Moneywise On Oneplace.com

Here at FaithFi, we always want to help you manage your time, talent and treasure. And make no mistake—do-it-yourself preventive maintenance is a wise use of all three of those gifts you received from God. The more time and talent you have, the less of your treasure you’ll have to use to get things done. But if you don’t have the physical ability or know-how to do any of the chores on our list, it’s also wise to hire someone to do them.Now, of course, we always use the Bible as our ultimate guide, and Proverbs 14:23 tells us, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” That means we’d better get started with our list!So first up, Inspect your outdoor air conditioning unit to make sure it’s ready for summer. Look for debris inside and around the unit. Leaves and other material can collect over the winter and could cause damage when the system kicks on.Of course, it’s also wise to have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean the coils and service the outside unit—and that’s not

The Danger Of CovetousnessCovetousness is what happens when you see someone else’s possessions and want them for yourself.  It’s part envy and part greed, and completely sinful. But what’s so dangerous about that kind of desire?Well, like any sin, its first effect is to draw you away from a right relationship with God. Envy can also destroy your relationships with other people. When you’re zeroing in on getting and keeping what you want, you’re putting your fleshly desires in God’s place. Selfishness obliterates your ability to love God and other people. One problem with a materialistic mindset is that you start to believe “more is always better”, and you never have enough.  Ultimately, covetousness is just a treadmill of frustration and desire. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon calls it “chasing after the wind.”  Jesus warns his followers against this sin, but he also gives them-–and us-–the key to a better way of living: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”.In other words, you won’t

Relational Effects Of Lending MoneyProverbs 22:7 reads, “The borrower becomes slave to the lender.” Lending money can hurt a relationship. And that can happen whether you lend the money or not. You’re “between a rock and a hard place,” and it seems like either way, someone may end up resentful.There are really only three things that can happen and only one of them is good: If you decide not to lend the money, the other person could be upset. If you do lend the money and the other person doesn’t repay it, you’ll probably be upset.It’s only the third possibility that makes everyone happy: You lend the money, and the borrower pays it back. But consider carefully why they asked to borrow in the first place. They may not be able to repay the loan if they’re already in bad shape financially, for whatever reason.Fortunately, God’s Word gives us guidance here. What does the Bible say? First, God’s Word tells us to help those in need…lending money if necessary. Deuteronomy 15:8 says, “You shall open your hand to him a

What is the main problem with any investment that guarantees returns, such as annuities?They’re always a tradeoff. Guarantees come with a cost. Typically, the lower the risk, the lower the return. What does the Bible say about this?You won’t find the word “annuities'' in the Bible, but there is a biblical principle to guide us on this topic. The Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25 reveals that one of the servants buried his talent in the ground. The master asked why he did that and the servant said he was afraid, and the master was displeased.All too often, annuities are marketed and purchased based on fear. What should we look out for?If a salesperson is ONLY selling annuities, rather than a full suite of investment options, that’s a potential problem. If he or she only has a square peg to sell, they’ll always try to sell a square peg, regardless of whether the hole is a square, a circle, or a triangle. Also, if an annuity salesperson is trying to get you to put a large percentage of your money into a

Why do reverse mortgages still have a bit of a PR problem? Many people are not aware that federal regulations were put in place in 1988 to address issues with the product and protect consumers. However, some bad players still gave the product a bad reputation by taking advantage of vulnerable seniors in the past.Now there are new laws and safeguards by the FHA for widows to be protected and financial assessments to assure someone can afford taxes and maintenance which are recent within the last 10 years or so to eliminate problems in the program.How is a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) reverse mortgage similar to a Swiss Army knife? There are so many different ways to use them. Just like a Swiss army knife has multiple tools, reverse mortgages can be used for various purposes beyond just being a loan of last resort. This is in contrast to many people's perception that reverse mortgages are only designed for people who are broke.How can a reverse mortgage help keep your Medicare premiums low? A reverse

