Moneywise On Oneplace.com

“If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free. If our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed.” - Edmund BurkeIt’s a familiar thought: If I just had a little more money, life would be better. We’ve all been there—believing that one more raise, one more purchase, one more upgrade will finally bring contentment. But as many have discovered, that thought rarely delivers what it promises.The question “Can money buy happiness?” isn’t new, and neither is the answer. From philosophers to billionaires to biblical writers, the conclusion is the same: wealth can make life comfortable, but it cannot make life complete.Why Money Can’t Deliver What It PromisesWe don’t know how much Edmund Burke studied Scripture, but his words echo a timeless truth. Paul warned Timothy, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10). When we expect money to solve our problems or satisfy our hearts, disappointment always follows.Financial author Ron Blue explores this in his book, Generous Living: Finding Co

The best gift you can give yourself this season might not come wrapped in paper or tied with a bow.The holiday season—from Thanksgiving through Christmas—can be one of the most joyful times of the year, but also one of the most stressful, especially when money’s tight. What if you could celebrate the whole season without the financial regret that debt brings? The good news is—you can. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy the season, bless others, and keep peace in your heart and home.Start With a Spending PlanFrom the turkey to the tinsel, the holidays bring both delight and pressure. We want to give, to gather, and to make memories. But if we’re not careful, the bills that follow can overshadow the joy.Begin by setting a total spending limit. Start with what you can afford, not what you wish you could. That number becomes your guardrail for the season. You’re not being stingy—you’re being wise. Every dollar you keep out of debt stays available for future generosity.Next, divide that total into categories—f

Why do so many Christians want to give more—but feel like they can’t?Most of us want to be generous, but there are often barriers—spiritual, financial, or even emotional—that hold us back. Today, Ron Blue joins us to unpack five key reasons why Christians don’t give more, and how we can begin climbing toward greater generosity.Ron Blue is a financial teacher, author, and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors. He has helped countless Christians apply biblical wisdom to their finances and is best known for his bestselling book, Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Financial Contentment.Five Barriers to Generosity—and How to Overcome ThemGenerosity is one of the greatest marks of spiritual maturity, yet many Christians find themselves wanting to give more but feeling unable to do so. Over the years, most believers face five primary barriers to generosity. These form a kind of “pyramid,” with each level building on the one below it. The journey toward greater giving begins with the heart and ends with intentional

Do you ever feel like budgeting is impossible because your income changes from month to month? If you’re self-employed, work on commission, or depend on tips, you’re not alone. Living on a variable income can feel like riding a financial roller coaster—one month you’re doing fine, and the next, you’re wondering how to make ends meet.But the good news is that God’s Word offers wisdom that applies even in seasons of financial uncertainty. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us:“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”No matter how steady—or unpredictable—your income is, a plan is essential.Build Your Budget on What You Know, Not What You HopeMany people make the mistake of budgeting around their best month. Wise stewardship means basing your plan on your lowest or average month, rather than your highest month.Start by reviewing your income over the past 6 to 12 months. Identify your lowest earning month, and use that as your “bare minimum” budget—what it takes to c

Losing a spouse can shake every part of life—but God promises to walk with you through each next step.When loss turns life upside down, even simple financial decisions can feel overwhelming. But with God’s help—and a few practical steps forward—there is hope and healing ahead. Today, Valerie Hogan joins us to share guidance for navigating the financial journey after losing a spouse.Valerie Hogan is an attorney, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a member of Kingdom Advisors, and the co-author of Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More with Miriam Neff. Grief and Finances Are Deeply ConnectedWhen grief hits, clarity often disappears. You may feel pressure to “get everything settled” or, on the other hand, find it impossible to make even small decisions. Both reactions are normal.Grief colors everything. It’s difficult to separate financial choices from emotional pain. And that’s okay. The key is to give yourself permission not to have all the answers right away.Statisti

If you’ve ever wished your giving could be both simpler and more strategic, there’s a powerful tool worth knowing about: the donor-advised fund, or DAF for short.Generosity isn’t just about how much you give—it’s about the heart behind it. As Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”Wise stewardship allows us to align our giving with God’s purposes, using tools that help us maximize our Kingdom impact. A donor-advised fund—when used rightly—can help you do both: give joyfully and steward resources efficiently.What Is a Donor-Advised Fund?Think of a DAF as a charitable checking account designed to support the causes you care about. You contribute cash, stock, or other assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to ministries or charities on your timetable.In other words, it separates the act of giving from the act of distributing. You might contribute during a high-inc

What if we stopped investing like bystanders and started investing like owners and “neighbors” in the story of our finances?When you invest like an owner, our portfolios can reflect faithful stewardship and create real-world impact. Robin John joins us today to share practical ways to move from passive investing to purposeful ownership.Robin John is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. He’s also the author of the book, The Good Investor: How Your Work Can Confront Injustice, Love Your Neighbor, and Bring Healing to the World.Investing vs. SpeculatingMany people confuse investing with speculating. Speculating—like day trading—is often no different than gambling. It’s focused on short-term gains, trying to predict what the market will do tomorrow. But investing is about ownership. When you buy a stock, you’re buying a piece of a company. You become a co-owner.That means your money is participating in real work—serving customers, employing pe

