On Good Friday, we reflect on the cross and the profound truths of the gospel in everyday language, using financial imagery to describe spiritual realities. We discuss the importance of building an emergency fund, retirement planning, and using home equity through reverse mortgages to supplement income and live comfortably in retirement. [... 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]

Living a holy life in an unholy world requires obedience, a handle on our thought life, and a grip on our emotions. We must focus on the future and get rid of old habits that no longer serve us. By doing so, we can stay clean and distinctively live for Christ. [... more]

Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater, as seen in the story of the rich young ruler, who struggled with the desire for more and the longing to create treasure, ultimately realizing that true wealth lies in using every resource in service of Christ. [... more]

Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The event is a pivotal moment in the Christian faith, demonstrating Jesus' messiahship and offering salvation to humanity. As the Bible says, 'Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem, Behold, your King is coming to you, He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' [... more]

Money is a gift from God, but it also carries spiritual weight, revealing what we trust. Every spending decision, every saving decision, and every act of generosity asks a question: what am I trusting right now, God or money? Financial wisdom is not just about managing our finances, but about using money as a tool to accomplish God's purposes and serve others. [... more]

Navigating the complexities of caregiving, Peter Rosenberger shares valuable insights on how to effectively communicate with medical professionals, assert caregiver authority, and advocate for loved ones. He emphasizes the importance of being polite, prepared, and aware of one's role in the medical process. [... more]

Young adults starting their careers can set themselves up for long-term stability and generosity by making wise financial decisions, such as creating a budget, building an emergency fund, and avoiding debt. A financial advisor or mentor can provide guidance, and being mindful of common pitfalls like overspending and not saving is crucial. By prioritizing giving and generosity, individuals can experience the joy of giving and find contentment through biblical wisdom. [... more]

Christian financial advisors equipped with biblical wisdom and professional credibility help clients align their values with financial decisions and investments. They provide guidance on faith-based financial planning, retirement planning, and navigating complex financial situations, including Social Security benefits and inheritance tax. [... more]

Rapid spending on autism therapy in North Carolina's Medicaid program is projected to exceed a billion dollars within the next two years, prompting state lawmakers to raise alarms and press health officials to explain these rapidly rising costs. Meanwhile, a legal challenge in North Carolina is testing the limits of body camera footage access, and a ballot selfie ban is being appealed to the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. [... more]

Investing in companies that prioritize servant leadership and biblical stewardship can lead to long-term business success and positive impact on society. Dolores Bamford, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Eventide Asset Management, shares her expertise on evaluating leadership quality and its role in creating lasting value. [... more]

Dr. Abadan Shah discusses the importance of being a doer of the word and not just a hearer, highlighting the dangers of deceiving oneself and the need for immediate evaluation and correction. He also emphasizes the importance of speech, service, and separation from the world in living a holy and transformed life. [... more]

Saving and stewardship are not just about accumulating wealth, but about living with purpose and aligning our financial habits with values that reflect the kingdom. Scripture reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, and what we have is entrusted for purposes that reach beyond us. A life without margin leaves little flexibility to serve others, support ministry, or participate in kingdom work. God designed generosity often requires readiness, and readiness requires margin. [... more]

Your life is shaped by your thoughts, and 95% of them are below the level of consciousness. The law of cognition says your life is molded by your thoughts, and you can't change that by trying harder or more religious services. Transformation comes by renewing your mind, aligning your thoughts with God's truth, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. [... more]

Caregivers face a 'tactically complex environment' where they must navigate uncertainty and make decisions with incomplete information. Finding mission clarity and a sense of purpose can bring hope and strength in the midst of challenges. A caregiver's faith and prayer can provide comfort and relief, even in the darkest moments. Support from others and resources like Standing With Hope can make a significant difference in the caregiving journey. [... more]

A close race in North Carolina's Senate between Phil Berger and Sam Page remains unchanged after a machine recount in Rockingham and Guilford counties. The Berger campaign has until late afternoon to request a partial hand-eye recount, which could potentially expand to a full hand-eye recount of all 26,000 plus votes in the contest. [... more]

Navigating financial decisions in blended families requires intentional effort and a clear plan. Couples can use a Togetherness Agreement to promote peace and unity in their marriage by addressing emotionally charged issues and creating a roadmap for their financial future. This agreement can provide clarity on financial decisions, including how to manage debt, investments, and assets, and can help couples make decisions that align with their values and faith. [... more]

Stephen Ross shares the story of his uncle Max, a successful businessman and philanthropist, who had a profound impact on his life and taught him valuable lessons about success, family legacy, and giving back to society. [... more]

North Carolina's Senate District 26 is at the center of a heated election dispute between Phil Berger and Sam Page, with Berger's campaign requesting a recount due to concerns over incorrect ballots. Meanwhile, a group known as Grow NC is working to aid in the recovery efforts of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, exploring disaster investment zones and long-term economic recovery strategies. [... 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]

Dr. Russell James III discusses the biblical perspective on wealth management, highlighting the importance of joyful stewardship and generosity. He explains how fear can lead to hoarding and how recognizing God as the giver can free us to enjoy and share our wealth. The conversation also touches on the role of generosity in building trust and witness, and how joyful wealth management can help us take hold of life that is truly life. [... more]

Dan and Mary Kay Rath, Christian real estate agents, discuss the importance of personal relationships and financial decisions in buying and selling homes, while Wade Arnold, a marriage coach, shares his expertise on coaching and counseling for Christian couples, highlighting the need for biblical guidance in marriage and relationships. [... more]

