Faith Full Giving » Audio Archive » Faith & Finance

Faith & Finance

Christian talk radio with Rob West

SHARE BROADCAST

Broadcast Episode

November 17, 2023

Faith Full Giving

On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will explore the story of Cain and Abel and its relevance to faith and giving. He will then answer questions from the audience on various financial topics. Join Rob West to learn more about how faith and finance intersect and how it can be applied to your life.

Loading the player...

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]

More from Faith & Finance

Broadcast Episode

Yesterday

Keeping Christmas Stress-Free with Crystal Paine

Christmas is six weeks away, and some folks may already be feeling the stress. The holidays should be a time of spiritual reflection and reconnection with family and friends…but too often, we lose sight of that in the quest for perfection. Crystal Paine is here to help us stay focused on the actual “reason for the season. ”Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.comand the author of The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most. 1. Start with a Christmas BudgetOne of the best ways to enjoy a stress-free holiday is by setting up a Christmas budget. A budget is like a set of guardrails—it keeps you on track, preventing you from overspending or going into debt. Here’s a simple way to create one: Determine Your Total Spending Limit: Decide how much you can comfortably spend this season. List Your Recipients: Write down everyone you’re buying for and assign a spending amount for each. Track Your Spending: Use a spreadsheet or the FaithFi app to keep a running total of your spending. By creating a budget, you’ll know exactly what you have left to spend without sacrificing your financial well-being for the New Year. 2. Plan Your Holiday ShoppingIf you tend to overspend during holiday sales, using cash-only or prepaid gift cards is a great way to ensure you stick to your budget. Here are some extra tips: Shop with Gift Cards: Consider using Amazon or store-specific gift cards to control spending. Use Deal Sites: Websites like MoneySavingMom.comand RetailMeNot.comoffer deals and coupons. Best Shopping Times: Black Friday week and the following two weeks are generally the best time to find the deals you’re looking for. With some planning, you can keep your shopping affordable and enjoyable. 3. Keep Holiday Cooking ManageableHoliday cooking can be a joy, but it can also become a significant source of stress. It’s advised that you embrace shortcuts where possible: Use Pre-Made Ingredients: Don’t feel guilty about using store-bought cookie dough or other pre-made items. Sometimes, it’s just as affordable as homemade. One Baking Night: Consider dedicating one evening to bake as a family. Let each person choose one recipe and enjoy the process together without the burden of constant baking all month. These small changes can bring balance to your holiday kitchen, making it a time of joy rather than stress. 4. Share the Hosting ResponsibilitiesIf you’re hosting family or friends, don’t be afraid to ask guests to contribute. Include a note in your invitation encouraging each family to bring a dish. Not only does this lighten your load, but it also makes the event more collaborative and enjoyable for everyone. 5. Make a Family “December Bucket List”To bring your family closer during the holiday season, consider creating a “December Bucket List. ” Here’s an example: Each Family Member Chooses an Activity: Whether it’s a movie night, baking cookies, or a trip to see Christmas lights, everyone gets a say. Add It to the Calendar: Schedule these events to create special memories without feeling overwhelmed. This approach ensures everyone has a voice and the season feels special without overloading your calendar. 6. Keep Christ the Center of ChristmasAbove all, remember the reason for the season. Using an Advent calendar or devotional is an excellent way to keep the focus on Christ for you and your family. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp is a fantastic advent devotional if you’re looking for a resource for your family to go through this Christmas season. Each day includes a devotional and an ornament symbolizing the story of Christ. This daily ritual not only reminds everyone why we celebrate but also keeps the true spirit of Christmas in the heart of your home. As we approach Christmas, let’s aim to make it a season of joy and reflection rather than stress. With a budget, some planning, and a focus on Christ, we can enjoy a holiday that brings peace, love, and lasting memories. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My son and daughter-in-law have adopted four Ukrainian children who are now teenagers and looking for college scholarships. I remember someone previously calling your program and mentioning a resource for finding scholarships that have yet to be widely applied, but I didn't write down the details. Do you have any recommendations for where we can find those types of lesser-known scholarship opportunities? I was told about a Morgan Stanley mutual fund investment that supposedly pays $12, 000 per year. It sounds too good to be true. What is your opinion on this, and are there any similar low-risk investments you would recommend? I applied for Social Security benefits after my divorce, but the process has been frustrating. The Social Security office didn't provide all the information I needed up front, and now I'm facing delays getting the required marriage certificate from New York. I would like to know if I can use an old pay stub with my Social Security information to resolve this before they remove me from the system. What do you suggest I do? I'm faithfully paying off a credit card debt of around $8, 000 that I took on after the death of my mother. I'm currently paying $320 per month. My wife is willing to help me pay this off once she finishes paying off her own credit card. Should I stay the course with the $320 monthly payments or look into rolling over the debt and opening a new credit card with a balance transfer option? Resources Mentioned: MoneySavingMom. comUnwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann VoskampFastWeb.com| Peterson’s Scholarship Search | Scholarships. comChristian Credit CounselorsLook 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

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Tuesday, November 12

Why A Biblical Worldview Matters In Our Finances with Chad Clark

If you’ve ever thought you view the world differently than others—that has probably never been more true. A new study has revealed a sharp drop in the number of Americans with a biblical worldview. Chad Clark joins us today with his insights. 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.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Monday, November 11

5 Money Myths Christians Should Stop Believing

The Bible is full of wisdom on managing money and possessions, yet there are common beliefs about wealth that are simply unbiblical. These misconceptions can lead people away from God’s truth about finances, creating confusion and stress. Let’s examine five of these myths and explore what the Bible actually teaches.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Friday, November 8

3 Questions To Ask Before Dipping Into Your Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund is great, but how can you ensure it’s there when you really need it? It’s easy to set aside money for a rainy day, but what happens when we start dipping into that fund for things that aren’t actually emergencies? The Bible has much to say about wisdom and preparation, and Proverbs 21:20 offers a powerful reminder: “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours them. ”This verse highlights the importance of saving rather than consuming everything we earn, urging us to be prepared for the inevitable challenges that come our way. An emergency fund is one of the most effective financial tools for navigating these moments. It provides a safeguard against unexpected expenses and helps you avoid unnecessary debt. Financial emergencies are almost a certainty in life. They can range from minor inconveniences, like a flat tire, to major setbacks, like a costly medical bill. Establishing an emergency fund reduces stress and provides a financial defense. While building wealth requires a good offense, protecting that wealth requires a strong defense, and an emergency fund is central to that strategy.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Thursday, November 7

Count Your Blessings: The Power of Gratitude

In 1897, hymn writer Johnson Oatman Junior penned the timeless words, “Count your blessings, name them one by one,” a refrain that has encouraged generations. It reminds us of the profound role gratitude plays in the Christian life. As Thanksgiving approaches, this theme of gratitude takes on even greater significance. Let’s look closer at Oatman’s hymn and the enduring truths it holds for us.

Loading the player...

You Might Also Like