Christ Centered Stewardship

Nino Villa & Maria Casillas

Christ Centered Stewardship by New Money Habits Welcome to Christ Centered Stewardship by New Money Habits, where biblical truth, practical financial skills, and real conversations come together to help you build a life of freedom, peace, and purpose. Hosted by Nino Villa and Maria Casillas, this show goes far beyond traditional personal finance. We believe that money isn’t just about numbers — it’s about identity, behavior, mindset, and what (or who) we trust. Most people never learn how to manage money in a way that aligns with their faith, their values, or the life God created them to live. We’re here to change that. Meet Your Hosts Nino Villa, an educator turned financial coach, brings clarity, structure, and biblically grounded wisdom. He specializes in helping people build new money habits that are simple, sustainable, and rooted in Scripture. His calm, practical coaching and his belief that God’s Word offers real answers make him a trusted guide for anyone seeking lasting financial transformation. Maria Casillas brings a creative, psychology-driven approach to money. After experiencing—and overcoming—more than $100k of debt fueled by fear, stress, and misaligned priorities, she now helps people understand why they do what they do with money and how to break the habits that keep them stuck. Her coaching style is fun, insightful, and rooted in behavior change and values alignment. Together, Nino and Maria create a dynamic, relatable, and faith-filled environment where listeners can grow, learn, and feel understood — no shame, no judgment, no overwhelm. What You’ll Find Here ✔ Biblical financial principles explained through real-life stories ✔ Practical tools and step-by-step guidance for building healthy money habits ✔ Honest conversations about the emotions, fears, and beliefs that shape our financial decisions ✔ Encouragement and hope for anyone feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure ✔ Weekly episodes and short-form content designed for teens, college students, young adults, and families ✔ A safe, Christ-centered space to explore money through the lens of stewardship Whether you’re navigating money for the first time or rebuilding after years of struggle… Whether you want to strengthen your marriage, deepen your faith, or break generational patterns… Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply ready for something different… You’re in the right place. This is more than a podcast. More than a YouTube channel. It’s a movement calling Christians back to God’s design for stewardship — a way of living that brings peace, freedom, and purpose to every area of life. Subscribe, listen, and grow with us as we learn to manage money God’s way. Because true financial freedom doesn’t start with a calculator. It starts with Christ at the center.

  1. Expectation Is the Thief of Joy | Ep. 016

    MAR 30

    Expectation Is the Thief of Joy | Ep. 016

    What if the reason you feel frustrated, disappointed, or unsettled… isn’t your circumstances—but your expectations? In this episode of the Christ Centered Stewardship podcast, Nino and Maria explore how expectations—especially unspoken or unrealistic ones—can quietly shape our emotions, our relationships, and our decisions. Together, they discuss: How expectations influence emotional responses The difference between hope and expectation Why unmet expectations often lead to frustration or disappointment How expectations can affect relationships and communication The role of awareness in breaking reactive patterns What it looks like to align expectations with truth Christ-centered stewardship includes more than how we manage money. It includes how we steward our thoughts, our assumptions, and the expectations we carry into everyday life. Because when expectations shift, perspective follows—and so does peace Key Topics Expectations and emotional responses Hope vs expectation Frustration, disappointment, and control Relational dynamics and communication Thought awareness and mindset Stewardship of thinking Hosted by: Nino Villa and Maria Casillas Consider whether the communities you’re part of are helping you grow — and whether there may be a healthier space God is inviting you into. If you’d like to walk this journey in community, we invite you to join the Christ Centered Stewardship Facebook Group, where we reflect on Scripture, discuss each episode, and encourage one another in faithful living.

    21 min
  2. Peace of Mind Fund: Why It’s Not an “Emergency Fund” | Ep. 015

    MAR 23

    Peace of Mind Fund: Why It’s Not an “Emergency Fund” | Ep. 015

    What if the way you think about saving money is actually working against you? In this episode of the Christ Centered Stewardship podcast, Nino and Maria explore why the traditional idea of an “emergency fund” may unintentionally shape how we think, feel, and spend. Instead, they introduce a different approach: the Peace of Mind Fund. Together, they discuss: Why words matter in how we steward money How labeling something an “emergency” can distort decision-making The difference between reacting to fear and planning with clarity Why money itself is not the true source of peace How to determine a starting amount for your savings Practical guardrails for building and growing a Peace of Mind Fund They also walk through how to move from a starter fund to a more fully funded approach over time. Christ-centered stewardship isn’t about storing money to avoid fear. It’s about aligning your decisions with truth — and recognizing that true peace does not come from a number in your bank account. Key Topics Emergency fund vs Peace of Mind Fund Language and financial behavior Emotional decision-making with money Starter savings strategies Scaling savings with income Financial peace vs spiritual peace Hosted by: Nino Villa and Maria Casillas Consider whether the communities you’re part of are helping you grow — and whether there may be a healthier space God is inviting you into. If you’d like to walk this journey in community, we invite you to join the Christ Centered Stewardship Facebook Group, where we reflect on Scripture, discuss each episode, and encourage one another in faithful living.

