12 hrs ago

Financial Virtues Series: Fortitude (Courage) with Dr. Craig Bartholomew

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 Biblical courage is not bravado or self-confidence. It is faithfulness rooted in the presence and promises of God. That kind of courage matters in every area of life—including the way we handle money. Following Christ may require us to give when we would rather hold tightly, resist cultural pressures, act with integrity when compromise would be easier, or obey God when doing so comes at a personal cost. Dr. Craig Bartholomew, Director of the Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge, England, joined the show today to close out our Financial Virtues series to explore the virtue of fortitude and what it means for faithful stewardship. More Than a Moment of Bravery When we hear the word courage, we may picture dramatic acts of bravery. Scripture certainly includes those moments. Joshua needed courage as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land. But fortitude is broader than courage in a single crisis. It is resilience. Resolve. Endurance. The Christian life is less like a sprint and more like a marathon. Fortitude is the strength to continue following Christ over a lifetime—to remain faithful not only in dramatic moments, but also through the ordinary decisions, pressures, disappointments, and temptations we encounter every day. That distinction matters because some of the most important acts of courage in our financial lives may never look heroic to anyone else. It may mean living below your means when everyone around you is upgrading their lifestyle. It may mean refusing a dishonest opportunity even when the money is attractive. It may mean continuing to give generously when fear tells you to hold tighter. Fortitude is the courage to keep choosing faithfulness. When Money Becomes Our Security Money has a way of exposing what we fear. We fear not having enough. We fear an uncertain future. We fear losing the lifestyle we have built. We may fear falling behind others or disappointing the people around us. But the deeper question is this: Where have we placed our security? If our identity, security, or sense of worth rests primarily in wealth, then anything that threatens our finances can begin to threaten our sense of self. That is a burden money was never meant to carry. Scripture continually redirects our trust away from created things and toward the Creator. Money is a good gift and a useful tool, but it makes a terrible foundation for our identity. Christian fortitude begins by remembering who we are and whose we are. Our ultimate security is not found in the size of an investment account, the value of a home, or the stability of an income. It is found in God, who promises to remain faithful to His people. That does not mean financial losses or uncertainty become easy. It means fear no longer has the final word. Jesus Shows Us What Courage Looks Like Jesus gives us the clearest picture of true fortitude. At the beginning of His public ministry, Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, offering shortcuts to power and glory that would bypass the path of suffering and obedience. Jesus refused. He remained faithful to the Father and continued toward the cross. His courage was not merely displayed in one final moment. It characterized His entire life—a steady obedience to the Father regardless of the cost. That same pattern should shape His followers. Money can easily become one of the competing loyalties of our hearts. Jesus repeatedly warned about the spiritual danger of wealth when it moves from being a tool we steward to a treasure we worship. Money must remain in its proper place. Fortitude helps us keep it there. Generosity Requires Courage One way we loosen money’s grip on our hearts is through generosity. Giving shifts our attention away from ourselves and toward God and our neighbors. Rather than asking only, “What can this money do for me?” generosity teaches us to ask, “How might God use what He has entrusted to me to serve someone else?” Sometimes that requires real courage. Giving can confront our desire for control. It can challenge our instinct to accumulate more before deciding we finally have “enough.” It may require us to trust God with what happens after we release what we have been holding. But generosity reminds us that life is not ultimately about us. As we put God first, He turns our attention outward—to the neighbor down the street, the family facing hardship, the ministry serving people in need, or even someone across the world whose circumstances are far different from our own. Fortitude gives us the courage to hold God’s provision with open hands. The Courage to Choose Integrity Fortitude also matters when faithfulness costs us financially. There may be moments when telling the truth threatens a business opportunity, refusing to compromise means walking away from profit, or acting justly puts us at a disadvantage. Those moments require more than good intentions. They require discernment to recognize what is right—and courage to do it. Our culture constantly communicates messages about success, wealth, status, and power. Christians must learn to examine those messages carefully rather than simply accepting the assumptions around us. Not everything profitable is good. Not everything financially advantageous is wise. And not everything considered normal in our culture is consistent with following Jesus. Fortitude enables us to remain faithful when obedience becomes costly. Courage Is Cultivated in Community Christian courage should never become another form of self-reliance. We can be extremely determined about the wrong things. That is why fortitude must be shaped by wisdom, discernment, prayer, Scripture, and Christian community. We need other believers who can help us recognize blind spots, challenge our assumptions, and remind us of what is true when fear begins to distort our perspective. This is especially important with money. Financial decisions can be complex, and our hearts can easily rationalize what we already want. Wise counsel helps us discern where genuine stewardship ends and where fear, greed, pride, or self-interest may be taking over. The goal is not simply to become more resilient. It is to become resilient in following Jesus. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction Most of us will face moments when courage is urgently required. But much of Christian fortitude is formed in thousands of smaller choices. Choosing generosity again. Choosing integrity again. Choosing contentment again. Choosing to trust God again. Faithful stewardship is not built through one extraordinary financial decision. It is shaped over a lifetime of ordinary obedience. That is fortitude: not the absence of fear, but the courage to remain faithful because we know the One who is with us wherever we go. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: What’s the process for setting up a trust for my children, and do I need an attorney to do it? Is it best for a husband and wife to share a checking account? If so, how can we manage it well and avoid conflict? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Ecclesiastes (Baker Commentary on the Old Testament) by Dr. Craig G. Bartholomew Money and Marriage God's Way by Howard Dayton FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1d ago

