Catholic Money Mastermind - Financial Planning conversations with Catholic CFP® Practitioners

Catholic Financial Planners Network
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Professional (and Catholic) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ discuss the relationship between faith and finances. A production of the Catholic Financial Planners Network - catholicfinancialplanners.com

  1. What If Thomas Aquinas Was Your Financial Advisor? | Chris Schilmoeller

    OCT 22

    What If Thomas Aquinas Was Your Financial Advisor? | Chris Schilmoeller

    Today, Ben is joined by Chris Schilmoeller—Orlando-based financial advisor and former FOCUS missionary—for a deep dive into what it might mean to have Thomas Aquinas as your financial advisor. Chris reflects on his own journey from campus evangelization to financial planning, sharing how Aquinas’s emphasis on order, integration, and the proper end of human life continues to shape his work. The conversation explores Aquinas’s treatment of money, happiness, and stewardship, with special attention to the tension between Christ’s teaching on poverty and the practical responsibilities of wealth. Together, they unpack the virtue of liberality as a sign of rightly ordered finances, the dangers of money becoming an idol, and the call to view abundance as an opportunity for generosity rather than self-indulgence. Grounded in both theology and lived experience, their discussion highlights how faith can illuminate financial decisions, offering a vision where money serves not as an end in itself but as a means to deepen virtue, strengthen families, and grow in communion with God and neighbor. Key Takeaways: • Thomas Aquinas emphasized order and integration, qualities that can guide financial planning today. • Money itself is not inherently problematic—it is our attachment to it that can lead us astray. • Aquinas’s commentary on the Beatitudes highlights that being “poor in spirit” is compatible with financial success if one’s heart is rightly ordered. • Prudence is required: one should not give recklessly at the expense of family responsibilities. • Radical poverty is a specific vocation, not a universal mandate for all Christians. • Financial planning, when ordered toward virtue and stewardship, becomes a pathway to holiness rather than a distraction from it. Key Timestamps: (03:02) – Thomas Aquinas: A Brief Introduction (09:12) – Aquinas as Your Financial Advisor (16:01) – The Pursuit of Happiness (21:44) – The Corruptive Nature of Money (22:36) – Aquinas on Happiness and Money (26:21) – The Virtue of Liberality (28:30) – Balancing Wealth and Responsibility (33:51) – The Role of Stewardship Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, Thomas Aquinas Mentions: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisschilmoeller/   Mentions:  https://focus.org/  More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    44 min
  2. Is the Wealth Gap a Sign of Injustice? What’s Fair? | KJ Smith

    SEP 24

    Is the Wealth Gap a Sign of Injustice? What’s Fair? | KJ Smith

    Today, Ben welcomes KJ Smith—financial advisor, theologian, and founder of Ethos Logos Investments—for a conversation about what it means to bring Catholic social teaching into the heart of financial life. KJ shares how his unlikely pairing of finance and theology has become a vocation, shaping his mission to help Catholics invest in ways that honor both prudence and conscience. Their discussion explores the seven principles of Catholic social teaching—from the inviolable dignity of the human person to the call of solidarity and care for creation—and how these truths offer a framework for making money decisions that serve the common good. KJ reflects on the tension between growth and sacrifice, profit and responsibility, and why stewardship is never merely about returns but about loving one’s neighbor through economic choices. Together, they highlight how Catholic financial planning calls us to reject exploitation, embrace responsibility, and see investing not as speculation but as participation in God’s work of renewal. In the end, the conversation is both practical and deeply theological, inviting listeners to view their financial lives as a lived expression of faith, mission, and love in action. Key Takeaways: • Many Catholic institutions follow U.S. bishops’ investment guidelines, but their employee retirement plans often fail to reflect those same values.  • Faith-based investing does not necessarily require Catholic-only funds—it requires avoiding violations of Catholic teaching. • Catholic investing is not simply about avoiding sin but about directing capital toward companies that contribute to human flourishing. • Stewardship of creation is a moral responsibility because natural resources are gifts meant to serve present and future generations. • Solidarity requires recognizing that the suffering of one impacts all, calling us to mutual responsibility. • Ultimately, Catholic financial planning integrates prudence, justice, stewardship, and love, transforming money decisions into expressions of faith and service. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - KJ Smith's Background and Education (04:00) - Catholic Social Teaching in Financial Services (08:46) - Human Dignity and Economic Inequality (14:09) - Social Responsibility and Community Participation (16:39) - Rights, Responsibilities, and the Common Good (21:41) - Balancing Rights and Responsibilities (24:07) - Personal Discernment and Sphere of Influence (28:45) - The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers (33:21) - Solidarity and Care for God's Creation (36:27) - Integrating Faith and Finance Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://www.elinvestments.net/  Mentions: Story of a Soul by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    42 min
  3. God Blesses Yeses: What Long-Term Commitment Teaches About Wealth | Jessica Chominski