The most generous people give something money can’t buy—their time, their presence, and their love.Generosity reaches far beyond finances. It shapes hearts, strengthens families, and builds communities of grace. Today, Sharon Epps joins us to talk about the long-term impact of generous living.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.A Simple Question That Changes EverythingIf you’ve ever wondered what true generosity looks like, it’s often simpler—and closer to home—than we think. Generosity isn’t measured by dollar amounts or estate plans; it’s written on the faces and in the actions of people who live with open hearts.In fact, if you ask someone a simple question like this, you will move their hearts more than you know:“Think about the most generous person you know. What do they look like? What’s their countenance

Living simply isn’t about deprivation—it’s about freedom. And that freedom can unleash extraordinary generosity.God calls us to live with eternity in mind—not clinging to possessions but using what we have for His Kingdom. Randy Alcorn joins us today to talk about how we can loosen our grip on earthly things to open our hands to eternal impact.Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) and the New York Times Bestselling author of more than 60 books, including Heaven, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, The Treasure Principle, and Giving Is the Good Life. His books have been translated into over 70 languages and have sold more than 10 million copies.Simplicity That Leads to GenerosityYou’ve likely heard the phrase, “Live simply, that others may simply live.” It’s a short sentence with a world of meaning behind it—and one that feels increasingly relevant today.Everywhere we look, we see need. It’s been that way ever since sin entered the world, but now the sheer scale is stag

We live in a world that never seems to slow down. Deadlines, family demands, and constant notifications all compete for our attention.But what if God designed rest—not just work—as being essential to our flourishing? Today, we’re talking with Tom Nelson about the Sabbath, why it matters, and how it can transform the way we live and trust God.Dr. Tom Nelson is the President of Made to Flourish and has served as the Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, a multi-site congregation across Kansas City, for over 30 years. He is also the author of Why Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World.God’s Design for Both Work and RestFrom the very first pages of Scripture, we see that God’s creation design includes both work and rest. These are not competing ideas but complementary rhythms woven into what it means to bear God’s image. Yet in our culture, it’s easy to emphasize one and neglect the other. We celebrate hard work—and rightly so—but often ignore the

When you buy something, it’s a simple transaction—money goes out, and something tangible comes back in. But giving is different. Scripture tells us that when we give, we also receive—but not always in the way we expect. The return God promises isn’t measured in bank balances or possessions. It’s measured in freedom, joy, and purpose.Many people hear the phrase “give to receive” and imagine a divine transaction: give to God or others, and blessings—perhaps even financial—will return. But biblically, generosity is never a get-rich scheme. It’s an invitation to live the kind of life God designed for us—a life marked by open hands and open hearts.God’s Kingdom Is Not a Vending MachineSome interpret verses like Luke 6:38 (“Give, and it will be given to you”) as a spiritual formula: “If I give, God owes me something.” But this is a distortion of Jesus’ teaching. God isn’t running a cosmic vending machine where our dollars purchase His favor.Instead, He invites us to live differently—to find life not in what we keep

Did you know that over the next two decades, trillions of dollars will pass from one generation to the next?The question is—what kind of legacy will that transfer leave behind? Today, Boyd Bailey joins us to talk about how generosity is about more than dollars—it’s about discipleship, financial literacy, and passing on wisdom along with wealth.Boyd Bailey is the President of the National Christian Foundation (NCF) in Georgia, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of several books, including his latest, The Power of Generosity: Experiencing God's Amazing Abundance – How to Change the World Through Acts of Kindness.What Makes NCF UniqueFounded in 1982 by Larry Burkett, Ron Blue, and Terry Parker, the National Christian Foundation (NCF) has helped mobilize over $21 billion for more than 90,000 charities and ministries worldwide.From the beginning, NCF has understood that when you carry Christian in your name, you also carry a sacred responsibility. Their mission is to walk alongside believer

Did you know your financial advisor can actually help you invest in ways that reflect your faith?Advisors do more than just help you hit financial targets—they can also guide you in making a lasting impact with your investments. Today, Josh Bean joins us to share how to start the conversation about faith-based investing.Josh Bean is the National Sales Manager for Praxis Investment Management, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.25 Years of Change in Faith-Based InvestingAbout 25 years ago, Praxis conducted its first major study on faith-based investing. This year, they decided to revisit that research and see how investor attitudes have evolved.Partnering with Bellomy Market Research, the Praxis team surveyed over 1,000 individual investors and 400 financial advisors to explore the motivations, opportunities, and concerns surrounding faith-aligned portfolios.The exciting part is that the results confirmed what they’ve believed all along: people genuinely want to align their investments with what matters mos

