This episode of Faith in Finance is brought to you by Adelphi Christian Banking, the trusted team you've known as Christian Community Credit Union. Hey everyone, Rob West here. A common question I get is, how can I align my faith with my banking?
Well, we recommend Adelphi Christian Banking for services rooted in biblical values and a commitment to helping you steward your finances with purpose. FaithFi listeners can earn up to a $400 bonus when opening a qualifying high-yield checking savings or visa cash back card using code FAITHPHY. Adelphi also offers a high-yield money market with a competitive rate on balances up to $100,000, all while your deposits support ministries and Christian causes. Visit faithfi.com slash banking and use the code FAITHFY. Membership eligibility required, accounts are privately insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance.
This institution is not federally insured. Where you bank may seem like a purely practical decision, but it can also be a part of your stewardship. Hi, I'm Rob West. As Christians, every financial decision is an opportunity to manage God's resources faithfully. Today, Aaron Cade joins us to talk about financial discipleship, Christian banking, and how our everyday financial choices can support kingdom work.
And then it's on to your calls at 800-525-7000. This is Faith and Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial decisions.
Well, it's always a pleasure to have Erin Cade with us. Aaron is Chief Marketing Officer at Adelphi Christian Banking and underwriter of this program. Adelphi has been serving Christians for decades, helping individuals and families align their everyday banking decisions with their faith and values. Erin, great to have you back. Thanks, Rob.
It's great to be here with you. Aaron, we talk about biblical stewardship on this program every day, but I'd love for you to talk about how stewardship shapes the way a Christian financial institution approaches banking differently.
Well, for Christians, our financial decisions are an act of stewardship, managing what God has graciously given to us. That's right.
So, whether it's a family preparing for its future, a church expanding its outreach, or a ministry planning its budget, money touches nearly every part of our lives. At Adelphi, our purpose is to serve Christ's followers and ministries to faithfully steward God's resources to advance the gospel. We provide the practical financial tools they need while keeping biblical stewardship at the center. And we talk about the size and strength of Adelphi Christian Banking as a strong Christian financial institution. Aaron, how does that expand the ways Adelphi can serve others?
Well, it gives us a greater capacity to serve, with more resources, expertise, technology and financial solutions.
So for families, that can mean managing daily banking, building savings or borrowing wisely. For churches and ministries, it means working with people who understand you, who understand your cash flow, your property needs, and your long-term vision. Yeah, that's exactly right. I'd love for you to give us an example. I know, for instance, Adelphi came alongside a church in California in a really meaningful way following the pandemic.
Share that story. Yeah, I love this example. I mean, during the pandemic lockdown, when churches in Southern California could not meet indoors, Calvary Chapel, South Orange County, faithfully held Sunday services outdoors in an outlet mall parking lot. And God blessed their work. Their congregation grew exponentially during the pandemic and was larger than their indoor meeting space could accommodate.
They needed a larger building that could accommodate their growing congregation.
So Adelphi partnered with them and provided a loan that allowed them to purchase a large property. But it was more than just dollars and cents. It was about people. They now had a place to get plugged in, maintain community and keep growing together as a congregation. What does financial discipleship look like in the everyday choices we make with money, Erin?
Yeah, well, financial discipleship is not about getting rich. It's about cultivating wisdom, contentment, generosity, and faithfulness. And Jesus reminds us of this in Matthew chapter 6. That we cannot serve both God and money, and that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Our money belongs to God and is entrusted to us for a purpose.
So, healthy habits like following a realistic budget and avoiding unnecessary debt can help us align our finances with God's priorities. I think that's right. And let's finish with perhaps how we can choose a bank that becomes a part of the kingdom impact we make with our money. What does that look like?
Well, when members invest in a Christian financial institution like Adelphi Christian Banking, they're putting their money back into kingdom work. At Adelphi, we understand the heart behind our members, and that helps us serve families, churches, and ministries in ways that reflect their faith. You know, to date, we have funded more than $1 billion in ministry real estate loans. We've been able to come alongside ministries with solutions that are both financially responsible and mission-aware. We also offer credit cards that allow members to earn cash back while automatically giving to Christian ministries and missions.
It's another way we seek to benefit our members while advancing God's kingdom. Yeah, and I love that product. Folks, where we choose to bank is part of how we steward the resources God has entrusted to us. And choosing a financial institution that shares your values can help ensure those everyday decisions also support the work that advances the gospel. Aaron, so great to have you with us today.
Thanks for joining us. It's been my pleasure, Rob. That's Aaron Cade with Adelphi Christian Banking. One way Adelphi helps members connect their everyday financial decisions with Kingdom Impact is through its cash rewards visa. To learn more, visit faithfy.com/slash banking.
