Money Made Faithful With John Putnam John Putnam

Today we're talking about how many so of us grapple with modern-day financial traps that can hinder our journey toward true joy and wise stewardship, just like in the story of the wealthy ruler from the book of Mark. 

Join me as we focus on three trendy traps that are way too easy for us to fall into. Once we’ve uncovered them, we’ll explore some strategies rooted in biblical wisdom that will pave the way for a more peaceful, empowered, and aligned financial journey.

 

In this episode, John discusses: 



How financial traps hinder financial freedom



Balancing money, wealth and spiritual fulfillment in modern life



Wise financial stewardship in today's consumer-driven society



Embracing truth, stability, and God's bigger plan 



 

Key Takeaways:



The story of the wealthy ruler in Mark's gospel reveals a timeless tension between worldly possessions and sacrificial love. It echoes today's tension between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment.



Trendy traps like lifestyle inflation, instant gratification, and social comparison are tempting. To combat them, we must embrace the biblical principles of contentment, self-discipline, and identity anchored in Christ to navigate financial decisions wisely.



By cultivating authentic relationships, embracing the values of stewardship, and sharing financial wisdom grounded in faith, we can experience personal fulfillment and become powerful testimonies of God's provision and faithfulness. 



 

“When you can stay out of these traps, you are going to experience a kind of financial freedom, peace, and fulfillment in a way that you likely have never experienced before.”  

 

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In this episode, we're diving into the practicality of finding hidden opportunities within your finances. Join us as we uncover how those opportunities in your budget may improve your financial journey and how a fresh perspective can reveal hidden blessings. 

I’ve developed a FREE tool I call 'The 3D Budget'. I’ll share how it can help you gain better control of your finances and impact your decisions, while aligning with biblical principles for wise stewardship. 

Stay tuned for more actionable steps to enhance your budgeting journey and seize the opportunities that lie within.

 

In this episode, John discusses: 



Identifying hidden financial obstacles



Executing financial plans effectively



Embracing 'The 3D Budget' tool



Seizing opportunities for wise financial stewardship 



 

Key Takeaways:



Identifying and addressing hidden expenses, like small daily treats or overlooked regular bills, can significantly impact financial freedom.



A faithful financial journey involves both planning and diligent execution. Even seemingly minor expenses can hinder progress toward larger goals.



Utilizing tools like 'The 3D Budget' approach helps you break away from a dollars-in, dollars-out mentality so you can see new opportunities.



Biblical wisdom and practical strategies, aligns financial choices and paves the way for greater stewardship and kingdom impact while navigating financial challenges with faith and diligence. 



 

“Your budget is designed to be a blessing, not a burden.”  

 

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In this episode, we're diving into a topic that touches nearly every American's financial life: tax refunds. 

Yes, that's right, we're talking about cash—hundreds of billions worth of it, to be exact!

But here's the twist: we're exploring why your tax refund might not be as smart to receive as you think.

Listen in as we uncover truths about applying our money resources wisely and how our approach to our taxes reflects and impacts our approach to faithful stewardship. 

 

In this episode, John discusses: 



Exploring the impact of tax refunds on your finances and your faith journey



Making the most of your tax refund



The three pillars of tax refund management



How tax refunds reflect financial priorities 



 

Key Takeaways:



Overpaying taxes knowing you’ll get a refund means you’re giving the government an interest-free loan, reducing your cash flow, and hindering your day-to-day expenses and financial stability. These practices don't align with the wise stewardship.



Relying on tax refunds for major financial decisions reflects poor financial planning. On the other hand, accurately estimating tax liabilities throughout the year and avoiding overpayment ensures better preparation and financial foresight.



Opting for tax efficiency through proper adjustments in tax withholdings and allocations maximizes your take-home pay and utilizes your resources more productively. 



Despite the allure of receiving a tax refund, if you do receive one, it's crucial to resist impulse spending and to prioritize directing refunds towards any of your significant financial needs such as savings, debt repayment, or investments, alongside updating your tax withholding to maintain a balanced approach between avoiding overpayment and underpayment of taxes. 



 

“I love the way the Bible stresses the importance in the scripture I just shared about honoring civic responsibilities, and that includes paying taxes as a part of wise and faithful financial stewardship.”  

 

Resources Mentioned:



CNBC Story on How Americans plan to spend tax refunds: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/06/how-americans-plan-to-spend-tax-refunds



IRS Tax Withholding Estimator: https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator



 

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In last week's episode, we talked about the importance of setting meaningful financial goals while staying present on the journey toward them. 