    AUG 27

    God Blesses Yeses: What Long-Term Commitment Teaches About Wealth | Jessica Chominski

    Today, Ben welcomes Jessica Chominski—financial advisor, Army Reservist, and mother of six—for a conversation that explores the intersection of vocation, sacrifice, and financial stewardship through a deeply Catholic lens. Jessica shares her journey from aspiring social worker and crisis pregnancy center founder to military officer and faith-driven financial planner, reflecting on the quiet strength found in long-term obedience and trust in God’s providence. The discussion unpacks how discipline, suffering, and perseverance—whether in spiritual life or personal finance—can be formative tools when offered in union with Christ. Drawing on her lived experience, Jessica emphasizes the importance of saying “yes” to God’s invitations, even amid uncertainty or discomfort, and how that openness creates space for authentic growth and unexpected joy. Together, they explore how Catholic financial planning uniquely integrates virtue, mission, and peace of heart, ultimately encouraging listeners to see their money, time, and trials as opportunities to serve something far greater than themselves. Key Takeaways: • Saying “yes” to God, even without full clarity, opens the door to unexpected blessings. • Muscle building is a powerful metaphor for spiritual and financial growth—both need resistance. • Catholic advisors bring more than expertise—they offer values-based guidance. • A good plan, consistently followed, beats chasing quick wins. • Having a “why” behind your money decisions leads to freedom. • Small yeses can lead to major life shifts over time. Key Timestamps: (00:00) - Meet Jessica Chominski (02:07) - Lessons Learned from Military Service and Resilience (07:47) - Embracing Sacrifice and Endurance in Life and Finance (13:46) - “God Blesses Yeses” and the Wisdom of Casting a Wide Net (18:22) - The Crucial Role of a Financial Advisor Beyond Numbers (25:00) - Integrating Virtue and Faith into Financial Planning (40:18) - How to Connect with Jessica Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://www.stonecropadvisors.com/  More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/advisors/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    43 min
  4. Greed, Generosity, & the True Meaning of Catholic Money | Tim Mayer

    JUL 23

    Greed, Generosity, & the True Meaning of Catholic Money | Tim Mayer

    Today, Ben is joined by fellow Catholic financial planner Tim Mayer to unpack the meaning of “Catholic money”—a vision of wealth shaped by stewardship, detachment, and generosity. Grounded in their shared experiences in religious life, Ben and Tim reflect on how faith transforms financial decision-making, shifting the focus from accumulation to service. They explore money’s historical roots in the domestic sphere and draw on Catholic teachings, like via negativa, to clarify what Catholic money isn’t: greedy, self-serving, or fear-driven. Instead, it’s a practical tool meant to support family, community, and the building of God’s Kingdom. Along the way, they discuss the spiritual and emotional depth of financial advising, especially when clients face difficult questions around legacy, values, or sacrifice. This episode invites listeners to see money not just as a resource, but as a vocation—and encourages them to seek advisors who align with both their financial goals and their faith. Key Takeaways: • Catholic money is defined by stewardship, generosity, and spiritual detachment—not accumulation or greed. Money is not truly owned but temporarily entrusted to us; we are accountable for how we use it. • True financial planning involves aligning one’s goals with eternal values, not just material outcomes. • Catholic advisors can help clients navigate hard questions around marriage, children, and estate planning. • Living generously is difficult before you do it, but deeply rewarding afterward. • The best advisor-client relationships are built on shared values and mutual trust. • Catholic financial planning is ultimately about building the Kingdom of God through intentional money choices. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – What is Catholic Money? (02:00) – Tim’s Vow of Poverty (05:00) – The Origins of “Money”: Roman Roots, Juno Moneta, and Domesticity (10:00) – What is Money, Really? Function, Purpose, and Spiritual Implications (14:00) – Via Negativa: Defining Catholic Money by What It’s Not (16:30) – Greed vs. Stewardship: Where Money Fails and Faith Guides (18:00) – The Role of Generosity and Detachment in Catholic Finances (22:00) – Serving Others with Our Wealth (25:00) – Creating a Virtuous “Flywheel” (29:00) – Why Shared Values Matter in Financial Relationships (33:00) – Helping Clients Practice Detachment with Wealth (38:00) – Why Guidance Helps us Let Go and Give More (40:00) – How Advisors Help Clients Align Money with Faith Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://www.primeaumayer.com/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    43 min
  5. Can Bitcoin, YIMBY, Faith—and Fewer Cars—Rebuild Urban Community? | Wyatt O’Rourke