    23 min
  3. Feeding the Family: Why Food Should Be a Top Budget Priority | Ep. 014

    MAR 16

    Feeding the Family: Why Food Should Be a Top Budget Priority | Ep. 014

    When money gets tight, many families instinctively cut the food budget first. But should they? In this episode of the Christ Centered Stewardship podcast, Nino and Maria challenge a common financial belief: that groceries are the easiest place to reduce spending. Instead, they explore why feeding your family should be one of the first priorities in a healthy financial plan. In this conversation, they discuss: Why food is often placed too low in household budgets The difference between nutrition and convenience How apathy spending quietly undermines financial progress Why putting food at the top of the budget can restore dignity and clarity Practical guardrails for grocery spending How to calculate a realistic monthly food budget for your household They also answer a community question about how much a family should spend per meal and per person. Christ-centered stewardship is not about shame or restriction. It’s about making intentional decisions that align with what matters most — including caring well for the people around your table.   Key Topics Food budgets and household priorities Needs vs conveniences in spending Apathy spending vs intentional spending Guardrails for grocery budgets Practical per-person food spending ranges Budgeting for families Hosted by: Nino Villa and Maria Casillas Consider whether the communities you’re part of are helping you grow — and whether there may be a healthier space God is inviting you into. If you’d like to walk this journey in community, we invite you to join the Christ Centered Stewardship Facebook Group, where we reflect on Scripture, discuss each episode, and encourage one another in faithful living.

    37 min
  4. Tax Refunds, Windfalls & the Danger of Mental Math | Ep. 013

    MAR 9

    Tax Refunds, Windfalls & the Danger of Mental Math | Ep. 013

    Tax season brings a wave of emotion. Excitement, anxiety, anticipation, relief — sometimes all at once. In this episode of the Christ Centered Stewardship podcast, Nino and Maria explore how our thinking often shapes what we do with money that suddenly appears in our lives — especially tax refunds and other financial windfalls. Together they discuss: Why a tax refund is not “free money” How mental math quietly sabotages financial plans The danger of underestimating real costs Why written planning matters more than good intentions How freeing up monthly cash flow can transform a financial plan A real coaching scenario involving debt, car payments, and decision making Christ-centered stewardship isn’t about reacting emotionally to money. It’s about slowing down, gaining clarity, and making intentional decisions. If a refund, bonus, or unexpected income is coming your way, this conversation will help you approach it with wisdom and peace. Key Topics Tax refunds vs tax returns Emotional reactions to unexpected money Mental math vs written planning Underestimating financial costs Cash flow vs interest-rate thinking Behavioral patterns and financial decisions  Hosted by: Nino Villa and Maria Casillas Consider whether the communities you’re part of are helping you grow — and whether there may be a healthier space God is inviting you into. If you’d like to walk this journey in community, we invite you to join the Christ Centered Stewardship Facebook Group, where we reflect on Scripture, discuss each episode, and encourage one another in faithful living.

    31 min
  5. Knowledge Is Power: Inflation, Layoffs, and Making Informed Decisions | Ep. 011

    FEB 23

    Knowledge Is Power: Inflation, Layoffs, and Making Informed Decisions | Ep. 011

    In this episode of the Christ Centered Stewardship podcast, Nino Villa and Maria Casillas explore the phrase: knowledge is power. With inflation rising 26% since 2020, many households feel financial pressure — tighter budgets, side hustles, and difficult conversations about work. But instead of reacting emotionally, this episode encourages listeners to slow down, gather information, and make informed decisions rooted in wisdom. Topics include: What 26% inflation actually means for rent, groceries, and income Why many families feel like they “can’t keep up” Emotional versus objective financial decisions How to evaluate whether a second job truly makes sense Negotiating expenses and calling service providers Preparing emotionally and spiritually for a potential layoff Trusting God’s provision in uncertain seasons Through personal stories of layoffs and financial stress, Nino and Maria highlight the importance of faith, humility, and wisdom in moments of uncertainty. Rather than reacting in fear, this episode invites listeners to pause, gather information, and seek God’s guidance. Weekly Challenge Write down James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Every time you face a decision this week — financial or otherwise — pause and ask God for wisdom before responding emotionally. Hosted by: Nino Villa and Maria Casillas Consider whether the communities you’re part of are helping you grow — and whether there may be a healthier space God is inviting you into. If you’d like to walk this journey in community, we invite you to join the Christ Centered Stewardship Facebook Group, where we reflect on Scripture, discuss each episode, and encourage one another in faithful living.

