Faith & Finance

What does it mean to be Rich Toward God? It doesn't mean just giving money and possessions away. Anyone can do that. And the spiritual ramifications are different depending on your heart. But Jesus is inviting us to set our hearts on an imperishable inheritance. So here's the context, a man from the crowd asks Jesus to settle an inheritance dispute, and Jesus deflects that question. He gets to the heart of the issue by telling a parable about man's greed and envy, not just the man who asked the question or had the issue, but ours. So this parable is about a rich man who poured his whole heart into accumulating and essentially worshiping his wealth and died before he could enjoy it. So obviously, perishable worldly inheritance is a false solution. Where can we find more about this imperishable inheritance? 1 Peter 1:3-9 talks about our inheritance as believers, which calls it imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. And here are a few things the passage says about our inheritance. It includes a living hope in Christ, which is an eternal hope. Because we have the mind and spirit of Christ, we can also have joy amid trial. And then we have our genuine faith, which it says is more precious than gold. The result of faith in Jesus Christ is what we long for, and that's the salvation of our souls and abundant life. That's our imperishable inheritance. How should Christians view wealth? The Bible isn’t saying that money is evil and it’s not even saying that wealth is evil. There is nowhere in Scripture that condemns someone for being rich. Money is just a tool, it’s a matter of the heart. God’s concern is with the use of money and your attitude towards money, not the amount. Is wealth dangerous? It definitely can be when it becomes our priority. Paul David Tripp once said, “Money is one of God’s good creations, but this good thing becomes a bad thing for you when it becomes a ruling thing. You simply cannot serve the King of Kings and have acquisition of wealth as the organizing dream of your heart.” So what is Jesus inviting us into? Jesus is inviting us to set our hearts on imperishable things. Jesus is calling us to make him the desire of our hearts every moment of every day. He's asking us to surrender our lives our plans and our finances to him, to allow Him to be our ultimate treasure. Jesus invites us to say that God is our abundance now and we have an imperishable inheritance in heaven. That's good news for everyone! You can get a copy for personal study or several copies for everyone in your Bible study group to experience together. Visit FaithFi.com/rtg to purchase Rich Toward God today. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: SavingForCollege.comRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Must-Have Financial Skills The first “skill” is an attitude. The Bible says God owns everything, as in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Understand that nothing belongs to you, even you. You are a manager of God’s resources, which should change your perspective on money and material things. The number two financial skill you’ll need is planning. “A dream without a plan is just a wish,” they say. And wishes won’t buy you a house. The fundamental planning tool we recommend is a budget, otherwise known as a “spending plan.” A budget keeps track of your income, giving, and spending, and gives you a picture of your progress towards meeting your financial goals. Download the free FaithFi app to get started. The following fundamental financial skill everyone needs is work! Maybe your dad always told you that “Money Doesn’t Grow on trees!” Annoying as that was, it’s the truth. So, start at the bottom if you have to, work hard, and develop your resume! Colossians 3:23 and 24 see the key to successful work: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” The next skill is to open and manage a bank account. Then, make sure you develop habits of giving and saving from every paycheck. Watching your balance increase will encourage you to stick to your plan. Keeping track of your bank balance will also help you understand your limits. You can’t spend what isn’t there. The following skill will also help you understand your limits. Learn about credit. Don’t fall into the trap of believing that a credit card equals permission to spend all you want. Instead, keep track of your balances, pay your balances in full every month, and watch your credit score. Another essential financial skill you’ll need is an understanding of investing, including types of investments, risk, and return. Check out the great information at SoundMindinvesting.org. Finally, admit you don’t know it all and learn where to go for solid financial advice. As Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Visit faithfi.com and click on the “Community” tab to chat online about your money questions. Or, ask someone you trust, who knows about finances, to help you. Now more than ever, young adults need financial skills to succeed in the “real world”. Our challenge to our bright and hopeful “Gen Z” generation is to pursue a firm faith and financial literacy. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Movement MortgageNational Christian FoundationFidelityCharles SchwabRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The 4-Step Process For How Busy Moms (Or Stay-At-Home Dads) Can Get Control Of Their Time Pray Prioritize Plan Prep On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most by Crystal PaineMoneySavingMom.comCareer DirectNail Your Next Job Interview: Faith & Finance EpisodeRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

What is the risk of playing it too safe? That does seem like a bit of a riddle, but we can start to make sense of it by first exploring a behavioral phenomenon called “loss aversion.” Researchers have found that most people feel the pain of losing money roughly twice as strongly as the joy of gaining money. To say it again clearly: losses feel twice as bad as gains feel good. This naturally causes many people to be “loss averse” and try to avoid losses, sometimes to such a substantial degree that it undermines their long-term goals. One of the trickiest parts of investing is taking enough risk to meet your long-term goals without taking more risk than necessary. There are very tangible steps we can take to reduce or mitigate risk—things like maintaining an emergency savings fund to minimize the risk of a financial emergency, such as a job loss or an unexpected major expense. When it comes to investing, diversifying your holdings rather than putting all your eggs in one basket is an example. Can someone be too risk-averse? Sometimes, we actually increase our long-term risk by playing it too safe. One example is young people not investing aggressively enough, letting the opportunity for long-term compounding slip away. This is ironic because young people are often stereotyped