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Membership eligibility required, accounts are privately insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance. This institution is not federally insured. What if the most important question about your savings isn't how much you have, but what it's really for? Hi, I'm Rob West. We often talk about saving as a financial skill, which it is, but Scripture invites us to see saving as a purposeful act of stewardship.
Today we'll explore why saving matters and how it fits into a life of faith. And then we'll take your phone calls at 800-525-7000. This is Faith and Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial journey. Let's be honest, saving rarely feels automatic. If it did, we wouldn't need reminders, spreadsheets, apps, or the occasional sticky note taped to the fridge.
Saving forces us to resist the pull of the present in favor of the future, and that kind of restraint has always been in short supply. Cultural messaging pushes us toward consumption and immediacy rather than toward patience and preparation. Many households operate without margin, one unexpected bill, one repair, one medical issue, or one job transition away from financial pressure. That circumstance isn't merely about arithmetic, it's about posture. Saving teaches us to slow down, to hold back, and to make intentional decisions that put tomorrow before today.
It requires us to say not now, so we can say yes when the time is right. The Bible affirms this kind of foresight. Proverbs consistently praises diligence, prudence, and gathering in season as wise, never as evidence of faithlessness. Saving doesn't compete with God's provision, it's a response to His provision. It reflects respect for the responsibilities he's entrusted to us.
Wisdom is never depicted as passive, it's active, thoughtful, and future-oriented. But scripture also offers a guardrail. Our security doesn't come from accumulated resources, it comes from the Lord Himself. When saving becomes a substitute for trust, it subtly forms a rival foundation. God is our provider, not our portfolio.
Jesus makes this distinction in Luke 12 through the example of the ravens. They don't store up, yet they are fed. His point isn't that planning is wrong, it's that anxiety is misplaced. God knows our needs and is faithful to meet them. Saving, rightly understood, isn't self-reliance, it's stewardship under God's care.
Purpose is what keeps our saving from drifting into hoarding or fear. Without purpose, saving can feel like deprivation, a long delay between desire and fulfillment. It's easy for it to become fear management, or worse, quiet accumulation that promises safety it can't deliver. But with purpose, saving becomes readiness. It becomes preparation for storms without panic, provision for family without strain, and a foundation for generosity that doesn't require hesitation.
Saving also has a communal dimension. Scripture reminds us that we are stewards, not owners. 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.
Of course, scripture doesn't prescribe a universal percentage or target balance. Faithfulness isn't measured in dollar amounts. Saving may look different across seasons and circumstances. For some, especially those living near or below the poverty line, saving may feel out of reach, and that struggle is real in the midst of today's affordability concerns. For many others, the challenge is less about income and more about intention and restraint.
Saving asks us to live below our means in a world that encourages living at or above them. And that leads us to a practical question. If saving is meant to be purposeful, then where we save and what our saving support matters too. That's why Christian Community Credit Union and Adelphi have come together to form Adelphi Christian Banking, uniting two Christ-centered institutions with a shared mission to help believers steward God's resources wisely. Together, they're expanding a Christian banking ecosystem designed to serve families at every stage of their financial journey while channeling resources toward ministries, churches, and gospel impact organizations around the world.
Saving with purpose isn't just about what we set aside, it's about aligning our financial habits with values that reflect the kingdom. When your banking partner shares your Christian worldview, even ordinary financial practices can point toward eternal priorities.
So, if you're looking for a banking partner that shares your Christian worldview, Christian values, take a closer look at Adelphi Christian Banking. They offer trusted financial solutions while helping support churches, ministries, and gospel-centered causes. Learn more at faithphy.com/slash banking. That's faithfi.com/slash banking. Every day on Faith and Finance, we hear from believers who want to follow Jesus faithfully with their finances.
Because of Faithful Partners, Faith Pi reaches millions through radio, books, and the FaithPhy app, helping people see that money issues are really hard issues. Become a FaithPhy partner today with a gift of $35 a month or $400 a year, and you'll not only help sustain this ministry, but also receive our latest resources too. Visit faithby.com/slash give today. We are grateful for support from Timothy Plan. Since 1994, Timothy Plan has shared good news with investors and advisors by offering faith-honoring mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.