The dark spiritual contagion of anti-Israel, anti-Jewish enmity is a topic of concern, with many Christians and conservatives succumbing to anti-Semitic sentiments, blaming the Jewish people for global problems, and questioning their right to exist in their ancient homeland. This enmity is rooted in a lack of understanding of God's promise to the Jewish people, as stated in Genesis 12:3, and is often fueled by financial gain and a desire for clicks and attention. [... more]

Living in a world filled with doom and negativity, Christians can choose to focus on the hope of the gospel and the character of God. By entering into scripture daily and applying spiritual truth, individuals can experience transformation and impact their world. Kevin Thompson, author of Hope Scrolling, shares practical advice on how to live a hope-filled life, including the importance of humility, prayer, and sharing the gospel with others. [... more]

Understanding your life purpose is key to making important decisions, choosing purity over immorality, and protecting yourself from Satan's attacks. Dr. Robert Jeffress explains how to live a life of purpose and discipline, and how to overcome the temptation of sin and greed. [... more]

The way you think affects your life more than you realize, and what you think today determines who you are and where you're going. To live a godly life, you must learn to screen your thoughts, select the right ones, and cultivate godly thinking, allowing God to control your life and work in your behalf. [... more]

The story of Cornelius Jacobson, a young man from Germany who immigrated to the United States in 1884, is shared by his great-grandson John L. Jacobson. Cornelius's journey from Germany to America, aboard a steamship, is a poignant tale of hope, uncertainty, and the pursuit of a better life. [... more]

Believers can reframe their view of taxes as evidence of God's provision, rather than just an interruption to their finances. This mindset shift can lead to gratitude, humility, and trust in God's sovereignty. Christians can also apply biblical wisdom to their financial decisions, such as prioritizing integrity and honesty in their financial dealings. [... more]

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is calling for a $1.4 billion critical needs budget to address the state's budget crisis, which has been ongoing for over two and a half years. The budget would provide raises for teachers, state troopers, and other state law enforcement, as well as fund Medicaid and other critical needs. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Budd is voicing his support for President Trump's approach towards Iran, citing the regime's history of terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. In other news, a federal judge has ruled against a Libertarian voter who challenged North Carolina's ballot selfie restrictions, citing the state's interest in preventing vote buying and coercion. Additionally, North Carolina's charter school infrastructure is set to receive a major boost from a record-breaking $52.9 million federal grant, which will support the establishment of new charter schools and career and technical education programs. [... more]

FaithFi's new app helps users build a budget and live it out with daily check-ins, weekly progress snapshots, and monthly goal alignment. Meanwhile, Compass Financial Ministry's One More program encourages intentional relationships and shared discussions to create lasting eternal impact through financial discipleship. A listener's question about managing her 19-year-old daughter's finances sparks a conversation about budgeting tools and responsible spending habits. [... more]

Money reveals our hearts, and our pursuit of treasure often leads to anxiety and slavery. Jesus cares about treasure not because He opposes wealth, but because wealth competes for what He alone deserves, our trust. Generosity can reveal the heart, but it doesn't automatically transform it. True freedom comes from loving Christ most, and when Christ becomes our treasure, everything else takes its proper place. [... more]

Managing credit reports and scores requires understanding common myths and misconceptions. A certified credit counselor explains how to dispel these myths and achieve financial freedom through debt management and responsible credit use. [... more]

The Christian life is a journey of choices and decisions, where individuals can either choose spiritual growth or spiritual decline. The parable of the sower in the Gospel of Luke teaches that the seed of God's word can fall on different types of soil, representing the human heart, and that the choices we make determine the outcome. Those who choose to follow God's word and cling to it will produce a harvest, while those who let the cares and riches of this life crowd out their spiritual growth will wither away. [... more]

A razor-thin margin in the Republican primary contest between Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page has led to scrutiny over provisional ballots and the state's budget impasse. The North Carolina State Board of Elections is reviewing 189 provisional ballots, which could potentially change the outcome of the election. Meanwhile, the state's budget remains unresolved, with the General Assembly yet to pass a new budget. The lack of a budget is affecting various agencies, including the Secretary of State's office, which is struggling to fund investigations and staff. The Governor has announced plans to propose critical needs that cannot wait for next year's budget, including Medicaid funding. [... more]

New parents can benefit from a financial checklist to ensure they're prepared for the added expenses of raising a child. This includes updating health insurance, life insurance, budgeting, creating or updating a will, building an emergency fund, updating taxes, and considering education savings. A financial advisor can help individuals navigate these changes and make informed decisions about their finances. [... more]

Raising children to know their identities and purpose in life is crucial for their emotional, intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual growth. Parents can model this by celebrating their children's unique qualities, teaching them to be hospitable and other-centered, and helping them develop skills like making friends and having conversations. By prioritizing these values, parents can help their children become secure, confident, and compassionate individuals who are equipped to navigate life's challenges. [... 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]

The Todd Stern Show discusses the recent election results in Texas and North Carolina, where the Republican Party failed to turn out in large numbers, potentially costing them a Senate seat. The show also touches on the ongoing conflict in Iran, with the US and Israel taking a strong stance against the country. Additionally, the topic of college football and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on the sport is discussed, with President Trump announcing a meeting to address the issue. [... more]

Securing a child's heart involves prioritizing a loving relationship, being present, and asking open-ended questions to understand their thoughts and feelings. Parents should focus on teaching and training, rather than yelling and telling, and model a vibrant relationship with God to inspire their child's spiritual growth. [... more]

Biblical financial wisdom can reshape the way we think about money, security, and contentment. Scripture teaches that real security comes from trusting God, and that true wealth is found in eternal life and stability. By applying biblical principles, individuals can make faithful financial decisions, manage debt, and cultivate generosity, ultimately achieving financial freedom. [... more]