Investing can be a spiritual act that brings joy and honors God when done with Christian values in mind. By viewing investments as opportunities to partner with companies that align with faith-based principles, individuals can create real-world impact and promote human flourishing. This approach involves being an owner, not just a trader, and taking responsibility for the companies they invest in, including influencing their practices and policies through corporate engagement. [... more]

Investors are piling into gold and silver as concerns about currency debasement and inflation grow. Central banks have been buying gold aggressively, and individual investors are now joining the trade. Gold has set new all-time highs in both dollar terms and inflation-adjusted terms, while silver is knocking on the door of its 1980 peak. Experts recommend a core position in physical metals, supplemented by ETFs, and caution against over-investing in mining stocks. [... more]

Preparing for inevitable expenses with sinking funds is a key aspect of financial planning, as seen in biblical examples such as Joseph's grain storage and the ant's diligence. Setting aside resources gradually for future expenses provides peace of mind and freedom from debt, while also demonstrating trust in God's provision. Effective retirement planning involves considering expenses that are irregular but inevitable, such as car repairs and medical costs, and breaking them down into manageable pieces through sinking funds. [... more]

Israel has emerged as a global innovation hub and a rising player in international markets, offering a strategic opportunity for investors. The country's economy is strong, with a developed economy and a growing tech sector, driven by companies like Wiz and CyberArc. Investing in Israel can provide access to foreign markets and diversification, while also aligning with faith-based values and screens. [... more]

Investors face a subtle but dangerous temptation when markets soar, trading wisdom for excitement. A solid long-term investing plan should account for a person's risk tolerance and stage of life, and it should be long term in nature. Diversification is an act of humility, recognizing that nobody knows what the future holds. It's essential to spread investments among different types of assets to protect against downturns and avoid emotional decision making. [... more]

Warren Buffett's remarkable investing career is a testament to the power of patience, discipline, and biblical wisdom. His approach to investing, which emphasizes staying disciplined when others panic, has led to incredible success. Buffett's timeless lessons, such as the importance of diversifying holdings and keeping emotions in check, are valuable for investors of all levels. By applying these principles, individuals can build wealth and achieve financial peace of mind. [... more]

Bitcoin's acceptance by a growing proportion of global investors as digital gold is on the rise, driven by a shift in the regulatory environment and institutional adoption. This trend has significant implications for investors, particularly those with a high risk tolerance, who may consider diversifying a small portion of their portfolio into Bitcoin. However, it's essential to understand the distinction between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, which still carry significant risks. [... more]

God's wisdom differs sharply from what the world considers wise, and true wisdom is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of wisdom. The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that money is a tool, not our source of meaning, and that we should be generous and live within God's provision, seeing him as our ultimate treasure. [... more]

Deirdre Gibson joins the show to discuss the benefits of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how they can be used to align investments with Christian values. She explains the differences between ETFs and mutual funds, and how ETFs can provide tax efficiency and liquidity. Deirdre also shares examples of Praxis Investment Management's faith-based ETFs and how they can help investors make a positive impact on the world. [... 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]

Investing in private markets can provide unique opportunities for positive impact, aligning with Christian values and furthering God's kingdom through the marketplace. One Ascent offers a values-aligned private market fund, accessible to everyday investors, providing a diversified portfolio with potential for higher returns and lower correlation to public markets. [... more]

Rob West discusses the potential impact of President Trump's second term on the economy and investors with Mark Biller, executive editor at Soundmind Investing. They examine the market trends, interest rates, and inflation, and provide insights on how to navigate the anticipated disruption. [... 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]

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]

Consolidating multiple IRAs can simplify tracking and reduce hassle when calculating required minimum distributions. However, diversification is built by the actual investments, not the number of accounts. A single IRA can hold a diversified portfolio, and consolidating can help avoid penalties for forgotten accounts. [... more]

Wealthy individuals can make financial mistakes just as easily as others, and perhaps with even worse consequences. Cole Pearson shares several common mistakes the wealthy make, including not updating estate plans regularly, not having a tax strategy, and not diversifying income. He also emphasizes the importance of living within one's means, avoiding debt, having some margin or liquidity, setting long-term goals, and giving generously. [... more]

A 76-year-old single woman considers using a reverse mortgage to boost her income and stay in her home, while a listener in Indiana weighs the pros and cons of selling a rental property and a listener in Florida seeks advice on managing debt and starting a side business. [... more]

Understanding the importance of financial literacy and how it can be achieved through compound interest, good debt, and responsible credit management. A listener's question about accelerated mortgage strategies is also discussed, and the host provides guidance on how to navigate complex financial decisions. [... 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]

The Bible talks about money and finances more than heaven and hell combined, and it's because money affects our lives every day. To avoid financial regrets, it's essential to set aside some of our current income to prepare for the future, just like Joseph did in Genesis 41. We should also control our spending, invest wisely, and avoid get rich quick schemes. By doing so, we can become financially independent and make a positive impact on eternity by investing in God's work. [... more]

Preparing for college and managing student loan debt requires discipline and biblical wisdom. Financial author Art Rayner shares strategies for minimizing debt, including saving, taking college-level courses, exploring scholarships, and being willing to work while in school. He also discusses common misconceptions about student loans and the importance of educating oneself on the commitment involved. [... more]

Certified Financial Planner Hans Scheil discusses the 10 Principles of Investing Success, including embracing market pricing, resisting past performance, and managing emotions to achieve long-term financial goals. [... more]

When life's challenges pile up, it's like when it rains, it pours. This concept can be applied to the market's behavior, where panic selling can lead to wider swings. To navigate uncertainty, focus on what you can control and be prepared for the unexpected. Grandma's wisdom, such as a bad apple spoils the whole barrel, reminds us to diversify and avoid relying on a single investment. Additionally, considering the source of information and being aware of peer pressure can help make informed financial decisions. [... more]

As people approach retirement, their financial priorities shift from growth and risk-taking to predictability, safety, and security. Certified financial planner Hans Shiel explains how diversification, risk management, and understanding available options can help individuals create a stable income in retirement, considering factors like social security, taxes, and investment returns. [... more]

Maintaining wealth and purchasing power in a world with deep debt and currency devaluation is crucial. Financial advisor Richard Puccarelli recommends allocating a portion of one's assets into precious metals, such as gold and silver, to protect against potential devaluation and maintain purchasing power. He suggests a 5-10% allocation to precious metals and storing them securely through a custodian like Equity Institutional. [... more]

The dot com crash of 2000 was a crash of a couple of sectors, primarily due to market cap weighted investing, where indexes buy more of bigger companies. This led to a significant amount of money being invested in a small handful of companies, which crashed and pulled down the average of the index. A truly diversified portfolio would have made double digits during the crash, and Warren Buffett's strategy of buying low based on price earnings ratios and growth of earnings would have been effective. Similarities between the dot com crash and today's market include people getting excited when prices are going up, but the big difference is that today's companies are extremely profitable. To avoid a potential bubble, it's essential to diversify amongst undervalued companies in multiple sectors, rather than chasing after overvalued companies. [... more]

Investing in the stock market can be unpredictable, but having a diversified portfolio and a long-term perspective can lead to greater success. A financial advisor emphasizes the importance of understanding different asset classes, blending equities and fixed income, and avoiding speculation and style drift in actively managed funds. [... more]

A diversified portfolio is crucial for investors, but understanding what it truly means can be challenging. Bob Payne, Chief Investment Officer at Payne Capital Management, explains that true diversification requires four legs: bonds, stocks, real estate, and alternative investments, with diversification across asset classes and within asset classes. [... more]