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Thanks for joining us today on Faith and Finance. We're taking your calls and questions today. We've got a few lines open at 800-525-7000. Call right now. Let's see, let's head out to Indiana.
Jake, thanks for your patience. Go ahead. Yeah. Hi, Rob. I'm a loyal listener to you, and I'm just so thankful for your ministry and everything that you're doing.
Um I I wanted to talk to you about a potential opportunity that I was presented with. It's working for the federal government. Obviously having the the the federal pension, all of the benefits that go along with becoming a federal employee.
However, I am torn because it is about a thirty-five thousand dollar pay cut from what I'm currently making. And I my wife and I ran all the numbers. We We did all of the allocations and all of that. And we feel that we could still afford it, but I'm still I still have that apprehension within me that it's such a large pay cut, and I just don't know what the right decision is. Yeah.
Well, I can appreciate that. I mean, it's a big decision. I think the starting point, and I'm glad you and your wife are thinking about it, make it a matter of prayer. Ask the Lord to give you wisdom on this decision. I think one of the first questions to ask is: if the pay were the same, would I choose the federal job?
You know, just in terms of the non-financial soft issues, maybe it's fewer hours or the commute's better, lower stress, more flexibility, you know, just everything, quality of life that goes into that. And if the answer is yes, you would, then the question becomes: is the 35,000 worth the additional benefits and security and potentially peace that comes along with that? Because there is real value there. I mean, when we put a dollar value on every benefit, you know, that's significant often when you look at what's called the invisible paycheck of federal service, because it may be mathematically worth it in the long run. I mean, the primary equalizer is the FERS pension, the federal retirement system.
That's a guaranteed lifetime income stream that's virtually extinct in the private sector.
So, you know, depending on your situation, typically if you retire within 20 years. Of service, that pension alone can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over your retirement. And then you typically would have access to the health insurance from the federal government, which you basically can keep for life, and that protects you from massive medical costs in your 70s and 80s. And then you factor in the 5% TSP match on the thrift savings plan and the other things you would get. And often that total compensation might be 30 or 40% higher than the salary.
Appears.
So the key would come down to: you know, can you afford the monthly cash flow dip now? and then plan to stay long enough to vest. where the long-term security might actually win out. Does that make sense though? It does, it does.
And that's exactly what I was kind of thinking as well too. And my wife and I, we kind of set up a very nice nesting. We've got a year's worth of savings invested for our household expenses, things of that nature. We tried to be very proactive as far as our saving is concerned.
So to try and be prepared for a position such as this, It's just it's that initial sticker shock aspect, but there are so many different benefits and things of that nature. And I'm just it's It's kind of scary because I've worked so hard to get to the position that I am, but then to be presented with an opportunity such as this, I know it's the Lord's timing and I know it was his provision to open that door. But that definitely answers a lot of my questions as far as I think that it probably would be a smart decision to go forward with this as far as career progression and all that is concerned.
Well done on putting yourself in a position where you and your wife can actually even consider this just because you have the ability, you've been living modestly, you've got a healthy emergency fund. You know, if you were in a different spot, you may not even be able to consider this opportunity.
So I think that's great. Just let's sit in that for a second and celebrate that. Beyond that, let me just ask the question: you know, if you were to set that $35,000 aside, would you definitely take this job apart from that? Absolutely. I think without a shadow of a doubt, my wife and I are wanting to have a family.
And obviously, when it was one of the many benefits is having that paternity leave and being able to spend time with our newborn child in that way. And being able to have all of the additional time off and the ability to be able to spend with my family in that way would be such a blessing.
So in addition to having that the furs and the pension and all the other benefits that go along with it.
So yes, to answer your question, long story short, yes, I would. And the work itself aligns with how you believe God's uniquely gifted you, and it's a progression that allows you to continue to advance in what you've been doing to this point.
Okay. Yes, it does. And there are positions it's more of an entry-level position that I would be entering now just to try and enter the federal government with the VA hospital. But definitely there are opportunities to advance as time progresses, and as I gain more skills and talents. Yeah.
Well, I mean, I think one of the things you can look at is, you know, understanding the basic pension formula and convert that into a monthly income number, you know, for the future.
