If you're having trouble staying on track with your spending plan, Faith & Finance Live is here to help! Host Rob West will provide tips to help you avoid common financial potholes and answer any questions you may have. Tune in today to get the help you need to stay on track with your budget.
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]
When the topic of generosity comes up in church, reactions can be mixed. Some tune out, assuming the message is about funding a project or filling a financial gap. But generosity is about much more than meeting needs—it’s about the heart behind the act. Let’s explore not only why we should give but also why we shouldn’t and how to cultivate a heart for biblical generosity. Why We Shouldn’t Give1. Guilt Shouldn’t Be Your MotivationMany Christians have been influenced by guilt-driven messages, from legalism to the prosperity gospel. These teachings suggest that not giving enough equates to stealing from God or forfeiting His blessings. However, the Bible paints a different picture. In 2 Corinthians 9: 7, Paul reminds us, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ” Faithful giving stems from joy, not guilt or obligation. It’s also crucial to distinguish between guilt and conviction. Guilt comes from the enemy and leads us away from Christ, while conviction comes from the Holy Spirit, drawing us closer to God. Hebrews 10: 22 reassures us that, through Christ’s sacrifice, we are freed from guilt. If guilt drives your giving, pause and prayerfully examine your heart. 2. Giving to Control the ChurchSometimes, people give to influence church decisions, designating funds to specific ministries or withholding support to express disagreement with leadership. This approach can sow division and turn generosity into a transaction. Giving with strings attached undermines the act of worship and reflects a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty. As stewards of God’s resources, we are called to support His work, even when we don’t agree with every decision. 3. Seeking Self-Righteousness Through GivingGenerosity should not be a means to feel morally superior. In Luke 18: 11-12, Jesus shares the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The Pharisee flaunted his giving to showcase his righteousness, while the tax collector humbly sought God’s mercy. Faithful giving is a response to God’s grace, not a way to earn recognition or status. If pride motivates your generosity, it’s time to reassess your heart. Principles for Generous GivingTo develop a heart of biblical generosity, consider these principles: 1. Make Giving a PriorityProverbs 3: 9 teaches, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce. ” Giving should come first—not as an afterthought or leftover. 2. Embrace Sacrificial GivingIn 2 Samuel 24: 24, David declares, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing. ” True generosity often requires sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s sacrificial love for us. 3. Give CheerfullyAs Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians 9: 7, “God loves a cheerful giver. ” Joyful giving reflects trust in God’s provision and a desire to participate in His work. Reflect Before You GiveBefore giving, ask yourself: Am I giving out of gratitude, joy, and a desire to honor God? Or are guilt, control, or pride influencing my decision? God values the heart behind your generosity far more than the size of your gift. By giving with a spirit of gratitude and humility, you participate in advancing His Kingdom and glorifying Him through your stewardship. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've lived with a roommate for the past three years, and he has not had a job since March. I haven't been able to set any money aside or anything like that, with me covering those, and I wanted to know if you had any advice on what I should do if I should move out or otherwise. I have a son who's considering bankruptcy. He has more than just credit card debt, and I'm concerned about what filing bankruptcy will do to his credit and how long it would take him to recover. He's hoping to be able to buy a house soon. My friend told me about an IRA manager, and I am about to sign the contract. They charge 1. 5%, and I want to know if that is normal. I'm about to sign a check for $8, 000, and I just want more information about that. Also, can you tell me about an annuity? I don't know much about it. When my grandmother died, in her will, she left your house to me and my aunt pending her husband's death. Well, before her husband died, he ended up giving the property to somebody else, and because of that, my aunt and I were just left out. Is that legal? Can you confirm whether it's true that you must report interest gained to the federal government if you open a high-yielding savings account? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly PublicationBetterment | Schwab Intelligent PortfoliosLook 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