Today, we're taking it one step further and talking about a crucial question: When does a financial goal become an idol? 

Just like the Israelites in Exodus who crafted a golden calf as their idol, we can elevate our goals to a level of idolatry. If a goal is dominating our thoughts and actions, it’s likley becoming an idol.

Join me as we explore the four ways goals can begin to dominate our thinking and actions, pulling us away from what’s truly important.

But there is an answer!

We can learn how to align our financial goals with God's greater purpose and dismantle the money idols that threaten our faithful stewardship journey. 

 

In this episode, John discusses: 



The dangerous duo of time and money



How financial resources can shift from tools to idols



The pitfalls of rushing financial growth and long-term planning



Avoiding the trap of self-centered ambitions 



 

Key Takeaways:



Financial goals can become idols when they consume our time and distract us from the present, leading to restlessness and discontent.



Just as the Israelites' abundance of resources contributed to their idolatry, our money can drive behavior and monopolize our focus, overshadowing our faith.



In a world of instant gratification, impatience can lead us to prioritize short-term gains over long-term faithfulness, mirroring the Israelites' impatience.



When our skills and talents are prioritized above our alignment with God's greater story, they too can become idols.



 

“My prayer is that we would all heed this warning (Exodus 20:23) and remain steadfast in our commitment to aligning our money and our money choices with God's greater story and his greater purpose, remembering that true wealth is found in our faithfulness.”  

 

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INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services



SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends' and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop



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When does a financial goal become a distraction?

Have you ever found yourself overly fixated on future goals, so much so, that it was a distraction to other parts of your life? Or maybe you reached a goal and felt somewhat disappointed, or that it was anticlimactic? 

Today, we're diving into the delicate balance between setting ambitious goals and remaining present in your journey.

We'll explore how to keep your financial goals in perspective while embracing each moment so you can have a more fulfilling and faithful experience on your stewardship journey!


In this episode, John discusses: 
Reflecting on goals and making adjustmentsHow "arrival fallacy" can overshadow present joys and opportunitiesThe dangers of "When I" thinkingThe paradox of planning for the future while living in the present 
Key Takeaways:
Springtime is a time of renewal, making it the perfect moment to reflect on your goals.The illusion that reaching a goal will bring lasting happiness can lead to a constant chase for external objectives.The opportunity to find joy in everyday experiences.Be cautious of fixating on future achievements as solutions to present problems. This can hinder our ability to recognize alternative solutions and overlook the blessings that may be right in front of us.Practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and generosity cultivates contentment while we focus on the goals we’re working towards.
“Remember to balance out future goals while you're still capturing present opportunities and enjoyment, and to find fulfillment in the journey itself.”  


Resources Mentioned:
Arrival Fallacy: Will Reaching a Goal Make You Happy?: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-arrival-fallacy-6561079
Click on the links below to learn more about Money Made Faithful:
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BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page 
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In this spring refresh episode, we dive into a remarkably practical framework that can help lay a strong spiritual foundation for your journey ahead. 

Join us as we explore how committing to The Five 5’s will bring you closer to God, build confidence, enhance gratitude, and foster peace - in your finances and every other facet of your life. Through consistent practice, you'll experience immediate transformative shifts that will set you on a path of greater alignment with God's financial wisdom and greater purpose. 

Let's start this spring season with a firm foundation and accelerate our growth together!


In this episode, John discusses: 
Laying a strong spiritual foundation for your life journeyOvercoming inconsistency when it comes to Bible and prayerThe Five 5s: Dedicating five minutes a day to essential spiritual disciplinesSpring, being the perfect time for fresh beginnings 
Key Takeaways:
Spring represents a time of fresh starts and renewal, making it the perfect moment to lay a strong spiritual foundation - crucial for navigating life's fiancnial challenges and opportunities.Implementing The Five 5's framework—devoting just five minutes a day to reading, praying, listening, and expressing gratitude—can bring profound transformations with your money and all life matters.By understanding the spiritual factors driving our choices and practicing daily habits like the The Five 5's we can align our decisions with God's wisdom, leading to greater peace, clarity, and alignment with His greater story.Consistently engaging in scripture and prayer deepens your spiritual connection and positively impacts your financial decisions, leading to greater alignment with God's will and blessings in your life.
“My prayer is that it will give you a firm foundation to launch off of, and guys, it's always easier when you're starting from a firm foundation.”


Additional resources:

American Bible Society's study: https://news.americanbible.org/blog/entry/corporate-blog/american-bible-societys-new-study-shows-urgent-ministry-opportunity


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INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services

SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends' and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop

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