Jeff Mannion, teaching pastor of Ada Bible Church, joins Rob West to explore how to cultivate contentment in a culture that always craves more. They discuss the dangers of comparison, the importance of generosity, and how to break free from the cycle of wanting more. Jeff shares his personal journey of decluttering and the lessons he's learned about contentment, including the need to focus on the present moment and to trust in God's provision. [... more]

Exploring the connection between generosity and the gospel, and how a biblical worldview can transform our approach to managing money and resources. We'll discuss practical strategies for retirement planning, investment decisions, and making the most of our financial resources, all while seeking to honor God with our finances. [... more]

We'll explore the idea that true freedom comes not from giving more, but from treasuring God most. We'll examine how our hearts can be enslaved to wealth, even when giving generously, and how choosing a better treasure can lead to a more fulfilling life. [... more]

Deciding when to take Social Security benefits can be a complex financial decision, impacting tens of thousands of dollars. A financial advisor can help you consider factors such as reduction, cash flow needs, debt, charitable giving, and longevity to make an informed decision. Additionally, establishing a lifestyle finish line can help guide personal spending and long-term planning, while a net worth finish line can provide a maximum limit on total assets. Stewardship and financial wisdom are essential in managing God's money and accomplishing His purposes. [... more]

Creating an emergency binder can bring peace of mind and direction in difficult moments, while also promoting financial stewardship and generosity. Guests discuss various financial topics, including inheritance tax, estate planning, and capital gains, highlighting the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in managing one's resources. [... more]

The story of Nicholas Nick Biddle, a man who may have been born enslaved, who became the first person to shed blood in the Civil War, and his journey with the first defenders of the Union as they responded to Abraham Lincoln's call to arms, facing challenges and violence in Baltimore, Maryland, and ultimately arriving in Washington D.C. to defend the nation's capital. [... more]

Creating a new baby financial checklist involves adding the newborn to health insurance, updating life insurance, building an emergency fund, and setting up an education savings fund. It's also essential to update taxes and consider a credit freeze. For retirees, investing in a 50-50 portfolio of stocks and fixed-income investments is a good starting point, and considering faith-based investing options can help align investments with values. [... more]

Combining finances as a married couple requires open and honest communication, trust, and a shared understanding of God's heart for money and marriage. Understanding the benefits of qualified charitable distributions and how to compare retirement plans can also help individuals make informed decisions about their financial futures. [... more]

Frugality can be a tool for faithful stewardship, but when pursued for its own sake, it can lead to selfishness, greed, and pride. Jesus teaches us to seek God's kingdom and his righteousness, and all our needs will be added to us. Rob West discusses the difference between frugality and financial stewardship, and how to achieve true peace and freedom from financial anxiety. [... more]

Effective financial planning is crucial for long-term success, and understanding the importance of stewardship can help individuals manage their money wisely. Experts discuss various strategies for retirement planning, including Social Security and HSAs, as well as the benefits of using Roth IRAs to optimize tax efficiency. [... more]

Aligning faith values with banking decisions requires taking precautions to prevent fraud and making informed financial decisions. Christian Community Credit Union offers values-aligned banking solutions, and experts provide guidance on investment options, retirement planning, and Roth IRA contributions. [... more]

Dale Vermillion discusses the potential change in the real estate market, citing increased consumer confidence and decreased patience among homebuyers. He advises listeners to make wise financial decisions, considering their values and priorities, when deciding whether to take on debt or wait to cash flow a project. Rob West and Dale Vermillion also address various listener questions, including managing debt, investing in retirement, and creating an emergency fund. [... more]

As parents, we want our children to be generous toward God's kingdom, and Dr. Art Raynor shares steps to grow our kids in generosity, including modeling gratefulness and generosity, teaching them to give, and introducing them to pastors and missionaries. Meanwhile, Rob West answers listener questions on annuities, retirement planning, and investing in bonds. [... more]

Good stewards acknowledge that everything belongs to God and possess resources only temporarily to serve his purposes. They understand the mission they've been given and take it seriously with humility. Faithful stewards are persistent and persevering, trustworthy, and diligent in their financial decisions, seeking God's will and wisdom through prayer and acting when led by the Spirit. [... more]

When deciding whether to lend money to a family member, consider the need, potential consequences, and whether it will help the borrower. The Bible has much to say about lending, including helping those in need and being cautious of wealth gained hastily. Before lending, ask yourself if the borrower can repay the loan, if you can afford to lose the money, and if you can help in another way. Finally, draw up a written agreement specifying the amount, interest rate, payment structure, and collateral to eliminate misunderstandings. [... more]

Living according to the Spirit requires a mindset of surrender to God's ways, including how we handle our money. A financial reset can help us recenter our minds and focus on spiritual priorities. Understanding the differences between traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as qualified charitable distributions, can also help us make informed decisions about our finances. [... more]

Unfinished conversations can leave us with unresolved feelings, and in the context of finances, this can lead to uncertainty and anxiety. Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, shares her insights on how to approach unfinished conversations, including those related to money, and how to find peace and resolution through biblical wisdom. [... more]

Aligning one's investments with their Christian values is a key aspect of faith-based investing, which involves considering the moral implications of investment decisions and seeking to honor God with one's finances. This approach can lead to a more holistic and values-driven approach to investing, where one's financial decisions are guided by biblical principles and a desire to glorify God. [... more]