Why Shared Values Matter in Financial Advice

The right financial advisor can help you plan for the future. But the right kind of counsel can do something more: help you stay anchored to what matters most. When we seek financial guidance, we’re not simply looking for information. We’re looking for direction. And for believers, that direction should be shaped by God’s Word—not merely by the market. Money decisions are never just financial. They touch our hopes, fears, sense of control, and ultimately our trust in God. That’s why Scripture consistently points us toward the importance of wise counsel. The Wisdom of Seeking Counsel Proverbs 11:14 says: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” That word safety matters. It points to the protection and stability that can come when we humbly seek wisdom beyond our own perspective. Seeking counsel requires humility. It means admitting that we don’t always see the whole picture. That isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. Consider Moses in Exodus 18. God had called him to lead Israel, yet his father-in-law, Jethro, noticed something Moses had missed. People were lining up from morning until evening while Moses tried to handle every dispute himself. Jethro told him plainly, “What you are doing is not good.” He then suggested a better way. Moses listened. He delegated responsibility, and both he and the people were better served. If Moses needed wise counsel, surely we do too. That is especially true when it comes to money. In a culture that prizes financial independence, it can be easy to confuse independence with self-reliance. But Proverbs 19:20 reminds us: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” Every Financial Plan Reflects a Worldview Not all counsel is the same. Technical expertise matters. Credentials matter. Experience matters. But the worldview beneath the advice matters too. Every financial recommendation carries assumptions about what constitutes success, how much is enough, where security is found, what generosity should look like, how we should think about retirement, and ultimately what wealth is for. Advice may sound impressive and still quietly move our hearts toward goals Scripture never gives us. Jesus warned in Luke 12:15: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” A spreadsheet can help us plan, but it cannot shepherd the heart. That is one reason values-aligned financial counsel can make such a meaningful difference. Why Shared Values Matter Recent research from Pinkston compared clients working with Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®)—financial professionals trained to integrate biblical wisdom into their practice—with clients of general financial advisors. Among clients of general advisors, 64% prioritized investment returns. Among CKA® clients, however, 70% prioritized shared beliefs and values. For many Christian investors, shared faith is not simply an added benefit. It shapes the entire financial conversation. That alignment also appears to foster significant trust. CKA® clients reported a 98% retention rate and a Net Promoter Score of 83, compared with 58 among general-advisor clients. But perhaps even more important is how values-aligned counsel can broaden the conversation beyond financial performance alone. Eighty-one percent of Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®) said they help clients incorporate faith or values-based investing into their financial plans, compared with 57% of general advisors. Clients working with CKA®s were also twice as likely to have significantly increased their charitable giving. That matters because Scripture never treats money in isolation. It connects our financial choices with worship, trust, contentment, generosity, and obedience. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Our financial decisions do more than move money. They reveal—and help shape—what has captured our hearts. Counsel That Sees Money as Stewardship The research also found that 72% of Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKA®) reported being very fulfilled in their work, compared with 48% of general advisors. In addition, 80% said their work was closely aligned with their life’s purpose. That kind of perspective matters. When an advisor sees financial planning not simply as managing assets but as serving people, the relationship can become about much more than maximizing returns. It can create space to ask deeper questions: How much is enough? What has God entrusted to me? How should generosity shape my financial plan? What does faithful stewardship look like in this season? Those are not questions a financial calculator can answer by itself. Finding the Right Financial Counsel So, how do you find wise, values-aligned financial counsel? Start by asking good questions. Ask a prospective advisor how their faith shapes the way they think about money, risk, generosity, success, and the purpose of wealth. Look for someone with both professional competence and a worldview that recognizes God as the ultimate owner of everything we have. A wise advisor will not make every decision for you—and shouldn’t. You remain responsible for the resources God has entrusted to your care. But the right advisor can help you cut through the noise, ask better questions, see blind spots, and build a financial plan around what matters most. Surrounding yourself with godly, competent counsel does not remove your responsibility as a steward. It can help you carry that responsibility more faithfully. To connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) who is committed to integrating biblical wisdom with financial expertise, visit FindACKA.com. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 65 and planning to retire in January. My wife and I will have a little over $100,000 a year from Social Security, Air Force retirement, and VA disability. I also have $200,000 in a 401(k)—$150,000 traditional and $50,000 Roth. How much of the traditional 401(k) can I convert to Roth each year, and would it make sense to spread those conversions over several years to minimize taxes? My wife and I have $80,000 that we’d like to earn interest on. We could leave it untouched for three to six months. Would an online high-yield savings account, CD, or another option make the most sense? I have about $36,000 in a 457 deferred compensation plan and cash match account. What are my options for that money? Can I move it elsewhere, leave it where it is, or set up monthly withdrawals? I’m 40 and have $70,000 in a Roth IRA, $46,000 in a traditional IRA, and $200,000 in a taxable brokerage account. Should I use the traditional IRA or taxable account to put more money into Roth? And over time, should I keep some money in the traditional IRA for tax diversification or eventually convert it all? I’d like to understand how Social Security is taxed. Does annuity income count toward the income thresholds that determine whether Social Security benefits are taxable? And how is the annuity income itself taxed? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Bankrate AdelFi Christian Banking FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