So, you know, the pension formula is basically years of service times the pension factor times your high three year, your high three average salary.
So, you would basically say, okay, you know, most retirees, it's 1% a year. You know, and so let's say your high, you know, three salary is $100,000 after 20 years with a factor of one. I mean, that'd be $20,000 a year.
So that's an extra $1,67 a month, basically.
So you can kind of work through that formula and see, okay, based on how long I stay and what I think my highest three years of earnings would be, you know, here's what I would be eligible for down the road. And then you could convert that, you know, monthly pension into a portfolio replacement. What would it take in terms of a portfolio at a 4% withdrawal rate to generate that same amount? I mean, if it's $20,000 a year, that's a half a million dollar portfolio that would support a 20,000 a year withdrawal rate.
So that's pretty significant. But I think even once you do that and begin to appreciate the value of the benefit, Then it's a function of: okay, what does that mean for us in terms of our lifestyle and our expenses and a growing family right now? And what is the trajectory of that pay as you move from an entry-level position to, you know, other, you know, move up the ladder, so to speak? What can you expect? Maybe you need to have some conversations around that and then just run the numbers and do the budget.
Because what you don't want to do is get into this thinking, well, it'll get better even though we're stretching right now and you run through your savings. And, you know, it wasn't realistic to think even though those benefits were rich, you know, the monthly expenses, you're struggling to live within your means.
So you need to be able to solve for it today with a real budget that's practical. And then, you know, let's consider the value of the long-term benefits, which we know are going to be really significant just because of the federal government's program. Does that make sense? It does, and I did have one other follow-up question, if there is time as well, Rob. Let's do this.
We'll take that off the air because I've got to hit this break and I've got some other folks holding, but I'd love to chat with you.
So hold right there, Jake. I appreciate your call. Hey, much more to come just around the corner. We're just getting cranked up here. We still have a whole nother segment left and some great calls coming up.
We'll get to those here right after this break. If you want to check out prior broadcasts or download the FaithFi app, do that on our website, faithfy.com. We'll be right back. FaithFi's preferred banking partner is Christian Community Credit Union, now joined with Adelphi, a division of CCCU, bringing you the best in Christian banking for Greater Kingdom Impact. With high-yield checking, savings, Visa cash back cards, and a new competitive high-yield money market account, your everyday banking helps advance the gospel.
Visit faithfi.com/slash banking and use the code FaithFi. Membership eligibility required. Accounts are privately insured up to $250,000. This institution is not federally insured. Is health insurance eating up your budget for 2026?
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Helping you live as a faithful steward. This is Faith in Finance. Let's go right back to the phones, Ohio. Sharon, go ahead. Thank you for taking my call.
Um, I'm a widow. And my sweetheart passed about 10 years ago. And in that time, I've done well because my husband provided well for me, and I have a brokerage account. a 401k and a ROS. The the assets I have are divided about half between each.
I've just gotten to the point where I have enough in them. that I feel I could make a big difference in my children's life. at my passing, And now I'm above what was in my mind is what I really wanted to see them have at my passing.
So I've got enough coming in. My income is all coming from the brokerage account. from dividends.
Okay. This year it's it's Um greatly improved. But unfortunately, everything you take in a brokerage account, you get to pay taxes on. And it's. It's raising my income.
Um painfully so that Um I had a fan financial advisor, and he was managing half of the money, and I was managing half. I've had to take it back in my hands because. He won't pay any attention to what sales do to to ARMA levels. Oh yeah. This year I am losing nearly $500 a month in income from Social Security because he sold a stock.
Yeah. And there was not anything to offset it. You understand? I sure do, yeah. My question is, what I have in mind, this is something that means a lot to me because of the pain I see out there.
I'd like to start giving enough. to buy every now and then when I'm able. to to buy um an ultrasound machine. For Um Pregnancy centers for women. I have enough set aside to do that now.
And I'm thinking it would be better to give it in the form of stock that has appreciated greatly. And just give the stock rather than give the money. Yes. And I'm wondering about can I do that with my church too? That way, can I kind of avoid Uncle the tax man?