So, how much is enough for Christians?If you’re just starting out, or struggling financially, “How much is enough?” might seem like a silly question. The bottom line for you is that you just need more money at the moment! Why should you think about “how much is enough” when you hardly have anything?  And what if you’re at the other end of things? If you’re approaching retirement, you might be thinking about the size of your nest egg. But why put a limit on accumulating money and possessions?  Based on these two examples, the definition of “enough” seems to depend on what stage of life you’re in. Well, let’s look at what the Bible has to say about what’s “enough”.  In Luke 12:15, Jesus says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Jesus is making a rather unexpected statement: Getting more money is never the goal, no matter how old you are. Jesus As The Source Of LifeThe desire of every human heart is for life, which means satisfying, abun

It All Starts With CommunicationCommunication is crucial for estate planning in blended families, highlighting the importance of being open, transparent, and truthful. While this may be difficult at times, it's essential for bringing issues to the forefront, suggesting that effective communication is the foundation for addressing the unique challenges blended families face in estate planning.How do blended families with different goals work it out?When spouses in blended families have different goals, they should prioritize seeking understanding and compromise. Seek first to understand and then to be understood, emphasizing the value of asking questions like "tell me more about that" to gain insight into the other person's perspective. When disagreements become particularly challenging, involve a third party for neutral counsel. This approach aims to help spouses find common ground, or at least agree to respect and support their separate goals, fostering unity and cooperation.The Importance Of Meeting The Nee

Albert Einstein is credited with saying that the power of compounding is the eighth wonder of the world, and “He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it. And Ron Blue shares a story for us about a couple who apparently understood this very well.“I received a call from my 30-something-year old son awhile back. He’d been married for some time and he is a teacher and his wife Ann was a teacher. And his question to me was, “Dad,” he said, “You know, Ann and I are just teachers and we're just never going to have enough, probably, to ever retire.So I said, well, Tim, tell me a little bit about your financial situation. And what he said to me was truly amazing! They have never ever used credit card debt. They didn't have any car loans. They had a home mortgage and they had a savings account and their savings account was maybe 30-thousand. I don't remember the exact amount. And the reason they had a savings account I think is significant. It’s that when they both worked, they saved one of the salaries.

The Financial Impact of College EducationGoing to college is a financial decision, second only to buying a house. More specifically, it’s an investment decision. Will it pay off? Perhaps the most important factor determining that is whether you graduate with a degree. Fail to do that, and any money you spend, or borrow, for college, will likely be money down the drain in terms of future earnings.The good news is that data just released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that earning a college degree is still financially worthwhile—generally speaking. The data shows that recent college grads working full time earn about $25,000 a year more than those with only a high school diploma.The catch is, they have to be working. That means majors chosen by college grads must give them skills that managers are willing to pay for.Another study by the American Educational Research Journal shows that engineering and computer science degrees give the highest rate of return on dollars spent for education. They’re

Historical Context and Modern ImplicationsAfter crossing the Jordan into the promised land, the Israelites fought the battle of Jericho. Joshua was their leader, and the Lord gave them the victory. In Joshua 24, the general reminds his people of God’s faithfulness to them at Jericho and through their history.  He ends by making that memorable statement of faith: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”As Christians in a non-Christian culture, we are also called to take a stand. We can either choose to serve the gods of this world, or the Lord. It’s not easy for us, and it wasn’t easy for the Israelites. There were temptations everywhere to serve other Gods.  That’s why Joshua reminds the people over and over, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.”In the New Testament, Paul echoes Joshua’s call to the Israelites in 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” It takes courage, determination, and trust in the Lord to withs

