Giving: It’s Not About the Money

I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Jesus words and 25 revealed the eternal reward for generosity. Surveys show that by and large, questions are generous people and usually this involves money. Today financial planner and teacher Rob West reveals what's really behind our decision on to others. It's your call sign anything financial at 800-525-7000 800-525-7000 times more giving.

It's not about the money back on moneywise. Not Rob. How do we know that Christians really are generous and generous compared to exactly what a great question Stephen we have to do a bit of extrapolating the answer. It studies consistently show that quote religious people" are far more generous than people who claim no religious affiliation, and they often give several times more the amount of others. Now in those same surveys though the vast majority of people responding identify themselves as Christians.

Sometimes as high as 95%. So I think were on safe ground here by saying that Christians generally speaking, are more generous people. Okay, fair enough.

But my next question is why are Christians generous well I like to think it's because we know something the others don't. Perhaps several things. In fact, and they all start with the foundational principle that God owns everything. Deuteronomy 1014 it reads behold to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens and the earth with all that's in it.

We also know that the greatest giver is God himself.

He not only gave us life. He also provides for our every need. Luke 1224's fairly clear here.

Jesus tells the disciples consider the ravens for the neighbor, neither sow nor reap. They have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them.

How much more valuable you are than the birds, but more than that God the father has given us the priceless gift of his son Jesus Christ whose sacrifice on the cross.

Open the gates of heaven to all who believe in him those service I should say these are all things that Christians know how could they not Steve have a profound effect on our getting well. One would certainly hope so. Which takes us to another aspect here. How should knowing these things you just mentioned. I guide our attitude about well obviously we get out of obedience because the Bible is clear that we are to be generous and again Christians know this, but we also know that we should give out of a sense of gratitude for what God has Artie given to us. I just articulated that a moment ago you know keeping those two things in mind helps us to give for the right reason, as Paul directs in second Corinthians 97 where he says each one must give us is decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver and has cheerful giver. Steve Christians know to avoid legalism in their giving more, perhaps doing it out of a sense of superiority to others in Matthew six. Two. Jesus warns his followers. When you give to the needy sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others yeah and to our point that giving is not necessarily just about the money or should we say the amount of money do you think that the act of being generous itself in some way shapes are our hearts and our attitude will absolutely and as Christians we experience this given that giving actually breaks the power of money and possessions to grip you might say over our lives that tends to make us greedy and it's interesting that secular studies have begun to point this out and concluding that generous people are happier than those who are of course the Bible has stated this plainly for thousands of years of Proverbs 22, nine reads. Whoever has a bountiful I will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor. You see, God obviously cares for the poor and needy. But that's not the only reason he commands us to be generous he does so because he knows it's good for us and believers know that as well and when we say that it's not about the money.

It's also because generosity can take lots of different forms like time, effort, not to mention love. So what else might Christians know and understand about getting one final thing would be that we know that giving is a form of worship. It's every bit as much worship as singing songs of praise in church and here we see that our times are getting really just the starting point.

The training wheels, and as we like to call it.

Christians know that they are to give all of themselves. Paul tells us in Romans 12 one. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God for this is your true and proper. He's Rob last time Steve Moore this is moneywise live many people adopt an attitude toward marriage and finances that it'll all work out somehow. Sadly, it often doesn't financial woes can devastate a marriage but there is a better way. God's way, money and marriage God's way by Howard Dean will help you discover God's approach to growing your finances and strengthening your relationship with your mate and cultivating godly joy, money, and marriage God's way is available and moneywise live.org our friends and sound mind investing have been helping Christians reach their financial goals since 1990 with step-by-step guidance for investors.

Just getting started making choices in a 401(k) or getting ready for retirement all grounded in consular SMI slogan is financial wisdom for living well. More information is available online. Sound mind investing that the SMI website also includes articles, money management and investing sound mind investing.org 60s. He's such a nice ring I'm finished on you and I probably have different aspirations and not we look forward to different things because we different.