For many people, contentment feels just out of reach—always tied to the next raise, the next purchase, or the next season of life. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper and more lasting: a contentment that doesn’t depend on circumstances but rests in Christ Himself.Psalm 23 begins with a stunning declaration:“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.” — Psalm 23:1 (NLT)David’s words remind us that contentment doesn’t come from acquiring more but from trusting the One who provides. Just as sheep rest securely under the care of their shepherd, we can rest in God’s faithful provision.True contentment isn’t about suppressing desire—it’s about redirecting it. When we find sufficiency in Christ rather than in money, possessions, or achievements, we’re freed from the trap of covetousness and anchored in the truth that in Him, we already have all we truly need.The Ancient Lie of DiscontentmentDiscontentment has plagued humanity from the beginning. In Eden, Adam and Eve had everything they needed, yet the

Money and marriage—two things God designed to bless us, but they can also be two of the greatest sources of stress. What if we turned financial conflict into connection?Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to share six creative ways couples can build stronger relationships by having intentional financial conversations—what he calls “money dates.”Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and founded the Biola Center for Financial Planning. He is also the author of the book Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.Why You Need to Talk About Money—IntentionallyMany couples avoid conversations about money out of fear. A study of 2,000 couples found that half of them were uncomfortable discussing money because they worried it would lead to conflict. The irony is that by avoiding those talks, the conflict only deepens.On average, couples argue about money 58 times a year. But what if, instead of waiting for issues to flare up, you set aside regular time t

Money is never just about dollars and cents. It’s a window into our hearts, a test of our faith, and even a testimony to the world.Few people have taught that truth more faithfully than Ron Blue. Today, he’ll share lessons from his own journey—from Wall Street to biblical stewardship—and explain how our approach to finances transforms us and our relationships with others.Ron Blue is a financial teacher, author, and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors. He has helped countless Christians apply biblical wisdom to their finances and is best known for his bestselling book, Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Financial Contentment.From Wall Street to Biblical WisdomRon began his career on Wall Street, later founding his own accounting firm and advising countless entrepreneurs and professionals. But everything changed when he became a Christian and encountered the teachings of Larry Burkett and Howard Dayton. He came to realize that everything that worked in the financial world had its roots in biblical wisdom.For

Gold has been surging this year—but what’s behind the rise, and what should investors keep in mind before buying in?Precious metals, such as gold and silver, have long fascinated investors, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. But are they wise investments for today? If so, how should we approach them? Mark Biller joins us today to talk about investing in precious metals.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Surge in Gold and SilverGold’s remarkable rise has captured headlines again, now up over $4,000 an ounce—up from about $2,600 at the start of 2025. That’s a 50% gain this year on top of last year’s 26% surge. Silver has jumped even higher, up roughly 60%, while gold mining stocks have more than doubled.What’s behind this stunning rally? Several key forces are at play. Global central banks have been buying gold aggressively, a trend that accelerated after the U.S. froze Russia’s dollar reserves in 2022. Thi

Could a reverse mortgage be a widow’s best friend?Since women typically outlive men, many will one day carry the financial load alone. Today, Harlan Accola joins us to explain how reverse mortgages have changed and why they can offer widows stability, dignity, and confidence for the years ahead.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 Longevity ChallengeMany people still carry outdated assumptions about reverse mortgages. Some believe they’re risky or predatory—especially for widows. However, over the years, these products have undergone significant evolution, incorporating new safeguards that make them a secure and compassionate option for many older adults, particularly surviving spouses.Women tend to outlive their husbands, often by several years. That creates what financial professionals call longevity risk—the challenge of s

Investing isn’t just about returns—it’s about reflecting what we truly value.Our faith is meant to guide every area of life, including how we invest. When our hearts are set on God, our investing reflects His priorities—caring for creation, serving our neighbor, and letting what we treasure shape how we steward His resources. Tim Macready joins us today to talk about a “theology of investing.”Tim Macready is Head of Global Advisory at BrightLight, a division of EverSource Wealth Advisors. A Theology of Investing: Bringing Faith to Financial DecisionsMost people view investing as a financial act—an attempt to grow wealth, manage risk, or secure a comfortable future. Yet Scripture invites us to see investing as something much deeper: a spiritual act rooted in stewardship, love, and worship.A theology of investing reimagines financial activity not as separate from faith but as an expression of it. It calls believers to bring their heart, head, and hands together, transforming investing from a pursuit of profit i

What does Scripture really say about tithing—and does it still apply to Christians today?For some, the tithe feels like a doorway to trusting God’s provision. For others, it’s a source of guilt, confusion, or even division in the church. John Cortines joins us today to help us take a fresh, biblical look at this ancient practice.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.When Giving Becomes a Math ProblemWhat starts as a simple question—“How much should I give?”—can easily become a spiritual trap. When our focus shifts to calculating the exact percentage, we risk turning generosity into a math problem instead of an act of worship. The joy of giving fades when we treat it like a transaction rathe