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Dr. Richard Swenson, author of The Overload Syndrome and Margin, writes that… “We must have some room to breathe. We need freedom to think and permission to heal. Our relationships are being starved to death by velocity.”Too many people are physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially overloaded these days. So, we’ll look at rest from a biblical perspective today.The Concept of MarginIn his writings, Dr. Richard Swenson introduces the concept of "margin"—essentially, it's the space to take a break before you break down. Many of us feel there’s just not enough time, money, or energy left at the end of the day to recuperate, leading us to start the next day at full throttle again. This lifestyle, lacking margin, can have severe physical and financial consequences.Consider sleep, for instance. The Sleep Foundation reports that nearly half of people in the U.S. struggle with sleep, and about one-third of adults sleep less than seven hours each night. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to expensive health is

We all want our plans to succeed, but what does the Lord want?Are you and God on the same page regarding your financial plans? Today, we’ll discuss achieving your financial goals and doing God’s will.As avid planners, we know that having a plan is the best way to meet your financial goals—or any goals, for that matter. But how do you ensure your plans align with God’s will for your life? As Christians, we believe that Jesus’ plans are the best, and the Bible supports this in Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will succeed.”Discovering God's PurposeUnderstanding God’s will is crucial because His purpose will always succeed. But how do you discern what God wants? The Bible guides us in Micah 6:8, “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”Proverbs 3:5-7 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make

Knowing where and how to give to God’s Kingdom can be a challenge for any one person…but all the more so if you’re married.It’s beautiful when couples agree on how to manage their money—how much to spend and save…but finding agreement on giving is just as important. Today, Bob shares what he and his wife, Leslie, learned about it.Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC. The Foundation of GivingFinancial disagreements are common in marriages, and the Bible provides wisdom on handling money in over 120 passages. This connection between our spiritual lives and finances is crucial—God wants us to integrate our faith with our financial decisions (Matthew 6:25, 33).Five Core Premises for GivingIn their home, Bob and Leslie follow five guiding principles:God Owns It All: The question isn’t how much to give but how much to keep.We’re Temporary Residents: We’re on earth briefly and i

Some people learn from the mistakes of others. Unfortunately, some people have to be the others.You certainly don’t want to be one of the “others” who must 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 GoalsRon emphasized the importance of establishing clear financial goals. Without 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. Over

According to some estimates, the average household spends an astonishing 40% of its food budget on eating out. That’s a lot to digest.After housing and transportation, food is probably the next biggest item in the budget. It’s also a place where you can easily make changes that will save you a lot of money.The Cost of ConvenienceEating out is convenient, especially for busy families with two working parents or parents shuttling kids to various activities. However, this convenience comes at a cost—not just financially but also in terms of health. Fast food often leads to weight gain and less control over nutrition. To combat this, consider preparing more meals at home. It starts with planning, particularly menu planning.The Power of Menu PlanningHow often have you looked in your cupboard and wondered, “Why did I buy that?” Before you go shopping, you can avoid this by planning your meals for the week—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. This also allows you to choose healthier options like fruits, vegetables,

The Qualified Charitable Distribution is one of the most underutilized tax benefits, yet almost 25 million Americans can take it.There are many requirements for taking a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), or QCD. You must be 70 ½ and have an IRA. If more folks understood QCDs better, they might take them. David Hogan joins us today with the ABCs of QCDs.David Hogan is the Principal of Clifton Larson Allen CPA’s in Atlanta, GA. What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?Simply put, a QCD directly transfers funds from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to a qualified charity. This move doesn’t offer a deduction, but you don’t have to report the distribution as income, creating a unique tax advantage for those who qualify.How to Take a QCDTaking a QCD can be straightforward. If your IRA offers check-writing capabilities, you can write a check directly to your chosen charity. If not, you can set up a direct transfer online or over the phone. Your favorite charity can often assist you in setting

Many think Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived…and much of his God-given wisdom is about managing money.John Putnam joins us today to talk about the 3 Money Moves of Solomon—so you can be just as wise.John Putnam is a Strategic Stewardship Coach, a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and the founder of Money Made Faithful, a financial discipleship marketplace ministry.The Wisdom of King SolomonScripture makes it clear just how wise Solomon was. In 1 Kings, we learn that God granted Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, surpassing all others in wisdom. So, what financial principles did Solomon advocate?1. Be DisciplinedThe first principle is to be disciplined. Proverbs 13:11 states, "Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it." Discipline in this context means making small, wise financial choices consistently over time, which leads to long-term success. This approach helps build a strong foundation for financial stewardship.2. Be DeniedThe second pr

