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“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and the power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.”  - Ecclesiastes 5:19What if true joy doesn’t come from gaining more, but from gratefully receiving what God has already provided? Today, John Cortines joins us to explore what he calls the Cycle of Grateful Living—and how it transforms our approach to money and contentment.John Cortines is the Director of Grantmaking at The Maclellan Foundation. He is the author of our new study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money, as well as the co-author of God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School and True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart.The Heart of Ecclesiastes: Joy as a GiftEcclesiastes 5:18–20 forms the foundation of our new Wisdom Over Wealth study:“It is good and fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil... this is God’s gift to man...

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” - Luke 16:11What if managing money is about more than just numbers and budgets—what if it’s a window into something eternal? Afton Phillips joins us today as we explore the mission behind the message you hear every day on this program, and how you can be a part of it.Afton Phillips is the Head of Content at FaithFi: Faith & Finance. The Heart Behind the MissionSo why focus so much on finances?Because how we handle money reveals what we treasure most. At FaithFi, we want to help people experience freedom, peace, and generosity—not just from better budgeting, but from surrendering their hearts to God.It’s a message that resonates with people in all seasons of life. Whether you feel boxed in by a budget or anxious about a financial decision, each of those moments is an invitation to reflect on your heart and trust in Christ. We are already living in abundance with the love of Christ.The Common Struggles W

“Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” — Ecclesiastes 4:4Ecclesiastes shows us how even good work can go wrong when driven by envy. What starts as diligence can quickly become a pursuit of status. Today, we’ll look at how chasing approval leaves us empty—and how God invites us into something much greater.The Idol of StatusThe Bible Project says Ecclesiastes “targets all the ways we try to build meaning and purpose in life apart from God.” It gives voice to the Preacher, who carefully exposes the emptiness of paths like pleasure, wealth, and status. In recent weeks, we’ve looked at the idols of pleasure and accumulation. Today, we turn to the idol of status.This one can be harder to spot. The line between excellence and envy is thin. Ecclesiastes 4:4 says, “Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor.” That’s a striking thought. Our motivation may not be love of the work or

A crypto enthusiast once wrote on Reddit, “Bitcoin is like winning the lottery in slow motion.” That might be a stretch, but one thing’s clear: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies aren’t going anywhere. Today, Mark Biller joins us to unpack how crypto is moving into the mainstream and what that means for investors trying to make wise decisions.Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.Two Big Takeaways for Crypto InvestorsHere are two key insights to help investors make sense of today’s crypto market:Bitcoin Stands Apart – It’s critical to understand that Bitcoin is not like the rest of the crypto world. It has emerged as a unique and dominant force, with widespread adoption, while other cryptocurrencies remain highly speculative. Bitcoin Has Reached Critical Mass – Thanks to regulatory shifts and institutional adoption, Bitcoin seems to be here to stay. In just a few years, we've gone from government hostility toward crypto to S

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1God has designed life to unfold in seasons, and with each one comes new challenges, opportunities, and sometimes, new finish lines. Today, Cody Hobelmann joins us to talk about why it’s not only okay to adjust your financial finish line—it’s often the wise and faithful thing to do.Cody Hobelmann is a Certified Financial Professional (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a Wealth Advisor at Wealth Squared. He and his brother, Kealan, founded the Finish Line Pledge and also co-host the Finish Line Podcast, where they discuss the intersection of faith, generosity, and personal finance.What Is a Financial Finish Line?A financial finish line is simply an answer to the question, How much is enough? It helps us define what we need for our lifestyle so that everything beyond that can be redirected toward building God’s Kingdom.There are two kinds of finish lines:Lifestyle (or Spending) Finish Line – The amount ne

Did you hear about the guy who tried to pay his taxes with a smile? Unfortunately for him, the IRS still prefers cash.All jokes aside, failing to file your taxes for several years is no small matter—but it’s not the end of the road, either. Kevin Cross joins us today with practical steps to help you get back on track.Kevin Cross is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who has headed CPA firms in Florida and now Georgia. He has studied the tax code extensively and specializes in representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).Start With the Present, Not the PastThe further you fall behind, the more difficult it is to catch up. But rather than beginning with the year you first missed, he recommends filing your most recent return first—say, 2024—and working backward as needed. This shows the IRS that you’re attempting to come into compliance, not ignoring your obligations.Falling behind on taxes is more common than most people think. Life events like divorce, disability, job loss, or even the ris

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.’” - Isaiah 6:8The news from the Middle East can be overwhelming, but our hope in Christ calls us to take action. Today, May-Lee Melki from Heart for Lebanon joins us to share how you can help protect young women and girls facing crisis. Then it’s on to your calls at 800-525-7000.​May-Lee Melki is a Lebanese-American advocate, legal scholar, and ministry leader dedicated to advancing justice and holistic transformation in the Middle East. She serves as the Strategic Engagement Manager at Heart for Lebanon, an underwriter of Faith and Finance.Why Lebanon’s Girls Need Us NowLebanon today is not the Lebanon of a generation ago. Compounded crises have pushed countless families into desperation, and girls ages 13–21 often bear the heaviest burden. Without a father, brother, or male guardian to protect them, they face decisions made for them—decisions that can lock them into abuse for life.The ur