4d ago

Budgeting 101 for College Students with Dr. Kelly Rush

College students may be experts at pulling off last-minute study sessions, but when it comes to managing money, cramming simply does not work. The financial habits students develop during college can shape their decisions for years to come. Dr. Kelly Rush, a Finance Professor, Division Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, says this season offers students an important opportunity to build a strong financial foundation. Rush, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Kingdom Advisors, encourages students and their parents to approach college finances with intentionality, clear communication, and biblical wisdom. Start Building Financial Habits Early Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Although this verse applies broadly to a child’s spiritual formation, its wisdom can also inform the way parents teach financial responsibility. The habits students establish during college may either move them toward wise stewardship or create patterns they will need to overcome later. Unfortunately, many college students rely on what Rush calls a “mental budget.” They may have a general idea of how much they should spend, but few have a written plan or consistently track where their money goes. Without those practices, students may watch their bank balances fall more quickly than expected without understanding why. A written budget allows them to compare what they intended to spend with what they actually spent. College expenses may feel irregular, but that makes budgeting more important—not less. Learning to plan, track, and adjust now can establish habits that continue long after graduation. Understand the Value of Time One of the most important financial concepts for college students is the time value of money. When someone saves or invests, time can become a powerful advantage. Even modest amounts accumulated consistently may grow significantly over a long period. That means college students do not necessarily need large incomes to begin building healthy financial habits. They need to begin early. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Ephesians 5:15–16 similarly encourages believers to walk wisely and make the best use of their time. Students can apply that wisdom by beginning to save, give, and manage money faithfully while they are young. The earlier those practices begin, the more time they have to shape a lifetime of stewardship. However, time does not always work in a student’s favor. Time benefits savers and investors, but it can work against borrowers. The longer the debt remains unpaid, the more interest it may accumulate. Avoiding unnecessary consumer debt during college can therefore be just as important as beginning to save. Recognize the Momentum of Small Purchases Money moves quickly in college. Students may understand major expenses such as tuition, transportation, or textbooks, yet underestimate the effect of frequent smaller purchases. Coffee, restaurant meals, streaming subscriptions, delivery fees, and spontaneous outings may not seem significant individually, but together they can consume a large portion of a student’s budget. The problem is often not one unusually large purchase. It is the sheer number of transactions. Tracking expenses helps students recognize this momentum before it overwhelms their finances. A budgeting app can be especially helpful for students who rarely use cash and manage most of their financial lives digitally. The FaithFi app, for example, allows users to create a customized spending plan, organize transactions, and choose a money-management approach that fits their needs. The goal is not simply to restrict spending but to help students see clearly where their money is going. Create a Plan for Financial Independence Parents and students should also discuss when specific financial responsibilities will transfer from one to the other. Rather than leaving those expectations unclear, families can create a gradual plan for independence. They might determine when the student will begin paying for expenses such as: Gas Clothing Entertainment Cell phone service Insurance Groceries or meals Transportation costs Parents and students are on the same team, but every team needs a game plan. Clear communication about which expenses belong to the student—and when that responsibility begins—can prevent confusion and unnecessary tension. Once students begin managing their own expenses, it may also be appropriate for them to open an individual bank account. This gives them an opportunity to practice budgeting, monitor transactions, and take ownership of their financial decisions. Approach Credit Carefully College can also be a reasonable time to begin establishing credit, provided the student is prepared to use it responsibly. One possible starting point is a secured credit card. These cards generally require a refundable deposit that serves as collateral for the credit issuer. Students can then use the card for one predictable expense, such as gasoline, and pay the balance in full every month. Using a card for a limited, budgeted expense can help prevent overspending while gradually establishing a credit history. However, building credit should never become an excuse to carry debt. If a student cannot pay the entire balance each month, the card may be doing more harm than good. The objective is to demonstrate responsible payment habits—not to finance a lifestyle the student cannot afford. Find Flexible, Meaningful Work Income is another important part of a college budget. A consistent part-time job can help students cover expenses while teaching discipline, responsibility, and time management. The ideal position offers a strong return for the student’s time while providing enough flexibility to accommodate classes and coursework. This may include traditional campus employment, but students can also consider opportunities such as refereeing youth sports, tutoring, providing haircuts, doing freelance work, or offering another practical service. Whenever possible, students may also benefit from finding work related to their field of study. A nursing student working in a hospital, for example, may gain professional experience while earning income. The goal is not simply to make as much money as possible. It is to find work that supports the student’s education and contributes to long-term growth. Avoid the Promise of Financial Shortcuts One of the most dangerous temptations facing students is the promise of a quick financial return with little effort or sacrifice. That temptation can appear through speculative investments, online schemes, or sports betting. The rapid growth of sports betting on college campuses is particularly concerning because it can become addictive and lead students into escalating financial losses. 1 Timothy 6:9 warns, “Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” Wise stewardship does not attempt to bypass time. It embraces patience, discipline, and steady faithfulness. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Students should be skeptical of any opportunity promising extraordinary rewards without meaningful work, risk, or patience. Biblical wisdom points instead toward consistent saving, honest labor, careful planning, and contentment. Faithfulness Begins With the Next Decision College students may not have large incomes, extensive savings, or predictable expenses. But they do have an opportunity to begin practicing faithful stewardship. A simple written budget, honest conversations with parents, cautious use of credit, steady work, and resistance to financial shortcuts can establish habits that serve them for decades. The goal is not financial perfection. It is learning to manage what God has provided with wisdom and faithfulness—one decision at a time. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Is there a tax limit on how much I can give my child, and does that apply if I’m helping pay her student loans? Also, could I set up a personal loan for my daughter so she can repay me over time at a lower interest rate than the 8%-plus she’s currently paying on her federal student loans? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