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and anxious about your finances? You're not alone.For many, money is the number one source of stress. But what if you could transform your relationship with money from one of fear and dread to one of trust and joy? Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to discuss how we can do that.Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and the author of the brand new book, “Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.”Addressing the Fear of Financial CommitmentOne of the most dangerous questions Christians might ask is, "Should I give away all of my money?" This question stems from a hidden presumption that Jesus disapproves of us having money. However, Jesus lived a physical life, requiring financial resources, and he merged the physical and spiritual worlds. Therefore, Jesus does not despise our need for financial planning. Understanding this can alleviate much of the fear associated with money management.When we separate Chris

Homeowners now have an average of nearly $300,000 in home equity, and the nationwide total is staggering at $16 trillion. Home equity is undoubtedly one of our largest assets. So, how do the biblical principles of stewardship apply to it? Harlan Accola joins us today to discuss this.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. Understanding Reverse MortgagesToday’s reverse mortgages are not the same product that gave the name such a negative reputation in the past. Here are some of the facts that need to be known:Not Like Credit Card Debt: Unlike credit card debt or the subprime crash of 2008, reverse mortgages don't carry the same financial risks.Widow Protections: New laws ensure that widows can stay in their homes for as long as they wish, a significant improvement from the past.Retained Ownership: Modern reverse mortgages allow home

Americans have an average of four credit cards. Do you really need that many? And how many is enough?Too often, we hang on to credit cards we no longer use…providing an unnecessary invitation to identity thieves to run up charges in our names. Canceling them is a good idea if done correctly.The Risks of Holding Unused Credit CardsMany of us hang on to credit cards we no longer use, but this can invite identity thieves to run up charges in your name. Canceling unused cards is a good idea, but it needs to be done correctly. Let’s explore why and how to do it.Why Closing a Credit Card Affects Your Credit ScoreOne common concern is whether closing a credit card will affect your credit score. The short answer is yes, it will drop a little. This drop happens because of the way credit scores are calculated.Algorithms used to calculate your score favor long-standing accounts, available credit, and a mix of account types (like credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages). Closing a credit card affects these factors, hence

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9One Christian ministry has been doing good for nearly 150 years and shows zero signs of growing weary. Scott Collins joins us today to discuss Buckner International and its ongoing efforts to support foster care, adoption, and family outreach.Scott Collins is the Senior Vice President of Communications at Buckner International, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.A Legacy of Service Since 1879Buckner International, founded by R.C. Buckner 145 years ago with just $27 for its first orphanage, has grown into a multifaceted ministry dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families worldwide. One of their well-known initiatives is the Shoes for Orphan Souls program, which provides shoes to at-risk kids globally. However, Buckner’s mission extends far beyond this.Current Ministry EffortsToday, Buckner International focuses on:Shoes for Orphan Souls: Providing footwear to children in need.Foster Car

The data shows that personal debt is rising, and folks are worried about their financial future. So what’s the solution?We can’t control some things, like inflation and a slowing economy. But we can do some things—especially when managing and eliminating debt. Neile Simon joins us today to discuss the solution to fretting over finances.Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Understanding The Financial StormWith credit card debt at an all-time high, the GDP falling, and a disappointing jobs report, it’s a perfect storm for financial stress. Debt is a common part of life, but it becomes a significant issue when it consumes our lives. Christian Credit Counselors is here to help, emphasizing that financial challenges shouldn't be faced alone. We must discuss our finances and reduce the stigma around debt because many experience it. Often, guilt and shame prevent us from seeking the help we need.The Extent of Financial WorriesA 2024

“My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net … the troubles of my heart are enlarged, bring me out of my distresses.” - Psalm 25:15, 17Do you feel trapped by your finances? Do you find yourself giving in to worldly pressure? Is there a way out of the world’s money trap? There is, and Sharon Epps joins us today to talk about it.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.Finding Financial FreedomYou might be surprised to learn that financial anxiety isn't exclusive to those who are struggling. People living beyond their means often fear the unexpected, while those living right at their means worry about the future. Even individuals with a financial surplus can feel trapped by never having enough, seeking security in money rather than elsewhere.In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples, whi

Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” It may not be intuitive, but this verse is a compelling guide for applying our faith to our investment decisions. We’ll talk with Jason Myhre today about how we can love without hypocrisy as we invest our money.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. Bringing Faith into Investing: A Deeper LookThe phrase, “Let love be without hypocrisy,” challenges us to ensure our love is genuine. In Paul's time, hypocrisy referred to actors wearing masks and pretending to be someone else. Similarly, our love must be real, not a façade. As Christians, the greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbors authentically. This principle extends to our investments, calling us to invest with genuine love and integrity.Recognizing Good and EvilPaul’s guidance on what real love looks like—ab

