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THE DANGER OF MATERIALISM AND FINDING CONTENTMENT IN GODMaterialism contradicts God's plan for His people by prioritizing the love of material things over loving God. This attitude can hinder our relationship with Him and rob us of peace. The Bible, in Ecclesiastes 2:11, warns us of the futility in pursuing material wealth, emphasizing that everything is meaningless without God. LIE #1: LIFE IS BETTER WITH MOREThis mindset leads to an endless cycle of discontentment as no amount of wealth can truly satisfy.Ecclesiastes 5:10 states that those who love money will never have enough, illustrating the emptiness of materialism.Contentment is the biblical answer to this lie, as Hebrews 13:5 urges us to be content with what we have, reminding us of God's constant presence and provision. LIE #2: YOU MUST KEEP UP WITH OTHERSThe desire to match others' possessions is a trap that leads to envy and unhappiness.Matthew 6:33 advises seeking God's kingdom first, assuring that our needs will be met when we prioritize Him over

Carolyn Calupca on the program was a long time senior producer at Crown Financial Ministries where she worked closely with Larry Burkett for many years. She’s now a frequent contributor here at Faith and Finance and the author of our new 4-week study guide, Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool.  WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL?Jesus delivers this parable in 33 AD, during a time of significant political and spiritual tension in Judea under Roman rule. As Jesus moves toward Jerusalem for the last time, he attracts a large following, drawn by his authoritative teaching and miraculous deeds. Amidst his teachings on judgment and preparation, an individual interrupts to seek Jesus' mediation in a familial inheritance dispute.The setting is marked by societal unrest and anticipation for spiritual guidance.Jesus' teachings captivate thousands, highlighting his unique authority and the miracles he performs.The request for arbitration on an inheritance matter presents

THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE IN ESTATE PLANNINGA Health Care Directive, also recognized as a living will, Medical Directive, or Durable Health Care Power of Attorney, is an indispensable legal document outlining your medical care preferences when you're unable to communicate. It plays a critical role in estate planning, ensuring your medical and end-of-life wishes are honored. KEY COMPONENTS OF A HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE:Understanding Its Purpose: A Health Care Directive specifies your wishes for medical treatment, end-of-life care, and the handling of your remains, eliminating uncertainty for your family during difficult times.Choosing an Agent: Select a trusted individual, whether a family member or a friend, to act on your behalf, ensuring your healthcare decisions are respected if you're incapacitated.Specifying Your Wishes: Clearly articulate your medical treatment preferences, end-of-life care, and post-mortem arrangements, providing clarity and preventing potential conflicts among family memb

SPIRITUAL BOTTOM LINE OVER FINANCIAL CONCERNS:The true "bottom line" for believers in Jesus is our identity in Christ, providing us peace and assurance that our sins are paid for, as highlighted in the hymn "Jesus paid it all." This foundational truth encourages believers to rest in God's role as protector and provider, alleviating worries about financial matters. SCRIPTURAL ENCOURAGEMENTS AGAINST WORRY:Matthew 6: Jesus teaches not to worry about material needs, emphasizing God's provision for all creation, thus underscoring our value and God's care for us over our material concerns. Numbers 23:19: Highlights God's unchangeable and trustworthy nature, contrasting human unreliability with God's steadfast promise-keeping. Romans 8:31: Reminds us of God's omnipotence and support. Nothing can stand against us when God is on our side. EXAMPLES OF GOD'S PROTECTION AND POWER:2 Kings 6: The story of Elisha and his servant illustrates God's overwhelming power and protection, revealing that divine forces always outnumb

WILL BASICS:A will is a simpler document that names an executor and beneficiaries.It must go through probate court and becomes public record, potentially delaying heirs' access to assets.Drafting a will through an estate attorney is recommended to minimize probate delays, typically costing around $500. TRUST BASICS:Trusts manage assets both before and after death, bypassing probate and keeping transactions private.Types include revocable (living) and irrevocable trusts, with the former being alterable during the grantor's lifetime.Trusts can designate a successor trustee to manage assets if the grantor becomes incapacitated, ensuring continuity and privacy. KEY REASONS FOR A WILL:Designating a guardian for minor children to avoid court-appointed guardianships.Disinheriting individuals or managing how minors receive assets.A will only takes effect after death, whereas a trust operates both during the grantor's life and after. ADVANTAGES OF A TRUST:Avoids probate, keeping estate management private and efficient