5d ago

How One Ultrasound Can Change Everything with Dan Steiner

For a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, one appointment can open the door to practical support, renewed hope, and the life-changing message of the gospel. Dan Steiner, Founder and President of PreBorn!, joined the show today to explain how the ministry partners with pregnancy clinics across the country to serve women in crisis, protect unborn children, and introduce families to the hope found in Jesus Christ. A Calling Rooted in Christ Steiner’s involvement in the pregnancy center movement began during his personal time with the Lord. As he prayed about how his life could reflect gratitude for what Christ had done for him, he became increasingly burdened by abortion and the lives affected by it. That conviction eventually led him to serve at a pregnancy center in the Midwest and later establish PreBorn!. From the beginning, Steiner says the ministry has been grounded in a simple conviction: Christ must remain at the center. Women facing unplanned pregnancies often need medical services, practical resources, and compassionate guidance. But their deepest need, like ours, is the hope and restoration found in Jesus. Today, PreBorn! works with nearly 300 pregnancy clinics, particularly in cities with high abortion rates. The ministry helps establish clinics, provides ultrasound equipment, covers the cost of ultrasound appointments, trains leaders, supports medical personnel, and connects women searching online for abortion information with nearby pregnancy clinics. Why Ultrasounds Matter Ultrasound technology is central to PreBorn!’s work because it allows a mother to see her child, often for the first time. According to PreBorn!, women who receive an ultrasound are significantly more likely to continue their pregnancies. The image on the screen can transform an abstract and frightening situation into a deeply personal encounter. Steiner shared the story of a pregnant 13-year-old who arrived at one of the ministry’s partner clinics intending to have an abortion. She believed she was too young to become a mother and had not told her own mother about the pregnancy. But when she saw her child on the ultrasound screen, she began to weep. She chose life, and an adoption plan was later arranged for her baby. The ultrasound did not remove every difficulty she faced. It did, however, give her the opportunity to better understand the life developing inside her and to consider a different path. Caring for Women Beyond the Appointment Choosing life is often only the beginning of a woman’s journey. Many women considering abortion are confronting financial pressure, unstable relationships, housing challenges, or uncertainty about how they will care for a child. That is why PreBorn’s partner clinics seek to provide more than a single appointment. Depending on the clinic and the woman’s needs, support may include maternity clothing, diapers, cribs, car seats, parenting resources, counseling, and ongoing care for several years. This compassionate approach recognizes that caring for an unborn child also means caring for the mother. Christians should never treat a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy as a political symbol or a problem to be solved. She is a person made in the image of God who deserves patience, dignity, truth, and practical help. “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Sharing the Hope of Christ PreBorn! describes its mission as saving lives for both earth and eternity. Protecting unborn children is an essential part of its work, but the ministry also wants every woman and family it serves to hear the gospel. Romans 1:16 is central to that mission: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Steiner recalled one young couple who entered a clinic divided over what to do. The father was pressuring his girlfriend to have an abortion because he feared repeating the destructive patterns he had witnessed in his own family. A counselor placed a fetal model representing the approximate size of their baby in his hand. As he looked at it, he began to cry. He knew abortion was not the answer, but he also felt powerless to become the father his child needed. The counselor then shared the hope of the gospel and explained that Jesus could redeem his past and begin transforming his future. According to Steiner, both parents placed their faith in Christ and chose life for their child. PreBorn! reports that more than 100,000 people have committed their lives to Christ through its ministry over the past two decades. These decisions are not produced by an ultrasound or a counseling technique. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Yet God often works through faithful people who combine truth, compassion, and practical care. Responding to a Changing Landscape Although the legal landscape surrounding abortion has changed significantly in recent years, the need for pregnancy care has not disappeared. The growing availability of abortion pills online means many women may never enter a traditional abortion facility. Instead, they can locate providers, schedule telehealth appointments, and receive medication through the mail. PreBorn! is responding by using digital outreach to connect with women as they search online. Trained team members can speak with them, answer questions, and help schedule appointments with partner clinics where they can receive medical services, an ultrasound, and compassionate support. This changing environment requires pregnancy ministries to pair unwavering biblical convictions with wisdom, innovation, and sensitivity. Behind every online search is a woman who may be frightened, isolated, or unsure where to turn. The goal is not merely to win an argument. It is to reach her with truth and love before she makes a decision she cannot reverse. Using God’s Resources to Defend Life Faithful stewardship involves asking how the resources God has entrusted to us can be used to serve our neighbors and advance gospel-centered work. A gift of $28 to PreBorn helps provide an ultrasound for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Donors may also fund an ultrasound machine for $15,000. According to Steiner, a single machine may remain in service for approximately 10 years and produce hundreds of scans each year. Of course, Christians will not all support the same organizations or participate in this work in the same way. Some may give financially. Others may volunteer, foster, adopt, mentor young parents, provide meals, or support a local pregnancy center. What matters is that our concern for life takes visible form. When God’s people respond with generosity, women receive compassionate care, families find practical support, unborn children are given an opportunity for life, and doors open for the hope of Christ to be shared. To help provide an ultrasound for a woman in crisis, visit FaithFi.com/PreBorn or dial #250 and use the keyword “BABY.” On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m wondering about the new Trump accounts for children and whether they’re a better option than a 529 plan for my grandson. If his parents open either type of account and I contribute, would I receive any tax benefit, and how would that work? I’m semi-retired, turning 65 in November, and currently have health, dental, and vision insurance through my school job, including an HSA that helps cover medical expenses. Do I still need to sign up for Medicare at 65, even if I keep my current coverage? And if so, how should I go about it? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) PreBorn! Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6d ago

God’s Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage with Dr. Art Rainer