as inherently bold risk-takers. We read stories about them buying meme stocks, Bitcoin, and other risky investments. But the broad research on Gen Z — adults ages 27 or younger — doesn’t back that up. A recent national study found that Gen Zers are the least financially confident generation and 57% think savings accounts are the best way to invest their money. Most financial pros would agree that savings accounts are an extremely conservative choice for those with several decades of investing time ahead of them. Even the next age demographic, the Millennials (ages 28 to 43), appear to be surprisingly risk-averse. A different Schwab study last year found that Millennials were especially interested in bonds. Bonds are generally the favorite of retirees, not 28-to-43-year-olds. These surveys indicate that younger investors are arguably too loss-averse and are making investing choices that are likely to impair their ability to build long-term wealth significantly. It’s fair to point out that previous generations didn’t have that same inclination when they were younger and less experienced investors. There’s a disconnect between making a safe 5% in a savings account or bond today and not recognizing the impact inflation is likely to have on that relatively low rate of return. Young people should target the higher returns of stocks over the decades they’re saving for retirement so they can grow the purchasing power of their savings at a faster rate than inflation over the course of their careers. What are you seeing with new retirees? Retirees often fall into the same trap. A 65-year-old new retiree who has all her retirement savings in cash told us she could live just fine on Social Security and the $450 she took out of her retirement savings each month. When we asked how long her savings would last if she kept taking out $450 each month, she knew the answer immediately—a little more than 25 years. She had run the numbers and thought she was in good shape. But she isn’t because she failed to factor in the rising cost of living. Because of inflation’s corrosive power, $450 will buy far less in the future than it does today. That means her standard of living will decline steadily as the years pass. That investor doesn’t want to take any risk. But ironically by playing it so safe, they aren’t just risking the possibility of financial trouble down the road, they’re guaranteeing it. How do we prevent that from happening? Investors normally need to accept some degree of risk to prepare for the future. That typically means maintaining at least some exposure to stocks even after retirement age, because these days, a person needs to plan for a...

What To Do When You’re Treated Unfairly Money is often the issue when we interact with others, and it’s a powerful motivator to strike back when we feel we’re being mistreated. Losing money we feel we deserve to have can make us feel bitter. But Hebrews 12:15 tells us, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” We live in a fallen world filled with fallen people, and we’ll all experience mistreatment at one time or another. It’s important to remember that you’re one of those fallen people, too. Your first instinct might be to lash out against someone who’s mistreating you, but that is not a biblical response to mistreatment. Instead, look to Christ as your model. No one suffered more injustice and mistreatment than Jesus. In 1 Peter 2:20-22, the apostle tells us how a Christian should respond to mistreatment. It reads, “When you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” That’s a high bar to reach, but Peter tells us how to respond like Christ to injustice in verses 23 and 24. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” Responding Like Christ Trusting God to work for good in all your affairs is the key to responding like Christ to injustice. Psalm 37:4-6 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” One of the most significant examples of a Christ-like response to injustice is found in Genesis and the story of Joseph. He was first sold into slavery by his brothers, then wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. Yet Joseph never reacted ungodly to injustice. He even went on to save his brothers and all of Israel when famine struck. Joseph trusted God, who eventually used Joseph’s mistreatment in a powerful way. God tests us the same way when we suffer injustice. He expects us to respond like Christ. This doesn’t mean that we must quietly accept every injustice that comes our way. It’s not unbiblical to state your case in truth and love; the result must be left to God. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Here at FaithFi, we always want to help you manage your time, talent and treasure. And make no mistake—do-it-yourself preventive maintenance is a wise use of all three of those gifts you received from God. The more time and talent you have, the less of your treasure you’ll have to use to get things done. But if you don’t have the physical ability or know-how to do any of the chores on our list, it’s also wise to hire someone to do them. Now, of course, we always use the Bible as our ultimate guide, and Proverbs 14:23 tells us, “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” That means we’d better get started with our list! Of course, it’s also wise to have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean the coils and service the outside unit—and that’s not a D-I-Y project. An annual maintenance checkup to clean coils, change filters and possibly add coolant can add years of service to the unit. Definitely worth having done. You may also want to start saving a little each month toward a new roof. They do wear out, and these days can cost anything from $7,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the size of your house. Set up a separate savings account that can earn interest until your roof needs replacement. and careful If you can stop water from coming out of the faucet, the pipe inside your home is probably ruptured from freezing. Turn the water off immediately and replace the entire faucet unit. Unless you’re very handy, you’ll probably have to call a plumber for that one. By the way, if you’re wondering why the pipe inside your house wasn’t leaking all winter, it’s because the actual shut off valve for the faucet is in the pipe a foot or more inside the house. That prevents flooding if the pipe closest to the outside wall is ruptured. to begin with, Okay, those are your spring maintenance tips. We hope they help you to have an enjoyable summer season. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The Danger Of Covetousness Covetousness is what happens when you see someone else’s possessions and want them for yourself. It’s part envy and part greed, and completely sinful. But what’s so dangerous about that kind of desire? Well, like any sin, its first effect is to draw you away from a right relationship with God. Envy can also destroy your relationships with other people. When you’re zeroing in on getting and keeping what you want, you’re putting your fleshly desires in God’s place. Selfishness obliterates your ability to love God and other people. One problem with a materialistic mindset is that you start to believe “more is always better”, and you never have enough. Ultimately, covetousness is just a treadmill of frustration and desire. In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon calls it “chasing after the wind.” Jesus warns his followers against this sin, but he also gives them-–and us-–the key to a better way of living: “One’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”. In other words, you won’t find lasting satisfaction in getting more stuff. Material things just can’t give you the life you crave. So, what kind of abundance does produce life?” Finding Fulfillment In God As Luke 12 recounts, Jesus gives the answer in a story we know as “The Parable of the Rich Fool”. He tells of a rich man who is so enamored of his possessions that he decides to tear down his storehouses and build bigger ones, promising himself a long and relaxing retirement. Before the rich man can fulfill his selfish dreams, God comes to him and says, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” Jesus’s next words serve as a warning, but also a promise for those who “have ears to hear”: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” As always, Jesus is addressing the hearts of his followers. He knows we live in a physical world, surrounded by desirable things. But God created men and women for more than just temporary worldly pleasures and achievements. According to Ecclesiastes 3:11, He has also set eternity in the human heart. What we really want, at our core, is abundant life. What we want is God Himself. To possess a relationship with the Lord is to be full of His abundance – to be “rich toward God”. Here’s what Jesus says about this in John 10:9. “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Experiencing God’s Abundance Throughout the New Testament, and specifically in the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus urges us to take the focus off “me” and “my stuff” and put it where it belongs–on Him. True abundance comes from a personal, intimate relationship with God, through Christ. In John 15:5 Jesus confirms this: “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” The tragedy of the Rich Fool is not that his life was cut short…but that he was looking for abundance in all the wrong places. In his pride and greed, he gave up the opportunity to abide in God and serve others. He failed to choose a life that was eternally “rich toward God”. Instead, he pursued a foolish life that was rich toward himself. So, are you experiencing abundant life? If not, here’s what you can do right now to turn things around: First, get things right between you and the Lord. Surrender your life to Christ. Here’s the promise from John 1:12 “to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” When your desires are getting in the way, and pride and envy are making you miserable, tell the Lord about it and ask for his help. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Another...

Relational Effects Of Lending Money Proverbs 22:7 reads, “The borrower becomes slave to the lender.” Lending money can hurt a relationship. And that can happen whether you lend the money or not. You’re “between a rock and a hard place,” and it seems like either way, someone may end up resentful. There are really only three things that can happen and only one of them is good: It’s only the third possibility that makes everyone happy: Fortunately, God’s Word gives us guidance here. What does the Bible say? First, God’s Word tells us to help those in need…lending money if necessary. Deuteronomy 15:8 says, “You shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever it may be.” Turning to the New Testament, in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:42, Jesus says, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” And finally, a verse that might make you think the only proper response is to lend money to a family member, in particular, is 1 Timothy 5:8, which reads, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” So should you always lend money when asked? Not at all. The above Scriptures imply a couple of things: Here Scripture has more to say: Proverbs 13:11 warns about one possible outcome of lending money. It reads, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Getting a loan is often the “easy way out.” Maybe the borrower tells you the loan would be a “lifeline”—which it may be. But it’s also “easy money” and the borrower may not appreciate the effort it takes to create that wealth. When you have to work hard for something…you tend to want to hold onto it. Hard work produces character and wisdom. Proverbs 21:20 reads, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” How can I discern a real need? So before you get out the checkbook, think carefully about whether there’s a real need. You also have to be sure that lending the money will actually help the borrower. Here are some questions to ask yourself: But again, only do that if you can afford it and the gift doesn’t encourage more financial mismanagement. Finally, If you do decide to lend the money, draw up a written agreement—even if you’re lending to a family member. When something’s in writing, it clarifies things and makes it known who’s responsible for what and when. The loan agreement should specify the amount, interest rate if any, payment structure and collateral, if any. That will help eliminate misunderstandings later on. You can find lots of promissory note templates online. Just fill in the blanks. One final thought if you end up lending the money—make preserving the relationship your priority. Be prepared to forgive the loan if it keeps the relationship intact. But that’s only possible if you have the ability to lose it in the first place. So those are some things to consider before lending money to a family member or friend, based on God’s Word. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Sound Mind InvestingRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