But what if we look forward to whatever and dreams. We succeed at the end will it wouldn't bring. I want to have a successful marriage to make a difference in people's lives through what I do will look back on our lives and have a sense that behind Lodge which succeeded the things that we set out to do. Nothing wrong with this of course finds success become something that other people see what they think of this lease, we strive so hard to impress name that we end up becoming a prisoner run 60s like a king who can't go for walk down the street and saw the palace walls.

Jesus said I came to set the captives free success.

And if that is robbing you of Freedom and peace of mind. Christian credit counselors can help where nationwide nonprofit counseling organization has helped over 3000 individuals in the last 27 years get out of credit card debt 80% faster while honoring that that info to learn how Christian credit counselors can help you visit Christian credit counselors.org Christian credit counselors.or call 800-557-1985 really great to have you with us today. It's moneywise live Rob last year hose time Steve Moore were chatting here a little bit about giving and how that giving is a whole lot better than getting of course that's hard to grasp.

When you're five years old on Christmas morning, but ultimately the time we reach adulthood. We understand that an even more than understand. We've we've experience that how wonderful it can be to give and wrap here at Moody radio.

We've just come through a time very generous time of our listeners and supporters and partners being very generous in their giving and we just before we let this go. Because it was kind of a crazy four days just want to thank our listeners one more time for what they've done to help us out well share 2020. Was this a beautiful picture of the body of Christ coming together to be generous to support God's work in the case of Moody radio is sharing the gospel in all forms in a way that intersects with our lives. In answering the complex questions of our lives and keeping that sound and on the air with clarity literally around the globe. And so thank you thank you thank you for what you did as you gave for. And that's a great evidence of what we've been talking about. Amen. Okay, one more time. Here's the phone number give us a call because we happen to have open phone lines right now 800-525-7000. We begin by going to Boca Raton, Florida hello Solomon, thanks for calling and how can we help you. I thank you for having me want to know we've been wearing South Florida market affordable here for all. But we've been renting for security saving to buy why use an FHA loan or to wait until the 20% down payment. Yeah, that's a great question and I would prefer you wait Solomon I know it can be frustrating especially since you been renting for quite a while. I also am very familiar with South Florida real estate and realize the challenge that that is just given the incredible rise receipt even of the last several years, but we do like the idea of 20% down really for two reasons.

Number one, if housing values were to fall and you needed to sell, the more you put down. Originally the more cushion you will have without going underwater, so to speak, because housing prices don't always go up we been on a significant upswing, especially not part of the country and who knows what's in front of us. I don't think working to see in 0809 necessarily just because of the problems that led to the dramatic decline in the housing markets then were systemic in nature. That's not what we have now.

This is an event driven recession that will likely recover quickly already has. But you continue to recover quickly once we know what the backend of this virus looks like, but I don't see significant declines, but it doesn't mean that we couldn't have declines. The second thing I think the note here, and you probably well aware of this but an FHA loan requires a kind of PMI private mortgage insurance, which by the way, is of no benefit to you.

It's only to protect the lender. But the kind that comes with the FHA is with the loan for this entire term so you can't get rid of it like you can with the conventional loan PMI as long as you can document the fact you have that 20% equity, so you'd have to refinance to a conventional loan to be able to get rid of that so I think for those reasons, it's probably worth it just to stay the course. Continue keep your lifestyle to minimum continue to save so that you can go in without at least 20% down payment. So how do you if you don't mind, don't mind me asking you been renting for how long six years eight years. What was your. Since you and all you guys doing with the renting. Are you upset and depressed or are you happy to stay in that position until God makes it makes it different in some way work were solid. We want to have the home just because of building equity and having that especially you like with that some kind of downturn or something like that but it's not bad work were not above our means. I got we would rather have our own sure, let me just encourage you and maybe it will maybe it won't, but my wife and I happens to be our anniversary today.