Apply by December 31st, and you can earn a $200 bonus plus one and a half percent cash back on every purchase and other benefits. And with every swipe, Adelphi gives to Christian charities. Again, that's faithfy.com/slash banking. That's faithfi.com/slash banking. Back with your calls after this.
What we do is very special and it's very unique. This is Bethany. She is a Certified Kingdom Advisor. I became a CKA because we're not building bigger barns and we're not trying to figure out how we can just amass more and more and more. We're figuring out how much do you really need?
What are your priorities? What has God called you to? And then how can we give it away? How can we be more generous? You can find an advisor like Bethany at findaceka.com.
Wondering who Faith and Finance recommends as a banking partner that aligns with Christian values? It's Adelphi Christian Banking, the trusted team you've known as Christian Community Credit Union. With high-yield checking, savings, VisaCash back cards, and a competitive money market account, your everyday banking helps advance the gospel. Visit faithfy.com slash banking and use the code FaithFy. Membership eligibility required.
Accounts are privately insured up to $250,000. This institution is not federally insured. Great to have you with us today on Faith and Finance. We're taking your calls at 800-525-7000. Let's begin in Ohio today.
Melody, you'll be our first caller. Go ahead. Thank you for taking my call. I'm calling because my husband died and I received insurance death benefits and my sister also and I received insurance death benefits. Are they subject to tithing or is it less expensive?
What is interesting? Yeah. Yeah, I appreciate that. You know, New Testament giving is really, I think, the hallmark of that New Testament giving, even though we're no longer under the law of Moses, would be giving that's proportionate. And I think that's where a tithe as a guideline comes in.
It's freely giving, so not under compulsion. It's giving cheerfully. It's also giving sacrificially, as evidenced by Jesus' remarks about the most famous giver in the New Testament. We don't know her name. She was a poor widow who gave out of her poverty.
So I think as we think about our giving, we should do it in that regard. And I think, again, using the principle of the tithe, a tenth off of our increase, is certainly in line with that. I don't think that's a finishing point. I think it's a beginning point, but it's certainly a great place to begin.
Now, when we apply the principle of the tithe, we do look at what is our increase. And I would say life insurance proceeds would be an increase. I mean, that's a gracious gift from the Lord. You know, it's unfortunately it comes via someone's passing, but I would say it is an increase. But ultimately, what you give out of that melody, I think, is between you and the Lord.
It's not a matter of, you know, checking a box. I think it's, you know, an overflow of your worship to him and your gratitude to him for his provision. But I would say, if we're looking at whether it is an increase, I would say it is. Perhaps insurance proceeds that might be an exception to that, just in terms of the definition of increase, would be when you get, let's say, you're made whole for maybe a loss.
So a good example would be a homeowner's policy where you had a loss because of some damage or something that happened to the home or a car, and you get insurance payout against that. That's really not an increase. You're just being Made whole for a loss you experienced. But I would say, in this case, you know, with life insurance proceeds, because there's not a direct financial loss there, you would say, you know, I would put it in the increase category. But again, I think that's ultimately between you and the Lord as to where you're at financially and what you want to do by way of your giving.
Does that make sense? Thank you. I do tithe on my income. And so, yes, I appreciate that. I did tithe on my husband's.
Yeah, but I appreciate that because I wasn't sure. Thank you. Absolutely.
Well, I appreciate your generous heart, Melody, and we appreciate you checking with us today on the program. We're going to go to Michigan. Sue, how can I help you? Hi. We have a little bit of a problem.
We have a daughter a middle daughter just got married, and the younger daughter was living with her, um, in her house. And so she moved back in with us.
Well, we've been trying to help her find a place, a house of her own. And everything, her being single, she doesn't have a younger sister to go in with her or anybody she knows that could rent part of the house with or whatever. Um Everything is out of her price range. Everything that is in her price range. um either sells before we even get to go through it or um has so many repairs, she'll be at the max that she can go.
So a piece of property came up for sale. This is what we did for her sister. Same thing was happening to her. She bought a piece of property. She kept living with us, paid on the property.
And Then when she was able to and the interest rates were still low. They moved they built a tiny house. and moved in together. A piece of property came up, but she doesn't quite have enough money to put down on it. Not even sure this is a great idea.
Other than I know what's out there for the price you can afford. We have somebody from the church that's willing to build. He's a retired builder, said that you get a. Small house. I'll try to keep it in your range for you to be able to afford it.
I know new would be great because typically, you don't have all the huge repairs.
However, the down payment she needs help with We have Our house is not paid off because I had a stroke Six years ago, and at 49, we weren't prepared for that. And we had to borrow against the house again, and we have. quite a large payment. We have three months a little over three months Cash But that would eat some up. And we have two old vehicles that are sixteen years old, and an engine just blew on one of them.