Few things reveal the strength of a couple’s unity quite like money. Financial decisions touch nearly every part of married life—from daily spending and long-term planning to generosity, security, and the future. But money does not have to remain a source of tension. When couples approach their finances with transparency, shared purpose, and a biblical understanding of stewardship, money can become a tool that strengthens their marriage and supports what God has called them to do together. Dr. Art Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, as well as the author of The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God’s Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage, joins the show today to share that a “rich couple” has little to do with the size of a bank account. Instead, it means becoming rich in contentment, purpose, unity, and generosity. Redefining What It Means to Be Rich Our culture often defines a rich couple as one with a high income, an impressive home, or a large investment portfolio. But financial wealth can disappear, and continually chasing more often produces comparison rather than contentment. A truly rich couple recognizes that everything they have belongs to God. They understand that they are stewards—not owners—of the resources He has entrusted to them. That conviction changes the purpose of money. Instead of asking only, “How can we accumulate more?” couples can begin asking: How can we faithfully manage what God has provided? How can our finances reflect our shared values? How can we use what we have to serve others? What does contentment look like in this season? When contentment is rooted in Christ and financial decisions are guided by God’s purposes, couples can experience a kind of richness that circumstances cannot easily take away. Moving From “Mine” and “Yours” to “Ours” Genesis 2:24 describes marriage as two people becoming one flesh. That oneness includes more than physical or emotional intimacy. It also shapes how couples view their possessions, income, debt, goals, and generosity. Marriage is a covenant, not merely a contract. Rather than guarding separate financial territories, a husband and wife can learn to approach money as teammates. Practically, this requires complete financial transparency. Both spouses should understand what the household earns, owes, owns, spends, saves, and gives. For many couples, this may involve shared accounts and passwords. For others, the account structure may differ, but openness and mutual accountability should remain nonnegotiable. Even language can reinforce unity. Saying “our income,” “our debt,” and “our generosity” reminds both spouses that they are working toward a shared future. A brief monthly financial meeting can also help. Couples can review their progress, discuss upcoming expenses, and make important decisions together. Establishing a spending threshold—an amount neither spouse spends without first consulting the other—can reduce surprises and build trust. Unity rarely happens accidentally. It grows through intentional habits. Remember That Marriage Is a Team Sport Your spouse should be your closest financial teammate. That does not mean you will always agree. Different personalities, experiences, and priorities will inevitably create tension. The goal is not to eliminate every disagreement but to remain committed to reaching decisions together. Couples should be able to discuss differences honestly in private while presenting a united front to outside voices. Advice from parents, friends, or children may be well-intentioned, but those voices should not undermine the marriage. A healthy response to an outside suggestion might simply be, “Thank you. We’ll discuss it together and let you know.” That protects the couple’s unity and reassures each spouse that decisions will not be reversed or weakened by someone else’s opinion. Share Your Money Stories Many financial disagreements are not really about the transaction in front of you. They are rooted in earlier experiences. Perhaps one spouse grew up in a home where money was scarce and now feels anxious without a substantial emergency fund. The other may have grown up in a financially comfortable home and feel little concern about spending. One may naturally save, while the other prefers to spend, invest, or avoid financial decisions altogether. Sharing these stories can replace frustration with empathy. Instead of asking, “Why are you like this?” a spouse may begin to say, “Now I understand why this decision feels so important to you.” Consider asking each other: What is your earliest memory involving money? Discuss how that experience may still influence your attitudes toward spending, debt, saving, generosity, or risk. Listen without interrupting or trying to correct one another. Understanding your spouse’s story does not mean every financial habit should remain unchanged. It does, however, create a more compassionate starting point for change. Address the Four Financial Dividers Four common problems can weaken financial unity in marriage: poor communication, selfishness, distrust, and unrealistic expectations. Poor communication can be addressed through regular conversations. Even a weekly 10-minute check-in can prevent small concerns from becoming major conflicts. Selfishness begins to fade when couples stop thinking primarily in terms of “my money” and start celebrating each other’s progress. Distrust must be confronted with honesty. Hidden purchases, secret accounts, concealed debt, or missing information will erode intimacy. Financial transparency brings those issues into the light. Unrealistic expectations can be replaced with a shared plan. A realistic budget will not allow every desire to happen immediately, but it can help couples prioritize what matters most. Talk early, tell the truth, and pray often. Start With Your Hearts, Not the Budget When a marriage feels financially divided, opening a spreadsheet may not be the best first step. Begin with prayer. Ask God to help you become one, grow in contentment, understand each other, and steward His resources faithfully. Then spend a few minutes sharing your experiences and concerns without interrupting or judging one another. Finally, choose one small act of unity. You might schedule your first weekly money conversation, disclose an overlooked expense, agree on a giving goal, or deposit a small amount into a joint savings fund. One step will not resolve every financial disagreement. But small acts of faithfulness can create lasting momentum. A rich marriage is not defined by how much a couple possesses. It is marked by two people learning to trust God, care for one another, and manage His resources with unity and purpose. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m retired and have a small IRA and some savings at Schwab. I also expect to inherit assets from an older family member. Since I won’t need my IRA for living expenses, is there any advantage to keeping it? I’m struggling with $8,900 in credit card debt at a 23.49% APR and can’t afford to pay it off right now. I’ve contacted my credit card company about hardship options and have looked into consolidation and personal loans, but I’m unsure what’s best. Given my situation, what’s the wisest way to tackle this debt? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) The Rich Couple: 30 Days of Following God's Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage by Dr. Art Rainer The Money Challenge: 30 Days of Discovering God's Design For You and Your Money by Dr. Art Rainer Christian Money Solutions Institute for Christian Financial Health Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 21