Do you think of yourself as a generous person? Most of us would like to think we are, but do we know why we’re generous?Jesus told us that it’s better to give than to receive, and Christians are very generous people. Today, we’ll hear from Chris Gabriel about why this is the case and how we can be even more generous.Chris Gabriel is the author of WISEgenerosity: A Guide To Purposeful and Productive Living and Giving. Chris recently spoke to financial professionals at the 2024 Kingdom Advisors Redeeming Money Conference in Orlando. However, his keen insights on why and how we’re generous apply to all of us.Embracing Generosity: A Divine DesignThere's a simple explanation for why we feel compelled to be generous: God made us this way. All discussions on generosity, whether they start this way or not, eventually lead to God. The conversation becomes more meaningful when you share your own stories about giving, priorities, and purpose. Generosity has a powerful impact, and it's no accident. Jesus, the most genero

Are you storing up treasures on earth, or in heaven? Are you focused on the temporal or the eternal?In Matthew 6, Jesus clarifies that our hearts will always follow after what we treasure. Was he talking about money? Chad Clark shares his insights with us today. Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance. What does Jesus mean when he says, “For where your treasure is, your heart will be also”? It challenges us to evaluate what we treasure most. It's common for us to say that where our money is, there our hearts will be, and we can sometimes use this to encourage generosity. People can look at their checkbooks to see where their hearts are based. However, there's another way to look at the word “treasure,” which doesn't refer to physical treasure but more to what we value or devote ourselves to. There are parallels between Matthew 6:21 and Matthew 13:44, where Jesus tells us the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field that a man found and covered up. Then, in his joy, he

From Jeremiah 29:7, we know God's people should seek the welfare of the places and people around them. But is seeking the welfare of our community something Christians can pursue by means of investing choices?Today, we speak with an investment manager who has been "seeking the welfare of cities" all over America and the world through his advocacy work with corporations. As we will hear today, investors can influence decisions made behind closed doors by corporations. Chris Meyer joins us today to examine how this advocacy works.Chris Meyer is the Manager of Stewardship Investing Research and Advocacy for Praxis Mutual Funds®, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What is shareholder advocacy, and how are you currently doing it with Praxis?At Praxis, they use seven different impact strategies to make a difference through investments. One of them is shareholder advocacy, which they also call corporate engagement. It harnesses the power of ownership to create change by using voting stock rights and privileges. 

Statistics show that many people aren’t saving for retirement. Others may have far more than enough. How do you find the right balance?Yes, saving too much for retirement is possible, although many more folks aren’t saving enough. What does Scripture tell us about responsible savings? Brian Holtz fills us in today. Brian Holtz is the Chief Operating Officer at Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.It’s essential to save and invest enough for retirement, but it’s just as misguided to prioritize that above all others, right?The Bible gives us direction in both cases, all with the goal of finishing well:We find God encouraging us to save in Proverbs 21:5, Proverbs 21:20, Proverbs 30:24-25, and Genesis 41:34-36.But like everything else, saving should be intentional. The goal is to be a good steward rather than living a life of excess or becoming less dependent on God.What are some ways to ensure we’re saving responsibly?Discern wh

Are you confident you’ll be able to retire comfortably someday? Are you taking steps to make that happen?Inadequate savings, faulty assumptions, and high inflation could create barriers to a comfortable retirement. Can we learn anything from today’s retirees? Matt Bell thinks we can and joins us today to discuss this.Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What does the latest Employee Benefit Research Institute data show about how people feel about their retirement prospects?In the latest report, nearly 70% of people in the workforce, and somewhat higher numbers of those who are retired, say they feel at least somewhat confident they’ll have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement. Not surprisingly, one of the top retirement-related concerns among both groups centers on inflation. Today’s workers say higher prices make it harder to save for later years. Another concern for both groups is the possibility that the government may change the

You’ve heard the expression, “Pennywise and pound foolish?” Here in the States, we could say “Pennywise and dollar foolish.”A good example is when someone is more concerned about the interest they’re getting on their savings account than the interest they’re paying on their mortgage.Top Tips to Save Big on InterestWhen managing your finances, shopping around for the best interest rates on savings is wise. However, focusing on reducing the interest on your mortgage can have a much bigger payoff. Consider the total interest paid over a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. It's a powerful motivator to pay off your mortgage quickly.Let's break it down. Imagine you have a $375,000 mortgage at a 7.3% interest rate. Over 30 years, you’ll pay over $550,000 in interest, bringing the total cost of your home to around $925,000. With today's higher rates, paying off your mortgage faster is more crucial than ever.Suppose you pay an extra $300 a month on the principal. This might require some sacrifices, but it’s worth it. By doin