On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will explore the joy of giving and how to pass it on to future generations with guest Brad Formsma. Rob will also be answering your calls and financial questions. Tune in to experience the joy of giving and gain insight into how to pass it on to future generations.
How does your faith in Jesus influence your daily financial decisions? As believers, our faith must be the foundation of our financial stewardship, which is why we're excited to announce that the MoneyWise radio show is now Faith & Finance. Join Rob West and special guests as they address today’s financial questions with biblical answers. To be a part of the broadcast, call 1 (800) 525-7000 or you can email your questions to: [email protected]
How does your faith in Jesus influence your daily financial decisions? As believers, our faith must be the foundation of our financial stewardship, which is why we're excited to announce that the MoneyWise radio show is now Faith & Finance. Join Rob West and special guests as they address today’s financial questions with biblical answers. To be a part of the broadcast, call 1 (800) 525-7000 or you can email your questions to: [email protected]
Larry Burkett once said, “The one principle that surrounds everything else is that of stewardship; that we are the managers of everything that God has given us. ” These words remind us that stewardship is not just about money or tithing—it’s about faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to us. As believers, we’re called to be stewards because God created and owns everything. Our role is to manage His resources wisely for His purposes. But how can we know if we’re fulfilling this calling? To guide our journey of faithfulness, let’s explore the seven marks of a good steward. 1. Acknowledging God’s OwnershipGood stewards recognize that everything belongs to God, including their resources, skills, and abilities. They understand they’re temporary managers entrusted with God’s gifts for His purposes. Scripture to Reflect On: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth. ” (Deuteronomy 8: 18)2. Understanding Their MissionGood stewards grasp the significance of their role in God’s plan. They take their responsibilities seriously but approach them with humility, knowing they’re part of something greater than themselves. Scripture to Reflect On: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. ” (Proverbs 16: 3)3. Faithfulness in ActionFaithfulness is at the heart of stewardship. This includes following God’s financial principles: earning, saving, investing, and, most importantly, giving. Faithful stewards persevere, trusting that God will honor their obedience. Scripture to Reflect On: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. ” (Luke 16: 10)4. TrustworthinessGood stewards are honest and trustworthy in all they do. Integrity builds a foundation for effective stewardship, honoring God, and earning the trust of others. Scripture to Reflect On: “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. ” (1 Corinthians 4: 2)5. Diligence in Their WorkStewards are diligent, actively using what God has given them rather than neglecting or mismanaging it. They commit to working as if serving the Lord in all they do. Scripture to Reflect On: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. ” (Colossians 3: 23)6. Prayerful DependenceGood stewards seek God’s guidance through prayer, trusting in His wisdom and provision. Prayer frees them from anxiety and anchors them in God’s peace. Scripture to Reflect On: “Do not' be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ” (Philippians 4: 6)7. Spirit-Led ActionFinally, good stewards act when the Holy Spirit leads, preparing their minds and hearts for action and living in obedience to God’s will. Scripture to Reflect On: “Preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you. ” (1 Peter 1: 13)Dependence on God’s GraceThese seven characteristics set a high standard, reminding us that stewardship is more about faithfulness than perfection. We can’t meet these marks in our own strength. Instead, we depend on God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in obedience. Let’s commit to being faithful stewards, trusting that God will equip us for the journey. As 1 Corinthians 4: 2 reminds us, “Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. ” May we glorify God in all we do, managing His gifts with care and purpose. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm getting ready to start receiving payments from my annuity. I want to give from the annuity, but I would like to know if I would get tax benefits from taking that money out of my annuity and paying it directly to a charity. I'm charged a rider charge on monthly withdrawals from an indexed annuity. Is there any way to avoid that? I have seven more years because it's a 10-year annuity. My daughter and son-in-law have $35, 000 in debt, primarily for home repairs and a vehicle. They have a 3. 5% mortgage but are being advised to do a cash-out refinance, which would take them to 6. 5-7% on the full $155, 000. Is there anything else they can do besides this refinance? I'm 74 and still working full-time. My 401(k) has about $500, 000 in it, plus a company-funded pension. Should I roll that 401(k) over now or wait until I get close to retirement? I'm considering retiring by the end of next year. My mother is 89 and sold her house for about $300, 000. At this stage in her life, how should she invest the money? Should she consider putting some of it into an annuity? I'd like her to have easy access to it. I was raised in a wealthy home, so I never learned proper financial principles. Now, I want to learn how to be financially responsible and properly steward God's provision in my family and business. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get started? I am 52 and retired, and my wife is 62 and retired. We're doing well, but more is always better. Could my wife start claiming my Social Security and spousal benefits now? I was told I might be eligible for my brother's pension. Do you know of a website where I can search for a lost pension? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly PublicationYour Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt by Howard DaytonMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornNational Registry of Unclaimed Retirement BenefitsLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App
Sometimes, you have to travel far to learn about things close to home—like your finances. They say that “travel is broadening”—that it expands your horizons and increases your understanding of how things really work. Sharon Epps experienced that recently on the tram in the Netherlands, and today, she’ll share some financial lessons she learned along the way. Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise. Faith, Finance, and the TramDuring a recent Christmas visit to The Hague, Sharon enjoyed time with her family and learned valuable lessons riding the Dutch tram system. These lessons beautifully parallel financial wisdom rooted in faith. Let’s explore these five lessons and how they can guide us in making faith-filled financial decisions. 1. Plan in AdvanceBefore boarding the tram, you need to purchase a card or use an app like Apple Pay—cash isn’t accepted. If you’re unprepared, you’ll find yourself stuck. Financial Takeaway: Life transitions and financial goals require preparation. Proverbs 21: 5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty. ” Look ahead and make thoughtful plans for the future. 2. Make Decisions Based on PrinciplesInterestingly, there are no instructions on using the card readers. Observing others reveals the steps: scan in when boarding and scan out when exiting. It’s a system based on principles rather than explicit instructions. Financial Takeaway: Life doesn’t come with a step-by-step manual for every situation. However, God’s Word is full of enduring principles. Base your financial decisions on these, rather than rigid rules, to stay aligned with His will. 3. Avoid Decision-Making TrapsSharon missed her tram stop because she was looking in the wrong direction. She realized too late that the doors she needed were behind her. Financial Takeaway: Evaluate multiple alternatives before making decisions. Avoid getting stuck with the first option that comes to mind, as it might not be the best one. Broaden your perspective to avoid costly mistakes. 4. Seek Godly CounselAfter missing her stop, Sharon was unsure what to do next. A kind pair of Dutch women guided her to the next stop and helped her find her way back. Financial Takeaway: Life is full of unexpected turns. Seeking wisdom from God and godly counselors can help you navigate challenges and make wise choices. Proverbs 15: 22 teaches, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. ”5. Know What You HaveAfter several rides, Sharon realized she needed to check the balance on her tram card and top it up. Financial Takeaway: Just as you must track the balance on your card, you need to know the condition of your financial resources. Proverbs 27: 23–24 reminds us, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not' last forever. ” Awareness of your financial position is crucial for wise stewardship. Life Moves Fast—Stay PreparedRiding a tram requires quick decision-making—boarding, exiting, and navigating—all while staying prepared for the next leg of the journey. Financial decisions can feel the same way. By applying these five lessons—planning ahead, basing decisions on principles, avoiding traps, seeking counsel, and staying informed—you’ll be better equipped to navigate life’s financial challenges. If we adopt these principles in our financial decision-making, we won’t find ourselves getting off at the wrong stop and scrambling to figure out our way back. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have a seven-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter, and I'd like to know how to begin investing in her college education. Can I roll my TSP over to an IRA? I'm getting ready to retire within the next five years, and I was told that if I did, the amount would be fixed and could only go up. However, I could still keep my TSP open and contribute to it. Would that be a wise move? I had a CD for $10, 000 that matured, and I told the bank to reinvest it. It ended up being $10, 210. Do I have to pay taxes on the $210 profit when I file my income taxes? I have been steadily losing money in the TCW MetWest Total Return Fund, and I would like to switch to a Timothy Fund. I'm 80 years old, so I want to change it to something that would make me a little money and keep the fees low. Who would I talk to if I wanted advice about which Timothy Plan fund to use? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly PublicationSavingForCollege. comTimothy PlanLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App