LLC, or Limited Liability Company. This business structure protects you from personal responsibility for the company’s debts or liabilities. An LLC gives you protection from debt collectors and lawsuits involving the company, just as a corporation would. But unlike a corporation, the LLC allows what’s called “flow through” for tax purposes. The LLC doesn’t pay corporate income taxes. The company’s profits and losses (or deductions) are passed on to the members of the LLC. With an LLC it’s easier to set up than a corporation . An LLC may have to be dissolved if a member dies or files for bankruptcy. The ownership or equity stake of an LLC cannot be publicly traded. But for many folks starting a business, forming an LLC is a great way to get started.C-corp … the C-corp is different from LLC as it does not allow a “flow through” treatment of profits and losses for tax purposes. A C-corp is subject to corporate income taxation. A C-corp requires you to hold annual meetings and have a board of directors that’s vot

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE AND ESTATE PLANNINGProverbs 13:16 highlights the importance of acting with knowledge in all aspects of life, including the preparation for inevitable events like death. This preparation involves legal, financial, and personal readiness to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for. IMPORTANCE OF UPDATED WILLS AND DIRECTIVESHaving updated wills is critical to ensure your wishes are followed after your death, with legal powers of attorney and health care directives being equally important.An estate attorney is necessary to prepare these documents, representing an essential investment in your family's future well-being. PREPARING FOR YOUR MEMORIAL SERVICE OR FUNERALOrganizing instructions for your memorial service or funeral is a considerate way to help your family and friends start the grieving process, ensuring your wishes are respected. CREATING ESSENTIAL LISTSCompile a list of all your financial accounts, including bank accounts, investments, credit cards, mortga

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LIVE A CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE WITH REGARDS TO MONEY?Living a Christian lifestyle with money involves having the right attitude towards it, regardless of the amount one possesses. This perspective transcends the amount of wealth and focuses on the heart and obedience to God's principles on financial management.It's about the attitude and obedience rather than the amount of wealth.Lifestyle controversies often stem from misunderstandings of biblical teachings on wealth.True obedience involves aligning one's financial decisions and lifestyle with biblical convictions. HOW CAN WE INTERPRET THE BIBLICAL RANGE OF WEALTH AND POVERTY?The Bible presents a wide spectrum of financial statuses among believers, from extreme wealth to significant poverty. Key lessons from these narratives emphasize the believers' heart posture and faithfulness in stewardship, rather than the material wealth itself.Scripture showcases both wealthy individuals and those living in poverty, focusing on their faithfulness and

Matt Syverson is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor in Overland Park, Kansas. He’s also a specialist in helping families understand and set up ABLE accounts.  WHAT ARE ABLE ACCOUNTS AND HOW DO THEY COMPARE TO 529 EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS?ABLE accounts, akin to 529 education savings accounts in terms of contributions and tax treatments, are designed to assist individuals with disabilities by allowing for the accumulation of resources without affecting their eligibility for government assistance.ABLE accounts, initially referred to as 529A plans, are intended for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to save beyond the typical asset limits set by government assistance programs.These accounts enable the saving of funds for a broad range of needs beyond just educational expenses, providing a more flexible financial support system for people with disabilities. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AN ABLE ACCOUNT, AND WHAT ARE THE CONTRIBUTION LIMITS?ABLE accounts are specifically for individuals r

1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Chad Horning is the president of Praxis Mutual Funds, an underwriter of this program and one of the oldest faith-based mutual funds in the country.  WHAT DOES "FAITH BASED INVESTING" MEAN TO PRAXIS?At Praxis, Faith Based Investing is all about letting your faith guide your investment decisions. It's not just about smart money moves; it's about aligning those moves with your Christian principles. This approach is key for those looking to ensure their investments reflect their values.The idea here is to let your faith lead the way in how you invest.Praxis champions the integration of faith and finances, aiming for your investments to mirror your values.Essentially, the goal is to align your investments with your Christian values seamlessly. HOW HAS FAITH BASED INVESTING EVOLVED OVER 30 YEARS?Initially, it focused on avoiding investments in industries that conflicted with Christian ethics. Now, it's grown to incl

