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Faith & Finance

Christian talk radio with Rob West

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Broadcast Episode

Friday, January 17

How Much Will You Need To Retire?

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.

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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]

More from Faith & Finance

Broadcast Episode

Friday, February 14

Unlocking the Secret to Better Communication in Marriage with Kathleen Edelman

“Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. ” - Ephesians 5: 33Love and respect are often conveyed in the words that spouses choose to communicate. Those words can have a big impact on the marriage relationship. Kathleen Edelman joins us to discuss choosing the right words for your spouse. Kathleen Edelman is the author of “I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. ” She is certified in biblical studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over thirty years coaching clients in communication. The Key to Healthy Communication in MarriageCommunication styles are the key to understanding one another. There's a big gray area between what we say and what our spouse hears. Each temperament speaks its own language, and we must apply it to become fluent in our spouse’s language. Many marital conflicts appear to be about money, parenting, or household responsibilities, but at their core, they stem from miscommunication. Recognizing that your spouse’s temperament affects how they express and receive information is the first step toward reducing misunderstandings. One of the biggest communication pitfalls is assumption—assuming that your spouse speaks and understands your language. That’s not true. We each speak our own language and must become fluent in our spouse’s language. Another common trap is operating out of our weaknesses rather than our strengths. Ask yourself: “What part did I play in this miscommunication? ”“How can I choose differently to stay in my strengths? ”Most miscommunication is not intentional, she emphasizes. Rather, it’s a result of speaking different emotional and verbal languages. The Power of Words: Choosing to Build Up, Not Tear DownEphesians 4: 29 reminds us: "Do not' let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. "Our words hold incredible power. They can either build up or tear down our spouse. Learning to communicate in a way that blesses rather than wounds is a game changer in marriage. Listening is a critical skill in communication, and there are three key practices for improving it: The Power of the Pause—Before responding, take a moment to reflect. Instead of reacting to what was said, focus on why it was said.  Listening to Understand—Rather than formulating your response while your spouse is talking, actively listen to grasp their perspective.  Responding, Not Reacting—Choose words carefully, ensuring they are constructive rather than defensive. We should desire that every word that comes out of our mouths be a gift to the person we speak to. Of course, it’s also crucial to remember that communication is more than words—it includes body language, tone, and facial expressions. Our temperament even affects how we express ourselves nonverbally. Everything you do is motivated by the design God gave you. Understanding how our spouse interprets our nonverbal cues can help avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Understanding Temperaments in MarriageA significant takeaway from Kathleen’s work is the importance of understanding temperaments—both our own and our spouse’s. Kathleen’s book includes an inventory to help couples identify their temperament, which can be a game changer in communication. Each temperament has specific needs that shape how they engage in communication: Yellows (Sanguine)—Need fun, people, and spontaneity. They may struggle with feeling restricted. Reds (Choleric)—Need goals, control, and results. They want to be part of decision-making. Blues (Melancholic)—Need security and order. They may be hesitant to spend money without planning. Greens (Phlegmatic)—Need balance and peace. They want to avoid conflict and seek compromise. When couples recognize these differences, it fosters empathy and prevents unnecessary frustration. Money is a significant source of marital conflict, but these disagreements often stem from temperament differences more than financial realities. Yellows love generosity but also crave financial security. They may struggle with balancing saving and spontaneous giving. Reds want financial goals and a clear plan for achieving them. Blues prioritize security and tend to be more cautious with money. Greens seek balance and prefer avoiding financial stress. Understanding why your spouse approaches money how they do can foster mutual respect and teamwork. Instead of seeing their perspective as frustrating, you can recognize it as their God-given design. Keeping Communication Strong Over the YearsAs years pass, spouses may drift apart if they stop investing in communication. That’s why couples are encouraged to stay in dating mode: Remember why you fell in love. Remember when you were dating—you put your best of yourself forward. Keep doing that.  Look for the best in your spouse. Instead of focusing on their weaknesses, celebrate their strengths.  Avoid complacency. Once you become content, weaknesses start to show up. Then, instead of appreciating differences, you try to change your spouse. When couples continue dating and choose to love each other through words and deeds, their marriages stay strong. The ultimate goal is authenticity—becoming exactly who God designed you to be while learning to love your spouse for who they are. When you reach authenticity, you’re free. You’re not trying to be someone else or change your spouse. You’re showing up as yourself, using words that honor God. The Bible contains over 120 verses about words, making it clear how we communicate matters. When we build up rather than tear down, we strengthen our marriage, our family, and our faith. By understanding how God designed us, learning to listen, and choosing words that build up, we can create marriages filled with grace, love, and true understanding. If you want to transform your marriage through better communication, consider picking up a copy of Kathleen’s book, I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: We have the opportunity to buy a home from my friend's father for $300, 000, which is listed at $350, 000. My husband is 65, and I'm 60—should we even consider this? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly MagazineI Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication by Kathleen EdelmanLook 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

Thursday, February 13

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

Wednesday, February 12

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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