bad to happen…doesn’t mean there can’t be one.”When something bad happens to your finances, it’s tempting to wonder if God really knows what he’s doing. Well, He does! Today, we’ll find God’s comfort in the midst of financial trials.1 Peter 5:7 reminds us of God’s love for us in the midst of life’s troubles: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” It’s a reassuring verse, but you must know the context to understand God’s comfort fully.The Context of Peter's MessageThe Apostle Peter wrote his letters to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor. Many of them were being persecuted, discriminated against, and even murdered because of their faith in Jesus. In these hardships, Peter told his readers to: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6Life can be challengin

Home mortgage rates haven’t gone through the roof in recent weeks…that’s the good news.The bad news is that they’re already pretty high. Coupled with high home values, it’s an uphill climb for first-time home buyers. Will it get easier anytime soon? Dale Vermillion joins us today to talk about it.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.Current Mortgage Rate OutlookThe rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage have been hovering around 7%, and we can expect them to stay between 6.5% and 7.25% for the remainder of this year. Analysts predict that rates may not drop to the 5% range until at least 2025 or 2026, barring any dramatic market changes.The biggest challenge for first-time home buyers is affordability, not inventory. Despite an increase in available homes (620,000 nationwide compared to 451,000 last year), the average sales price is around $420

The Human Genome Project discovered amazing things about man’s makeup. What it didn’t find…was a saving gene.In my book, that means saving doesn’t come naturally—it’s a habit we have to learn…and God’s Word tells us why it’s so important.The Reality of Financial InsecurityYou might be surprised to learn that surveys show less than half of Americans can handle an unexpected expense of $1,000. Many have little or nothing in their emergency fund, and when financial setbacks occur, they often have to borrow, usually using credit cards. This situation highlights the importance of saving, a practice the Bible encourages as wise.Proverbs 10:4-5 states, “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a prudent son.”While it’s prudent to save, we must remember not to put too much trust in our bank accounts. Our ultimate trust should always be in God, our Provider, who has promised to meet our needs and remains faithful.Trusting in God's ProvisionLuke 12:24 reads, “Con

We are so materially blessed that we take many things for granted. Can you imagine not having a simple pair of shoes to go about your day?It’s tragic. Millions of children around the world, many of them orphans, suffer the huge disadvantage of not having shoes. Shawn Spurrier joins us today to talk about a way you can help.Shawn Spurrier is the Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls at Buckner International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Importance of New ShoesProviding new shoes and socks is fundamentally important for these children. New shoes mean:Health: Protecting against disease and infection.Education: Lowering barriers to school attendance.Hope: Demonstrating worth and God’s love.Opportunity: Connecting families to holistic ministry.With the support of generous folks, vulnerable children are protected from disease, receive an education, gain confidence, and see new possibilities in life. Most importantly, they receive the priceless message of the Gospel.How Shoe Drives WorkOne of the

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22We’re all familiar with that verse, but do we fully understand its meaning? Is it only about money? I’ll talk about that with Harlan Accola today.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement. The Misconception of Leaving a Financial InheritanceAs Christians, we often forget that the most important legacy we can pass on is our faith and wisdom, especially financial wisdom, to help our children avoid mistakes we’ve made. Much like other private topics, money management is rarely discussed but is critically important.Many people believe they must leave a financial inheritance, particularly their home, to their children, stemming from historical practices of passing down farms or businesses. This belief often l

If you have school-age children, you know that we’ve entered one of the year's busiest shopping seasons.It’s true—families are gearing up to send kids back to school, which means a lot of spending. So, how can you make the most of yours without going into debt?As summer winds down, retailers gear up for their own version of Christmas: back-to-school shopping season. A recent survey by NerdWallet reveals that parents of K-12 and college students plan to spend an average of $540 on school supplies and clothing this year. Unfortunately, this can lead to financial strain, with one in ten shoppers going into debt and another 20% using "buy now, pay later" programs.Avoid Debt with Smart ShoppingTo avoid falling into debt, maximizing your back-to-school budget is essential. One way to do this is by taking advantage of sales tax holidays in your state. These holidays can save you anywhere from 2% to 7%, but they vary widely by state, so knowing the exact dates and eligible items is crucial.Sales tax holidays often oc

The human instinct is to hoard things in times of economic stress. Let’s look at what the Bible has to say about that.Hoarding is the over-the-top collection of stuff you can’t rationally use in a reasonable time. Today, we’ll talk about the root causes of this temptation and how to avoid it.Triggers of HoardingPeople hoard at different levels, sometimes even to the point of mental illness, though that's not our focus here. Instead, we’ll discuss the kind of hoarding that many of us are tempted to do, often in response to circumstances.Various factors can trigger hoarding:Fear of Not Having Enough: Remember the panic buying of toilet paper and hand sanitizer during the pandemic? Fear of scarcity can lead to hoarding.Envy: Seeing others with something desirable can tempt us to stock up on the latest hot product just because everyone else is.Selfish Desire for More: Sometimes, people use “frugality” as an excuse to buy excessive amounts of something on sale.Addressing the Heart AttitudesIf your hoarding is driv

Margin is one of those important things in life that we often take for granted … and that can lead to trouble.Margin basically means “something extra.” A little extra time or even distance from the car in front of you. It’s critical, especially with your finances. I’ll talk about financial margin today.Applying Margin to Personal FinancesWhen you think of "margin," you might associate it with the business term "profit margin." This concept is crucial in business, as it determines a company's profit after all expenses. Every step of bringing a product to market involves multiple entities—manufacturers, salespeople, transporters, and retailers—all needing to make a profit. The margin each entity needs can vary widely depending on the product, competition, market size, and sales volume.For example, in business, margin in personal finances means having something left over after meeting all your obligations. This isn't just about money but also about time and energy. After fulfilling job duties, family commitments

