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THE DECLINING MARRIAGE RATE AND ITS FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:Studies consistently show that married people fare better financially than single people. Significantly better. But the marriage rate in America continues to fall. The percentage of adults living with a spouse dropped from 52% to 50% over the last decade, continuing a trend that started when 67% of adults were married in 1960.This trend affects millennials significantly, with only 44% choosing to marry, potentially missing out on the financial benefits associated with marital status. THE FINANCIAL ADVANTAGE OF MARRIED COUPLES:Married couples generally have a higher median net worth at all age levels compared to unmarried individuals, with married households having a net worth up to 9 times greater than unmarried female householders and 3 times more than unmarried male householders.While there are exceptions and marriage is not universally advantageous, on average, married couples fare better financially. THE SINGLE PARENT CHALLENGE:Single parents, esp

Jerry Bowyer is our resident economist and frequent contributor here FaithFi. IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) A THREAT TO MANKIND, SIMILAR TO SCENARIOS IN SCIENCE FICTION?Humanity cannot surpass God's creation, and AI, being a product of human invention, cannot exceed the intelligence and capabilities God endowed in humans. AI is constrained by the boundaries of human creativity.AI cannot surpass human intelligence as this would imply humans have the capability to create something superior to God’s own creation, which is not possible given our finite nature.The portrayal of AI as a potential threat or a deity in itself, capable of surpassing human intelligence, erroneously attributes divine characteristics to AI.It's essential to recognize humanity's unique status as God's highest creation to maintain a balanced perspective on AI's potential and limitations, acknowledging that any creation by humans, including AI, remains subordinate to God's creation. WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF AI, AND HOW SIGNIFI

Gary Chapman is the best-selling author of The Five Love Languages. HOW SHOULD THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES INFLUENCE GIFT-GIVING ON VALENTINE'S DAY?Understanding and applying the Five Love Languages to gift-giving, especially on Valentine's Day, can really enhance the impact of the gesture. If your spouse's primary love language is receiving gifts, then selecting a thoughtful gift becomes crucial.However, for those whose love language is not gifts, recognizing Valentine's Day and making an effort to express love is still important.Recognizing if gifts are your spouse's primary love language is key; if so, choose gifts with care and intention.Even if gifts don't rank highly for your spouse, don't overlook Valentine's Day—any act of love will be appreciated.Manage expectations and be understanding if your spouse doesn't respond as enthusiastically as hoped; their love language may differ from yours. IN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A COUNSELOR, HOW OFTEN DOES MONEY CREATE CHALLENGES IN MARRIAGES?Money is frequently a source o

LENDING MONEY TO CHILDREN FOR A HOUSE PURCHASE:Rob discusses the reasons parents might consider lending money to their children for a house purchase, such as reducing the interest the child must pay and helping if the child does not qualify for a mortgage due to debt-to-income ratio issues or insufficient credit history. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of lending versus gifting money, the potential risks involved, and ensuring any loan is legally documented.Parents may lend to their children to save them from high interest rates or if they're unable to secure a loan due to financial reasons.Lending money can potentially harm the recipient by discouraging their efforts to earn money and achieve financial independence, and it can risk the lender's financial security and relationship with the child if the loan is not repaid.The Bible encourages providing for relatives, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:8, which states, "If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members

“I tell you, use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9  Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner, a CertifiedKingdom Advisor and a regular FaithFi contributor. WHAT IS THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU EVER MADE, ACCORDING TO RACHEL MCDONOUGH?Rachel recounts a story of investing not in stocks or bonds but in a person's life with a simple act of kindness. She met a woman who identified herself as a witch and was initially very hostile. With just $35, Rachel and her friends paid for the woman's phone bill, leading to a surprising transformation. The woman opened up about her painful past and received the message of God's love through this act of generosity.Investing in kindness can lead to spiritual breakthroughs, even with a small amount like $35.A simple act of generosity can soften a hardened heart, demonstrating God's love in a tangible way.Rachel's story emphasizes the power of meeting physical needs as an entry point