My wife and I were married for 15 years before we were able to get into our first house so we rented all that time and we got also close many times and then something would happen and we have to spend part of our down payment, but ultimately I God brought us a home in the proper time in looking back on it, and we did finally did. Okay it didn't wreck her marriage or anything like that. So let me just encourage you guys to continue to pray and encourage one another and rest in God's timing on this okay thank you God bless your brother we appreciate that thanks to Steve by the way, very together calling to say happy anniversary Mike Allen. Thank you. I press incredible. I'm not here how marshes put up with you all these years, what you meant when you said that's incredible.

Know what I have to do is live this long and you're there and put up with me. That's that is edible.

Thank you very much I appreciate will awake Ohio. I like saying that Maria in Willow Wick. How can we help you today hi Mike. I should see you then asked me how many years Robin I well I wasn't going to but go ahead and how many years know $0.47 on incredible. Yes, that I look this young and is amazing how you look yeah well get you started. 11 and then you okay hey Maria what's up with claimant to going to retire very or he may have a very and looking at getting a situation where we don't have a mortgage payment that we currently honor how hundred and $5000 higher interest rate on our monthly mortgage payment just under $2000 and we still all on our mortgage 32,800 so work hot and I are talking about what it best thing to do here and we keep going back and forth Lane refinance or to move because if we all like to move back. Kind of like I'm having health problems than it I didn't call ranch where I don't have DLF and other things. I will bore you with other if we really sure where to get wonder by how mortgage lender have to go to the bank and the question under question. Actually, I apologize that we borrow from our 401(k). All we will not be able to just have to worry about our insurance and not a mortgage may have looked at around $110,000 last work with and situating our new this you said you home your currently in his word to think hundred 65,000. Is that what I understood there by 555,000 okay and so you said the mortgage right now is 32 aides you got about 120,000 to work with, minus the cost of the sale which we recognize you know there's gonna be a… A 6% charge there and so let's say you were to net you know hundred and 1000 and 12,000 out of the proceeds of the sale. Would you be able to buy something around that price point.

Have you looked around all much do you think you would need to spend if you made this move while are like that probably what that hundred and 1012 however you know otherwise you have to get a little bit of finance and don't know if it would be that 401(k) think you rather you not are you going to have it. I realize you had to some uncertainty around his job, but you said he also may be retiring, so do you have a budget that works based on the retirement income sources you'll have you now or in the near future way what part of our conversation looking at moving wanted to be financially prior. Okay, so is he planning to continue to work to perhaps find another job part-time or full-time. Even if you will make this move like okay well a couple things number one is if you're planning to move.

You don't want to refinance, even in the next five years but you're paying an awful lot in the form of this monthly payment.

I heard 2000 a month on this mortgage and you going on a $32,000 loan. So I think you need to do one of those two things just to reduce your overall monthly burden, especially given the uncertainty and if you planning on going and moving now would probably be a good good time to do it and you know, especially if he can go ahead and get a new job and how far you're planning to move.

I don't know why.

With that kind of equity. If you take the proceeds and move it into the new home. I don't know why. With that kind of equity you couldn't get a small mortgage, you may need to get a 40 or $50,000 mortgage.

I keep the term just as short as you can but make sure it fits well within your budget. But it's can be dramatically lower than what you been spending to this point so I wouldn't refinance. Given all the swirling questions but I would look seriously at moving and I make sure you have a budget that works before you do a check bank rate.com to get some more details on what it would cost in terms Maria were glad to call. Thank you very much will be right back. Do you know if you have enough money house. Do you know how much is enough. If not, one blue can help with this book. Master your money a step-by-step plan for experiencing financial contentment. Learn how to save and invest and give wisely to create a long-term financial plan and how to get out of debt. Find it all in master your money by Ron blue available when you click the start button moneywise live to work. Anything harder to define and the glory of God to humanize everything. We were created for to reflect the very glory of God.

