Reverse mortgages have carried a negative reputation for years especially among Christians who are cautious about debt But as with any financial tool faithful stewardship calls us to understand how it works before deciding whether it belongs in a financial plan Harlan Accola leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage a FaithFi underwriter He joined the show today to explain why reverse mortgages remain controversial how today's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage HECM differs from older products and when it might play a useful role in retirement planning Why Are Christians Hesitant About Reverse Mortgages For many believers the hesitation [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories Sage Hellstern was the fastest runner on his middle school cross-country team In his final meet that year he finished th out of runners with everyone ahead of him a year older Then doctors found a tumor in the back of his brain After surgery a year and a half of radiation and chemotherapy and months of physical therapy Sage returned to the track Cancer had taken much of his strength and the kid who once raced near the front now finished last But Sage kept lacing up his shoes His stepfather Roger [... more]

Long-term care isn't just a health issue It can become a major financial and family decision Most of us hope we'll never need extended care but wise stewardship means preparing for possibilities before they become a crisis And while long-term care insurance may be part of that preparation the first step isn't necessarily buying a policy It's having a plan Nathan Sanow President of LTC Consumer and MasterCare LLC has spent more than two decades helping individuals and families navigate long-term care planning He says the most important place to begin is understanding what would happen if you or someone [... more]

The book of Ecclesiastes teaches that wisdom is a shelter that preserves life, while wealth can be fleeting. John Cortinez shares his study, Wisdom Over Wealth, which explores 12 lessons from Ecclesiastes on money and the importance of prioritizing wisdom over wealth. He discusses how to obtain wisdom, the dangers of wealth without wisdom, and the benefits of living a life that honors God. [... more]

As we age, we may feel like we're no longer able to contribute to God's work, but Daniel's story shows us that faithfulness, fearfulness, and frailty are not barriers to serving God. We can be faithful and fearful, yet still do the work God has given us, even if we're not physically strong or able to see the end result. God sees our secret efforts and will reward us openly, and we should not be discouraged or think we're too old to make a difference. [... more]

Managing money wisely involves understanding tools like IRAs and considering factors such as tax planning, estate planning, and trusts to make informed decisions. A well-planned approach can help individuals achieve their financial goals and reflect their values. [... more]

Cultivating a generous spirit in families from early years to adulthood involves modeling giving, hosting reverse birthday parties, and encouraging children to help others. As children grow, parents can connect generosity to their passions and interests, and involve them in experiential learning opportunities. Ultimately, generosity is a whole-life purpose-filled concept that makes a lasting impact. [... more]

Couples can achieve financial health and unity by following biblical principles, practicing generosity, and managing debt effectively. A Christian financial advisor shares practical tips and strategies for couples to work together, prioritize their finances, and make wise decisions about retirement planning and debt management. [... more]

Discipleship is a process of spiritual duplication where older believers give the younger an example to follow, a paradigm for success. It's a privilege we can take part in, a joy to see a new believer begin to grow. Recognizing the need for God, admitting sin, and believing in Jesus Christ are the first steps in establishing a relationship with God. [... more]

Crystal Payne shares practical advice on back-to-school budgeting, including involving kids in the process and taking advantage of tax-free weekends. Rob West also answers listener questions on retirement savings, generosity, and estate planning, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing needs, building an emergency fund, and seeking professional guidance. [... more]

The parable of the prodigal son teaches us about God's love and compassion for sinners, and how He views those who have made mistakes and those who think they are good. Jesus' story shows us that God is always looking for us, even when we are far from Him, and that He wants us to come home and be with Him. [... more]

Seeking wise counsel is a key part of faithful stewardship, and it's essential to recognize that God never intended for us to walk through life's biggest decisions alone. Biblical wisdom includes discernment, humility, and the willingness to receive insight from others, and it's crucial to remind ourselves that these voices keep us from drifting into the ditches of greed, fear, impulsiveness, or self-reliance. When making financial decisions, we can look for voices that justify our desires, reinforce our fears, or confirm what we've already decided, but wise counsel doesn't merely validate us, it helps us see what we cannot see on our own. [... more]