Financial Virtues Series: Justice (Righteousness) with Justin Lonas

When many people hear the word justice, they think of courtrooms, laws, or political debates. Those ideas are part of justice, but Scripture offers a much broader vision. Justin Lonas, Senior Director of Foundational Products and Regional Partnerships at the Chalmers Center, helps churches and ministries think biblically about poverty, generosity, restoration, and justice. He joins the show today as part of our financial virtues series to explain that biblical justice is not merely a political slogan or legal principle. It is a way of life shaped by righteousness, mercy, and love of neighbor. Because money affects nearly every part of our lives together, justice has profound implications for how we earn, spend, save, give, invest, hire, and lend. Justice as God Intended It In Scripture, justice includes holding wrongdoers accountable, protecting the innocent, and maintaining public order. But it also includes restoration—putting things right when people or relationships have been harmed. The Bible’s vision of justice is rooted in shalom: the wholeness and flourishing that exist when people live in right relationship with God, one another, themselves, and creation. The Hebrew word often translated as “justice” is mishpat. A closely related word, tzedakah, is usually translated as “righteousness.” Scripture frequently places the two ideas side by side, like in Psalm 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Modern culture often separates these concepts. Justice is treated as a public or legal matter, while righteousness is viewed as a matter of private morality. Scripture does not divide them so neatly. Both flow from the character of God, and both should characterize His people. Justice is not merely about demanding our rights. It also calls us to recognize our responsibilities toward others. Why Justice Is a Financial Issue Every financial decision affects someone. The way we earn money affects employees, customers, vendors, and communities. The way we spend it supports particular businesses and practices. The way we invest provides capital to certain companies and industries. Even the way we save, lend, hire, or purchase services can influence others' well-being. That means biblical stewardship cannot be reduced to personal wealth accumulation or individual financial responsibility. Those matters are important, but God’s concern is broader than our personal balance sheets. Scripture teaches that God owns everything. The land, our abilities, the opportunities before us, and the resources produced through our work all ultimately belong to Him. Wealth is not something we create entirely by ourselves; it is received within a world God made and sustains. Because God owns it all, we cannot separate our economic lives from His concern for righteousness, mercy, and justice. More Than Simple Fairness Justice is sometimes reduced to treating everyone exactly the same. But biblical justice goes beyond simple fairness. People experience hardship for many reasons. Sometimes poverty is connected to unwise personal decisions. At other times, it results from exploitation, illness, disability, family instability, limited opportunity, or the broader brokenness of the world. Poverty is complex because the effects of sin are complex. When justice is viewed only through the lens of personal merit, we may conclude that everyone simply receives what they have earned. That perspective can cause us to overlook the different burdens people carry and the obstacles they face. Biblical justice invites us to consider not only what people deserve, but also how we can pursue restoration, extend mercy, and help our neighbors flourish. That does not mean ignoring personal responsibility. It means recognizing that Scripture calls us to hold responsibility and compassion together. Poverty and Broken Relationships The Chalmers Center emphasizes that poverty is not merely a lack of money or possessions. It is often connected to broken relationships. God created human beings to live in four fundamental relationships: with God, with ourselves, with others, and with creation. When sin entered the world, each of those relationships was damaged. Our relationship with God was broken. Our understanding of our own dignity and identity became distorted. Our relationships with others became vulnerable to conflict, injustice, and exploitation. Even our relationship with work and creation became marked by frustration. As Lonas puts it, broken people create broken systems, and broken systems can contribute further to human brokenness. But the gospel offers real hope. Jesus is restoring people to God and will one day make all things new. His work does not merely affect our “spiritual lives.” It begins transforming every part of life, including how we use money, conduct business, serve our communities, and relate to our neighbors. Financial stewardship, therefore, becomes one way we participate in God’s work of restoration—not as saviors, but as faithful servants who reflect His character. Practicing Justice Through Everyday Decisions Biblical justice may sound like a large or abstract concept, but it often takes shape through ordinary financial choices. Consider where your money goes. Instead of looking only for the lowest price or the greatest personal benefit, ask whether some of your spending could strengthen your community or create opportunities for others. That might mean purchasing from a small local business, supporting a family working to establish itself in your neighborhood, or hiring someone who needs an opportunity to develop new skills. Business owners may be able to offer second chances to people who have struggled to find employment due to a criminal record or a difficult past. Churches and families may be able to use repairs, maintenance, or other projects as opportunities to build relationships with people in their communities. Justice can also influence how employers set wages, how lenders treat borrowers, how investors evaluate companies, and how consumers consider the people behind the products they purchase. The goal is not to make every financial decision perfectly. We often lack complete information, and our choices involve competing responsibilities. The goal is to become more attentive to how our financial lives affect our neighbors. Becoming Allies, Not Merely Helpers People experiencing poverty do not simply need outsiders to arrive with answers. They need relationships, community, dignity, and opportunities to contribute. Rather than viewing ourselves only as helpers, we can learn to become allies—people willing to listen, build relationships, share life, and work alongside others. This approach also reminds us that the relationship is not one-sided. People on the economic margins have wisdom, gifts, experiences, and perspectives that the broader community needs. Flourishing rarely happens in isolation. God created us to depend on Him and live in community with one another. Justice recognizes that our well-being is connected to the well-being of our neighbors. Biblical justice is not merely an idea to affirm. It is a way of ordering our relationships and resources under God. As we seek to earn, spend, give, and invest faithfully, our financial decisions can become tangible expressions of righteousness, mercy, and love. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’ll begin drawing my full Social Security benefit in December. How much can I earn without affecting my benefits or creating a tax issue? My husband and I have been married 55 years and have tithed throughout our marriage. We’re now over 65, drawing Social Security, working part-time, and receiving some investment income. We still tithe on all of it, but I’m wondering: biblically speaking, is there guidance on giving from Social Security income if we already tithed on the income we earned before retirement? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Chalmers Center Helping Without Hurting Series Tithing in Retirement: A Thoughtful Framework by Anthony Saffer (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 6 Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 20

