If you hear us on the radio, visit our website, and use our FaithFi app, then you have an idea of what we’re all about here at FaithFi. But what are our mission and goals for the future? Join us for today's Faith & Finance Live when host Rob West will welcome Chad Clark to share why FaithFi exists and what we are striving to accomplish in the future. Then Rob will answer some calls about various financial topics.
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]
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless…” - Isaiah 1: 17As believers, we’re called to defend the powerless and stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves. Right now, few places need that more than Lebanon, especially for its girls and young women. Today, Jack Hibbard is with us to share compelling stories of hope—and how you can be a part of this important mission. Jack Hibbard has been a passionate advocate for Heart for Lebanon for many years and previously served on the organization’s board of directors. A Hidden Crisis for Girls in LebanonWhile global headlines often focus on Lebanon’s war-torn landscape and economic collapse, an even deeper crisis is affecting the most vulnerable: young women and girls. Heart for Lebanon is responding to this crisis with bold, gospel-centered compassion, providing protection from human trafficking, early marriage, child labor, and violence. In refugee and impoverished communities, early marriage, domestic abuse, and forced labor are tragically common. One mother, now divorced with four children, shared how her own 14-year-old daughter was forced into marriage to escape abuse, only to find more of the same. In the midst of this pain, the light of the gospel is breaking through. Through Hope Centers, literacy programs, counseling, and discipleship, Heart for Lebanon offers girls a safe place to learn, heal, and flourish. They’re helping young women understand who they are in Christ, not as tools or burdens, but as daughters of the King. One 5th-grade girl, forced to labor after school for just $20 a week, broke down in tears when a staff member shared her worth in Jesus' eyes. She had believed she only existed to serve others. But that day, she gave her life to Christ, choosing to walk in His light, despite the darkness around her. You Can Help Right NowWhen girls discover their God-given dignity and worth, it changes everything. The gospel doesn’t just rescue—it prevents trafficking, early marriage, and abuse. It restores what the world has tried to steal. As believers, we have a chance to participate in this redemptive work. Every gift of $114 helps protect three at-risk girls from early marriage, child labor, and violence, while introducing them to the love of Jesus. When we loosen our grip on money, we loosen the grip of money on our hearts. Giving doesn’t just bless others—it deepens our trust in God and draws us closer to Him. That’s the vision behind our quarterly ministry partnership with organizations like Heart for Lebanon. Together, we’re trusting God to help us reach 500 girls and young women in Lebanon with protection and hope. Join us in this life-saving mission. To give: Text FAITH to 98656Visit: FaithFi. com/LebanonEvery gift makes an eternal impact—rescuing girls, restoring dignity, and proclaiming the gospel in one of the world's most challenging places. Let’s be faithful stewards together. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 75 and have two retirement accounts I’m not sure what to do with. One is a TSP from my military retirement with just under $5, 000. The other is a New York Life annuity worth about $50, 000, but it’s only earning 2%. Should I move it into an indexed annuity or keep taking the RMDs as is? My wife passed away just two weeks ago, and I’m overwhelmed. She handled our finances; I haven’t paid a bill in 25 years. We tried reaching out to a Certified Kingdom Advisor before she passed, but didn’t have much success. I don’t have a budget, and honestly, I don’t know where to begin. I need help. Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Heart for LebanonWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look 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
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. ” — Luke 12: 15In an age of instant gratification, getting what we want has never been easier, even if we can’t afford it. But as “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services become increasingly popular, they’re quietly reshaping our relationship with money, debt, and even contentment. Let’s explore how these programs work, why they’re spiritually and financially dangerous, and how Scripture invites us into a better way. What Is Buy Now, Pay Later? Originally used for large purchases like furniture or electronics, BNPL services now allow consumers to split nearly any purchase into multiple payments—even cheeseburgers. DoorDash, for example, lets customers finance their food in four installments. The convenience may seem harmless, but it can mask deeper issues. Companies like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, Zip, Sezzle, and PayPal offer these options at checkout. According to Experian, more than 80% of U. S. shoppers have used BNPL. The ease is attractive, but the long-term impact can be devastating. BNPL makes it seem like you’re not going into debt, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Small recurring payments across multiple platforms add up fast, leading to overdraft fees, financial stress, and, in many cases, high interest rates—some as high as 36% for missed or extended payments. A $60 DoorDash meal split into four $15 payments doesn’t seem bad—until you do it for every meal. Or take a $3, 000 couch bought with a BNPL plan: one missed payment, and that couch could ultimately cost $8, 000 due to fees and interest. Scripture’s Warnings About DebtThe Bible doesn’t shy away from warning us about the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22: 