The story of the prodigal son is a powerful example of God's enduring love and redemption. Jesus shares this parable to illustrate the father's heart, demonstrating that He is a loving Father who desires a relationship with His children. The story highlights the contrast between the rebellious younger brother and the self-righteous older brother, both of whom are lost in their own ways. Ultimately, Jesus is the redemptive brother who leaves the comfort of heaven to seek and save the lost, offering forgiveness and a new life through His sacrifice on the cross. [... more]

Honoring mothers goes beyond words, it's a biblical mandate to care for them practically and intentionally, especially as they grow older. Understanding the value of a mother's work, which can't be measured in dollars, is essential to living a life of gratitude, service, and responsibility. Faith in Finance explores the importance of financial planning, budgeting, and investing, providing guidance on how to steward God's resources wisely and honor one's mother. [... more]

Cal Beisner, President of the Cornwall Alliance, discusses the need for cultural renewal in America, emphasizing the importance of applying the whole counsel of God to every aspect of life, including politics, economics, and social issues. He argues that Christians have not been taught the basics of their faith, leading to a lack of understanding and application of biblical principles in their lives and in society. Beisner proposes the 'whole council' project, which aims to equip Christians to think biblically and apply the whole counsel of God to all areas of life, leading to a transformation of culture and society. [... more]

As we age, we can strengthen our faith by focusing on spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study, and by trusting in God's authority and obeying His Word. We can learn from the examples of biblical figures like Samuel and Paul, who continued to serve and pray for others even in their old age, and who passed on their wisdom and knowledge to younger generations. [... more]

A retired history teacher, Jay Moore, forms an unexpected friendship with a World War II veteran, Joe Brown, after striking up a conversation in a bookstore. Joe shares his personal stories and meaningful trophies from the war, including a bayonet that he used to fight off a Japanese soldier on Tinian Island. [... more]

Harlan Akola discusses the benefits and misconceptions of reverse mortgages, explaining how they can be a valuable tool for seniors struggling with cash flow and high-interest debt. He also addresses common concerns and provides guidance on how to approach debt management and retirement planning with a biblical perspective. [... more]

Protecting your finances is a form of stewardship, and being aware of potential scams and identity theft is crucial. Building a strong credit score without accumulating debt requires intentional steps, such as using a secured credit card or credit builder loan. A more straightforward approach to paying off your mortgage is to send extra payments annually, rather than relying on complicated home equity lines of credit. [... more]

Understanding the three-legged stool of retirement income, Americans rely on Social Security, employer-sponsored plans, and personal savings, with individual retirement accounts playing a crucial role. Mark Biller breaks down the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, discussing tax implications, contribution limits, and eligibility. He also shares practical advice on setting up business finances, including separating personal and business accounts, choosing a simple accounting system, and treating taxes as a bill to be paid. [... more]

Biblical marriage and motherhood are being abandoned in modern society, with many women choosing to work outside the home instead of prioritizing their families. The Apostle Paul's teachings in Titus 2 emphasize the importance of wives and mothers being workers at home, loving their husbands and children, and being submissive to their own husbands. This is seen as radical and old-fashioned by many, but it is a timeless truth that is still relevant today. [... more]

Paul's teachings on Titus emphasize the importance of self-sacrifice, purity, and modesty in Christian marriage and motherhood, challenging cultural norms and encouraging women to prioritize their relationships and faith over personal desires and expectations. [... more]

John Bryan's letter to his brother George, a third-generation sausage company owner, shares his management philosophy and leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement, motivating employees, and never being satisfied with success. [... more]

The aging of the American population is a significant culture-shaping force, with older believers having a crucial role in mentoring younger women and promoting God's design for marriage and family. Paul's letters, particularly Titus, emphasize the importance of older women modeling holy living and mentoring younger women to love their husbands and children, and to live with reverence and purity. [... more]

Godly older women are to be reverent, not malicious gossips, and teach younger women to love their husbands and children, modeling a life of self-sacrificing love and godly living. [... more]

Paul's letter to Titus emphasizes the importance of older men in the church, encouraging them to pursue temperance, dignity, and soundness in their faith, love, and perseverance, serving as role models for younger men and demonstrating the power of the Spirit of God. [... more]