“The wicked borrow but do not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives.” – Psalm 37:21When someone owes you money and doesn’t repay it, emotions can run high—frustration, hurt, and even resentment. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or fellow believer, unpaid debt can strain even the strongest relationships. So, how should we respond when repayment never comes? Let’s explore that together.Start with CompassionIt’s natural to assume the worst when someone avoids repaying a debt. But Scripture calls us to pause and lead with understanding.“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29The person who owes you might be experiencing genuine hardship, such as job loss, medical emergencies, or family struggles. Begin by asking how they’re doing. Show empathy. Offer flexibility, if possible, such as a revised payment plan. This can foster honest dialogue and reflect Christ’s love in action.Before confronting the situation, pray. Ask God for

“All his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.” — Ecclesiastes 2:23That verse from Ecclesiastes reveals a painful truth: even a productive life can feel empty when the wrong purpose drives our work. Wealth on its own doesn’t bring peace—often, it brings more pressure. But Scripture offers a better way.What’s Driving All That Effort?It’s easy to admire someone who plans wisely, saves consistently, and builds steadily over time. Our culture praises that kind of discipline as responsible and virtuous—and often, it is. But Ecclesiastes challenges us to ask: What’s driving all that effort?In Ecclesiastes 2:18, the Preacher writes, “I hated all my toil... seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me.” He isn’t condemning hard work—he’s grieving that all he’s built will one day be handed off, possibly to someone who won’t value or steward it well.That’s where sorrow begins—not in failure, but in success without peace. “Al

What if being great with money doesn’t guarantee you’re doing great with your spouse?If you’re the “money person” in your marriage, you may think you’re doing everything right. But what if your spouse feels shut out of the process? It happens more than you think. Shaunti Feldhahn joins us today to talk about how you can avoid that disconnect or fix it if need be.Shaunti Feldhahn is a Harvard graduate, former Wall Street analyst, social researcher, best-selling author, and a prominent public speaker. She is the co-author of Thriving in Love and Money: 5 Game-Changing Insights about Your Relationship, Your Money, and Yourself, written with her husband, Jeff, and has co-authored several books with him, revealing impactful truths about relationships at home and in the workplace.Honor What Your Spouse ValuesMoney-minded individuals often unknowingly send the message that their spouse’s financial opinions don’t matter. Even with good intentions and solid planning, failing to honor what your spouse values can damage

“For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12With Father’s Day approaching, we’re asking a deeper question: What kind of legacy are we leaving as men, as dads, and as stewards of what God has entrusted to us? Jonathan Lewis from Fathers for Fathers joins us to talk about fatherhood, faith, and the financial discipleship that shapes generations.Jonathan Lewis is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and President of Eastport Financial Group Inc. He is also the founder of Fathers for Fathers, a faith-based organization dedicated to restoring hope, healing, and purpose in the lives of men, especially fathers. A Story RedeemedWhen Jonathan was 15, he experienced a trauma no child should face—dragging his father’s lifeless body onto a beach in Nova Scotia after a drowning accident. That moment became

Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”In a world that chases wealth as the ultimate goal, Scripture calls us to something better—wisdom. Because without godly wisdom, even abundance can lead us astray. Today, Jim Newheiser joins us to explore why wisdom, not money, is the true measure of success in God’s economy. Dr. James (Jim) Newheiser, Jr., is the Director of the Christian Counseling Program and Professor of Christian Counseling and Pastoral Theology at RTS Charlotte. He is also the author of several books on the subject of counseling, as well as Money: Seeking God’s Wisdom (31-Day Devotionals for Life).Investing in What SatisfiesIsaiah 55:2 details an account where the Lord asks, “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” It’s a poignant reminder that many of us chase things that leave us empty. How we spend our time and money reflects what we value. Yet so often, those values

Missionary Amy Carmichael once expressed a powerful truth: “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”That quote reminds us that generosity isn’t just something we do—it reflects who we are in Christ. So, how do we grow into more joyful, intentional givers? Today, we’ll talk with Ron Blue about what he calls “living giving”— and how that mindset can bring real financial freedom.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.Giving Is a Spiritual DecisionGiving reflects our trust in God. When we give—and give first—we’re saying, “Lord, You gave this to me, and I’m returning to You what’s already Yours. I trust You to meet my needs.”It’s a profound shift in perspective. Instead of centering our financial lives on ourselves, giving reorients our hearts toward God’s purposes. It stretches our faith and loosens money’s grip on our hearts. It doesn’t shr