It will be everything to in the glory of God, because when he says back in 17 we are children, then we are heirs of God and coheirs with Christ we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Okay were staring anything tense and also sharing his glory, glory and inheritance. Something inseparable about here is what we need to figure out what something means in this context means to share in the sufferings of Christ to be the deal. You never share in the sufferings of Christ traveling Bible study 9:30 PM central. No problem dawdling that is God's a great deal more about our money than most of us imagine Jesus is more about our use of money and possessions and about anything else, including both heaven and hell in managing God's money, author Randy Alcorn breaks it all down in a simple, easy to follow format that makes it the perfect reference tool if you're interested in gaining a solid biblical understanding of money, possessions and eternity managing God's money is available when you start button moneywise live.a place where best to remember God's call today 800-525-7000 off to Youngstown, Ohio hello Lynn, oh how can we help you click the Lord that where you cannot live again. We cannot out give God.

During the pandemic are U.S. Treasury refund not covered cool. We had nine yeah I'm my mother and I get the house ready to sell expensive repairs and she got into long-term care. The long-term-care kickstand.

She got a refund of the premium she got it covered there with the repairs. I managed yet.

I just got yeah my question, and all you know a lot of worthy organizations affected donate to. How do we know were being they are being good stewards with the money and how we prioritize if we can give to them all. Both you know now currently in and in our well yes, well, these are great questions when you clearly have a generous heart as evidenced by even the questions you're asking and wanting to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you, and clearly giving is a big part of that a couple of thoughts number one as to their so many needs out there.

I simply can't do everything. I love what Andy Stanley says the pastor here in Atlanta of Northpoint community church he says do for one what you wish you could do for everyone, and I think that's really got a good approach. You know, you think about it you want to be able to do every thing you you can and you want to be able to meet this need over there and know there's something else over there and doesn't mean you can't do more than one thing that I think the spirit behind what he saying is you can't do it all.

So you need to just give where God has purposed you and so I think one of the first steps is really uncovering that we have a very simple two-page free download on our website@moneywiselive.org just click on the resources tab and then there's a tool there called the giving plan and what that's going to help you do is really try to hope you develop a plan in three areas, passion, wisdom, and then the plan itself now. Passion is what are the things that are pricking your heart that really are driving you in terms of giving opportunities and it's can ask you to list some of the most joy filled ways. You've been generous. What are you grateful for what's on your heart. What burdens do you have, I think uncovering your passion is really critical, then the wisdom areas can give you some questions to ask the ministries or organizations that you are considering giving to do the leaders demonstrate good character is the ministry or organization active in the hotspots related to that particular cause or the innovative are they growing and collaborative are the goal oriented. What about accountability and one of those areas of accountability is is what moneywise and Moody are accountable to. And that's the Evangelical Council for financial accountability and I would look for the Xmas symbol on their websites for four ministries so there's your passions than theirs wisdom as you ask questions and then there's the plan itself and I think part of that is determining how much you want to give to the local church, but then what about evangelism and discipleship, and pour the widows and orphans in the areas that are on God's heart are really important for you to think about and then there's you know Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, so there's your city in your country and around the world so I don't make don't want to make it complex, but I want you to think through it and this tool can help you and then finally you could use ministry watch.com or Charity Navigator.org to really evaluate the ministries that God places on your heart. Finally, what I find is the ministries I most in evolved with the ones that I give to so invest yourself somewhere not only with your money, but with your time and then watch God work so thank you for your generous heart. Thank you for your question today will pray that God give you real clarity in this area.

Indeed, Lynn, God bless you, thank you so very much because another brief message will be back taking your calls at 800-525-7000 investing is more than just return. It's an expression of who you are and what you value is the way you invest your money reflect your identity as a Christian that eventide design investments for performance and a better world so you can invest with the confidence to reach your financial goals while remaining true to your Christian values and commitments. We call this investing makes the world rejoice more is available, invest eventide.com invest eventide.com Christian healthcare ministries enables believers to meet their healthcare costs affordably, biblically and compassionately.