What is the main problem with any investment that guarantees returns, such as annuities? They’re always a tradeoff. Guarantees come with a cost. Typically, the lower the risk, the lower the return. What does the Bible say about this? You won’t find the word “annuities'' in the Bible, but there is a biblical principle to guide us on this topic. The Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25 reveals that one of the servants buried his talent in the ground. The master asked why he did that and the servant said he was afraid, and the master was displeased. All too often, annuities are marketed and purchased based on fear. What should we look out for? There are three different types of annuities: Fixed, Indexed, and Variable. Whatever the annuity, it always makes your money less liquid and available. And if you’re going to leave that money alone for a long period of time, why not invest in the things the insurance companies are investing in (the market)? Just take a long-term approach and diversify properly. There are some limited situations in which an annuity makes sense. That could be a situation in which you’ve exhausted other investment options. Seek out a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) if you want to evaluate annuities for your needs. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Freewill.comLegalzoom.comAmerican Red CrossRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi AppFidelityCharles Schwab Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Why do reverse mortgages still have a bit of a PR problem? Many people are not aware that federal regulations were put in place in 1988 to address issues with the product and protect consumers. However, some bad players still gave the product a bad reputation by taking advantage of vulnerable seniors in the past. Now there are new laws and safeguards by the FHA for widows to be protected and financial assessments to assure someone can afford taxes and maintenance which are recent within the last 10 years or so to eliminate problems in the program. How is a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) reverse mortgage similar to a Swiss Army knife? There are so many different ways to use them. Just like a Swiss army knife has multiple tools, reverse mortgages can be used for various purposes beyond just being a loan of last resort. This is in contrast to many people's perception that reverse mortgages are only designed for people who are broke. How can a reverse mortgage help keep your Medicare premiums low? A reverse mortgage can help keep Medicare premiums low because the money received from a reverse mortgage is not considered taxable income. It does not generate a 1099 or W-2 form like withdrawing money from other retirement accounts might. Since the reverse mortgage funds are not reported as income, it does not count towards calculating the "IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)" that can cause Medicare premiums to increase substantially for some seniors. Taking money from a reverse mortgage avoids this unexpected Medicare premium increase. How could a reverse mortgage help with Long-Term Care? Can a reverse mortgage actually keep you in your house? Yes! A reverse mortgage can help keep seniors in their homes. While paying off a mortgage eliminates the monthly principal and interest payment, homeowners still have costs like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and homeowners association fees that increase over time. A reverse mortgage can provide funds to pay these ongoing costs and allow seniors to stay in their homes rather than feeling pressure to sell and move to a less expensive area, which may involve capital gains taxes. The equity in their home can be used to cover rising costs and keep seniors in the place they want to live. How can people get more information? Movement.com/Faithreverserequest@movement.comOn Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Use Your Home To Stay At Home (A Brochure from The National Council on Aging)Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan AccolaMovement MortgageRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

So, how much is enough for Christians? If you’re just starting out, or struggling financially, “How much is enough?” might seem like a silly question. The bottom line for you is that you just need more money at the moment! Why should you think about “how much is enough” when you hardly have anything? And what if you’re at the other end of things? If you’re approaching retirement, you might be thinking about the size of your nest egg. But why put a limit on accumulating money and possessions? Based on these two examples, the definition of “enough” seems to depend on what stage of life you’re in. Well, let’s look at what the Bible has to say about what’s “enough”. In Luke 12:15, Jesus says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Jesus is making a rather unexpected statement: Getting more money is never the goal, no matter how old you are. Jesus As The Source Of Life The desire of every human heart is for life, which means satisfying, abundant, purposeful existence. So, when Jesus says “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions,” he’s pointing away from money as the source of life, and to something else. That something else is Himself. Here’s what Jesus says: “Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’”“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”So, our deepest needs for relationship and purpose are met in Christ. He is enough. But what about the things we need to survive, day to day? Well, believers in Christ serve a God who promises to “meet all our needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) Trusting God For Daily Needs In Matthew 6, Jesus reminds his followers not to be anxious about food, or clothing, or shelter. “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” This means… you will always have enough of what you need to live, and you can trust God to know what that is. Anything beyond that is a gift. Following Jesus means acknowledging God’s sovereignty and his ownership of everything. As the Holy Spirit works in your heart, your motivation to accumulate gradually changes from self-centered to God-centered. With Jesus as Lord of your life, your idea of “enough” begins to change, too…because you’re trusting God to meet your needs…and your desires start to line up with what God wants. You will begin to “desire less” of worldly things, and “more” of Christ. All this is part of the miraculous heart-change that happens when God gets hold of you. So, while the worldly person is asking, “How can I get more?”, the Christian asks, “How can I love God more?” As a loving Father, God not only provides for daily needs, but he provides satisfying Kingdom work for his children to do. James 1:7 says, “Everygood and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights”. Out of gratitude and a desire to be more like Jesus, we look for ways to serve others with what God has provided. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10 So, consider this…“How much is enough?” may actually be the wrong question. For believers, the real question is, “Who is enough?” Following Christ is the way to peace, joy and abundant life. No matter what your financial situation is, ask God to change your heart. He will change your desire for accumulation…into a desire for less stuff and more Jesus. The rest will fall into place. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Social Security Administration (ssa.gov)Christian Credit CounselorsRich...

It All Starts With Communication Communication is crucial for estate planning in blended families, highlighting the importance of being open, transparent, and truthful. While this may be difficult at times, it's essential for bringing issues to the forefront, suggesting that effective communication is the foundation for addressing the unique challenges blended families face in estate planning. How do blended families with different goals work it out? The Importance Of Meeting The Needs Of Both Families It’s important to have at least some common goals between the two families, emphasizing that it's ideal for all parties to be pulling in the same direction. There may be separate goals but it’s crucial that these not be in opposition to each other. The aim is for the families to work together on shared goals, and if there are individual goals, both spouses should be supportive of them. This approach facilitates a process where peace can be made with having separate goals, ensuring that efforts are collaborative rather than divisive. What are some of the issues or sticking points that blended families commonly run into? The goal of estate planning in blended families is to achieve unity and honor God in the process. It’s important to address the unique challenges blended families face, such as managing different goals between spouses, ensuring all children feel valued, and integrating various financial backgrounds. The aim is to find a balance that meets the needs of both families involved, fostering an environment where all members can agree and make peace with their financial decisions and estate planning, ultimately honoring their shared values and beliefs. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Valerie Neff Hogan, JD and Miriam NeffRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying that the power of compounding is the eighth wonder of the world, and “He who understands it, earns it; he who doesn’t, pays it. And Ron Blue shares a story for us about a couple who apparently understood this very well. “I received a call from my 30-something-year old son awhile back. He’d been married for some time and he is a teacher and his wife Ann was a teacher. And his question to me was, “Dad,” he said, “You know, Ann and I are just teachers and we're just never going to have enough, probably, to ever retire. So I said, well, Tim, tell me a little bit about your financial situation. And what he said to me was truly amazing! They have never ever used credit card debt. They didn't have any car loans. They had a home mortgage and they had a savings account and their savings account was maybe 30-thousand. I don't remember the exact amount. And the reason they had a savings account I think is significant. It’s that when they both worked, they saved one of the salaries. They wanted to save one of the salaries prior to having children. Not only did they save that money, but it taught them to live on one salary. And so they had some money in savings that, quite frankly, for a 30 year old couple, put them in phenomenal financial shape.” How Did They Do It? Well, it’s not rocket science and you don’t need to be Einstein to appreciate compound earnings, which is what this is all about. Ron later remarked that “Tim shared with me that they were contributing to their 403b plan the maximum amount and that was another four or $5000 a year. So they were not spending everything that was coming in and they were saving for the future. And I said to him, Tim, do you realize that if you continue to save $1000 or $2000 or $3000 a year, what that's going to grow into over the next 35 or 40 years when you plan on retiring? I said my guess is that it'll grow to probably at least a million or even more dollars. And when I looked at the compounding charts, I realized that just saving $1000 a year out of his salary, or out of their salary and putting it towards retirement, he was going to have enough to retire on. However, just like Tim and Ann, you have to make that commitment. They had chosen a lifestyle that was relatively small compared to what the world said that he could afford. Another example is my wife’s Aunt. She died without marrying and when she died, she left a considerable amount of money. She had stayed in one home over her whole working life. She never even owned a car because she could walk to work. The reason she had enough for retirement was that she hadn't spent it on consumptive items early on.” What To Do If You’re Worrying About Saving For Retirement? Whether or not you have enough for retirement is really not a function of your income as much as it is a function of the expenses. If you can live below your income and if you can avoid spending consumptively, then given enough time, you are probably going to have enough for retirement. And that starts with a spending plan that keeps your spending less than your income. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: BankrateRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

The Financial Impact of College Education Going to college is a financial decision, second only to buying a house. More specifically, it’s an investment decision. Will it pay off? Perhaps the most important factor determining that is whether you graduate with a degree. Fail to do that, and any money you spend, or borrow, for college, will likely be money down the drain in terms of future earnings. The good news is that data just released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that earning a college degree is still financially worthwhile—generally speaking. The data shows that recent college grads working full time earn about $25,000 a year more than those with only a high school diploma. The catch is, they have to be working. That means majors chosen by college grads must give them skills that managers are willing to pay for. Another study by the American Educational Research Journal shows that engineering and computer science degrees give the highest rate of return on dollars spent for education. They’re followed by business, health, math, and science majors. So for example, those with a bachelor degree in engineering can expect to start out at around $80,000 a year, and significantly higher with a master’s degree. The highest paid engineers working on aircraft, satellites, bridges and other infrastructure can earn several hundred thousand dollars a