The tax man's beating me to death. Yes, ma'am. I get it. Yes, you can. And this is a fabulous strategy.
And I'm glad you've tapped into this.
Now, how much of your investable assets are in taxable accounts, just straight brokerage accounts where you're paying capital gains every time you sell something at a profit versus inside tax-deferred retirement accounts? It's almost it's almost equally half and half.
Okay, got it. And what is your age, if you don't mind me asking? I don't mind. I'm sixty-seven.
Okay, got it. Yeah, so what we probably want to do is let the pre-tax money just continue to grow because you'll be able to get that out once you're 70 and a half tax-free by giving it through a qualified charitable distribution. But in the meantime, if we take appreciated stock and don't sell it, but give it away before you sell it, then you don't see any realized capital gains there, which means no impact on Irma, and you get more into God's kingdom. And I love what you're talking about with the ultrasound machines. That's fabulous.
And there's really two ways to do that, Sharon. The first way would be a direct gift to charity.
So, you contact the charity for stock transfer instructions. Your custodian or advisor sends the shares directly to the charity based on those transfer instructions.
So the stock is never sold. And then the charity sells the stock. They pay no tax. You get no capital gains. And you get the contribution receipt for the full market value of the appreciated stock that was transferred.
So that's option one. Option two is you open a donor-advised fund. Think of this like a charitable checking account. And I would do that with our friends at the National Christian Foundation, ncfgiving.com. You can open it in five minutes on their website.
And then you can give the appreciated stock to your donor-advised fund in the same way. Before it's sold, once it hits the donor advised fund at the National Christian Foundation, you'd sell it. The money stays in the donor advised fund. You get the contribution receipt for the full amount of the appreciated stock. And then, whenever you decide you want to, you'd get on their website, open your donor advised fund, and you'd make grants out of it to any 501c3 charity.
If that makes sense. It does, and that kind of excites me. I've Um I've been trying to figure all this out. I do have a lot of dividends coming every year. That's my income.
I mean, it's. the stuff that comes out of my um investments is about two thirds of my income because when my husband passed, he was only fifty nine, and that was kind of the the prime earning years. And it was such a out of the blue thing, you know. But God's blessed me. He's I'm just amazed.
He's, you know, he promises to be a husband to the believing widow. Oh, God's been so good to me. I can tell other women, don't be afraid. Don't be afraid. He'll take care of you.
Oh, it's so true. And I love that testimony today. What a treat to be able to hear from you today and to be able to encourage you. You know, I'd love to be able to send you some resources, some things that I think will really be a blessing to you. Because, you know, as you really connect this passion that you have to the resources God has given you with some really thoughtful planning from not only advisors that know how to be technically proficient, but also understand the heart of God and your passion for generosity, I think would just be a real blessing.
By the way, have you run across a ministry called Pre-Born? Yes, I was thinking of giving it directly to them, but Also, as a coincidence, yes.
Okay, good. Yeah, I just am so struck by what they do with free ultrasounds to moms considering abortion, and then on the heels of that, sharing the love of Jesus and providing the moms with resources. It's an incredible ministry, and it seems like it would align very closely with your heart.
So, let's do this. Stay on the line, Sharon. I want to send you a couple of things, but I think opening that donor-advised fund would be a great thing to get you pointed in the right direction. But you can always send those appreciated stock gifts directly to your church or any ministry as well. You don't have to go through the donor advised fund.
Thanks for being on the broadcast today. Lord bless you.
Well, folks, that's going to do it for us.
So thankful that you were along with us today. It was fun to be able to tackle your questions and hopefully just bring you some encouragement from God's word around our role, our high calling of managing God's money as stewards, seeking to be found faithful. That's our goal. Let me say a big thanks to my team today. I certainly couldn't do this without my producer, Devin Patrick, handling our call screening today, Sandy Dickinson, and providing me great support and research, Mr.
Taylor Standrich today. Also, thankful for everybody here at Faith Fi. Listen, if you want to check out more on FaithFi or consider becoming a partner, we're listener supported. That'd be huge. Just go to faith5.com/slash partner and we'll come back and see you tomorrow.
God bless you. Bye-bye. Faith in Finance is provided by Faith Buy and listeners like you.