    JUN 25

    Can Bitcoin, YIMBY, Faith—and Fewer Cars—Rebuild Urban Community? | Wyatt O’Rourke

    Today, Ben welcomes Wyatt O'Rourke—Denver-based financial advisor and founder of Basilic Financial—for a wide-ranging conversation on the interplay between tradition, innovation, and community within a Catholic framework. Wyatt shares his journey of entrepreneurship and reconversion to the faith, emphasizing the integration of spiritual values into financial planning. The discussion examines how technological progress—such as Bitcoin and the rise of network states—can coexist with enduring moral and communal principles, drawing on historical shifts and contemporary challenges like social media and car-centric urban design. The conversation highlights the importance of evaluating innovation through a faith-rooted lens. They critique modern secular ideologies for lacking grounding, while celebrating a revival of tradition among young Catholics and the importance of community, family, and shared purpose. Ultimately, they argue that true progress must deepen human connection and be measured by whether it fosters real communal flourishing. Key Takeaways: • Wyatt O’Rourke’s journey—entrepreneurship, reconversion to the faith, and founding Basilic Financial—reflects a desire to integrate values into vocation. • The Lindy Effect suggests that long-standing ideas and institutions are more likely to endure and should be respected as filters for evaluating novelty. • Car-centric urban design contributes to isolation; human-scale, walkable environments encourage community and accountability. • The YIMBY movement, when aligned with Catholic social principles, offers a hopeful vision for more connected cities. • Moral constancy and family stability are essential foundations for navigating a rapidly changing world. • Catholics are called to be discerning adopters of technology, ensuring it serves human dignity and divine purpose. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Wyatt's Background and Career Journey (04:21) – Balancing Tradition and Innovation (08:03) – Reconciling Faith and Modernity (22:35) – The Importance of Optimism and Faith (28:36) – The Importance of Community (34:29) – Urbanism and Community Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions: Website: https://basilic.io/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wyatt-o-rourke-79723b93/  More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    44 min
  6. Why Retirees Struggle to Spend Their Savings | Michael Acosta & Ujae Kang

    MAY 28

    Why Retirees Struggle to Spend Their Savings | Michael Acosta & Ujae Kang

    Today, Ben Martinek and financial planners Mike Acosta and Ujae Kang explore the emotional and financial complexities of preparing for retirement, emphasizing that while data and planning tools are essential, much of the work involves helping clients overcome fear, uncertainty, and guilt around spending. They discuss how financial advising often becomes a form of counseling, addressing identity, purpose, and emotional readiness as much as monetary logistics. The advisors stress the importance of proactive and adaptable planning, noting that while market turbulence is inevitable, a well-structured plan—grounded in trust and sometimes faith—can help clients navigate it with confidence. Drawing from both professional experience and Catholic values, they advocate for a mindset of anti-fragility: using life’s disruptions as opportunities to grow stronger. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to seek out trusted advisors and make retirement decisions that align both with their financial means and personal goals. Key Takeaways: • Retirement planning is both a financial and emotional journey, requiring attention to numbers and deeper personal motivations. • Advisors act as both planners and counselors, helping clients navigate emotional hurdles like fear, guilt, and uncertainty around spending. • Clients often need “emotional permission” to use their own money, especially in retirement, where spending can feel threatening to their identity or security. • Asking thoughtful questions is central to the advisor’s role, uncovering concerns and desires that might otherwise remain unspoken. • The financial planning process often reveals unspoken emotional and psychological concerns, especially during major life transitions. • Planning for retirement isn’t just about having “enough” money, but about knowing what that money is meant to support. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Discussing Life Transitions and Retirement (03:15) – Financial and Emotional Aspects of Retirement (06:20) – Challenges and Considerations in Retirement Planning (08:37) – Client Stories and Real-Life Examples (11:36) – The Importance of Spending and Enjoying Retirement (25:43) – Overcoming Fear and Building Fortitude (36:29) – Concluding Thoughts and Contact Information Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances Mentions:  Website: https://www.genesiswealthplanning.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelracosta/  Website: https://uakdiversified.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ujaeaugustinekang/  More of Catholic Money Mastermind: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice.  Guest speakers and their firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by PAS, Guardian, or Genesis Wealth Planning and opinions stated are their own.  Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. All investments and investment strategies contain risk and may lose value.    Michael Acosta is a Registered Rep