year. One catch, though, you have to be really good at math. Meanwhile, computer systems managers make, on average, a bit over $140,000, but can earn significantly more than that depending on the level of complexity and responsibility with the job. Managing Student Loan Debt The study also showed that education, humanities and arts majors ranked the lowest in return on investment. Now, to be clear, we’re not telling you to avoid those fields if that’s where your passion lies. But college is expensive, and it’s important to know the earning potential of any major you’re considering, especially if you’re borrowing to attend college. U.S. Census Bureau data shows a median salary of around $53,000 for degrees in Family and Consumer Services and Fine Arts … and $55,000 for degrees in Elementary education and Social work. If that’s where you’re headed, you’ll need to watch your expenses like a hawk, and borrow as little as possible. Now consider that according to the National Education Association, teachers with student loan debt owe an average of $56,000. We’ll take that with a grain of salt because the NEA exists to advocate for higher teacher salaries, but if that figure is even close to accurate, it shows the difficulty many teachers have in paying back their student loans—when they only make that much in a year. Remember, college is an investment, so always consider how long it will take to pay back your student loans on the salary you can expect to get with your major. Obviously, the less you borrow, the faster that will be. But also, the higher the salary, the faster you’ll get out of the red and into the black. Perhaps the ultimate example of that is the emergency room physician. That person will leave medical school with an average of $215,000 in student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative. That sounds like an awful lot, and it is, but consider that the median salary of an emergency room physician is now $350,000 a year. A doctor will almost certainly pay off student loan debt before a teacher. But again, we’re not telling you not to become a teacher or social worker if you feel that’s your Godly calling. Just do everything you can to minimize your student loan debt. That’s good advice regardless of the major you choose. Remember Proverbs 22:7— just 15 words that you need to memorize: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Practical Advice for Future Students So, take as many Advanced Placement classes as possible. Get a part time job in high school and college and put your earnings toward tuition....

Historical Context and Modern Implications After crossing the Jordan into the promised land, the Israelites fought the battle of Jericho. Joshua was their leader, and the Lord gave them the victory. In Joshua 24, the general reminds his people of God’s faithfulness to them at Jericho and through their history. He ends by making that memorable statement of faith: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” As Christians in a non-Christian culture, we are also called to take a stand. We can either choose to serve the gods of this world, or the Lord. It’s not easy for us, and it wasn’t easy for the Israelites. There were temptations everywhere to serve other Gods. That’s why Joshua reminds the people over and over, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous.” In the New Testament, Paul echoes Joshua’s call to the Israelites in 1 Corinthians 16:13: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” It takes courage, determination, and trust in the Lord to withstand the worldly desires and impulses that assault us every day. Facing Today's False Gods So, what are some of the false gods we deal with today? Larry Burkett used to say that a false god is “anything that detours our commitment to God”. So, anything you focus on, depend on, or put your trust in other than the Lord is a false god, or an idol. Let’s look at a few of today’s idols: Financial Security government provision.power personal autonomyyouIt’s possible to be strong in a worldly way, either physically, or by sheer human determination. But I don’t think that’s what Joshua meant when he challenged his people to “be strong and courageous”. True strength is defined by its source, and when the Lord is your source, your strength is from him. Our faith in God is our trust in him to be our strength in times of need. As it says in Psalm 20, God’s people can “rise up and stand firm”, because “we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” But what if you don’t choose to serve the Lord? Well, the consequences of trusting in false gods are severe. Throughout God’s word you’ll find warnings against bowing down to idols. Israel suffered God’s judgment many times for their unfaithfulness. On the other hand, there are many benefits to trusting the Lord instead of false gods. A Call To Choose Christ One benefit is a closer walk with Christ. Following biblical principles in your financial choices means you’re listening closely to what God wants for you, reading His Word and trusting Christ to lead you. When you invite God into this important area of your life…you’ll begin to understand 1 Timothy 6, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Another benefit that comes with trusting God in your finances is peace. When your financial choices are made “in Christ”, the result is peace, because God is in control. As it says in Romans 8:6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” While worldly desires and attitudes will lead people astray, pursuing God’s way in your financial life can bring spiritual growth. 1 Peter 2:1-3 gives this advice: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” Another benefit to trusting God in your financial life is the blessing of generosity. When we give…willingly and generously…we are acknowledging God’s lordship over everything. 1 Chronicles 29:14 says, “…For everything is from you, and we only give you what we have received from you.” You can make your financial decisions according to God’s principles…or according to secular, worldly ideas. Like Joshua, you must “choose for yourself this day whom you will serve.” We pray that you will choose to serve Christ, and trust the Lord with everything. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: BankrateMovement MortgageRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the...

