Count Your Blessings: The Power of Gratitude » Audio Archive » Faith & Finance

Faith & Finance

Christian talk radio with Rob West

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Broadcast Episode

October 26, 2023

Count Your Blessings: The Power of Gratitude

On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will discuss the power of gratitude and how it can positively affect our daily lives. He will also be answering listener calls and financial questions. Tune in to learn how to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and how it can help you in your financial life.

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About Faith & Finance

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]

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Broadcast Episode

Today

How to Keep Your Bank Accounts Safe from Fraud with Aaron Caid

With financial fraud on the rise, protecting your personal and banking information has never been more important. A recent JD Power study found that nearly 29% of bank account holders experienced fraud in some form over a 12-month period. To help us navigate the best security practices, Aaron Caid shares expert advice on how to safeguard your accounts from cybercriminals. Aaron Caid is the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. 1. Strengthen Your Password SecurityA strong, unique password is your first line of defense against fraud. Here’s how to create one that’s tough to crack: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common words or easily guessed phrases (e. g. , "password123" or your birthdate). Consider using a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords. In addition to a strong password, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your financial apps. This extra layer of security requires a one-time passcode (usually sent via text or an authentication app) to verify your identity when logging in or completing transactions. Pro Tip: Turn off text message previews on your phone. If a scammer steals your phone, they could see your passcode on your lock screen and gain access to your accounts. 2. Monitor Your Accounts & Stay Alert for FraudVigilance is key when it comes to detecting fraudulent activity early. Regularly check your bank accounts for unauthorized transactions. Review your credit reports through the three major bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—by visiting AnnualCreditReport. com. Sign up for transaction alerts from your bank or credit union to get notified of suspicious activity. Fraudsters also use phishing scams—fake emails, texts, or calls—to trick people into giving away personal information. These scams often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Never share your: Username or passwordOne-time passcodesAccount or personal information over the phone, email, chat, or textHackers can spoof phone numbers and email addresses to make messages appear legitimate, even impersonating banks and credit unions. If you’re ever unsure, call your financial institution directly to verify any suspicious messages. 3. Use Secure Wi-Fi & Protect Your Personal InformationWe all love a good coffee shop work session, but public Wi-Fi networks are a big security risk when accessing sensitive financial accounts. Hackers can intercept your data and steal your login credentials. Always use a secure, password-protected Wi-Fi network when banking online. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added encryption and security. Also, ensure you don’t let identity thieves find your personal information in the trash!Shred documents containing sensitive details like account numbers, social security numbers, or other financial information. Shredders cost as little as $35—a small price to pay for big security. Stay Secure & Bank with PurposeAs fraud prevention becomes increasingly important, many Christians are seeking banking solutions that align with their values. Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) offers a Harvest Bundle—a unique checking and savings account designed to help members grow their savings while supporting missions worldwide. 4% APY on the first $5, 000 in Harvest Checking5% APY on the first $5, 000 in Harvest Savings1. 5% cash back on purchases with the Cash Rewards Visa CardA portion of proceeds supports missions, including gospel outreach, protecting vulnerable children, and fighting human trafficking. For those looking to align their banking with their faith, the Harvest Bundle from CCCU offers competitive rates and kingdom impact—a win-win for wise financial stewardship. If you're looking for a banking partner that reflects your faith and values, consider joining Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU). Ready to bank with purpose? Visit JoinChristianCommunity.comtoday!On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Can you provide a list of the faith-based investments that I can invest in? I'm trying to invest differently with my 401(k) funds.   I have an old work comp claim that was incorrectly billed, causing Medicare to deny payment. What happened, and how can I prevent this in the future? Also, if I submit a claim to the work comp company and they only pay a portion, am I responsible for the remaining balance?  I own a free-and-clear home in Davenport. There is no mortgage anymore, and I would like to transfer 50% of ownership to a family member. Would I have to pay any taxes, or would my family members have to pay them because of this transfer?  I'm retired, receiving $70, 000 annually from disability and SSDI. I have $50, 000 in a TSP account and $9, 000 in debt that I'm paying off. I'm currently renting for $1, 500 per month. Should I use my VA loan to purchase a home or just continue renting?  I have a Roth IRA that I formed from a 403(b) annuity a couple of years ago. I'm 73 and will be 74 in a couple of months. At what point does the RMD apply to my Roth? Also, I'm retired and have Social Security and a retirement pension. I occasionally make profits from a book I publish and workshops I do. Can I make contributions to my Roth from those profits? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly MagazineList of Faith-Based Investing FundsCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS. gov)AnnualCreditReport. comLook 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

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Broadcast Episode

Yesterday

Render Unto Caesar What Is Caesar’s

"So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." - Matthew 22:21 This statement from Jesus is one of the most profound and thought-provoking verses in the New Testament. While it is often quoted in discussions about paying taxes, it carries far deeper implications. What does this passage truly mean for us as Christ-followers today? Let’s explore its historical context and the spiritual truths that challenge us to live with a kingdom perspective.

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Broadcast Episode

Tuesday, February 11

Is 2025 the Right Time to Buy or Sell A House? with Dale Vermillion

The real estate market may be in its winter slump, but spring is just around the corner—only five weeks away!Higher interest rates have kept many home buyers and sellers off the sidelines in recent years. But could a change be on the horizon? Today, mortgage expert Dale Vermillion joins us with a market forecast and some practical advice on how to move forward. Dale Vermillion is the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home. This book covers everything you need to know about securing a mortgage—all from a biblical perspective.

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Broadcast Episode

Monday, February 10

What Ecclesiastes Teaches Us About Life and Money

One book of the Bible reminds us that life is short and we should make the most of every moment. If you guessed Ecclesiastes, you’re right. This book emphasizes that our time here is fleeting, but what lies beyond is eternal. In this post, we’ll explore this profound truth and introduce a new FaithFi study on the book of Ecclesiastes—Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money.

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Broadcast Episode

Friday, February 7

Aligning Your Financial Goals with God’s Purpose with Rachel McDonough

“The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” - Proverbs 20:5 Man’s ultimate purpose is to glorify God, but deciding how to do that can be challenging. Sometimes, we need help from a trusted advisor. I’ll discuss that today with Rachel McDonough. Rachel McDonough is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®), and a regular Faith & Finance contributor. The Cultural Challenge: Are We Asking the Right Financial Questions? Money is more than just a tool—it’s a reflection of our values, priorities, and ultimately, our faith. But how do we ensure that our financial decisions align with God’s purpose for our lives? As believers, we all want to honor God with the resources He has entrusted to us. However, navigating financial decisions can be overwhelming—especially when culture pushes us in the opposite direction. Traditional financial planning often starts with one simple question: “What are your financial goals?”At first glance, that sounds logical. But the problem? It starts with us—our dreams, our desires—rather than seeking God’s plan first. Many people feel pressure to already have their financial goals figured out. If they don’t, they may experience anxiety, uncertainty, or even guilt. Instead of feeling liberated, they feel like they’re failing. So, how do we shift from “What do I want?” to “What does God want for me?"

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