one degree

Nicholas Garofalo
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

A short-form podcast around aligning money, life, business, & Biblical wisdom -- one degree at a time. faithandfinance.substack.com

  1. why you need a philosophy of money

    10H AGO

    why you need a philosophy of money

    When people ask what I do for a living, the easiest answer is “financial planner.” But that description never quite captures what actually happens in the work. Yes, there’s investment planning, tax strategy, and retirement projections. Sometimes there’s even the occasional trade execution. But a surprising amount of the work is something deeper and harder to name: Helping people form a philosophy of money. Most of us inherit our ideas about money without realizing it. Culture, media, peers, and the financial system itself quietly shape our assumptions about wealth, success, lifestyle, and retirement. Over time, those assumptions become the foundation for how we earn, spend, save, and give. In this episode, we explore a bigger question: What is the “good life”? Drawing from ideas in Jonathan Pennington’s book Jesus the Great Philosopher, we look at how ancient philosophy was originally about the pursuit of human flourishing—the search for wisdom and the good life. For Christians, that conversation leads somewhere specific. If Jesus truly shows us what the good life is, then our financial decisions aren’t separate from discipleship. They’re part of it. We’ll also discuss a practical exercise called financial finish lines, a simple way to think more intentionally about lifestyle, spending, and what “enough” might look like. Because money is never neutral. Over time, it quietly shapes our habits, our priorities, and ultimately our hearts. Resources mentioned Finish Line Pledge tool:https://www.finishlinepledge.com/advisors/ Book referenced:Jesus the Great Philosopher — Jonathan T. Pennington This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    8 min
  2. 046 debt in the Bible

    FEB 9

    046 debt in the Bible

    When the Bible talks about debt, it’s rarely about interest rates or payment schedules. It’s almost always about something deeper. In this episode, we explore what Scripture actually teaches about borrowing and lending through three recurring themes: presumption, power dynamics, and posture. We walk through Proverbs’ strong warnings against guaranteeing someone else’s debt, unpack why predatory lending is ultimately a misuse of power, and wrestle with the surprising truth that Scripture does affirm lending—but only when it flows from generosity, mercy, and trust rather than control. This is the upside-down economy of the Kingdom. An invitation to steward money in a way that reflects the heart of a God who is kind, merciful, and generous—even to the ungrateful. The One Degree Podcast is brought to you by Openhanded Wealth, LLC, a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice. “whatever gifts I have received from God, may I use them to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s varied grace." — 1 Peter 4: 10 🌐openhandedwealth.com/podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    7 min
  3. 045 reservoirs & canals (thoughts on biblical giving)

    FEB 2

    045 reservoirs & canals (thoughts on biblical giving)

    In this episode, we explore a timeless metaphor from St. Bernard of Clairvaux about living as reservoirs rather than canals—filling ourselves first before giving from overflow. We discuss the intersection of biblical generosity, financial wisdom, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes faithful stewardship means adjusting our giving. Through client stories and scriptural reflection, we examine what it means to give wisely in changing seasons, why limits are part of God's design, and how provision has never been our responsibility to bear alone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    6 min
  4. 044 Budgeting with Irregular Income

    12/05/2025

    044 Budgeting with Irregular Income

    If you’re self-employed, in sales, or running a small business, you know the budgeting struggle is real. But inconsistent income doesn’t mean you’re off the hook — it just means you need a smarter plan. Nick shares a four-part framework inspired by YNAB (You Need a Budget) and shaped by real-world experience: Only budget dollars you have — no guessing games.Prioritize spending by what matters most (including giving and saving).Break big, rare expenses into monthly habits.Build a buffer during your "hill" months to survive the valleys.This episode is packed with practical help, biblical stewardship, and avocado jokes. (Seriously.) 🛠️ Tool Mentioned: YNAB’s guide to irregular income 📩 Want help building your own budget? Reach out via openhandedwealth.com/onedegree 💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend or drop a 5-star review — it helps more people find One Degree. 🌐openhandedwealth.com I want to use whatever gifts I have received to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4: 10 Openhanded Wealth, LLC is a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    9 min
  5. 043 – Rest Is Hard: Why We Struggle to Stop