It's not insurance but a voluntary cost-sharing ministry based on the biblical example of Christians sharing each other's needs and members are defined under the law for not having health Christian healthcare ministries might be your health cost solution call 800-791-6225 or visit CH ministries.org. This is more of moneywise live in this universe of the week three. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and slander of every time they scrape spiritual milk may grow up in your salvation you have tasted that the Lord is first Peter 21 through three Moody radio verse of the week. Call one 800. Would you like your life to be infused with joy. Would you like to interject an internal dimension into even the most ordinary day on the radio says you can when you discover the treasure principle and a concise powerpack style is newly revised and updated book offers a six step plan to finding the pleasure and eternal works of the treasure principle what you discover.

Life will never look the same treasure principle is available when you click the store, but moneywise live.org son John Scott Pres. from visiting the wall and the construction of the US-Mexico border and will remind voters of one of his key 2016 promises that we market the construction of more than 200 miles of border wall and the president later will address a group of young Republicans at a mega church in Phoenix Congress having an impasse on policing legislation despite public outcry for changes, Senate Democrats opposing a Republican proposal to calling it inadequate. Now, the standoff is forcing the parties to decide whether to negotiate a compromise or walk away from an issue that is part mass demonstrations, technology companies were high on the leaderboard today again on Wall Street as the winning streak was extended the Dell game. 131 points but as back 74 points higher in the S&P up 13.

This is a sovereign use moneywise live and can be found when you dial us at 800-525-7000 just like Peter has in Orlando. Peter, thanks for your patience. Fred which is scenario there. How can we help.

I was wondering your thoughts on the sharing ministry healthcare product out there.

I know that and I just actually heard the advertisement on the break thing. This is an insurance and so I know that are not regulated by state division of insurance they I don't know what the reserve requirements are. I know they may have some language around pre-existing conditions and lifestyle choices that could cause them to potentially not pay claimant so I wonder how you think about that in terms of protecting assets because that's how I think about insurance and kind of is there approach one of the pros and cons. I get the sharing ministries out there.

Well, I'm a big fan Peter and we been a longtime partner moneywise with Christian healthcare ministries. There are others out there of course puts see if Jim is one of the oldest and the biggest and actually some of our staff use and have for years and had a wonderful experiences or godly people that see this as a ministry is the body of Christ coming together. It's a beautiful picture of what we see and read in acts in the New Testament, but it's very effective and they shared billions and billions of dollars over the years and again it's not insurance so you really are self-pay so it's not a matter of whether the cortical claim is approved because it is not insurance here yourself paying but anything over $500 per incident with CHN for instance on the gold plan is going to be shared 100% and you have the ability to go in and negotiate discounts and through brother's keeper. You can have an unlimited amount to to be shared even for catastrophic events and whether you're young and just getting started.

Are you knowing that prime season of life where you know healthcare costs for traditional insurance or to just be astronomical or you're trying to supplement alongside no Medicare.

It can just be a wonderful resource and I think given the history given that it's the exception is provided for the Obama care, and given that you know these have worked for countless people to the tune of millions of dollars for individuals in terms of what's been paid out. I think it's just a great option to build take the difference with what you would pay for insurance, which again this is not to build a set that aside to be able to cover you know that the amount up to $500 per incident. I think it allows you to have a really effective solution to protect your family and make sure you have the proper medical insurance you need. But beyond that, in terms of some of the specifics and wanted to know. You know, certain exclusions or requirements, just connect with them again. The one we trust to CH ministries.org that's Christian healthcare ministries and they be delighted to talk to you answer all of your questions okay great thank okay Peter God bless you sir thanks Peter Spirit Lake Spirit Lake, Ohio hello David what's in your mind today.

Spirit Lake, Idaho. I'm sorry.

My question, I am peeling for my mother. She has Alzheimer's have taken on in her grandkids name and I was just wondering if there's any rules or regulations as part to her grandkids. Yeah well I would definitely consult with an attorney on this question. David just because this really is a legal question.

I'm not an attorney.

What I would just say simply, though, is that if the POA document was written not to specifically allow for giftgiving. You should be able to give the savings bonds to the grandchildren. If it does it doesn't say that it's allowed then you I wouldn't distribute them without going through additional legal procedures which may involve probate after your mom passes away. But you know I think this is something that as power of attorney you need to be fully versed on what is permissible there in your state, and based on how was drawn up the language that was there. How these are titled gauges.

All of those things you know I would. I would get some more information just to see which direction you can go because if your desire is to pass them along. You have permission to do that than one that I would die would get some legal counsel. You probably want to visit with in the state planning attorney. Perhaps you could check with your local church to see if they might give you reference you can also connect with a certified kingdom advisor there in your area and ask for a referral to a godly estate planning attorney just about every advisor that your planner would have one that they could refer you to David. Does that make sense alright buddy. We appreciate that. Thank you very much time for one more click on I think Orlando, Florida Diane, how can we help you in your home. Three. Higher purity 100% fidelity from the VA, we have a 401(k) name from like electric and finance a little less than 100,019 can turn it into an and I'm wondering if we could really pursue that avenue. Yeah yeah I don't think that's necessary here because you don't really need the tax shelter you Artie got it inside the 401(k) and the sense that this is a qualified account. Meaning it's not taxable until you take the withdrawal out the question would just be with the roughly hundred thousand. It's in the 401(k) how you want that invested. And then he's going to have to begin to take required minimum distributions based on the IRS's schedule.

Not this year because of the coronavirus, but certainly next year, but that doesn't have to be done in the form of an annuity, you could roll that over into an IRA. He could leave it in the 401(k).

I think really the question is how does this particular asset fit into your overall plan of the library's got Social Security's got that hundred percent VA disability benefit. That's great if that meets your needs, then this money can just continue to grow. If you need to begin to draw an income off of it. That obviously you would want to manage appropriately so you could begin taking some income to supplement your other income sources do you anticipate you all could leave this alone Diane or do you think you need to begin drawing some income from it sooner rather than later. Now retiring early here. Okay there's really no need to take anything out in the minimum requirement of the withdrawal is not really that much money in anything which you know what we've been doing as we been taking that out and I been supplementing and adding to my 401(k) at work so no real need for additional income. Right now, so my feeling is we know where it really made yet what we have lots over that last three months or so.

I almost don't really like how because then we really have much money was really no need to do that. One other option you could consider if you'd end up rolling into an IRA at some point, perhaps after it recovers is you can use it to make qualified charitable distribution. So think about it this way your probably doing some giving to your local church.

Other charities you're doing that out of cash which is after-tax money so you get income you pay tax on it than you give what if you could give right out of that 401(k) that would be converted to an IRA and that money passes directly to the charity you don't realize that is a taxable event and you could then not give that money that you are already giving which is after-tax money which means you don't pay the tax.

The charity or your church gets more money and it's a way to satisfy the required minimum distribution at the same time. If you want more information about that.

Just connect with your 401(k) administrator and ask about qualified charitable distribution.

Diane, thank you very much we appreciate your phone call today.

We will return more calls this is a great deal more about our money than most of us imagine Jesus is more about our use of money and possessions and about anything else, including both heaven and hell and managing God's money, author Randy Elmore and breaks it all down in a simple, easy to follow format that makes it the perfect reference tool if you're interested in gaining a solid biblical understanding of money, possessions and eternity managing God's money is available when you store moneywise live.org and I'm here to help you understand God's purpose for your life to the eyes of a layman is dangerously easy to do the work of the Lord will being far from him dangerously easy for churches and ministries. Although supported them while having little concern for the spiritual health, good people are equating their emotional and sacrificial giving to good causes as a validation of their own spirituality without ever having accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and that validation comes from the blinded love and admiration they receive from it because there supporting what could be more tragic than a solid support of your ministry.

Going to hell because they believe their good works emotional involvement with you earn them a place in heaven help us there.

Your first response. Your job is ignite revival outside the walls of your church by moving everyone every day closer to Jesus. You need help doing that. Go to RTW.com. If you been struggling to do something I do not work through a problem finishing assignment will or job at work getting the kids out of the door for school in the morning, just some free time routine run-of-the-mill thing. But on that day. It just seems impossible little too much.

Was someone there to give us a hand bit of advice some insight maybe justice model some encouragement on Benny Donovan. We will need someone to be a help. Sometimes something get all upset when I read in the book of Genesis that God might leave to the Adams hope doesn't seem right. Somehow this time but that same Hebrew word for help. I used Betty is used right through the Old Testament and its most frequent uses of God being and hope he is God, he wouldn't be interested in this little problem here or that assignment Darrell will be getting the kids at the school he's gone yes to lightly the financial wealth you leave behind could be the best thing that ever happened to your love, what's or the worst, and it splitting hairs, giving your money and things to your children without ruining their lives. Ron blue explains why it's important to make these decisions now, instead of forcing your heirs to do it later. Splitting hairs will foster a real appreciation for the precious resources that God has entrusted to you, and it's available.

Click the start button moneywise live.org to have you with us today. After all of the calling program.

If you weren't there called and we just know what to do with ourselves. Thanks for being there for listening.

Beach, Florida hello Rhonda, what's on your mind but furniture, company and got behind, and anyway, long story short, they discharged it went to collection and they discharged it so it somewhere out there floating in light to pay their paid but I don't really know how to go about doing online.

Well, I love the idea behind this Rhonda and I'll tell you what we've heard story after story of people that have actually gone bankrupt and I realize that's not your situation but all these debts of been discharged, especially as a corporation and then they just have felt convicted to be able to pay that back and so they found ways to make restitution and pay back every dollar that was owed as a testimony more than anything and really just wanting to honor the Lord. Clearly that's what you're trying to do here.

The challenger going to run into is that if the debt has been forgiven, they probably won't be able to take the payment coming.

You could certainly try. But often times companies don't want to receive those funds because it just messes up their books and they don't have really a way to record that they probably written it off for tax purposes.

It may have been sold to a another company that then is recouped more than what they paid for it. Even after the settlement so you know I think you certainly just to pacify your own desire and conviction to make amends here.

I think you can attempt to it, but I wouldn't be surprised if if they're not going to be able to take that payment. So if at the end of all of that, you find that you're just not able to get them to accept the money.

As strange as that sounds, what taking that same amount of just making a gift to charity or your local church and just find a way to honor the Lord say Lord I want to be found faithful with this. I made my good faith effort. I can't pay this off. They settled I paid the settlement. It's over and I want to honor you with this and you know just allow God to see your heart there and I think you will honor that doesn't make sense around that that your highlight how I came to feel like a commitment that I should honor well. I appreciate why that's YOUR say about Matt and I on my way home from work so just here information very very helpful and that means a lot to hear you say that in the me just affirm that and say thank you for listening. Second of all, I'm glad to hear you say that that was the conclusion you came to as result of listening because we really believe this is not about the money. This is strange to hear somebody as the host of a money program saying it's not about the money but it's not. It's about our hearts and what Steve and I believe with our whole hearts. Is that your financial journey is one of the key ways God shaped your spiritual journey and so you taking God's money and this tool that is money and coming to a conclusion that I want honor the Lord to be found faithful as I manage his resources. So ultimately I can hear well done good and faithful servant. That's what it's all about here.