Is Jesus Lord of all your affairs, or is there still one part of your life where you insist on being “in charge?”That one area, all too often, is money. We all have to make a decision. Will we live in God’s economy or man’s? Sharon Epps is here today to help us understand the difference.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.Being "In the World" but Not "Of the World"Oswald Chambers once said, "Our Lord did not teach detachment from other things: He taught attachment to Himself." Jesus was not a recluse; He was deeply involved in everyday life but lived according to Kingdom values, not the world’s. Larry Burkett also noted that few Christians understand the devastation caused by the misuse of money. Those who embrace God’s financial plan stand out, while many struggle within the world’s economic system.Man’s econo

It’s human nature to be concerned about having enough, but would you know it when you get there?It’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough…how much is enough? We have a great story in the Bible that gives us a clue, and Dr. Kelly Rush joins us today to talk about it.Dr. Kelly Rush is a Professor of Finance, Department Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. Understanding Lifestyle CreepIf you’re unfamiliar with the concept of "lifestyle creep," it’s where individuals tend to spend more on lifestyle comforts and luxuries as they earn more money. For example, a college student on a Taco Bell budget may progress to eating at Panera and eventually to dining at more expensive restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory as their income increases.Lifestyle creep isn't limited to dining choices. It affects various aspects of life, including vacations, clothing, entertainment, and cars. For instance, a high school student might start with an old Ford Taurus, but th

Stock markets have seen record highs in the past couple of months. Is it a good time to take profits?Well, it certainly can be a good time to take profits if you’ve seen your investments go through the roof recently. And today, I want to tell you about a way to realize those gains for God’s Kingdom.Why Donate Appreciated Stocks?With recent historic highs in the markets, now is an excellent time to consider donating appreciated stocks to your church or other ministries. Donating stock instead of cash can significantly benefit both the donor and recipient, primarily due to its tax advantages.The Benefits of Donating StocksDonating appreciated stocks to a ministry typically gets a higher tax deduction and avoids capital gains taxes. This means you can give more than you might if you donate cash. Here’s why:Tax Deductible: The total value of the stock is deductible.Avoid Capital Gains Taxes: There is no need to pay taxes on the appreciated value.If the stock value has appreciated, donating it directly to a church

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22That verse seems pretty straightforward … but it leaves several questions unanswered. What should we leave to our kids…how much…, and when? Ron Blue joins us today with the answers.Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, including Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives.When To Leave Money to Your Kids and When Not ToMany people wonder if Proverbs 13:22 means they must leave money to their children and grandchildren. This verse should be seen as a principle rather than a command. In biblical times, wealth stayed within the family because no charitable organizations existed. Today, leaving a financial inheritance is a personal decision, not a mandate.If you believe God owns everything, the final decision you make as a steward is who receives His resources. If you think your

The Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet once wrote, “Wisdom without an inheritance is better than an inheritance without wisdom.”As Baby Boomers age, it’s estimated they’ll leave a tidal wave of wealth to their heirs, perhaps as much as $68 trillion by 2030. But is the next generation ready for that wealth?The Biblical Perspective on Inheritance Anne Bradstreet’s wisdom likely stemmed from Ecclesiastes 7:11-12, highlighting wisdom's value alongside an inheritance. This biblical perspective underscores the importance of preparing heirs with wealth and the wisdom to manage it.Current State of Wealth Transfer PreparednessResearch indicates that while Boomers are poised to make the greatest wealth transfer in history, they may need to prepare their heirs adequately. A study by Edward Jones revealed that while 48% of Americans plan to leave an inheritance, only 27% have discussed wealth transfer with their heirs, leaving many millennials and Gen Zers unprepared.The Impact of Longer Lifespans on Inheritance Longer lifespa

“Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” - Ephesians 5:17That verse is a good reminder that to follow God's will, we must first know it for all areas of our lives—including finances. Brian Holtz joins us today with a question: Does your budget reflect God’s priorities or yours?Brian Holtz is the Chief Operating Officer at Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.Ownership vs. Stewardship One of the fundamental concepts of Christian finances is the distinction between ownership and stewardship. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains.” In 1 Corinthians 1 and 2, we learn that we are stewards or managers of God's resources, and as such, we must be faithful to His goals and priorities rather than our own.God’s Priorities for Money Scripture reveals five critical priorities for managing our finances in a way that honors God:Generosity—There are over 300 verses about giving and

Everyone knows what inflation means, right? You’d be surprised by how fuzzy some people think about inflation.Is inflation a rise in prices, or simply high prices? Or does it mean something else entirely? The results of a recent poll may surprise you, but we’ve got Mark Biller with us today to explain it.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What is Inflation? A Common MisunderstandingA recent survey revealed a significant misunderstanding among the general public about what inflation actually means. While 86% of respondents expressed concern about inflation, their definitions varied widely. Some believed it meant a rise in prices, others thought it referred to high prices, and there was confusion about the time periods involved—fewer than half correctly defined inflation as a rise in the cost of goods and services.Economists vs. Everyday ExperienceThere needs to be more connection between how economists talk about inflatio

Well, it’s hard to believe, but soon, the kids will be heading back to school. Are you ready to start the new school year on the right foot? Could you use a few tips? Well, you’re in for a treat. Crystal Paine joins us today with some great advice to make your back-to-school experience easier.Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most.Budgeting for Back-to-School EssentialsAs the new school year approaches, parents are reminded of the inevitable expenses, from clothes to school supplies and electronics. It’s crucial to start with the essentials. Determine what is necessary and set a budget. For families with older children, involve them in the process by giving them a budget for their back-to-school needs. This teaches financial responsibility and helps them prioritize their wants and needs.Also, it’s worth looking into whether your school offers package deals on back-to-school products. These