THE DANGERS OF LOVING MONEY AND THE CHRISTIAN RESPONSESome people view money as the source of life's greatest pleasures, equating it with security, success, freedom, and power. However, the Biblical perspective emphasizes trust in Jesus rather than in fleeting worldly possessions. THE PROBLEMS WITH LOVING MONEY:1 Timothy 6:10 warns about the love of money being the root of all kinds of evils, emphasizing the destruction and ruin it can bring.Loving money leads to a life-destroying path marked by temptation and harmful desires.It can cause us to stray from our faith, experiencing deep sorrow as a result.Money can become an idol, taking God's place as the highest priority in our lives. BIBLICAL WARNINGS AGAINST SERVING MONEY:Jesus taught in Matthew 6:24 that it's impossible to serve both God and money, highlighting the conflict between material wealth and spiritual devotion.Loving money is incompatible with serving God fully.Money, while neutral itself, can lead to sins like greed, fear, envy, and dishonesty wh

Art Rainer is author of the brand new book, “Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.” He’s also a frequent contributor here at FaithFi. EVERY SPENDING DECISION IS A SPIRITUAL DECISIONArt Rainer emphasizes Jesus' words that where one's treasure is, their heart will also be.The Bible, with over 2000 verses on money, shows its spiritual significance.Managing money well reflects trust in God's promises and provision.Trusting God with finances is as crucial as trusting Him with one's soul. GOD'S PROMISES:God promises to provide and bless those who give, demonstrating His commitment to bless generosity.Malachi 3:10 highlights God's promise to bless those who bring their tithes, promising abundant blessings as a sign of His faithfulness.He doesn't tell us to give only to leave us hanging. No, he ties a promise to our generosity. He promises to pour out an abundance of blessings.He invites believers to test Him in this, promising blessings that may be financial, material, or

Ron Blue is the co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, author of a shelf-full of books on biblical finance, including Master Your Money. HELPING A DAUGHTER WHO'S GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE: WHAT'S THE BEST APPROACH?Support must be dynamic, adapting as circumstances change.Emotional, spiritual, and financial challenges intertwine, requiring sensitive navigation.Equitable treatment among siblings means addressing each child's unique needs, especially in crisis. HOW DID YOU AND JUDY DECIDE ON THE EXTENT AND MANNER OF HELP?The decision on how much to help was made progressively, acknowledging the fluid situation post-divorce.The process involves constant reassessment based on changing needs and situations.Supporting a child who feels like they've failed requires careful emotional and financial consideration.The principle of loving your children equally but treating them uniquely guided their approach, especially in allocating resources differently from other siblings. WHAT DID THE JOURNEY TO REESTABLISHING SELF-SUFFICIENCY

IMPACT OF COVID ON HOUSING MARKET AND RENT VS. BUY DEBATEThere’s no question that we’re still feeling the impact of the COVID pandemic. The COVID pandemic significantly disrupted the housing market, increasing home prices and rental rates, making it challenging for first-time home buyers.Also during that time, rental rates also skyrocketed. In the age-old debate, rent vs. buy, things have shifted. CURRENT HOUSING MARKET CONDITIONS:Skyhigh mortgage payments: On average, new mortgage payments are now 52% higher than apartment rents, the largest gap in 27 years, according to CBRE.Low first-time home buyer activity: Only 26% of buyers were first-timers in 2022, the lowest percentage on record by the National Association of Realtors.Steady home values despite high mortgage rates: Despite expectations, high mortgage rates haven't lowered home values due to low housing inventory. RENTAL MARKET AS THE NEW "VALUE OPTION":Changing perspective on renting vs. buying: Renting is now seen as more financially sensible for m

Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors, and underwriter of this program.  WHAT ARE SOME TRIED AND TRUE WAYS TO AVOID DEBT AND PROMOTE FINANCIAL WELLNESS?Neile Simon from Christian Credit Counselors shares key strategies to manage finances effectively, emphasizing the importance of budgeting, reducing debt, and saving for emergencies.Creating or updating a budget is crucial: Most Americans need to revisit their budgets, especially to adjust for inflation. Your budget should track major expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and more. It's also wise to review and possibly reduce subscriptions to entertainment services by examining bank and credit card statements for auto payments.Paying down credit card debt is vital: Credit card debt is expensive, with average interest rates over 20%. Making only minimum payments on a balance can extend repayment over years, resulting in high interest costs. Neely recommends exploring debt consolidation through a debt management p

