According to some estimates the average household spends an astonishing of its food budget on eating out That's a lot to digest After housing and transportation food is probably the next biggest item in the budget It's also a place where you can easily make changes that will save you a lot of money The Cost of ConvenienceEating out is convenient especially for busy families with two working parents or parents shuttling kids to various activities However this convenience comes at a cost not just financially but also in terms of health Fast food often leads to weight gain and [... more]

God Owns EverythingNow to be sure the message that God owns everything and we don't is something we need to hear repeatedly That's probably why the Bible repeats this teaching several times Job needed reminding Job - reads Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said 'Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge Dress for action like a man I will question you and you make it known to me Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth Tell me if you have understanding Who determined its measurements surely you know [... more]

How often do you get a chance to buy something you really need of higher quality at a lower cost You rsquo re probably thinking ldquo Not very often rdquo But there is a way you can do just that On the next Faith amp Finance Live host Rob West will welcome Lauren Gajdek to explain how you can cut your healthcare costs Then Rob will answer your questions on various financial topics nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

What options and rates do Christian Health Ministries offer CHM is not health insurance but medical cost-sharing and nonprofit enabling us to keep member costs down CHM shares of eligible medical bills over billion since its founding in Here are some of the plan costs to start for individuals Bronze per unit per month Silver per unit per monthGold per unit per monthSenior Share per unit per monthHow is being a member of Christian Healthcare Ministries more flexible than most health insurance plans CHM members are not limited to a provider network They can go to any doctor or hospital [... more]

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 [... more]

Open enrollment is over Did you miss the deadline If so you and your family may be without health insurance But we know someone who can help On the next Faith amp Finance Live host Rob West will welcome Lauren Gajdek to explain there rsquo s a terrific alternative to health insurance that will make you glad if you missed that deadline Then Rob will answer your questions on different financial topics nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Lauren Gajdek is Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries an underwriter of this program WHY IS CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE MINISTRIES A LIFESAVER FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE Lauren explains that Christian Healthcare Ministries CHM operates differently from traditional insurance companies allowing people to join at any time of the year without waiting for an open enrollment season This flexibility makes CHM accessible for those who have missed enrollment deadlines CHM allows joining anytime It operates on a biblical concept of sharing resources among members CHM has shared over billion in members' medical bills demonstrating [... more]

THE ISSUE OF IDENTITY BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE In today's culture there's pressure to define ourselves by worldly standards but for Christians true identity is found in Jesus not in worldly achievements or possessions John says But to all who did receive him who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God DANGERS OF WORLDLY IDENTITY SPIRITUAL PITFALLS Focusing on wealth or success can lead to pride envy constant comparison worry about finances and disillusionment as these pursuits never truly satisfy Letting money or success define us can make us believe our worth is tied to our [... more]

Crystal Paine is the creator of the amazing website MoneySavingMom com WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR FAMILY SAVORS THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS To savor the meaning of Christmas Crystal Payne's family engages in simple yet meaningful traditions They use an Advent calendar specifically Ann Voskamp's which includes daily devotionals to focus on the spiritual significance of the season Additionally they undertake a family giving project where each member contributes and decides on a cause to support fostering a sense of ownership and generosity They use an Advent calendar with daily devotionals to focus on the meaning of Christmas The family [... more]

This year plan a Christ-centered celebration without any of the financial regrets As in so many areas of life parents have opportunities here to set an example Here are four ways you can do that Set a good example with your attitudeTheParentCue org suggests that you do one less thing this year Make family time a priority during the weeks leading up to Christmasstart a new tradition this year One of Rob's favorites is the Jesse tree Go to faithward org for daily Bible readings and printable ornaments for the Jesse tree put the phones downpray together Stick to your [... more]

Brian Holtz is the Chief Operating Officer at Compass Finances God's Way He's also the author of a brand new book Financial Discipleship for Families Intentionally Raising Faithful Children WHY A BOOK ABOUT MONEY FOR PARENTING Jesus used money in parables to teach spiritual lessons making it relatable and insightful for teaching children Managing money according to God's principles impacts our relationship with Him ACTIVE VS REACTIVE PARENTINGActive parenting involves setting goals and preparing children for future financial decisions Reactive parenting addresses issues only as they arise often in a negative context WHY A BOOK ABOUT MONEY FOR PARENTING Jesus [... more]

CHM A Health Insurance Alternative For Open Enrollment With Lauren GajdekChoosing a health insurance plan is probably right up there with paying taxes as an unwelcome annual task Wouldn't it be great if you never had to do it again Lauren Gajdek is with us to tell you how today Lauren Gajdek Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries an underwriter of this program Discussion on Health Cost Sharing Lauren Gajdek explains that Christian Healthcare Ministries CHM is an option that allows enrollment anytime during the year offering a biblical approach to health care with financial support [... more]

Accidents and natural disasters are always in the news but we never really expect them to happen to us do we When a freak summer storm knocked out the power around here for many hours most of us were completely taken by surprise You don't appreciate running water and electricity until you don't have them Let's talk about how to be well prepared for emergencies PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS Rob stresses the importance of storing original documents securely either in a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe at home and keeping copies on a thumb drive or in the [... more]

Lauren Gajdek is Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries an underwriter of this program WHAT IS BIBLICAL COST SHARING AT CHM Christian healthcare ministries CHM is not a health insurance company CHM helps members with their medical bills through a biblical model working with healthcare providers to get bill discounts and then remitting payments back to the members CHM has existed for over years and has shared almost billion in medical bills TELL US ABOUT THE SENIOR SHARE PROGRAM Senior Share is for individuals aged and older Members need to be on Medicare Parts A and [... more]

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCE TO GRATITUDE Thessalonians Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus POWER OF GRATITUDE Focusing on gratitude can help shift one's perspective from fear and discouragement to hope Psalm - Let those who fear the Lord say 'His steadfast love endures forever ' Out of my distress I called on the Lord the Lord answered me and set me free John In this world you will have trouble But take heart I have overcome the world GRATITUDE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES Reflecting on God's blessings can be a source of comfort and [... more]

Lauren Gajdek is Vice President of Communications and Media at Christian Healthcare Ministries an underwriter of this program WHAT IS BIBLICAL COST SHARING AT CHM Christian healthcare ministries CHM is not a health insurance company CHM helps members with their medical bills through a biblical model working with healthcare providers to get bill discounts and then remitting payments back to the members CHM has existed for over years and has shared almost billion in medical bills TELL US ABOUT THE SENIOR SHARE PROGRAM Senior Share is for individuals aged and older Members need to be on Medicare Parts A and [... more]

Learning Through Life's Trials With Chris Fabry For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness Hebrews No doubt everyone one of us can read that verse and think of a time when the Lord used a trial in our lives to teach us something of value Chris Fabry joins us today to talk about that and much more Chris Fabry is an author and popular Christian network talk show host - TELL ME ABOUT THE THEME OF TRUSTING GOD THAT HAS RECENTLY EMERGED ON YOUR SHOW The struggle to [... more]

Objectives for Successful Investing th century humorist Will Rogers once said I'm not so much interested in the return on my money as I am in the return of my money It's a funny line but also something every investor should keep in mind What are the objectives you should consider when risking your money We'll give you three of them today on Faith and Finance Here are Objectives for Successful Investing UNDERSTANDING INVESTING OBJECTIVES Rob West clarifies the difference between an objective and a goal emphasizing the significance of objectives in the investment journey There are three main objectives [... more]

GOD'S PROMISESThe Bible is full of God's promises A simple search reveals numerous verses reassuring us that God will provide God provides not just financially but also in many other aspects like family friends and church BIBLICAL EVIDENCEIn Genesis the name Jehovah Jireh translates as The Lord will provide Reference to Abraham and Isaac God provided a ram instead of Abraham sacrificing Isaac Emphasis on obedience preceding God's provision RELATING ANCIENT LESSONS TO TODAYGod's promises have remained consistent over millennia Abraham's obedience brought him peace even in difficult times Modern believers can find peace through obedience Clarification God promises to [... more]

Sin springs from the fallen condition of our hearts and separates people from God Tragically our world is broken because of this and the tendency towards evil touches every part of our lives including our finances That's why we need Jesus right Today we'll focus on envy and greed both of which are on the list of Seven Deadly Sins drawn up by believers in the th Century to describe the worst kinds of human desires ENVY Defined as a sense of jealousy and wanting what others have It leads to covetousness which directly goes against the Ten Commandments Envy [... more]

If you're not familiar with the latest variation of the individual retirement account it wouldn't be surprising It's only gone into effect this year ABOUT LEGACY IRAs Unlike a traditional IRA a Legacy IRA indirectly provides income to retirees through a Charitable Gift Annuity CGA A CGA is an agreement between a donor and a nonprofit organization where the donor donates assets and the nonprofit provides regular payments for life based on the donated assets keeping the assets upon the donor's death The Legacy IRA allows individuals over the age of with a traditional IRA to take up to as [... more]

God created human beings for work emphasizing its importance throughout the Bible for personal growth and God's glory Adam and Eve were given the responsibility of caring for the Garden of Eden showcasing that work was a gift to maintain their relationship with God Despite the challenges brought about by sin the desire for meaningful work persists within people Many individuals are working multiple jobs influenced by financial constraints with more than million workers in such situations as of Keeping multiple jobs organized is crucial requiring task schedule and contact management whether using online apps or traditional planners Effective communication [... more]

Some statistics claim that percent of American employees are happy with their jobs Then again apparently percent of us are suffering from work-related stress So what does all this mean for you If work-related pressure is getting you down what do you do Quit Re-train and change jobs Grit your teeth and keep going We suggest you step back and ask a different question As a believer in Christ why are you working in the first place The desire to do productive meaningful work is in our D-N-A In fact when God created Adam and Eve He immediately set them [... more]

The past few years haven't been easy for small businesses in the U S The pandemic threw the supply chain the workforce and the economy into chaos forcing many small companies to close their doors and sending workers home by the millions But small business owners are nothing if not resourceful and many of you have pivoted into the new realities with determination and creativity Of course as Christians in business we are called to a higher standard Colossians says Whatever you do work heartily as for the Lord and not for men knowing that from the Lord you will [... more]

The first thing we have to do is put to rest the misconception that work is punishment for the Fall The very first verse of the Bible Genesis reads In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth So we see that God was at work even before man existed And of course He labored six days to create the heavens and earth everything within them Finally He created Man in His own image and commanded him to rule over every living thing on earth Later we see in Genesis that God gave Adam specific instructions about his labor [... more]

It rsquo s almost November and this time of year millions of Americans are going hunting mdash not for wild game mdash but for healthcare plans On today's MoneyWise Live host Rob West will welcome Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries to share about a great alternative way to meet your healthcare costs Then Rob will answer your calls and financial questions nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Your typical healthcare agreement may seem to offer a lot of choices but all the in and out of network jargon is complicated and limiting So is there a simpler way to manage your healthcare costs On today's Faith amp Finance Live host Rob West will talk with Lauren Gajdek about healthcare freedom of choice Then Rob will answer your questions on different financial topics See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

IN-NETWORK We'll start with in-network versus out-of-network medical costs which is something consumers really need to be aware of Healthcare Plans generally cover out-of-network emergency room care as if it were in-network but not visits to out-of-network doctors and other treatment That could cost you or times more than in-network care NO NETWORKWhile Christian Healthcare Ministries helps its members cover their healthcare costs it is not an insurance company Members are not bound to a particular network of providers As long as their treatment is eligible for sharing under the terms of the membership CHM will share the cost That [... more]

How Big Are Your Barns In Luke chapter Jesus shared the Parable of the Rich Fool Jesus' message in that parable is every bit as important for us today as the day it was first told We'll talk about it today on Faith and Finance Let's start with the first part of the parable Luke - That's where Jesus says The land of a rich man produced plentifully and he thought to himself 'What shall I do for I have nowhere to store my crops 'And he said 'I will do this I will tear down my barns and build [... more]

It rsquo s nothing new for seniors to get discounts but did you know that one of them can save you money on healthcare costs On today's Faith amp Finance Live Rob West will talk with Lauren Gajdek about Christian Healthcare Ministries rsquo program called Senior Share Then Rob will answer your calls on various financial topics nbsp See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

With November just around the corner it will soon be time once again for open enrollment season So you'll need to consider what your healthcare needs will be in On today's MoneyWise Live host Rob West will talk with Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries about a great way to meet your healthcare expenses and save money at the same time Then Rob will answer your calls and questions on various financial topics See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

This year Americans will spend nearly on average for healthcare Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to share that burden and lower the cost On today's MoneyWise Live host Rob West will explain there is a way to do this by joining a medical cost sharing plan He'll talk about that first with Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries Then he'll answer your calls and questions about various financial matters See omnystudio com listener for privacy information [... more]

Have you ever been hit with a big doctor bill and prayed for a miracle mdash like maybe angels would suddenly appear and pay it for you On the next MoneyWise Live host Rob West welcomes Lauren Gajdek with Christian Healthcare Ministries to tell us how that rsquo s kind of what happens when you sign up for a medical cost sharing plan Then Rob will take your calls and questions on the financial topics you rsquo d like to discuss That rsquo s MoneyWise Live where biblical wisdom meets today rsquo s finances weekdays at pm Eastern pm Central [... more]

The pandemic has put a strain on our country rsquo s healthcare system But a unique way of paying for healthcare hasn rsquo t been affected by COVID related changes On the next MoneyWise Live host Rob West will talk about that with Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries Then Rob will take your questions on the financial topics you rsquo d like to discuss That rsquo s MoneyWise Live mdash where biblical wisdom meets today rsquo s finances weekdays at pm Eastern pm Central on Moody Radio [... more]

In case you haven rsquo t been bombarded lately with ads about healthcare plans we want to remind you it rsquo s open enrollment season That rsquo s right the clock is ticking and you have less than a month to decide which healthcare plan you rsquo ll go with in On the next MoneyWise Live hosts Rob West and Steve Moore talk about that and more with Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries That rsquo s the next MoneyWise Live at pm Eastern pm Central on Moody Radio [... more]

If you rsquo ve ever had a major medical procedure you probably found the related paperwork and billing confusing And when you don rsquo t understand the hundreds of medical codes and their true costs how do you know which charges are legitimate On the next Moneywise Live hosts Rob West and Steve Moore welcome Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries to help find a solution Becoming an educated medical consumer on the next MoneyWise Live at pm Eastern pm Central on Moody Radio [... more]

Younger people in the work force change jobs every two years or so This job-hopping trend makes it difficult to manage their health care costs So imagine the benefit of having a health plan that stays with you through life rsquo s changes On the next MoneyWise Live hosts Rob West and Steve Moore talk with Christian Healthcare Ministries rsquo Lauren Gajdek about how medical cost sharing plans can go and grow with you That rsquo s MoneyWise Live at pm Eastern pm Central on Moody Radio [... more]

The pandemic has changed the way people work and some of those changes may be permanent Many experts say a surge of new entrepreneurs may be in the wake of the COVID crisis On the next MoneyWise Live Rob West and Steve Moore welcome Lauren Gajdek of Christian Healthcare Ministries about a new way entrepreneurs can manage their medical expenses Medical cost sharing on MoneyWise Live at pm Eastern pm Central on Moody Radio nbsp [... more]