Many older adults feel financially locked in their homes, which were never designed for aging bodies. A reverse mortgage can help them move into safer, healthier homes without taking on new monthly payments. Financial experts discuss the importance of prevention and planning for housing decisions later in life, and offer guidance on budgeting, debt management, and building an emergency fund. [... more]

Millions around the world are stuck in generational poverty, but the body of Christ is working together to break this cycle. Faith and Finance is partnering with Cross International to lift 250 kids in Malawi, Uganda, and Zambia out of poverty and introduce them to the love of Jesus. [... more]

The story of the weapons used in World War II, including the development of intermediate range ballistic missiles and the atomic bomb, as well as the use of barbed wire, machine guns, and landmines, is explored through the epic storytelling of Stephen Ambrose. [... more]

Navigating the youth sports world as Christian parents requires a shift in focus from earthly metrics to spiritual gains. By recognizing the influence of sports culture and the need for self-awareness, parents can learn to celebrate their children's spiritual growth and development, rather than just their physical achievements. [... more]

Seeking wise counsel is essential for making informed financial decisions, especially when it comes to navigating complex financial situations. By prioritizing godly counsel and biblical wisdom, individuals can make decisions that align with their values and goals, leading to greater peace of mind and financial stability. [... more]

A 75-year-old Peter, a former fisherman and church statesman, writes to encourage believers in the face of persecution, urging them to entrust their lives to their Creator God, who will always do what is right in a world gone wrong. [... more]

Pastor Greg Laurie shares the story of Jonah, highlighting the prophet's spiritual failure and his eventual change of heart. He emphasizes the importance of being brokenhearted over the lost and encourages listeners to take steps of faith to share the gospel with others, just as Jonah did in a revival that changed thousands of lives. [... more]

Growing older is a privilege denied to many, and it's essential to honor and value the contributions of older adults. By focusing on gratitude, growth, and grief, we can learn to appreciate the wisdom and experiences of those who have come before us. Intergenerational relationships, caregiving, and human connection are crucial in combating loneliness and providing a sense of purpose and belonging. As we age, we can choose to become bitter or joyful, and it's essential to focus on the right things and see what God is doing in us. [... more]

The history of Christmas traditions and the evolution of Santa Claus, from Saint Nicholas to the modern-day figure, is a fascinating story that spans centuries. Clement Clark Moore's poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' also known as 'The Night Before Christmas,' helped popularize the idea of Santa Claus as a jolly, gift-giving figure. Thomas Nast's illustrations further solidified the image of Santa, and the Christmas tree, a variation of the ancient Norse custom, became a central part of the family-oriented American Christmas. Meanwhile, the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions, are often overlooked, and AI in business can be a double-edged sword, adding more complexity to an already overwhelming IT landscape. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners, and holiday gifting can be a stressful but rewarding experience. [... more]

Solomon advises young people to enjoy their early years, invest them wisely, and guard them carefully, warning against the dangers of sexual sin and the importance of living with a joyful spirit and a sense of accountability to God. [... more]

Charitable giving and tax planning are crucial during year-end, and understanding donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions can help individuals make the most of their donations. Financial stewardship and biblical wisdom are essential in managing money, and recognizing God as the owner of everything can lead to a more balanced approach to finances. [... more]

The DiMaggio brothers, Joe, Dominic, and Vincent, pursued their passion for baseball and the American dream, but their lives took different paths. Joe became a legendary baseball player, while Dominic, often overshadowed by his brother, found success as a businessman and family man. Vincent's struggles with addiction and personal demons are also explored in this story about family, love, and the pursuit of greatness. [... more]

The next generation is redefining stewardship and generosity, with a focus on authenticity, impact, and community. Women play a significant role in shaping generosity, and advisors should consider co-creation and connecting head and heart when working with millennials and Gen Z. A reverse mortgage can be a viable option for tapping into home equity, and QCDs allow for tax-free charitable giving from IRAs. [... more]

Steve Stollier recounts his brushes with greatness, including meeting Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, and shares stories of their careers and personal lives, highlighting their dedication to their craft and their unique personalities. [... more]