    30 min
  6. Contentment Through Gratitude: Breaking the Cycle of Unplanned Spending  | Ep. 010

    FEB 16

    Contentment Through Gratitude: Breaking the Cycle of Unplanned Spending | Ep. 010

    In this episode of the Christ Centered Stewardship podcast, Nino Villa and Maria Casillas explore the relationship between contentment, gratitude, and unplanned spending. Responding to a listener question about how to focus on contentment and avoid unnecessary spending, the conversation reframes the issue beneath financial behavior. Rather than treating overspending as a budgeting failure, Nino and Maria examine how a lack of contentment often leads to consumption, distraction, and self-sabotage. This episode reflects on: What contentment really is — and what it is not How gratitude reshapes our desires and decisions Why unplanned spending is often rooted in restlessness, not need The difference between consumption and stewardship How simple practices of gratitude can interrupt unhealthy financial patterns Rather than offering rules or quick fixes, this conversation invites listeners to consider how gratitude forms contentment, and how contentment supports faithful stewardship across daily life. Weekly Challenge Each day this week, pause and ask: What am I grateful for right now? What have I not thanked God for recently? Practice naming gratitude before making spending decisions, and notice how awareness begins to shape contentment. Hosted by: Nino Villa and Maria Casillas Consider whether the communities you’re part of are helping you grow — and whether there may be a healthier space God is inviting you into. If you’d like to walk this journey in community, we invite you to join the Christ Centered Stewardship Facebook Group, where we reflect on Scripture, discuss each episode, and encourage one another in faithful living.

    27 min

About

Christ Centered Stewardship by New Money Habits Welcome to Christ Centered Stewardship by New Money Habits, where biblical truth, practical financial skills, and real conversations come together to help you build a life of freedom, peace, and purpose. Hosted by Nino Villa and Maria Casillas, this show goes far beyond traditional personal finance. We believe that money isn’t just about numbers — it’s about identity, behavior, mindset, and what (or who) we trust. Most people never learn how to manage money in a way that aligns with their faith, their values, or the life God created them to live. We’re here to change that. Meet Your Hosts Nino Villa, an educator turned financial coach, brings clarity, structure, and biblically grounded wisdom. He specializes in helping people build new money habits that are simple, sustainable, and rooted in Scripture. His calm, practical coaching and his belief that God’s Word offers real answers make him a trusted guide for anyone seeking lasting financial transformation. Maria Casillas brings a creative, psychology-driven approach to money. After experiencing—and overcoming—more than $100k of debt fueled by fear, stress, and misaligned priorities, she now helps people understand why they do what they do with money and how to break the habits that keep them stuck. Her coaching style is fun, insightful, and rooted in behavior change and values alignment. Together, Nino and Maria create a dynamic, relatable, and faith-filled environment where listeners can grow, learn, and feel understood — no shame, no judgment, no overwhelm. What You’ll Find Here ✔ Biblical financial principles explained through real-life stories ✔ Practical tools and step-by-step guidance for building healthy money habits ✔ Honest conversations about the emotions, fears, and beliefs that shape our financial decisions ✔ Encouragement and hope for anyone feeling stuck, stressed, or unsure ✔ Weekly episodes and short-form content designed for teens, college students, young adults, and families ✔ A safe, Christ-centered space to explore money through the lens of stewardship Whether you’re navigating money for the first time or rebuilding after years of struggle… Whether you want to strengthen your marriage, deepen your faith, or break generational patterns… Whether you’re curious, confused, or simply ready for something different… You’re in the right place. This is more than a podcast. More than a YouTube channel. It’s a movement calling Christians back to God’s design for stewardship — a way of living that brings peace, freedom, and purpose to every area of life. Subscribe, listen, and grow with us as we learn to manage money God’s way. Because true financial freedom doesn’t start with a calculator. It starts with Christ at the center.