Precious metals can be a tool for preserving purchasing power, but they don't produce income or guarantee returns. As Christians, we must approach financial decisions with biblical wisdom, considering the bigger question of how to honor God with what He's entrusted. Stewardship involves planning and allocating resources with prudence, patience, and prayer, rather than reacting to fear or uncertainty. [... more]

Faith-based investing continues to grow, with more individuals and institutions seeking to align their investments with their faith and values. Experts like Bob Dahl provide market predictions and investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of economic growth, managing inflation, and making informed decisions about retirement planning and stock market investments. [... more]

Many people want their investments to reflect their values and convictions, and they need guidance from financial advisors to align their finances with their faith. Research shows that 48% of investors have already connected their investments with their faith or are interested in doing so, but a gap exists between investor interest and advisor action. Financial advisors can help clients incorporate faith-based investing into their financial plans, and tools are available to screen portfolios and exclude companies that conflict with their values. [... more]

Living on less than you earn is the bedrock of financial wisdom, and it starts with a plan, a budget that tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Budgeting helps you live within your means, allowing you to have a margin, but investing enables you to take that margin and grow what God has entrusted to you. God honors steady and wise investing, and financial freedom doesn't mean independence from God, but rather living as a wise and faithful steward, seeing God as your ultimate treasure and money as a tool to accomplish God's purposes. [... more]

Foreign stocks may be poised for a comeback as the US stock market has become richly valued and foreign stocks look relatively cheap. Factors such as government spending trends, inflation, and interest rates are shifting in favor of foreign markets, making them an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios. [... more]

Investors can use indexes as guideposts to make sure their investments are getting closer to their future goals. Buying and holding index funds can pay off in the long run, and it's essential to consider the impact of actively trading stocks. A faith-based approach to investing can help individuals align their values with their investments, and using indexes can be a way to do this while still achieving market returns. [... more]

Getting the big things right in investing involves creating a plan, choosing a strategy with care, committing to it, and sticking with it. It's about focusing on the right mix of investments, measuring results, and letting go of daily market news and the what-if game. [... more]

Economic trends and investment predictions for 2025 are discussed, with a focus on fewer tailwinds and more tail risks. The chief investment officer at Crossmark Global Investments shares his 10 predictions, including economic growth slowing, inflation remaining sticky, and a possible 10% correction in the market. The discussion also touches on the importance of biblical wisdom in financial decisions and the need for diversification in investment portfolios. [... more]

Faith-based investors can benefit from Exchange Traded Funds, which offer broad diversification and lower expenses. A financial advisor from Timothy Plan explains how their company approaches faith-based investing and provides guidance on creating a budget and managing wealth. [... more]

Quitting bad habits in investing can lead to financial security. Mark Biller discusses six bad habits to quit, including standing on the sidelines, waiting for a low-risk entry point, and making things needlessly complicated. He emphasizes the importance of owning well-managed growing businesses, such as stocks, and making a long-term commitment to beat inflation. [... more]

Bonds can provide a safe and stable investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolio. Faith-based investing options, such as impact bonds, allow individuals to align their investments with their values and make a positive impact on the world. A properly diversified portfolio can help protect against market volatility and provide a steady return on investment. [... more]

When choosing a financial advisor, consider someone who aligns with your biblical values and takes the time to explain your options. Certified Kingdom Advisors meet high standards in competence and integrity, offering biblical financial advice. Understanding insurance needs, such as auto, homeowners, health, and long-term care, is crucial, as is managing debt and creating a budget. Stewardship and money management are key to financial success, and starting with a biblical perspective can simplify the process. [... more]

Rob West discusses the importance of stewardship and biblical finance, exploring topics such as investment, financial planning, and reverse mortgages, all while emphasizing the need to prioritize God's word in our financial decisions. [... more]

During the Easter season, Christians reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and the redemption of humankind. Meanwhile, individuals face various financial challenges, including high real estate prices, credit card debt, and investment decisions. Financial experts offer guidance on managing pensions, credit counseling, and faith-based investing options, emphasizing the importance of seeking godly counsel and diversifying investments. [... more]

Determining your target asset allocation is a crucial step in managing your investment portfolio. This involves deciding how much of your portfolio to invest in stocks versus bonds, and periodically rebalancing to maintain your target allocation. A financial advisor can help you with this process, or you can use tools like target date funds to automate it. [... more]

Having a high credit score can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of a loan, but it's not just about the money. Paying back debts in a timely manner and maintaining a good credit score is a matter of biblical wisdom, as it reflects our trust in God as our provider. A good credit score can also impact your interest rates, insurance premiums, and even your job prospects. In this episode, we explore the importance of credit scores and offer practical advice on how to improve yours, including paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and building a credit history. [... more]

Laying a strong financial foundation is critical, and creating and living on a budget is often the difference between financial success versus financial failure. Mark Biller joins Rob West to discuss the 10 most important financial moves for 2024, covering topics such as spiritual and financial fundamentals, the world around you, and retirement planning. [... more]

Bonds can be a mysterious investment, but understanding bond basics can help you make informed decisions. Mark Biller explains how bond prices move and how interest rates affect bond values, and discusses the role of bond duration in gauging risk. He also touches on the impact of inflation and recession on bond prices, and offers advice on how to approach bond investing in a rapidly changing market. [... more]

Rob West discusses various financial topics with guests, including values-based investing, international investing, retirement planning, debt management, and pension distribution, providing guidance on making informed financial decisions. [... more]

Deciding between traditional and Roth IRAs can be a complex process, especially with new tax laws in place. Mark Biller, executive editor at Sound Mind Investing, joins Rob West to discuss the pros and cons of each option and how to create a diversified tax strategy. They explore the benefits of having both traditional and Roth accounts, including flexibility and reduced tax liability, and provide a rule of thumb for determining the right balance between the two. [... more]