    12/02/2025

    043 – Rest Is Hard: Why We Struggle to Stop

    In this episode, Nick reflects on the final chapters of Practicing the King’s Economy and how the Bible’s vision of rest is radically different from our hustle culture. He shares five real-world reasons why rest feels impossible — including the “reentry tax,” productivity identity, and the sheer effort it takes to prepare. We explore: Why biblical rest requires intentionality and communityThe psychological hurdles that keep us “too busy”What the Year of Jubilee might teach modern business ownersHow rest can become a regular, life-giving rhythm — not just a reward for burnout📖 Referenced Book: Practicing the King’s Economy by Robby Holt, Michael Rhodes, and Brian Fikkert 📺 Mentioned Show: Alone, Season 11 (History Channel) 👉 Got a question for Nick? Ask it here: openhandedwealth.com/onedegree 💬 Like what you heard? Leave a review — it helps the show reach more people! 🌐openhandedwealth.com I want to use whatever gifts I have received to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4: 10 Openhanded Wealth, LLC is a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    14 min
  6. 042 Humility, Curiosity, and Understanding in Relationships

    08/22/2025

    042 Humility, Curiosity, and Understanding in Relationships

    In this episode of the One Degree podcast, I share how small choices over time can create significant impacts in our lives. As a husband, father, and financial planner, I reflect on my love for fixing things and how this 'fix it' mentality doesn't always translate well in relationships. I recount a recent family vacation story involving my daughter and emphasize the importance of approaching relationships with humility and curiosity instead of trying to fix them. I discuss how feeling misunderstood often leads to frustration and anger and how slowing down to genuinely listen can foster better connections. I also highlight how these concepts apply to discussions, especially around sensitive topics like money. Finally, I encourage listeners to engage in better communication practices and promote relational healing. [00:00] Introduction to the One Degree Podcast[00:16] Nick's Passion for Fixing Things[01:13] The Challenge of Fixing Relationships[02:10] A Lesson in Humility and Curiosity[06:12] Understanding and Managing Anger[07:39] Applying Lessons to Financial Conversations[09:57] Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    11 min
  7. 041 the sandbox and the assembly line

    06/04/2025

    041 the sandbox and the assembly line

    In today's episode of the One Degree podcast, I discuss a recent LinkedIn article about my CRM software, Wealthbox, adding a new AI note-taking feature. While it sounds efficient, I'm skeptical about its impact on innovation. I explore the necessary balance between creative energy and structured processes in business. Using examples like PowerPoint versus tools like Beautiful.ai, I emphasize the importance of flexibility and innovation in certain areas of business, while maintaining efficiency and procedures in others. Finally, I stress the significance of choosing which parts of your business to innovate and which to streamline. [00:00] Introduction to the One Degree Podcast[00:16] New AI Note-Taking Feature in CRM Software[01:55] Balancing Creativity and Structure in Business[02:38] The Pitfalls of Built-In Tools[04:38] The Importance of Flexibility and Innovation[05:36] Knowing When to Optimize and Standardize[07:44] Conclusion and Listener Engagement The One Degree Podcast is brought to you by Openhanded Wealth, LLC, a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice. “whatever gifts I have received from God, may I use them to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s varied grace." — 1 Peter 4: 10 🌐openhandedwealth.com/podcast This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    9 min
  8. 040 "selling is an act of generosity"

    05/16/2025

    040 "selling is an act of generosity"

    Today, I'm excited to share insights from my recent conversation with Marcus Schaller on his podcast, Attract Your Ideal Clients. Marcus and I dove deep into the concept of selling as an act of generosity. From rethinking sales not as a pushy transaction but as a service to others, to Marcus' profound idea: 'Selling is an act of generosity.' Join me as I unpack how this perspective shift is helping me and could help you too. We'll also discuss crafting clear messages about the problems you solve and why not every conversation should be a sales pitch. Let's shift our mindset and embrace sales as a form of stewardship and genuine connection. Listen to my full interview with Marcus Schaller on Attract Your Ideal Clients. [00:00] Introduction to the One Degree Podcast[00:16] Guest Appearance on Attract Your Ideal Clients[01:24] The Profound Concept of Selling as Generosity[02:37] Personal Reflections on Sales and Value[07:09] Reframing the Elevator Pitch[09:27] Conclusion and Listener Engagement This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

A short-form podcast around aligning money, life, business, & Biblical wisdom -- one degree at a time. faithandfinance.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Nicholas Garofalo
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nicholas Garofalo
  • Show Website
    one degree