Did you know that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. today? You might assume that we have a major anxiety problem just by the number of commercials you see for new medicines to treat these disorders, but is anxiety really a new thing?
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]
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.
If you’re wondering what the economy will do in 2025, you don’t want to miss this program. Few major league hitters can bat .300 in a given season. Imagine hitting .700! That’s what Bob Doll does every year: forecasting economic trends. He joins us today with his ten predictions for 2025. Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets like Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC.
“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” - Proverbs 30:8 Every generation has struggled to learn contentment, and ours is certainly no different. But God’s Word provides great instruction on this tough topic. Brian Holtz helps us work through it today. Brian Holtz is the CEO of Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.