FINDING PEACE IN UNCERTAIN TIMESNavigating Financial Uncertainty: In today's world, uncertainty abounds, especially in financial matters like home-buying, career changes, and retirement. This uncertainty often leads to worry and sleepless nights.Guidance from Scripture: Drawing from Psalm 119:105, we find reassurance that God's Word illuminates our path, preventing us from stumbling in the darkness of uncertainty.Casting Anxiety on God: First Peter 5:6-7 reminds us that God cares for us deeply, encouraging us to cast all our anxieties on Him through humble submission. FOUR STEPS TO CONQUERING ANXIETYStep One: Rejoice in the Lord: Philippians 4:4 instructs us to rejoice always, recognizing that everything God allows into our lives is ultimately for our benefit.Step Two: Prayer and Thanksgiving: Philippians 4:6 urges us to present our worries to God in prayer, with thanksgiving, trusting in His provision and care.Step Three: Think Truth: Philippians 4:8 advises us to focus our minds on what is true, noble, righ

Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”HONORING GOD THROUGH FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIPInspiring Words: We all aspire to hear the commendation found in Matthew 25:23 and to be found faithful as stewards in all aspects of life, including finances.Biblical Foundation: Our financial decisions are rooted in Scripture, with Deuteronomy 8:1 reminding us that all wealth comes from God, and Psalm 50:10-11 affirming His ownership over everything, including us.Glorifying God: The Bible teaches us to honor God in all that we do, including our financial choices. Revelation 4:11, 1 Corinthians 10:31, and Colossians 3:17 urge us to glorify God in every aspect of life, including our finances. FAITH-BASED APPROACH TO FINANCEAligning Values: We are encouraged to make financial decisions that align with our Christian values, including supporting companies with godly practices and investing in opportunities that honor God

BOOMER INFLUENCE ON HOUSING MARKET:The current landscape of the housing market is significantly influenced by baby boomers, particularly in terms of home ownership patterns and inventory distribution.A substantial portion of large homes, defined as those with three bedrooms or more, is owned by baby boomers, who are aged between 58 to 76 years old.In contrast, younger generations, including millennials (ages 26 to 41) and Gen Zers (ages 19 to 25), possess a smaller share of large homes, leading to a disparity in housing options.Boomers' ownership status, with many owning homes outright and having little financial incentive to sell, contributes to the limited availability of homes for sale, particularly larger ones suitable for growing families.The disparity in housing ownership between generations underscores the challenges faced by younger individuals and families in accessing affordable and adequately sized housing. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO HOUSING CHALLENGES:Various factors exacerbate the housing challenges

WHAT DOES HEART FOR LEBANON AIM TO ACHIEVE, AND HOW HAS THE RECENT FIGHTING AFFECTED THEIR MISSION?Heart for Lebanon creates faith-defining environments for under-resourced families in Lebanon to encounter God and grow spiritually. Recent fighting has expanded the ministry's outreach, particularly aiding families fleeing from conflict zones near the border.Heart for Lebanon aims to provide basic necessities and spiritual guidance to families in Lebanon.Recent fighting has increased the demand for their services, with many families seeking refuge and assistance.WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR CRISIS SITUATIONS IN LEBANON, AND HOW DOES THIS CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY?Lebanon faces numerous crises, including the aftermath of the port explosion, high inflation, and political instability. 87% of the population lives at or below the poverty line, and 38% have never heard the gospel, presenting a significant opportunity for ministry.Lebanon's crises include the port explosion, economic instability, and political

Brandon Pizzurro is President and Chief Investment Officer of GuideStone Capital Management, an underwriter of this program.  WHAT DOES SEEING THE WORLD TRANSFORMED THROUGH CHRISTIAN INVESTING MEAN?Seeing the world transformed through Christian investing means stewarding investment resources with intentionality and a faith-driven mindset. Christians approach investing to reflect God's Kingdom, impacting areas like sanctity of life, human dignity, and stewardship of creation.It means stewarding investment resources with intentionality and faith-driven mindset.Christians approach investing to reflect God's Kingdom, impacting areas like sanctity of life, human dignity, and stewardship of creation. HOW CAN INVESTING BRING ABOUT CHANGE?Investing can bring about change by allowing Christians to support organizations and companies aligned with their values. Guidestone emphasizes three key areas: sanctity of life, spreading the gospel, and stewardship of God's creation.Impact investing allows Christians to support or

THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL: UNDERSTANDING STEWARDSHIP AND PRIDEIn Luke 12:16-18, Jesus tells a parable of a rich man who credits himself for his wealth, planning to build larger barns for his abundant crops, highlighting his self-reliance and pride. BIBLICAL WARNINGS AGAINST PRIDE:1 Corinthians 4:7 questions what we have that we did not receive from God, critiquing the notion of boasting about personal achievements.1 Timothy 6:7-8 emphasizes contentment with what we have, reminding us that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out.2 Corinthians 10:17-18 instructs us to boast in the Lord, not in ourselves, for true approval comes from God. THE MISTAKE OF THE RICH MAN:Luke 12:19 illustrates the rich man's plan to enjoy his wealth alone, which God rebukes by calling him a fool for not being rich toward God, highlighting the folly of finding security in possessions.Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 reflects on the vanity of loving money, as it cannot fulfill one's desire for true abundance. REFLECTIONS ON F

Dale Vermillion is the author of Navigating The Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT TREND IN MORTGAGE RATES?Mortgage rates are stabilizing, currently fluctuating around 6.25% to 6.5%, expected to gradually decrease over the coming months.Rates have become more stable recently, bouncing around a consistent range.Predictions indicate a potential drop below 6% by the end of the year.Stability and future trends are largely influenced by inflation and bond market conditions. WHAT IMPACT MIGHT THE FED'S EXPECTED INTEREST RATE CUTS HAVE ON MORTGAGE RATES?Though Federal rate cuts don't directly correlate with mortgage rates, significant cuts are expected to improve mortgage rates.The Federal rate and mortgage rates often move independently, but significant Federal cuts could lead to lower mortgage rates.Analysts expect mortgage rates to fall under 6% by year's end.Inflation reduction and bond market improvements are key to driving mortgage rate reductions. WHA

Chad Clark is Executive Director here at FaithFi. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF HAVING A BUDGET?A budget, while essential for managing finances, comes with potential dangers such as idolizing money, succumbing to pride, and relying more on the budget than on God.Idolizing money can occur when constant monitoring of finances leads to an excessive focus on money instead of God.Pride can emerge from achieving financial goals, leading to self-boasting rather than recognizing God's provision.Relying too heavily on a budget may restrict following God's promptings that go beyond our financial plans. HOW CAN WE AVOID THESE DANGERS WHILE USING A BUDGET?To safely use a budget without falling into these traps, it is important to renew our minds with God's Word, give thanks to Him for His provisions, and prioritize obedience to God over strict adherence to the budget.Regularly immersing oneself in scripture helps combat the idolization of money by reminding us that God is our ultimate treasure.Acknowledging God as the source o

Matt Bell is the managing editor at Sound Mind Investing and the author of several books on personal finance, including Money & Marriage: A Complete Guide for Engaged and Newly Married Couples. HOW DO INDIVIDUAL TEMPERAMENTS AFFECT MARRIED COUPLES' FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT?Understanding each other's temperament helps couples manage money together effectively since temperament influences how individuals naturally react to financial situations, bringing inherent strengths and weaknesses to money management.Temperament shapes our financial behaviors and preferences, influenced by upbringing and personal experiences.Knowing and respecting each other's temperament can lead to better teamwork in financial decisions.It's crucial to recognize that while temperaments have their financial strengths, they also come with challenges that can be managed through awareness and cooperation. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN IN FINANCIAL PERSPECTIVES AND BEHAVIORS? Research shows men and women often have different

FINANCIAL ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTUNDERSTANDING THE HEART'S ROLE IN FINANCIAL ATTITUDES:Financial attitudes reflect one's spiritual health, as wrong attitudes towards money and possessions stem from the heart, mirroring a broader spiritual condition.Jesus identified the root of evil thoughts, including greed and envy, as originating from the heart (Mark 7:21-23), highlighting the spiritual battle within. THE BATTLE AGAINST SINThe struggle with sinful attitudes like envy, pride, and greed is common, even among devout believers like the Apostle Paul, who shared his own struggles in Romans 7:21-24.Overcoming these attitudes requires divine intervention, as Paul acknowledges deliverance through Jesus Christ. CULTIVATING RIGHT ATTITUDES TOWARDS MONEYRight financial attitudes include serving Christ, stewardship, gratitude, and seeking wisdom, reflecting virtues like love, generosity, humility, and kindness.Larry Burkett emphasized that spiritual values should be mirrored in one's finances, honoring God and leading to a