Do you dream of being financially free but are unsure where to start? Stay with us—we’re here to help. Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things. Today, we’ll share the steps to achieve financial freedom, but the decision to take action is yours. Like most worthwhile goals, it starts with the desire and determination to make it happen. Start with a Mindset ShiftFinancial freedom begins with a change in perspective. Many people approach budgets like a diet—focused on restriction and deprivation. Just as restrictive diets often lead to overeating, feeling financially deprived can lead to overspending. Why does this happen? The Bible identifies underlying issues like greed, envy, covetousness, or a lack of faith in God’s provision. To overcome these, you need to cultivate gratitude. As 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ”Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have, enabling contentment and a more positive relationship with your budget. Practical Tips for Living Below Your MeansOnce your mindset is aligned, it’s time to take action. Here are some practical steps to help you live below your means: 1. Build MarginHaving money left over at the end of the month is critical for financial freedom. Start by scrutinizing your fixed expenses: Can you lower your mortgage payment by eliminating PMI? Reduce energy costs by being more efficient. Cancel unused streaming subscriptions or other recurring charges. Sometimes, simply asking for a discount—on medical bills or repairs—can save money. It never hurts to ask!2. Track Your SpendingKnowing where your money goes is essential. The FaithFi app is an excellent tool for setting up a budget and tracking your spending. It can highlight areas where you can cut back, like unused subscriptions, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually. 3. Celebrate Small WinsBudgeting doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Reward yourself for hitting financial milestones: Treat your family to ice cream after a week of staying on budget. Celebrate building your emergency fund with a special dinner. These small rewards keep you motivated without derailing your financial progress. 4. Delay Non-Essential ExpensesStretch out spending for non-essentials like salon visits or subscriptions. For example, getting your nails done every six weeks instead of four can save $100 a year. 5. Declutter and Sell Unused ItemsIf you’re paying for storage, consider selling items you no longer need. A good rule of thumb: Let it go if you haven’t used it in a year. This can free up cash and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Increase Your IncomeIf you’ve trimmed your expenses but still struggle to live below your means, it’s time to explore ways to boost your income. Take on a side job in the gig economy. Pick up extra hours at work or ask for a raise. Leverage your skills for freelance or consulting opportunities. Even a modest income increase can significantly improve your financial situation over time. Learning to live below your means allows you to serve God more fully, free from the weight of financial stress. It’s a journey of faith, discipline, and intentionality, but the rewards—both spiritual and financial—are worth it. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I recently left a domestic violence situation and will be receiving around $200, 000 from the sale of our home. I have limited income and minimal debt. Should I use the home sale proceeds to pay off all my debt to start fresh, or should I keep the debt and make payments to rebuild my credit while holding onto the home sale money for a year or two? I'm turning 65 in March and will be Medicare-eligible. However, I plan to continue working and have employer-sponsored insurance, including an HSA, to which I contribute. I've heard conflicting information—can I continue not enrolling in Medicare now, and can my employer continue contributing to my HSA? My IRA advisor is transferring to LPL Financial. Charles Schwab recommended that I roll over my $300, 000 IRA to them and invest directly in stocks rather than mutual funds, saying I was too conservatively invested. Should I stay with my current advisor as they move to LPL, or should I look for a new advisor at Charles Schwab or elsewhere? I have one loan left, a 7. 25% bank loan of about $20, 000. I also took out a $14, 000 401(k) loan. I plan to retire in May when I turn 65. Would it be best for me to pay off both of these loans before I retire, even though it would mean withdrawing from my 401(k) to pay off that loan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly PublicationNerdWalletLook 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 way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” - Proverbs 12:15 It’s good to learn from your mistakes, but it’s even better to learn from someone else’s. Rachel Wong joins us today with three big financial mistakes that young adults often make…so you can avoid them. Rachel Wong is an Accredited Financial Counselor® and the creator of Open Hands Finance: a biblically-based content curriculum that teaches money skills to emerging adults.
At this time of year, many people hate going to the mailbox or checking their email. That’s because the Christmas bills are starting to roll in. Yes, the holidays are behind us, but for many people, burgeoning credit card balances are just ahead. If you think you’ll have trouble making those payments, Neile Simon is here with a plan to help you get out of debt. Neile Simon is a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors (CCC), an underwriter of Faith & Finance.
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” - Proverbs 21:20 God’s Word couldn’t be any plainer on the need to live below one’s means and to be able to save for the future. To do that, you need a budget. Chad Clark is here to share some interesting facts about budgeting. Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety.