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Gratitude is a natural response to God’s goodness—but does it show up in the way we give?Many pastors wish their congregation knew that giving isn’t just about meeting a church budget—it’s a vital part of growing as a disciple of Jesus. Today, Leo Sabo joins us to unpack three things your pastor wishes you knew about giving.Leo Sabo is the President of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN). He has spent the last 22 years working with couples, individuals, and church leaders, helping them understand and manage their finances according to biblical principles.Why Conversations About Giving MatterEffective conversations between church members and leadership aren’t just about meeting financial goals. Because God owns everything and we are His stewards, money decisions are both practical and deeply spiritual. How we handle what God has entrusted to us reveals our hearts and our motives.1. The Spiritual Benefits of GivingPastors understand the connection between generosity and discipleship. Trusting God with our m

“And he gathered up all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and put the food in the cities. He put in every city the food from the fields around it.” - Genesis 41:48Joseph’s story isn’t just dramatic—it’s a powerful example of godly wisdom in uncertain times. His preparation during years of abundance helped an entire nation weather a famine. Today, Mark Biller joins us to explore what Joseph’s legacy teaches us about planning ahead.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Learning from Joseph’s ExampleJoseph’s story in the book of Genesis is one of the most dramatic and inspiring accounts in all of Scripture. From his rise and fall—from favored son to slave, from prisoner to ruler of Egypt—Joseph’s journey demonstrates God’s providence at every turn. His famous words to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 capture the theme: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”But Joseph’s story is al

When you think about making a Kingdom impact, your checking or savings account probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But what if it should be?Most of us view our bank account as a simple holding place for our money—a safe spot until we’re ready to spend, give, or invest. However, the truth is that your money is never truly at rest. Banks utilize those deposits daily to fund loans, support business ventures, and invest in various projects. That’s standard practice. But here’s the exciting part: you can actually choose a banking institution that uses your money to support Kingdom work.Let’s unpack how your everyday banking decisions could be part of something far bigger than you imagined.Banking That Builds the KingdomWhen you bank with a faith-based financial institution—one that’s intentionally aligned with biblical stewardship—you allow your money to participate in Kingdom work, even when you’re not actively spending or giving. Your checking account. Your savings. Even your emergency fund. All o

Have you ever noticed how some people light up when they give, while others treat it like just another transaction?Maybe the difference isn’t in the amount they give—but in how God designed them to give. What if discovering your God-given giving style is the key to finding joy in generosity? Today, Chris Gabriel joins us to unpack the idea of W.I.S.E. Generosity.Chris Gabriel is a philanthropic leader and financial advisor with over 30 years of experience. A Yale and Oxford graduate, he created the WISEgenerosity framework to help individuals and institutions give well. Chris leads a thriving wealth management practice and is the author of WISEgenerosity: A Guide for Purposeful and Practical Living and Giving.From Inspiration to ApplicationGenerosity isn’t just about giving money—it’s about connecting your giving to your God-given identity and calling. Generosity is an essential virtue of a life well lived. It’s also perhaps the aspect of God’s nature that’s closest to our own. We’re made in His image, and th

Have you ever felt a quiet sense of pride after giving, like you were just a little more faithful than others?It’s a subtle temptation, but one we must take seriously. When our giving becomes a way to elevate ourselves rather than glorify God, we’ve missed the heart of generosity—and possibly much more.When Giving Becomes About UsSelf-righteous giving hides behind good behavior. It’s giving to feel morally superior. Giving to prove we’re spiritually ahead. Giving to show God—or others—that we’ve “got it right.”Jesus addressed this in Luke 18:“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector… The Pharisee… prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people… I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But the tax collector… said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.”The tithing, fasting Pharisee was not justified—not because his actions were wrong, but because he trusted in himself.Th

Jim Elliot once wrote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”“Generous” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you think about pro athletes, but Kirk Cousins is rewriting that playbook. The three-time Pro Bowl quarterback in the NFL is using his platform—and resources—for eternal impact. Today, we’ll hear how his faith shapes everything from football to finances.Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and a veteran leader in the National Football League (NFL). He previously spent six seasons with the Washington Commanders and six with the Minnesota Vikings. A four-time Pro Bowler and outspoken man of faith, he is also the cofounder of the Julie & Kirk Cousins Foundation, which supports families and youth through faith-based initiatives.A Legacy of Generosity: Lessons from His ParentsGrowing up as a pastor’s kid, Cousins remembers how his parents modeled generosity long before he had a bank account of his own.“My mom had the gift of

Many seniors today face significant financial strain—some even resort to borrowing to cover their basic living expenses.For retirees on a fixed income, a reverse mortgage can be a practical solution to access the equity in their home and bring much-needed stability. Harlan Accola joins us today with a message of hope for those looking for margin in their retirement years.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 Real Issue: Seniors Struggling with Credit Card DebtNearly 70% of seniors that Movement speaks with are carrying credit card debt. These aren’t impulsive spenders buying luxury items. They’re retired, living on fixed incomes, and they’re relying on credit just to pay for basics like groceries and prescriptions. They’re often asset-rich but cash-poor—sitting on significant home equity but drowning in interest rates of 25% t

Many student loan borrowers are falling behind again, and the impact is more than financial.A recent change in federal law has reshaped student loan repayment, and as collections ramp back up, millions are seeing their credit scores drop. If you’re feeling the weight of repayment, you’re not alone. Neile Simon joins us today with practical steps to help you regain control.Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Major Changes in Federal Student Loan RepaymentIn early July, sweeping legislation restructured federal student loan repayment options. Borrowers now face only two choices:Standard Repayment Plan: Lasting 10 to 25 yearsRepayment Assistance Plan (RAP): A 30-year plan with payments based on 1% to 10% of the borrower’s income, with a minimum of $10 per monthWhile RAP may seem like a helpful tool, the new law eliminated borrower-friendly plans such as the SAVE plan and many income-driven repayment options. For borrowers who a

As much as we’d like to, none of us can see the future. But that hasn’t stopped us from trying. Financial advisors attempt to forecast markets, meteorologists predict the weather, and sports fans try to call the final score.But when it comes to our finances—and our faith—there’s an important distinction between wise planning and prideful presumption. So how do we tell the difference?The late civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy once said, “I don’t know what the future may hold, but I know Who holds the future.” That’s a comforting truth. God is sovereign—and that brings peace. But His sovereignty doesn’t remove our responsibility to act wisely.Biblical Planning Is a Form of StewardshipScripture doesn’t discourage planning—it commands it. In fact, wise planning is an essential part of faithful stewardship. God has entrusted us with time, money, relationships, and opportunities. Even though we can’t predict tomorrow, we’re still called to be faithful with today.Proverbs 6 paints a vivid picture of this wisdom:“G

Have you ever used your giving to steer decisions or send a message?It might seem harmless—or even wise—to designate your gift to specific ministries or withhold it when you disagree with leadership. But when our generosity becomes a tool for control, we’ve crossed a line. In this episode, we’ll explore the subtle danger of using giving as leverage—and discover a better way rooted in surrender and trust.A Hidden Temptation in Church GivingLet’s be honest—no one likes the word control when it’s pointed at them. But in church life, this temptation surfaces more often than we’d like to admit.It might look like this:Giving only to certain ministries because you don’t trust how the church allocates general funds.Withholding your giving when a leadership decision—like a staffing change or budget shift—doesn’t sit well with you.Designating gifts to specific areas, not out of passion, but as a form of protest.On the surface, it may look like good financial stewardship. But beneath the surface, it’s often an attempt t

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” — Proverbs 12:15Wise financial decisions don’t happen in a vacuum—they often require wise counsel. But how do you know if the person giving you advice shares your convictions and values? Brian Cochran joins us today to explore how biblical wisdom should shape not just our decisions, but the voices we trust.Brian Cochran is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and also serves as the Chief Stewardship Officer at John Moore Associates. The “Why” Shapes EverythingAt John Moore Associates, a recently celebrated milestone tells a powerful story—over $50 million in charitable giving facilitated through the families they serve. This achievement isn't about accolades or financial performance. It reflects a deeper belief: money is a gift from God, but it was never meant to be the ultimate goal for an individual. It's a tool designed for Kingdom impact.Certified Kingdom Advisors® take a distinct approach

A recent survey reveals that nearly 1 in 4 Americans has no emergency savings, and more than a third had to tap into their savings just to get through the past year. Even more sobering, Bankrate reports that only 46% of U.S. adults have enough savings to cover three months of expenses, while 33% have more credit card debt than they do in emergency savings.The numbers are alarming, but they don’t have to define your future.Laying the Foundation: Live on Less Than You EarnBefore we talk about building wealth or making investments, we must start with the foundation: living on less than you earn. It’s the bedrock of biblical financial wisdom. As John Maxwell put it, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” Without a plan, it’s easy to drift. But a budget anchors your finances and gives every dollar a purpose.That’s where the FaithFi app can help—offering a practical tool to craft a spending plan rooted in biblical values.Proverbs 6:6–8 urges us:“Go to the ant, O sluggard; c

Have you ever felt like giving to your church is more of a burden than a joy?You're not alone. For many believers, the offering moment stirs up anxiety instead of worship. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”Those words—not reluctantly and not under compulsion—are key. God doesn't want us giving out of guilt. He invites us to give freely, joyfully, and with a heart aligned to His mission.But guilt is a powerful motivator. Perhaps you've felt it—when the plate passes or a giving campaign is launched. Thoughts flood in: “I haven’t given enough... I’m letting God down.” That’s not generosity born of grace. That’s fear. And it contradicts the gospel.The Gospel Sets Us FreeRomans 8:1 declares, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”That includes condemnation over money. Christ’s death covers all guilt—financial or otherwise. If we’re giving to appease guilt, we’re