God Owns It All

What if the greatest shift you could make in your financial life didn’t begin with a new budget, a better investment strategy, or a higher income—but with surrender? We don’t often think of surrender as a financial word, but it lies at the heart of biblical stewardship. When we embrace the life-changing truth that God owns everything, it transforms how we live, give, plan, and manage the resources He has entrusted to us. The First Question Scripture Asks When we think about money, we tend to ask familiar questions: How much do I have? How much will I need? Am I making progress? Am I doing better or worse than others? Those questions may be important, but they are not where Scripture begins. From the opening pages of the Bible, God is revealed as the Creator and owner of everything. Before humanity ever cultivated a garden or named a creature, God formed, filled, and ruled creation. Psalm 24:1 declares: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Simply put, God is the owner, and we are His stewards. For many Christians, that is a familiar idea. But familiarity does not always lead to surrender. We may affirm that God owns the universe while living as though we built our lives entirely through our own effort. We say, “I worked for this,” or, “I earned this.” And while diligent work matters, Scripture reminds us that even our ability to produce wealth comes from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 says: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” Our talents, opportunities, health, time, and ability to work are all gifts from the Lord. Owners or Stewards? Jesus develops this idea in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. A master entrusts resources to three servants before leaving on a journey. Two servants put what they received to work, while the third buries his portion out of fear. When the master returns, he commends the first two servants—not merely because they produced impressive results, but because they were faithful. That distinction matters. The world often defines success by outcomes: how much we earn, accumulate, grow, or achieve. God calls us to something deeper—faithfulness with whatever He has placed in our hands. If God owns everything, then we are not owners in the ultimate sense. We are managers. The New Testament word commonly translated as “steward” is oikonomos, meaning “household manager.” A steward manages resources he did not create, for purposes he did not determine, under the authority of the master he serves. At first, that may sound limiting. In reality, it is profoundly freeing. As financial teacher Ron Blue has often said, “If God owns it all, you can’t lose anything.” Ownership carries an enormous burden. The owner must ultimately provide, protect, and control. But if God is the owner, then we do not have to carry those responsibilities alone. Stewardship carries responsibility, but it also rests on trust. When Financial Choices Become Worship When we truly embrace stewardship, ordinary financial decisions become opportunities to worship God. Budgeting becomes more than organizing income and expenses. It becomes a way of aligning our desires with God’s priorities. Giving becomes a response to the generosity we have already received from Him. Saving becomes wise preparation rather than fearful hoarding. Planning becomes an act of obedience rather than an attempt to control every possible outcome. Investing becomes a way to cultivate and multiply what belongs to the Lord, not a strategy for securing complete independence from Him. The Puritan pastor Thomas Watson once wrote, “What we keep, we may lose. What we give to God is kept forever.” That statement reminds us that earthly ownership is temporary, but faithful stewardship has eternal significance. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:7: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” That reality is not meant to discourage us. It is meant to liberate us. When we stop clutching what we cannot keep, we become free to invest our lives in what can never be lost. Faithfulness Begins With Surrender If God owns everything, what does He expect from us? Jesus gives us a clear answer in Luke 16:10: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Faithfulness is not determined by the size of our income, investment portfolio, home, or charitable gifts. It is about how we respond to whatever God has entrusted to us. Stewardship is not reserved for the wealthy. It applies to every person in every financial season. A person living paycheck to paycheck can be faithful. A retiree managing decades of savings can be faithful. A young adult earning their first salary can be faithful. A business owner, parent, student, or widow can all honor God through the resources in their care. Faithfulness is not primarily about how much we have. It is about whether we have surrendered what we have to God. And surrender always begins in the heart. The Humility and Hope of Stewardship When we accept that God owns it all, we receive two things the world cannot offer: humility and hope. We gain humility because we stop viewing our accomplishments as entirely self-made. We recognize God as the source of our abilities, opportunities, and provision. We gain hope because we realize that we are not carrying the burden of provision alone. God equips. God guides. God provides. That does not mean we stop working, planning, or making wise decisions. Biblical stewardship requires diligence. But it allows us to work faithfully without treating every result as though it depends entirely on us. So where might God be inviting you to shift from an owner’s mindset to a steward’s heart? Perhaps it is in your giving, planning, saving, or lifestyle. Perhaps it is in the quiet assumption that your security depends more on markets, income, or possessions than on the God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10). Stewardship is not about God trying to get something from you. It is about God doing something within you. It reorders the heart so that money occupies its proper place—not as a master, but as a tool entrusted to us for God’s purposes and glory. Continue the Journey To explore more about God’s ownership and the surrender at the heart of faithful stewardship, consider Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. This devotional is designed to help you examine your relationship with money, possessions, generosity, and the God who owns it all. Copies are available for individuals, churches, and small groups at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m working on my budget and currently contributing 15% to my 401(k), with about a 5% employer match. But I have less than two months of expenses in my emergency fund. Should I reduce my 401(k) contributions and focus on building six months of emergency savings first? My mother passed away and left my sister a house in Lares, Puerto Rico, but the title was never transferred into my sister’s name. She’s been living there for about a year. What process does she need to follow to get legal ownership under Puerto Rico law? Some relatives inherited property and are receiving calls from out-of-town people offering to help them sell it. What kind of professional should they work with? Could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) help them find a trustworthy real estate attorney or other needed professionals? I’m a widow, and since my husband passed away a couple of years ago, I’ve felt unsure about financial decisions. I have a little over $1 million in an IRA, no debt or mortgage, and my expenses are covered by survivor Social Security and part-time work. I want to steward these assets well for my children and grandchildren. What strategy should I consider for the IRA, and what kind of advisor should I work with? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD. Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 17