It's appropriate during this Easter season to reflect on the big picture of our Christian faith. Sometimes we just have our noses to the grindstone, so to speak, and we can lose sight of why we’re here and how much God has done for us! You know, whether you’re in a season of prosperity, or facing hardships, you have to remember that God is still on the throne and that your circumstances haven’t caught Him by surprise. His plan for the redemption of humankind is still on track. The Significance of Jesus’ Sacrifice Of course, on Easter Sunday, Christians everywhere will rejoice in the resurrection of Christ…who conquered death and made a way to restore our relationship with God. But sometimes in that celebration … we might forget why Jesus had to die in the first place. The fact is, humankind is completely corrupted by sin. The rebellion that stains our hearts says, “I can choose for myself what is right and wrong, I don’t need God.” God’s Word confirms our sin nature. Job 15:16 declares that man is "abominable and corrupt," one who "drinks injustice like water". 1 Kings 8:46 quotes Solomon saying, "there is no one who does not sin". The apostle John warns in 1 John 1:8 that "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves". God’s Word in both the Old and New Testaments makes it very clear that sin has a price. God’s Law requires that those who break it be punished and that the punishment should be terrifying … an eternity in Hell. Hebrews 9:22 says, “... without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” And Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin separates us from a holy God, so mankind needed someone sinless to do what we couldn’t do for ourselves – pay the price, which is death. In his love and mercy, God met our need by sending his only son to die in our place. Jesus, who is God made Man— took our sins upon Himself and carried them to the cross. His blood paid for our sins. The good news in this familiar story is that it doesn’t end with a cross and a grave. Gratitude, Joy & Generosity On Good Friday, we commemorate the love of God in sending His son to pay for our sin. We mourn with his followers who knelt at the foot of the cross in grief for their loss. And then there’s Easter. On Easter we celebrate the victory of the resurrection! Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death once and for all. In John 11:25 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” So, we thank God for our present circumstances – good or bad – and His continued provision. But we must also have a deep sense of gratitude for God’s sacrificial love. We can also live in joyful hope of eternity because of His resurrection. Thanks to Jesus, our debt is stamped “paid in full,” and our relationship with the Lord is restored forever. As you contemplate the amazing love of God today, ask yourself this: how can you put your gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice into action? I believe one of the best ways is by keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to help those around you who may be suffering. Ask God to show you those in your church and the wider community who might need your help. God’s Word repeatedly tells us to help others in need. Look at Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” It can be difficult to be generous when your finances seem uncertain, but we know that giving breaks the power of money over us, so it’s the perfect antidote for our financial fears and anxieties. Giving is also a source of joy, because of the promise of heaven. Jesus experienced joy in his sacrifice, and we can experience it in ours. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Christians should act differently than...

What should folks consider when making this decision? People should consider the following when deciding when to take Social Security benefits: On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Christian Credit CounselorsNerdwalletFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

When it comes to work ethic, there’s nobody we like better–aside from Jesus, of course–than the woman described in Proverbs 31. We don’t know her name, but her actions and attitudes are worth studying and imitating…no matter what kind of work you do. A Biblical Work Ethic From Proverbs 31 First, a note about Proverbs. It’s part of the “wisdom literature” found in the Old Testament. We refer to Proverbs a lot, since there are many nuggets of financial truth there. Proverbs 31 is the final chapter, and the description of the “woman of noble character” is written as a poem, with each line beginning with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Proverbs 31:10 introduces the “woman of noble character” who is “worth more than rubies”, because she sets the standard for trustworthiness and generosity towards her husband and all those around her. She’s also a top-notch businesswoman. Here are some of the characteristics that make the Proverbs 31 woman such a great example of a biblical work ethic. First, she “works with eager hands”. She has a positive attitude towards work, knowing that diligence can produce many benefits. Next, verse 15 tells us, “She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family…” The Bible makes it clear that providing for your family is a primary responsibility. She takes it very seriously. The Proverbs 31 woman is also a careful entrepreneur. In verse 16 “She considers a field and buys it…with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.” So, part of the biblical work ethic involves expertise – gaining useful skills and using them for the benefit of your family and community. In verse 17, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks”. Living and working well requires persistence and determination. You don’t reach your goals just sitting around watching YouTube! Proverbs 31 also offers us a picture of generosity in verse 20: “She opens her arms to the poor”. This woman of character is so successful in her work…that she is able to be generous with her surplus. Are you working just for yourself, or so you can help others also? Next, “…she speaks with wisdom…” in verse 26. A person of noble character uses their experience and authority to teach others. To put it another way, this woman’s work ethic is the “water that raises all boats”, because everyone benefits from her industry. It comes as no surprise in verse 27 that “she does not eat the bread of idleness”. It’s pretty clear that a biblical work ethic means NOT being lazy! Well, that’s an impossibly impressive resume, but I think the most important quality of a woman of noble character is that she follows and honors the Lord. Verse 30: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”. She serves God first, and all her success springs from this priority. The Importance Of Rest You might look at this biblical portrait of a godly worker and wonder how she does it all. She’s running a farm, marketing her products, teaching, mentoring, and taking care of a household at the same time. I think we have to understand that this is a portrait of virtue at work…not a blueprint for what you have to do next week. Another point I’d like to make here is about “rest”. It might not look like the Proverbs 31 woman got much of that…but her success points to the fact that she did know when to go and when to stop. God does call us to work – for His Kingdom, for our families, and for the community – with the same commitment we see in the Proverbs 31 woman. We work to pay the bills, to give, to save, and to invest, as she did. It’s part of how God has made us. But work isn’t all there is. We need to rest sometimes, too. Perhaps you find things moving too fast in your life. Working late nights and weekends might seem necessary, but burning the candle at both ends is ultimately unproductive. You’ll find that exhaustion leaves no energy for the most important things –time with the...