Aaron Caid joins us again today. Aaron’s the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union, an underwriter of this program. INTEGRATING STEWARDSHIP INTO DAILY LIVING: HOW CAN CHRISTIANS PRACTICALLY APPLY THE CONCEPT OF STEWARDSHIP IN THEIR DAILY LIVESRecent research showed that while Christians understand the concept of stewardship, they often struggle with practical application in daily life.Over 80% of surveyed Christians believe applying stewardship principles positively impacts their lives.Many expressed a desire to learn basic stewardship principles and how to use financial blessings in a God-honoring way. THE IMPACT OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION (CCCU) ON MINISTRIES LIKE HOUSE OF REFUGE SUNNYSLOPE:House of Refuge Sunnyslope in Phoenix provides transitional housing and focuses on preventing homelessness and sharing the gospel.CCCU helped them acquire adjacent property to expand their single moms program, providing affordable financing and rapid problem-solving.CCCU’s contributions are

DECIDING WHEN TO START RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITSIt's recommended to delay receiving Social Security benefits until Full Retirement Age (FRA) of 66 or 67, as benefits are permanently reduced by about 8% for each year you start taking them before reaching FRA. BREAK-EVEN POINT FOR DELAYING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITSIf you delay receiving Social Security benefits until FRA, it takes nearly 12 years to recoup the money you missed by not taking benefits early. After around age 79, you'll be financially ahead each month for the rest of your life. LIFE EXPECTANCY CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITYOnce you reach age 65, the average life expectancy is 86 for females and 83 for males. While there's no guarantee of living that long, the odds are in your favor, making it beneficial to wait for higher monthly benefits. WORKING WHILE RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITSIf you start receiving Social Security benefits before FRA and continue to work, your benefits will be temporarily reduced if you earn more than a cert

Leo Sabo is president of the Christian Stewardship Network and a Faith and Finance contributor. He also knows a thing or two about starting a stewardship ministry.  THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES IN CHURCHESBiblical Foundation: Stewardship ministries are vital as they align with biblical teachings about money and possessions, which are prevalent throughout the Bible.Discipleship and Purpose: These ministries guide congregants in using money as a tool for fulfilling their God-given calling and purposes, emphasizing discipleship in financial matters. STEPS FOR ESTABLISHING A STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY IN A CHURCH1. Securing Leadership Support: Begin by gaining the church leadership's endorsement. Emphasize that the ministry's focus is on making true disciples and equipping them, rather than just fundraising.2. Assessing Congregational Needs: Understand the financial needs and desires of the church members through surveys. Tailor the ministry's educational content to these identified needs.3. Tea

Tim Macready is head of Global Multi-Asset Investing with BrightLight, an EverSource Wealth Advisors Team. HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN AND A LEADER IN THE FAITH-BASED INVESTING MOVEMENT?Tim grew up on the mission field and returned to Australia for studies, initially working with pension plans. His desire to do something meaningful led him to a faith-based pension fund in Sydney. For 15 years, he has explored what it means to be a faithful steward of God's resources, now working with pension funds, investment advisors, and families at the intersection of faith and investing. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MARKETS IN INVESTING?Private markets differ from public markets in investment structures, using vehicles like private market funds, real estate investment trusts, and limited partnerships instead of mutual funds, stocks, and ETFs. These are typically aimed at more experienced investors with larger investment sizes and hold various assets such as venture capital, private equity