7 tells us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender. ” Debt isn’t just a financial issue—it can become an emotional and spiritual burden, dividing our attention and devotion. In Luke 12: 15, Jesus reminds us that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. ” Yet BNPL feeds the lie that more stuff equals more satisfaction. Instead of trusting God to provide, we try to manufacture comfort and control through impulsive spending. Why are we tempted to buy now and pay later? Often, it’s not out of need, but out of insecurity, impatience, or discontentment. Paul models a better path in Philippians 4: 11–13: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. . . I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ”True contentment doesn’t come from a checkout screen—it comes from trusting the Lord to provide, even when the budget feels tight. A Better Way: Practical and Spiritual WisdomSo, how do we resist the pull of BNPL and grow in godly contentment? Practically: Build margin. Save up for purchases ahead of time. Budget for “wants. ” Use a separate category or envelope system. Set spending limits. Use cash or debit card to help avoid overspending. Spiritually: Examine your heart. Ask: Am I trusting God, or just trying to feel better? Pursue contentment. Let God define your enough. Practice gratitude. Train your heart to see God’s provision in what you already have. Freedom to Live GenerouslySaying no to unnecessary debt frees us to say yes to generosity. When we live with open hands and open hearts, we reflect the freedom we have in Christ—freedom from striving, fear, and scarcity. And that’s far better than four easy payments. So next time you see a “Pay in 4” button, pause. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I pay for it in full? And does this reflect trust in God, or just in a payment plan? Wise stewardship begins with contentment, and contentment begins with Christ. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My husband and I are sending our son on a five-week mission trip to Scotland. We’re debt-free and want our kids to stay that way. I’m hesitant to open a credit card, but what’s the best, safest way to give him access to money while he’s overseas? We recently sold our home at a profit, bought a new one, and are now debt-free. However, the new home needs repairs, and we still have a mortgage. Should we tithe on the profit from the home sale, or use those funds for the house needs? I’m a recently retired teacher with two annuities—one worth $19, 000 and the other about $13, 000. I’ve just opened an IRA and wonder if I should roll the annuities into it, or if there might be a better strategy. I’ve inherited a large amount of cash-valued property and need guidance on how to manage it wisely, especially to minimize potential tax liability. We paid off our home in October 2024. Do we need the deed and title to protect ourselves from fraud, or is it handled automatically? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Credit CounselorsWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look 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
"So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12 If you're a few years from retirement and your savings aren’t quite where you want them, you might feel like you've run out of time. But maybe you don’t need a time machine to solve the problem. Today, Matt Bell joins us with some encouraging words about beefing up retirement savings. Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:40 Some exciting things are happening that will give you more ways to help “the least of these” in God’s Kingdom. Brian Holtz joins us today with details about how we can all have the greatest impact in helping those in need. Brian Holtz is the CEO of Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children
What would you do if you found something so valuable, so life-altering, that you gladly gave up everything else just to have it? That’s the image Jesus gives us in Matthew 13—two brief parables, one powerful message. They remind us of a truth that can reframe not just our faith, but our finances, especially in uncertain times. In Matthew 13: 44–46, Jesus says: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. ”“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. ”In both parables, something of immense value is found, and the response is total surrender. But not begrudgingly. Not in fear. In joy. That joy is everything. It’s the natural overflow of discovering something so worthy, so beautiful, so eternally good that it reorders your entire life. All other pursuits fade in comparison. But What About When Life Feels Like a Storm? Let’s be honest—most days don’t feel like we’ve just struck eternal treasure. In today’s economy, with interest rates up, inflation lingering, and layoffs still in the news, you might feel like you’re just trying to stay afloat. You’re not alone if you’re grasping for security, calculating risks, or losing sleep over your monthly expenses. But here’s the good news: even in uncertain times, Jesus extends the same invitation. He’s saying there is something more valuable than everything you own. And that something is someone—Him. When Christ Is Your Treasure, Money Loses Its GripWhen Jesus becomes your treasure, money loses its power to control you. You’re no longer tethered to the markets, to your salary, or to your fears. Your peace isn’t tied to your portfolio—it’s anchored in God’s unshakable Kingdom. That’s what Paul discovered in Philippians 3:7–8: “Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. ”Paul had status and influence, but he gave it all up when he found the true treasure in Christ. We see this again in the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Even in deep poverty, they gave with joy—not because they had extra, but because they understood Christ's surpassing worth. They didn’t view giving as a loss but as a gain.