That's why we do what we do and I'm confident God will honor that and be pleased as you steward that wisely. So thank you for the Rhonda. Thank you. That's a great blessing to hear and I'm sure that blessed others of our listeners as well. Thank you very much for calling it Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sandra what's on your mind today and I appreciate it? Ministry my life and I became a Christian and I have done it for free and then 10 years ago I went to pastor and I was just his right hand and helping you know doing work in the church. I was happy to do that home I mentioned that because of the really sad addiction to destroy our finances and lost our home and I was left with three teenagers, not knowing what to do so I thought I got to keep doing what I've been doing that I got it… I went to night finish my Masters and I became a pastor now played that happened late in my life and now I have taken years until probably over 10 years until I retire and I would and I really did not know how to do a lot of back finances. My husband was the one who always gone out of commission completely and still is so I've been thinking about. I work for a little church I pastor a very small church and down. I grade which I don't mind because it's a wonderful church but I have been thinking about my future thinking of retirement and I've been thinking about should I invest in buying a home saving for home retirement because I live in a person much more should I just gave the money that I can so that I can just have rent apartment and I just lost it. Not really knowing what is best. I've been saving.

Pastors have a pretty good retirement program here in the Midwest by because I have just been doing this for six years.

That's when I began to get paid as a pastor I have a lot I just don't have a lot of time to make make a lot of make a difference in my retirement, so I'm kind of worried about it.

I've been putting $200@but is it called IR IRA that really going to make a difference but I haven't tell you nonbinding pay until two years ago as a pastor.

Well thoughts number one. Thank you for sharing your testimony and your faithfulness to the Lord. Obviously you've been through quite some difficult seasons there and obviously you continue to press on to be a wise steward and that's obviously what God wants is our hearts. And clearly he's provided and I believe he will continue to provide you as you think about Sandro this next season of life you think about the retirement resources that you will have available to you. Do you have a sense of what that budget might look like. Based on the known income sources you have in retirement you will you be able to meet your obligations are used expecting Social Security did you opt out, just tell me about what you think retirement will look like in terms of the income you have have social security and someone told me that I could probably drop from my husband Hyderabad night still need to look into that. Last time I looked at Social Security what was coming. It was so small that it thousand dollars, and I found make sure that I had per month. Do you know I will need six years so far and it will be 10 or 12 more years, so I won't be that much yes okay well I think the key is we gotta work on that budget and have a plan and I don't think even over these 10 years I think I'd prefer you to just continue to leverage the parsonage, which is one of the wonderful benefits. And if you were to take 10 years and just deal diligently, save in a retirement account on a systematic basis and you keep that money invested right now with a larger concentration to stocks but them getting more conservative over time that will give you the most flexibility when you get to that season. Whether that means you take that money and use it to buy something for cash or your ticket is very small mortgage or continue to rent and then just use whatever you can accumulate over the next years to supplement Social Security and your other retirement that you have coming your way, but I think in systematically investing it in retirement gives you the most flexibility while you continue to enjoy the benefit of the parsonage. I know God will honor your faithfulness. I'm so thankful for your testimony today and hope that was helpful to just mention as we wrap up your though. Feel free to connect whatever money was coaches they be happy to help you work through this. Sandra will bless you, thank you very very much for doing that, Rob.

I'm not sure that we have time to get to another call so well. One thing we could do it quickly. Want to squeeze it right.Lou is calling from Austin Texas and how may we help you. Thank you how to use our money away from my morning meeting on all one and I don't know what my money is it a 401(k) or an IRA. Following okay yet with the 401(k) you're going to have to leave it where it is, assuming it's with a current employer, you can't leave that plan administrator, you can have to stay put. But I'd call the HR department and tell them you need to talk to somebody who can help you make some decisions.

The good news is you should need a whole lot without them. And you'd want to check in in a couple of times a year and see if you need to make any tweaks, but really just a matter of systematically investing it will if it's a company of separated from, but it's still in the 401(k) then you can roll it out to an IRA and you can absolutely make a change there to somebody are more comfortable with.

You can be more proactive to options there. Go to sound mind investing.org they can help you forgo to moneywise live.org and find the CK we have a number of them there in Austin. That would be happy to help fellow God bless you. Hope that helps you. Thanks very much moneywise live is a partnership between Moody radio and moneywise media.

My thanks to our technical crew. Amy, Courtney, Jim, and her executive producer Judith Karen Marie. Thanks for listening. Join us again tomorrow