    39 min
  7. What is Tactical Asset Allocation? | Jonathan Riesch

    APR 23

    What is Tactical Asset Allocation? | Jonathan Riesch

    Today, I sit down with Jonathan Reich, a financial advisor at Global View Capital Management and a new member of the Catholic Financial Planners Network. Jonathan shares his journey from working in high-volume client service roles at Fidelity and Equitable to finding a more fulfilling path in personalized financial planning. We dive into tactical asset allocation, a strategy designed to minimize volatility and enhance risk-adjusted returns by dynamically adjusting investments based on market conditions. Unlike traditional strategic asset allocation, this approach uses market-driven stop losses to protect clients from downturns like those seen in 2008 or during the COVID-19 crash. We also discuss leveraging ETFs and options to amplify market positions and the importance of using key indicators to guide investment decisions. Beyond finance, Jonathan reflects on the importance of living with intentionality—balancing financial goals with faith and family, and ensuring that financial success doesn’t overshadow deeper values. We wrap up by encouraging listeners to seek financial advisors who align with their beliefs and long-term priorities. Key Takeaways: • Tactical asset allocation adjusts investments based on market conditions, while strategic asset allocation maintains fixed percentages and periodic rebalancing. • Tactical strategies use market indicators to exit positions before significant downturns, protecting clients from major losses like those in 2008 and the COVID-19 crash. • Reducing financial stress through proper planning allows for a more balanced, fulfilling life. • Tactical asset allocation focuses on long-term market trends rather than making daily trades. • Being part of a values-driven financial network, like the Catholic Financial Planners Network, ensures alignment between financial guidance and personal beliefs. • While money is useful, true fulfillment comes from faith, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Who is Jonathan Riesch? (05:27) – Understanding Tactical Asset Allocation (06:58) – Risk-Adjusted Returns Explained (15:12) – The Importance of Time-Weighted Returns (19:38) – Signals for Tactical Asset Allocation (26:42) – Mentorship and Life Philosophy Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, Jonathan Riesch, Tactical Asset Allocation Mentions: Website: https://gvcmanagement.com/ More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    35 min
  8. Is Investing Just a Calculated Gamble? | Phil Francois & Anthony Guzman

    MAR 26

    Is Investing Just a Calculated Gamble? | Phil Francois & Anthony Guzman

    Today we’re joined for a roundtable discussion with Anthony Guzman and Phil Francois to explore the fundamentals of investing, including employer-sponsored retirement accounts, risk management, and investment strategies that align with personal values. We distinguish between investing and gambling, emphasizing that while both involve risk, investing is strategic and based on positive expected returns. Key principles such as diversification, market participation, and moral screening help build a sound investment strategy while mitigating risk. Opportunity cost plays a crucial role in investing, as conservative strategies offer stability but may not keep pace with inflation, making a balanced approach essential. Ultimately, investing should be goal-oriented, tailored to different life stages, and focused on both financial growth and thoughtful spending. We conclude with practical steps: assessing current strategies, ensuring alignment with long-term objectives, and seeking professional guidance when needed. Phil Francois is a Certified Financial Planner and founder of Foundation Wealth Planning, dedicated to helping families and business owners navigate financial complexities with a faith-based approach rooted in biblical principles. Anthony Guzman is a fiduciary financial planner dedicated to helping families and individuals achieve peace of mind through holistic financial planning, guiding them to make prudent decisions and steward their resources wisely. Key Takeaways: • Financial decisions should reflect personal beliefs, whether through faith-based stewardship or ethical investing. • A comprehensive financial strategy considers not just investments but overall life goals, risk tolerance, and family priorities. • Spreading investments across different assets helps mitigate risk and enhance long-term stability. • Effective financial planning involves optimizing what God has provided to support family, community, and faith-driven goals. • True financial well-being comes not just from accumulating wealth but from thoughtful spending and alignment with values. • A trusted advisor helps align financial strategies with personal and family objectives. Key Timestamps:  (00:00) - The Basics of Investing and Money Management (03:49) - The Importance of Diversification in Investing (13:16) - Managing Risk and Reward in Investments (19:35) - Fine-Tuning Your Portfolio (35:46) - Practical Tips for Managing Your Investments Key Topics Discussed: Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances, gambling vs investing, risk, inflation, diversification, investment portfolio Mentions: Anthony’s Website: https://www.pioneerwealth.com/ Phil’s Website: https://www.foundationwealthplanning.com/  More of Catholic Money Mastermind: Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation. Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members. https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/ Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email info@catholicfinancialplanners.com

    41 min
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Professional (and Catholic) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS™ discuss the relationship between faith and finances. A production of the Catholic Financial Planners Network - catholicfinancialplanners.com

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