Faithfully Stewarding a Surplus with Rachel McDonough

When God entrusts us with more than we need, the question is not simply “How can we preserve it?” or “How can we grow it?” The deeper question is, “What is this surplus for?” That question moves stewardship beyond spreadsheets, tax strategies, and investment performance. It takes us into matters of the heart, family, calling, and purpose. And for many families, that is where stewardship becomes both more challenging and more meaningful. Rachel McDonough, a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and author of The River and the Garden: A Story of Faithfully Stewarding Surplus, joined the show today to explore how Christians can think more deeply about stewarding wealth, especially when they have been entrusted with more than they need for provision. Why Tell a Stewardship Story? Rachel has spent more than 20 years crafting financial plans. So when her publisher first suggested she write fiction about stewardship, she was surprised. After all, much of the financial world is built around practical tools, frameworks, and step-by-step guidance. But Rachel came to see that a story can reach places a spreadsheet cannot. That matters because real families do not fit neatly into formulas. They bring different perspectives, fears, desires, wounds, and hopes to the table. And when money is involved, especially significant money, those relational dynamics often come to the surface. That is part of what makes The River and the Garden unique. It is not a technical manual. It is a parable about wealth, family, faith, and the purposes of God. The River, the Garden, and the Craig Family The novel follows three generations of the Craig family. Maddie, the grandmother and matriarch, has come into a surplus after the sale of a family business. Her son Roger is analytical, driven, and accustomed to solving problems through strategy and optimization. Willow, Maddie’s granddaughter, is a young artist who wants little to do with money, numbers, or spreadsheets. Together, they begin a journey that takes them through overlooked neighborhoods in Dallas and even to Rwanda as they explore investment and giving opportunities. Along the way, they wrestle with a central question: What does it look like to steward a surplus faithfully? The imagery of the book is simple but powerful. The river represents capital. The garden represents what we choose to water, cultivate, and grow. That image reframes the way we think about money. Capital is not neutral. It does not merely sit still in an account. It flows somewhere. It waters something. And the faithful steward must ask whether those resources are flowing toward purposes that honor God and serve others. When Capital Becomes Stagnant One of the most striking scenes in the book comes through one of Willow’s dreams. In it, she sees dark, stagnant pools of water—a picture of capital left unattended. Rachel says that the image should unsettle thoughtful Christians for at least two reasons. First, capital never truly stands still. We may think of it as simply “sitting” in an investment account, but it is always connected to something. It may be funding businesses, industries, practices, or systems that either contribute to human flourishing or diminish it. Second, surplus wealth needs a purpose. Investing for provision is good and right. Families should plan wisely, save diligently, and seek to provide for their needs. But when a family has more than enough for provision, the conversation should expand. What is the surplus for? Rachel describes surplus as “fuel”—an accelerant for the vision and calling God has placed before a family. That does not mean being careless or impulsive. It means prayerfully assigning purpose to resources rather than allowing them to drift without intention. Provision, Impact, and Prayerful Tension Rachel shared that she and her husband have wrestled personally with this tension between provision and impact. In some cases, they have chosen to invest a portion of their non-retirement savings in redemptive businesses that seek to address serious needs, including a company working toward cancer treatment that could serve not only affluent patients but also people in the Global South. Those choices were not haphazard. They were made through prayer, analysis, planning, and mutual agreement as husband and wife. That is an important distinction. Faithful stewardship is not the same as recklessness. Trusting God does not mean ignoring wisdom. Rather, it means recognizing that the resources God entrusts to us may have purposes beyond our own security. A Book for Those Asking, “What Is This For?” Rachel says The River and the Garden is especially for those who have been entrusted with more than they need and are asking what faithful stewardship looks like now. That may include someone who has received an inheritance, sold a business, accumulated significant assets, or reached a point where the resources exceed what is needed for ordinary provision. For those families, new opportunities may open up in both giving and investing. Many people are familiar with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and traditional charitable giving. But when surplus is truly available, there may be opportunities to support redemptive businesses, private investments, community development, global work, or other efforts that are not always on a family’s radar. Surplus wealth can easily become a source of pride, fear, or conflict. But rightly understood, it can become a tool for joining in the good work God is doing in the world. Aligning Head and Heart At the emotional center of the story is the relationship between Roger and Willow. Roger represents technical mastery. He is confident in spreadsheets, strategies, and optimization. Willow represents relational insight and imagination. She sees the human cost of wealth and longs for transformation, but she initially wants nothing to do with financial conversations. Their journey shows the importance of bringing head and heart together. Faithful stewardship requires wisdom, planning, and diligence. But it also requires love, humility, discernment, and imagination. If we only optimize, we may miss the people and purposes God is inviting us to see. If we only dream, we may neglect the responsibility that comes with stewardship. Near the end of the story, Maddie reflects on the windfall that came from the sale of the business her husband built. She recognizes that the family may have worked too hard and sacrificed too much along the way. She cannot recover the time that was lost, but she can still ask that the money count for something. Many families cannot rewrite the past. They cannot undo every sacrifice, repair every regret, or reclaim every missed moment. But by God’s grace, they can still ask what faithfulness looks like today. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 65 and have an annuity worth about $28,000. I’m considering taking monthly withdrawals from it. Is that a wise option? I’ve been a member of my church for 10 years and have always tithed from my salary. Lately, I’m struggling with some of the church’s spending decisions, including music-related purchases and the shift in support from a women’s shelter to library reading programs. How should I think about continuing to tithe when I disagree with how some of the money is being used? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Garden Audit Assessment The River and the Garden: A Story of Faithfully Stewarding Surplus by Rachel McDonough Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Faith & Finance

Financial Virtues Series: Fortitude (Courage) with Dr. Craig Bartholomew

Why Shared Values Matter in Financial Advice

Budgeting 101 for College Students with Dr. Kelly Rush

How One Ultrasound Can Change Everything with Dan Steiner

God’s Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage with Dr. Art Rainer

Financial Virtues Series: Justice (Righteousness) with Justin Lonas

God Owns It All

Faithfully Stewarding a Surplus with Rachel McDonough

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Faith & Finance

Episodes

Financial Virtues Series: Fortitude (Courage) with Dr. Craig Bartholomew

Why Shared Values Matter in Financial Advice

Budgeting 101 for College Students with Dr. Kelly Rush

How One Ultrasound Can Change Everything with Dan Steiner

God’s Design for a Financially Healthy Marriage with Dr. Art Rainer

Financial Virtues Series: Justice (Righteousness) with Justin Lonas

God Owns It All

Faithfully Stewarding a Surplus with Rachel McDonough

About

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