It's appropriate during this Easter season to reflect on the big picture of our Christian faith.  Sometimes we just have our noses to the grindstone, so to speak, and we can lose sight of why we’re here and how much God has done for us!You know, whether you’re in a season of prosperity, or facing hardships, you have to remember that God is still on the throne and that your circumstances haven’t caught Him by surprise. His plan for the redemption of humankind is still on track.The Significance of Jesus’ SacrificeOf course, on Easter Sunday, Christians everywhere will rejoice in the resurrection of Christ…who conquered death and made a way to restore our relationship with God. But sometimes in that celebration … we might forget why Jesus had to die in the first place. The fact is, humankind is completely corrupted by sin. The rebellion that stains our hearts says, “I can choose for myself what is right and wrong, I don’t need God.” God’s Word confirms our sin nature.Job 15:16 declares that man is "abominable an

What should folks consider when making this decision?People should consider the following when deciding when to take Social Security benefits:Understanding that if they take benefits before full retirement age, they will be subject to a reductionDelaying past full retirement age means receiving an annual increase of 8% called a delayed retirement creditCash flow needs if retiring and replacing incomePaying down debtIncreasing charitable givingHealth and longevity in the family (impacting how long benefits may need to last)Legacy goals and inheritance, as Social Security benefits can't typically be passed on while portfolio assets can beIncome taxes, as Social Security could be subject to tax depending on other incomeOn Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Should I take $15,000 from my 401k to pay for home repairs like a furnace and AC replacement?Can I deduct the value of my own labor for maintenance and repairs on a rental property that I own? If I’ve invested in companies in the past who do thing

When it comes to work ethic, there’s nobody we like better–aside from Jesus, of course–than the woman described in Proverbs 31. We don’t know her name, but her actions and attitudes are worth studying and imitating…no matter what kind of work you do.A Biblical Work Ethic From Proverbs 31First, a note about Proverbs.  It’s part of the “wisdom literature” found in the Old Testament. We refer to Proverbs a lot, since there are many nuggets of financial truth there. Proverbs 31 is the final chapter, and the description of the “woman of noble character” is written as a poem, with each line beginning with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.Proverbs 31:10 introduces the “woman of noble character” who is “worth more than rubies”, because she sets the standard for trustworthiness and generosity towards her husband and all those around her.  She’s also a top-notch businesswoman.Here are some of the characteristics that make the Proverbs 31 woman such a great example of a biblical work ethic.First, she “works wit

Disappointment is inevitable, but discouragement is a choice.People love to look into the future. We all have hopes, and dreams, and expectations about what we want our life to be. So, we make plans. Plans to save, serve, build a family, work, travel, learn, grow…you name it. Planning is part of what it takes to make our dreams come true. And there’s nothing wrong with planning. Planning is an important part of being a good steward of whatever God has entrusted to you.But here's the problem. Our plans don’t always succeed. Dreams fail. Expectations go unmet. And then, disappointment happens…maybe more than we want to admit.Perhaps you invested your savings…but now inflation is killing your returns.Or you worked hard to start a business, but it still isn’t making a profit.You planned for your marriage to last…only to experience an expensive divorce.Maybe you’ve been working towards that promotion…but someone else got the job.Or, you planned to have a big nest egg when you retire…but health issues have reduced

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6Why are people so worried about the economy these days?Part of the issue is concern about a number of factors, including the upcoming US election, high inflation, high interest rates, and various geopolitical issues like what's happening with China/Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Middle East.How are people dealing with this uncertainty?Uncertainty for many people leads to fear, especially for those on a fixed budget or struggling financially.Fear can cause people to become either indecisive with money or take ill-advised financial risks by forgetting whose money they are stewarding.How do you help people who are struggling with economic uncertainty? Get back to the basics and focus on the things that are within our control. Pray and ask God for insight on ways you can trust Him more in your finances.Look to Scripture for guidance, such as Deuteron