Have you ever faced an upcoming surgery—not just anxious about the procedure itself, but also wondering how you’ll cover the cost?Imagine if someone stepped in to guide you through the process, coordinating the details and helping you navigate the expenses. Good news: that kind of support is available, and Lauren Gajdek is here to tell us all about it.Lauren Gajdek is the Senior Director of External Affairs at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), an underwriter of Faith & Finance. A New Offering: The Complete Surgical Care SolutionAs the nation’s longest-serving faith-based health cost-sharing ministry, CHM has helped Christian families with over $12 billion in medical bills over the past 40 years. CHM operates as a biblically based nonprofit organization, offering believers a unique way to meet healthcare needs—through the power of community, compassion, and cost-sharing.At no additional cost to members, CHM has launched a groundbreaking program called the Complete Surgical Care Solution (CSCS). This s

Earlier this year, FaithFi had the opportunity to sit down with Tim Tebow—Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback, and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation. But this wasn’t a conversation about championships or accolades. Instead, it focused on the moments that most people would rather forget—the painful setbacks that God can use to shape something far greater than we could ever have imagined.Tim Tebow is a Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback, and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable children and individuals with disabilities through initiatives such as Night to Shine, orphan care, medical outreach, anti-human trafficking efforts, and support for children with profound medical needs.The Loss That Sparked a PromiseOne of those moments came during the 2008 college football season, when the University of Florida suffered an unexpected loss to Ole Miss. It’s a game many fans remember, but for Tebow, it was deeply personal.As the team’s quarte

When it comes to money, most people are searching for two things: security and peace of mind. That’s understandable—life is unpredictable, expenses arise, and markets swing. But what if true peace isn’t found in your circumstances at all?Financial wisdom doesn’t start with a budget or a savings plan. It begins with trust—specifically, trusting in the Lord. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us, “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.”If you chase peace through your paycheck or portfolio, you’ll always come up short. But when Christ is your foundation, you begin to see money in a new light—not as a source of peace, but as a tool to steward.Five Secrets to Financial Wisdom from God’s Word1. Know Who Owns It All. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Everything belongs to God—your income, your retirement, even your ability to earn. That means we’re not owners; we’re stewards, entruste

Do you work to live…or live to work? For many, the answer is simple: “I work to make a living.”But what if there’s more to work than just earning a paycheck? Could it be that work holds deeper meaning—something essential to who we are and how we’re made? David Bahnsen joins us today to offer a perspective on work you might not have considered.David Bahnsen is the Founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer of The Bahnsen Group, a national private wealth management firm managing over $7 billion in client assets. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox News, and Fox Business. He is also the author of Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. Rethinking Work and IdentityWe live in a world that often tells us our identity has nothing to do with our work. Unfortunately, that idea has not only crept into culture but also into the church. But let's be honest: that’s simply not true. Our identity is tied to our work—not in the sense that a job title defines us, but because we are made in the image o

How do you live a life that truly flourishes—not just financially, but in every area God cares about?Today, we’re talking about how to live with purpose, peace, and wisdom by following God’s design for life. Ron Blue joins us to unpack biblical principles that lead to flourishing, not through formulas, but through faithfulness.Ron Blue is the co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of numerous books on biblical finance, most notably "Master Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment."Flourishing Begins with a Different FoundationAs followers of Christ, we’re not simply aiming for a better life—we’re called to a different one. A life that flourishes isn’t measured by worldly success, but by alignment with God’s design. When we understand that, everything changes.The life God created for each of us is unique. When we live according to His wisdom, we flourish—not because we have more, but because we are living as He intended. Flourishing means experiencing contentment that doesn

The world constantly tells us, “You just need a little more.” But what if real peace isn’t found in having more, but in learning to need less?What comes to mind when you hear the word “wealth”? For some, it means freedom. For others, it brings anxiety and pressure. Today, Jeff Manion joins us to explore how we can cultivate contentment in a culture that always craves more.Jeff Manion is the Teaching Pastor at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for over 40 years. He is also the author of several books, including Satisfied: Discovering Contentment in a World of Consumption.Why Wealth Confuses UsIn a world that constantly urges us to acquire more, climb higher, and chase the next upgrade, contentment often feels elusive. But what if true satisfaction isn’t found in accumulation, but in learning—learning to trust, to remember, to let go, and to live fully in the present? Contentment is not something we’re born with—it’s something we must learn. And we’re learning it together.Let’s be

Mentoring often sounds like the perfect way to steward your time in retirement—until you try it and realize it’s not as intuitive as you'd hoped.For many retirees, mentoring seems like a meaningful way to invest in the next generation—a way to put their life experience to work. But what if we’ve misunderstood how mentoring fits into God’s design for this season of life? Jeff Haanen joins us with practical stories and spiritual insight to help us reframe it.Jeff Haanen is an accomplished entrepreneur and the founder of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work. He is the author of An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God’s Purpose for the Next Season of Life and Working from the Inside Out: A Brief Guide to Inner Work That Transforms Our Outer World.Rethinking MentoringRetirement is often marketed as the reward for decades of hard work—a long-awaited season of leisure and personal fulfillment. But what if there's a deeper, richer invitation waiting for us in this chapter of life? What if retirement isn’t j