“I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.’ But behold, this also was vanity.” — Ecclesiastes 2:1What happens when someone has the power to indulge in every pleasure the world can offer? In Ecclesiastes, we find one of Scripture’s boldest experiments: a search for lasting joy through earthly delights. The Preacher—often thought to be Solomon—pursues laughter, wine, work, wealth, sex, and success, all in an effort to answer one question: Can pleasure truly satisfy the human soul?A Culture Chasing the WindToday, we live in a world that echoes the Preacher’s experiment. “Treat yourself.” “Follow your heart.” “Do what makes you happy.” These aren’t just slogans—they’re mantras for modern living. From the vacations we plan to the gadgets we unbox, we’re told that happiness is just one more swipe, scroll, or splurge away.But Ecclesiastes challenges that narrative. It forces us to wrestle with a deeper question: What if pleasure doesn’t lead where we think it does?The Preacher’s p

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9This powerful verse is often quoted when we talk about generosity, and rightly so. It shows us that generosity isn’t just a financial principle—it’s rooted in the very heart of the Gospel. Today, Dr. Nathan W. Harris joins us to explore that connection more deeply.Dr. Nathan W. Harris is the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at The University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. He is also the author of A Short Guide to Gospel Generosity: Giving as an Act of Grace.What Is Gospel Generosity?Gospel generosity is giving rooted in the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Generosity is not merely a virtue for the Christian life but a cheerful disposition that springs forth from the gospel. This kind of generosity arises from new life in Christ, is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reflects the Father’s model of grace throughout creatio

Summer is here—and while kids are counting down the days until school’s out, parents and grandparents might be counting something else: the cost.The good news? Some of the best family memories don’t require a big budget. In fact, many of them are completely free. With a little creativity and intention, you can enjoy a summer that builds connection and joy without adding financial stress. Here are ten fun, meaningful, and no-cost activities to try this season.1. Visit Your Local LibraryLibraries today are vibrant community hubs, not just quiet places for books. Many offer summer reading programs, puppet shows, craft days, and even LEGO clubs. It’s a screen-free space that fosters imagination and learning—and it won’t cost a dime.2. Host a Themed Movie NightMovie nights are a classic, but turning them into themed events can make them feel extra special. Dress up like your favorite characters, make popcorn at home, and stream free movies from your library or other no-cost platforms. It’s cozy, creative, and fun

What if I told you that giving money to good causes won’t necessarily change your heart?Many assume that if they invest their finances in the right places, their affections will follow. But what if the real issue isn’t where our money goes, but what we treasure most?The Words of Jesus: Treasure and the HeartIn His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers one of the most profound insights into money and the human heart:"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)Many interpret this to mean that if we direct our money toward good causes, such as ministries or charities, our hearts will naturally follow. And often, generosity does strengthen our connection to what we support. However, if money itself remains our treasure, even generous giving can leave our hearts tied to wealth rather than to God.What if Jesus wasn’t just telling us to redirect our money but inviting us to reexamine what we treasure most? The real challenge isn’t simply choosing better causes; it’s choosing a better treas

“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” - Proverbs 14:8When it comes to saving, spending, and talking about money, our God-given temperament plays a bigger role than we think. Today, Kathleen Edelman shares how understanding your wiring can lead to better financial decisions and healthier money conversations.Kathleen Edelman is the author of “I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication.” She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.What Is Temperament—And Why Does It Matter?Temperament was studied by Hippocrates 2,000 years ago. It’s innate, unchangeable, and part of your design by God, like your eye color or fingerprint. In contrast, “personality” evolves based on culture, upbringing, education, and environment.This foundational understanding is essential not just in relationships but also in how we approach money.

“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.” – Ecclesiastes 1:14Life is full of pursuits and ambitions, each one pressing for our attention. Like a collage, the individual pieces may not make sense until we step back and see the bigger picture. Today, we’re talking about the gift of perspective—and how viewing our lives through an eternal lens can change everything.Zooming Out with EcclesiastesIf there’s one book in the Bible that invites us to zoom out and take an honest look at life, it’s Ecclesiastes. It’s raw, reflective, and unafraid to ask big questions: What’s really worth pursuing? What has lasting value? What are we building—and why?Our new study, Wisdom Over Wealth, explores the book of Ecclesiastes with these questions in mind. It helps us see how financial wisdom fits into the broader story of a life lived for God. I’ll tell you how to get your copy in a moment.In our everyday financial lives, it’s easy to be consumed by the immediat

English statesman Francis Bacon once wrote, “Money is a great servant but a bad master.”If we don’t learn to manage money wisely to take control of it, it will soon master us. It’s one way or the other. Today, Bob Lotich tells us how to be the master and not the servant when it comes to money—and he makes it pretty clear, as well.Bob Lotich is a high-performance financial coach and Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®) and has been named a top-20 influencer in personal finance. His wife, Linda, and their award-winning website, SeedTime.com, as well as the SeedTime Money Podcast, have reached over 50 million people in the past decade. He is also the author of Simple Money, Rich Life: Achieve True Financial Freedom and Design a Life of Eternal Impact. The Wake-Up Call: A Breakdown Leads to BreakthroughBob’s story, which began in 2002 when his car broke down while he was on his way to deposit a paycheck, is one that many can relate to. He described how that moment of crisis led to a deep spiritual awake