CONSIDERING THE FUTURE POST-HIGH SCHOOLRob discusses the pressure high school seniors and their parents face concerning post-secondary education and emphasizes the importance of aligning educational choices with financial realities. He stresses the goal of avoiding college debt through early savings, exploring scholarships, and considering alternatives to a four-year college, such as technical schools, online courses, and military service.Financial planning for education should begin early, incorporating discussions about affordability and scholarships.Exploring educational alternatives can provide viable paths that align with career goals and financial constraints.Completing the FAFSA is essential for all college-bound students to assess eligibility for financial aid, regardless of expected qualification. PREPARING FOR THE COLLEGE TRANSITIONTransitioning to college is a significant step for students and parents alike. Rob advises parents to discuss with their children the costs and values of education, the i

So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”  Luke 12:21Chad Clark is Executive Director here at FaithFi, and over the last several months our team has been working on a brand new 4-week study on the Parable of the Rich Fool called Rich Toward God.  INTRODUCTION TO THE "RICH TOWARD GOD" STUDYThe "Rich Toward God '' study emerges from FaithFi’s mission to equip Christians with tools and resources for integrating faith with financial decisions, aiming to help believers see God as their ultimate treasure. The parable of the rich fool serves as an ideal starting point, prompting us to contemplate what it truly means to be "rich toward God."The study seeks to explore the integration of faith and financial decisions.It aims to inspire Christians to see God as their most valuable treasure.The parable of the rich fool is used as a foundational narrative to examine concepts of true wealth in God's eyes. EXPLORATION OF KEY THEMES IN THE STUDYThe "Rich Toward God" study delves into the his

WHAT DOES BIBLICAL HOSPITALITY LOOK LIKE IN TODAY'S CULTURE?Sharon reflects on the biblical instruction to show hospitality, emphasizing its relevance beyond traditional notions of entertaining. Hospitality is an act of generosity and kindness, extending warmth and generosity to both guests and strangers alike. This understanding encourages us to reconsider hospitality as acting as God's ambassadors.Hospitality transcends formal dining and embraces the simple, generous reception of others.It's an expression of generosity, serving as a means to fulfill our role as ambassadors for Christ.Personal experiences underscore the profound impact hospitality can have during challenging times, illustrating its power to provide support and comfort. HOW DOES 'UNREASONABLE HOSPITALITY' TRANSFORM EXPERIENCES?Drawing inspiration from Will Guidara's book "Unreasonable Hospitality," Sharon highlights how exceeding expectations in hospitality can create memorable and personalized experiences. Guidara's approach to making every

Mark Biller is Executive Editor at Sound Mind Investing, a longtime underwriter of this program. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF A RETIREMENT PLANNING CHECKLIST?Comparing retirement planning to a preflight checklist underscores the critical importance of preparation. Just as pilots meticulously ensure the safety of their flight, individuals approaching retirement need to assess various aspects of their financial life to ensure a smooth transition into retirement. This analogy highlights the need for thoroughness and attention to detail in retirement planning, especially for those within a decade of their planned retirement date.A retirement planning checklist serves as a comprehensive review to ensure all financial aspects are in order for a secure retirement.Such preparation is crucial for a safe transition to a post-paycheck lifestyle, minimizing potential financial turbulence.The checklist approach encourages individuals to address and rectify any financial concerns well before retirement, promoting peace of min

Shaun Morgan is the Director of Product Marketing at Eventide Asset Management, an underwriter of this program. IS THERE A NEED TO REBRAND "FAITH-BASED INVESTING"?Shaun Morgan discusses the ambiguous understanding of "Faith-Based Investing" among investors who consider faith important in their lives. Eventide's survey reveals that terms like "Values-Based Investing" and "Faith-Based Investing" often lead to neutral or unfamiliar responses, suggesting a gap in communication and understanding.The term "Faith-Based Investing" does not resonate strongly with many, even those who prioritize their faith.A survey indicates a general lack of awareness and understanding about investing terms related to faith and values.Neutral responses to these terms suggest a need for clearer definitions and more effective communication. WHAT INSIGHTS DID THE SURVEY PROVIDE ABOUT INVESTORS' PREFERENCES?The survey unearthed significant preferences among investors for companies aligned with their values, particularly regarding unethic