Disappointment is inevitable, but discouragement is a choice. People love to look into the future. We all have hopes, and dreams, and expectations about what we want our life to be. So, we make plans. Plans to save, serve, build a family, work, travel, learn, grow…you name it. Planning is part of what it takes to make our dreams come true. And there’s nothing wrong with planning. Planning is an important part of being a good steward of whatever God has entrusted to you. But here's the problem. Our plans don’t always succeed. Dreams fail. Expectations go unmet. And then, disappointment happens…maybe more than we want to admit. How Do You Handle the Disappointments and Unmet Expectations You Face? Financial disappointments can cause some people to shake their fist at God and lose faith. Others might become discouraged, depressed or apathetic. Sometimes, disappointment leads to broken relationships. Stress and anxiety are common responses when our plans fail. In fact, the more important we think something is, the more upset we are when our expectations aren’t met. It’s not sinful to feel disappointed. But your reaction to disappointments can become sin if you’re not careful. According to God’s word, discouragement, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, and fear are all sinful attitudes. Ephesians 4:31 warns about them: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you.” So, you can respond to disappointment with discouragement, anger, fear, or apathy…or you can take a more positive approach…realizing that unmet expectations are often God’s way of leading you in a new direction. Just look at how many disappointed people there are in the Bible, and see how God worked in their lives. Like Sarah and Hannah, who couldn’t have children. Or Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery. Or imagine how Jesus must have felt when Judas betrayed him. But the Lord had amazing plans for these unmet expectations: Sarah and Hannah ultimately had children who changed the world. Joseph saved his people. Jesus saved us all. Here’s another thought: Your response to the disappointments in your own life can be a powerful witness to those around you. Maybe this isn’t the way you thought your life would turn out…but God can use your unmet expectations…for your good and his glory. A Godly Approach To Financial Disappointments When life doesn’t go your way, it’s common to look for someone to blame. Instead, ask God to help you forgive the people who’ve hurt you. Begin to pray for the strength to live through your difficult circumstances. In addition, recognize that it may be time to let go of your expectations, and ask God to show you his plans. People and circumstances are unreliable, but Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. The Lord is always loving, faithful, and just. The bottom line? God never fails. You can trust him, even in the midst of your deepest disappointments, when big expectations come to nothing, and people let you down. God will make a way for you every time. It might not be what you expect, but it will be good. Hold on to what’s true, from Romans 8:28: we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. The late Charles Stanley, a faithful preacher of God’s truth for many years, said this about disappointment: “Disappointment is inevitable. But to become discouraged, there's a choice I make. God would never discourage me. He would always point me to himself to trust him.” On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Christian Credit CounselorsFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our...

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 Why are people so worried about the economy these days? Part of the issue is concern about a number of factors, including the upcoming US election, high inflation, high interest rates, and various geopolitical issues like what's happening with China/Taiwan, Ukraine, and the Middle East. How are people dealing with this uncertainty? How do you help people who are struggling with economic uncertainty? What about someone who might not be thinking about the future at all? I did thisWhat resources would you recommend for those who want to trust God more in their finances during times of economic uncertainty? Compass has partnered with YouVersion to provide a series of short, topical Reading Plans to help you learn, apply, and multiply what the Bible says about money and possessions. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Resources Mentioned: Building Your Finances God’s Way: A Financial Discipleship Study (Compass)Wise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD, CFP®Find a Certified Kingdom AdvisorFaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.