GOD'S CREATION AND EXPECTATIONS:God created humanity in His image, as reflected in Psalm 139:13 and Ephesians 2:10. These Scriptures emphasize His intention for His people to live justly and righteously. THE REALITY OF FINANCIAL INJUSTICE:The world, marred by sins such as greed, envy, dishonesty, and pride, often leads to the unfair financial exploitation of others, a stark reality that Christians must recognize. BIBLICAL WARNINGS AGAINST FINANCIAL INJUSTICE:The Scriptures provide clear warnings against various forms of financial injustice:Proverbs 22:16 and 14:31 caution against oppressing the poor, teaching that such actions lead to poverty and are an insult to God.Proverbs 20:10 denounces dishonesty in transactions, labeling unequal weights and measures as abominable to the Lord.Psalm 12:5 reflects God's concern for victims of robbery and embezzlement, assuring His protection and support.Exodus 23 explicitly forbids false testimony and bias in legal matters, underscoring the importance of integrity in fina

SCRIPTURES ON FEAR AND GOD'S PRESENCE:Jesus asks a powerful question about worry in Matthew 6:27, asking, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”Romans 8:15 encourages reliance on God instead of falling back into fear: "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”Faith is the opposite of fear, and fear is a tool used by Satan to distract from God's goodness. COMMON "WHAT-IF" FEARS AND THEIR FUTILITY:Rob lists common "what-if" scenarios that lead to fear about the future, highlighting their tendency to divert focus from God’s plan. BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON FEAR:Isaiah 54:17 offers reassurance: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.John 16:33 affirms that despite tribulations in the world, victory in

Lauren Gajdek is Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries, an underwriter of this program. WHY IS CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES A LIFESAVER FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE?Lauren explains that Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) operates differently from traditional insurance companies, allowing people to join at any time of the year without waiting for an open enrollment season. This flexibility makes CHM accessible for those who have missed enrollment deadlines.CHM allows joining anytime.It operates on a biblical concept of sharing resources among members.CHM has shared over $10 billion in members' medical bills, demonstrating its extensive support network. HOW DOES CHM DIFFER FROM TRADITIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?CHM is a medical cost-sharing organization, not an insurance company. It's based on a biblical concept where believers pool resources to ensure no one is left in need. Lauren emphasizes that CHM's approach has enabled the

Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles. WHAT ARE THE BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES RELATED TO CASH FLOW AND LIVING EXPENSES?Sharon emphasizes the importance of spending less than we earn, drawing from Philippians which teaches contentment in all situations. Contentment is key in managing finances as it helps us be satisfied with what we have and avoid unnecessary spending.To improve financial health, it's vital to spend less than what we earn.Contentment with our current situation is crucial for financial stability.Reducing living expenses is a quick way to enhance cash flow. HOW CAN WE TRAIN OUR CHILDREN IN FINANCIAL MATTERS FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE?Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train children in the way they should go, including financial education. Sharon suggests setting an example through actions rather than just words, teaching children both financia

Mark Biller is executive editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of this program.  WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ALLOCATE YOUR PORTFOLIO OR REBALANCE IT?Mark Biller explains that asset allocation refers to the distribution of investments across various asset types, like stocks and bonds. Portfolio rebalancing is the process of adjusting the portfolio back to its target allocation. This is necessary because different investments perform differently over time, causing the portfolio to drift from its intended allocation. Rebalancing involves selling assets that have grown beyond their target percentage and buying those that are underrepresented to maintain the desired risk/reward balance.Asset allocation involves deciding how much to invest in different asset types like stocks and bonds.Portfolio rebalancing is adjusting the investment mix back to the target allocation.Rebalancing ensures the portfolio stays aligned with the investor's risk tolerance and goals. HOW DOES ONE DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE TARGET ASSET A

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3.Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass— Finances God’s Way and the former host of this program.  HOW DOES A SPENDING PLAN HELP WITH MANAGING YOUR MONEY AND REDUCING YOUR DEBT?Howard, founder of Compass Finances God's Way, introduces the concept of a spending plan (budget). He explains that a spending plan is not just about restricting expenses but is a strategic tool that helps direct money towards achieving life goals and reducing debt. The plan also controls impulse spending and is flexible enough to adjust as needed.A spending plan is a strategic tool for directing money towards life goals and debt reduction.It controls impulse spending and is flexible for adjustments.Spending plans are ultimately freeing, not stifling. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING A SPENDING PLAN AND HOW CAN WE OVERCOME THEM?The implementation of a spending plan can be challenging due to lifestyle changes and the need to make hard decisions. Howa