Major changes are likely coming for the U. S. economy. Will you be ready for them? We have a new president who’s pledged to overhaul the economy. How will that affect investors and the markets? Mark Biller joins us today with a plan for managing “anticipated disruption. ”Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Learning from the Past: Market Trends in ReviewBefore diving into predictions, it’s essential to recognize the value of reviewing recent market trends. Forecasting is often unreliable, so Sound Mind Investing focuses on building robust portfolios that can withstand a variety of market conditions. Key Observations from 2024: Strong Stock Market Performance: 2024 was a banner year for stocks. Struggles in Bonds: Higher long-term interest rates created challenges for bond investors. Rather than predicting, SMI uses trend-following strategies, aligning portfolios with market behavior to enhance resilience against uncertainties. What Could End the Bull Market? Bull markets typically end due to two primary catalysts: Federal Reserve Rate Hikes: With recent rate cuts, a pivot to hikes seems unlikely. Economic Recessions: Despite fears, current conditions—strong GDP growth, low unemployment, and robust balance sheets—make a near-term recession improbable. However, investors should remain prepared for routine market corrections (10-15%), which are typically short-lived and not worth major portfolio adjustments. Trump 2. 0: Policy Changes and Market ImpactsPresident Trump’s second term brings both optimism and uncertainty. Business-friendly policies like tax cuts and deregulation are expected to boost growth, but his stance on disrupting global free trade could create volatility. Key Policy Areas to Watch: Immigration and Tariffs: Potential economic implications tied to trade disruptions. Deficit Reduction: Balancing growth-oriented spending with inflationary risks. Energy and Taxes: Initiatives that may shape inflation and economic growth dynamics. Wall Street’s response will likely depend on how aggressively these policies are implemented. While markets thrive on stability, Trump’s approach could introduce significant fluctuations. The National Debt: An Ongoing ChallengeReducing the national debt remains a pressing issue, but Mark is skeptical about achieving a balanced budget in the short term. Growth-driven strategies may help manage deficits, but cutting government spending poses immediate challenges for economic momentum. Staying the Course Amid UncertaintyWith many moving parts, confidently predicting cumulative economic and market outcomes is impossible. However, investors should: Stick to long-term plans. Maintain proper diversification. Continue regular contributions to retirement plans. The focus should remain on steady progress toward financial goals rather than reacting to short-term disruptions. For a deeper dive into these topics and actionable strategies, read Mark’s full article, “Trump 2. 0: Using Objective Investing Models to Guide Us Through Anticipated Disruption. ” This article offers a clear framework for understanding the potential market impacts of Trump’s second term while encouraging a disciplined investment approach. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband and I are researching long-term care options as we prepare to retire. We've considered long-term care insurance or an annuity with a long-term care rider, but we're having trouble deciding which is best for our situation. Do you have any recommendations? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly PublicationTrump 2. 0: Using Objective Investing Models to Guide Us Through Anticipated Disruption by Mark Biller (Sound Mind Investing Article)Sound Mind InvestingLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." - Proverbs 21:5 That verse is often used to encourage people to avoid “get rich quick” schemes and other risky investments. However, it also conveys a message about budgeting. Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to discuss why budgeting is a form of worship. Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and the author of the brand new book, “Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy. ”Why Do People Dislike Budgeting? Many people react negatively to the idea of budgeting. A CNBC article titled "People hate budgeting" spotlighted a financial professional who observed that over 60% of her clients felt as though they were "literally going to suffer" at the mere mention of budgeting. The misconception that budgeting is about reducing spending or losing freedom often drives this aversion. In reality, budgeting is a tool for aligning financial resources with personal and spiritual goals. Look at King David, for example, during his preparation for building the temple in 1 Chronicles 28–29. David’s detailed planning and joyful devotion in allocating resources for God’s temple exemplify budgeting as an act of worship. He saw his financial planning as a way to serve God and inspire others to do the same. This narrative offers a powerful reminder that budgeting can be a means of glorifying God and building His kingdom.
One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much will I need to retire?” The answer is, “It depends.” It depends on your lifestyle, needs, and one key factor: how much you’re willing and able to cut from your budget. Let’s explore how thoughtful adjustments can help you bridge the retirement income gap and make this season of life meaningful and fulfilling.