Churches can help the poor in lasting ways by shifting from transactional to relational ministry, understanding the comprehensive nature of the fall, and welcoming people into supportive communities. This approach can lead to mutual transformation and a more biblical understanding of human flourishing. [... more]

As Christians, our service to the Lord never ends, and our view of retirement should be different from the world's view. We should save for the day when we can no longer work as diligently as we do now, but continue to serve the Lord in some capacity. It's prudent and entirely biblical to save for the future, and we should look to God's word for guidance on managing our finances. [... more]

Living with integrity in financial dealings means being honest, morally strong, and dependable. Christians are called to represent Jesus Christ to the world, and their attitudes and actions around money reveal a lot about their heart. Honesty, moral strength, and dependability are essential elements of integrity, and God's Word provides guidance on how to manage finances wisely and faithfully. [... more]

Many people struggle with saving money due to lack of self-discipline and financial literacy. Rob West discusses the importance of having a spending plan, cutting unnecessary expenses, and developing the habit of saving. He also addresses debt management, investing, and union benefits, emphasizing the need to approach financial decisions from a biblical perspective. [... more]

Living with financial margin means having extra for rainy days, family emergencies, and helping others, achieved through budgeting and wise investing. A Certified Kingdom Advisor can help you make informed decisions about your finances, aligning with your biblical values. [... more]

The pursuit of wealth and luxury can lead to lifestyle creep, a gradual increase in spending as income rises. Dr. Kelly Rush explains how this concept is rooted in human nature and the Bible, using the story of Lot to illustrate the dangers of idolatry and the importance of setting financial finish lines to prioritize giving and living a life that honors God. [... more]

Deborah Sampson, a woman from Massachusetts, disguised herself as a man and joined the Patriot forces during the American Revolution, serving in George Washington's army and becoming a war hero. She later petitioned the government for back pay as a soldier and became the first American woman to go on a paid public lecture tour. [... more]

Couples can find agreement on giving by understanding that it's not their money, but God's. They can create a system that works for them, such as directing a portion of their giving individually and then jointly deciding on the rest. Prayer and research can also inform their giving decisions, and getting involved in ministries can be a powerful way to give and make a difference. [... more]

Cutting back on eating out and preparing more meals at home can save a significant amount of money. Effective meal planning and grocery shopping strategies can help individuals make healthier choices and reduce food expenses. Maximizing savings rates and investing wisely can also lead to financial stability and security. Giving generously and tithing to support the work of the Lord can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose. [... more]

Rob West discusses the qualified charitable distribution, a tax benefit for individuals over 70 and a half with an IRA, allowing them to transfer funds directly to charity without reporting the income, and the potential to satisfy required minimum distributions. He also answers listener questions on retirement planning, financial decisions, and stewardship, providing biblical wisdom and guidance on managing finances. [... more]

The story of Nicholas Biddle, a black man who may have been born enslaved, and his role as the first person to shed blood in the Civil War, is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the first defenders of the Union. As the first volunteers from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, arrived in Baltimore to defend the nation's capital, they were met with violence and hostility from a mob of Confederate sympathizers. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Pennsylvanians persevered, and their bravery was recognized by President Abraham Lincoln himself. The story of Nicholas Biddle and the first defenders is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. [... more]

Managing God's money wisely involves living within our means, understanding the master's heart, and being faithful stewards. Recognizing the importance of teaching children financial literacy and the dangers of debt, Christians can use biblical principles to navigate their financial journey and achieve financial freedom. [... more]

College is a significant financial decision, with varying earning potential depending on the major. Data shows that engineering and computer science degrees offer the highest return on investment, while education and humanities majors rank lowest. Understanding the earning potential of a major can help individuals make informed decisions about borrowing and investing in their education. [... more]

Hans and Robby are back again this week with a brand new episode This week's discussion is about how to either turn your k or IRA into a pension check Don't forget to get your copy of The Complete Cardinal Guide to Planning for and Living in Retirement on Amazon or on CardinalGuide com for free You can contact Hans and Cardinal by emailing hans cardinalguide com or calling - - Learn more at CardinalGuide com Find us on YouTube Cardinal Advisors [... 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]

ABLE accounts provide a powerful tool for families caring for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to save for expenses without jeopardizing government benefits. Certified Kingdom Advisors can help navigate the process and provide biblically wise financial advice. [... 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]

Replacing worry and striving with thriving requires a focus on God's provision and a holistic approach to financial decision making. As stewards, we must prioritize contentment, generosity, and trust in God as our provider, using money as a tool to accomplish His purposes. [... more]

Choosing the right financial advisor and tax preparer is crucial for making informed decisions about your finances. Certified Kingdom Advisors offer biblical financial advice, and it's essential to find a qualified tax preparer to avoid potential problems during tax season. When considering property investment, it's vital to determine the market value and assess the financial readiness to take on the debt. Understanding property assessment and appealing a high property tax value is also crucial for homeowners. [... 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]

Tithing in retirement can be complicated due to varying income sources, but having a plan can give you confidence in your financial decisions. A certified financial planner shares expert advice on how to approach tithing in retirement, including considering the first fruits principle and applying a percentage to earnings, not just principal. He also discusses tax-efficient ways to give, such as using appreciated stock or donor advised funds. [... 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]