So we are going to have to use some of that money for the engine. I guess I'm looking for an unbiased opinion Okay. She doesn't want to live here forever. We don't want her to, but obviously. We don't know the future.
We had a roof, uh, water heater, and our air conditioner and heater go all in the same year. And that was last year.
So we know. What can happen, and I'm scared, you know? Yeah, yeah.
Well, I appreciate all that background, Sue, and you sound like a wonderful mom, and I love your heart to help your daughter. I think the the thing that I'm concerned about as you just described your situation is that your own finances are already under strain. And so, you know, you've shared that you're carrying this additional loan because of a medical issue. You've got a major vehicle expense. You've had, you know, health challenges, issues with the home.
And so I think, you know, despite your desire to help, and I love that, and if you had said we're in a position to do it, what do you think about us blessing our child with the down payment? I'd say that, yeah, that's great. But I think, you know, if it's going to put you in a position where, you know, another unexpected expense could put you all into a tailspin beyond what you're already in right now. you know, it it really is, you know, could endanger you financially. And so, you know, I think just given the circumstances, I think, you know, perhaps she just waits this out.
Maybe you all focus on getting beyond some of these immediate concerns, maybe trying to build back up. I realize there's an opportunity right now with something in front of you, but I don't want to make a difficult situation worse by you all moving on something to buy it, further putting you in a situation where, just given all that you've got on your plate right now, now you're dealing with less liquidity. And then, on top of that, despite the gracious offer from this builder at church, often there are cost overruns, there are unexpected expenses. We've got geopolitical issues going on that affect construction prices. And let's say something ends up coming in more than we expect.
I mean, we kind of need to go into it thinking there could be 15 to 20 percent overages beyond what's being promised, despite the best intentions of this builder. And if she's already kind of right up against the edge and then all of a sudden it goes even higher, we could end up in a situation where both of you went from stable to a really desperate situation because all of a sudden now you have an obligation you weren't counting on, or at least less cash. And she's in a property that, although it's new, you know, is out of her price range. And, you know, now she's just starting out, but she's kind of underwater every month. I just.
This doesn't feel like the right environment, despite how good this offer might be, for you all to move on this. And so I would encourage you to just slow down. Let's trust the Lord that He's got an incredible plan for her in terms of housing and her future. But we also want to be good stewards in the process and not get ahead of the finances and the provision that's right there. Let's you and I talk a bit more off the air.
We'll be right back. As the leading advocate for the Christian financial industry, Kingdom Advisors serves the public by promoting the integration of a biblical worldview across every aspect of the financial services industry. And we serve a growing network of thousands of Christian financial professionals, equipping and empowering them to carry biblical financial wisdom to their clients, peers, and community. For more information, visit kingdomadvisors.com. That's kingdomadvisors.com.
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Investing involves risks, including possible loss of principal. Uh Thanks for joining us today on Faith and Finance. Looking forward to hearing from you today as we take your calls and questions, helping you live and thrive as a faithful steward, understanding that there are some core ideas in God's word related to how we should, in fact, steward his resources. We should be generous, holding everything we have loosely. We should operate with contentment, not getting pulled into the comparison trap, realizing that God is enough.
We are rich before the first dollar. And so we should be content with what we have. Doesn't mean we don't try to improve our income over time or work hard to get a better paying position or save for the future. There's nothing wrong with that. It's really about a heart posture of contentment, knowing that we have sufficiency in Christ.
Third is gratitude. Gratitude really flows from contentment. And when we have a grateful heart, And we're thankful for all that we've been entrusted. That's really the right heart posture as a steward. And then finally, it's that idea of stewardship: it's that God owns everything, and we then are charged with being found faithful.
But if we're generous and we live content lives with gratitude and understanding our role as stewards, I think that sets us up with the right position, the right heart posture to then be found faithful and managing God's resources.
Well, we want to help you do that each day, but we also realize you have very specific questions, things you're wrestling with in your financial life. And so, if there's something you'd like to chat about today, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Again, that number, 800-525-7000 is the number to call. Let's go to Missouri Dennis. How can I help?
Bless your ministry. I hope you and everybody's doing fine. I'm a Faith Fire. I just joined Faith Fire recently. Amazing and also I'm also a tither.
I'm retired military, retired civil service. I'm a disabled vet. I served twenty years in the military. And I've got an interesting situation.
Okay. The VA has recently upped my disability payment to a very large amount. is called a judiciary or some kind of account. that my daughter manages and it's supposed to take care of all my needs. But I also have I'm retired civil service, retired military, and I draw social security.
So I've got a and that money is I don't have any credit card yet to speak of. I think I'm maybe one small one, but I don't otherwise I don't have any credit card yet. the situation I'm in is I've been on rental property and the VA has offered you or has granted me two loans For two grants. to improve my uh rental property where I live. Because I'm legally blind, and they're saying that there may be things I need being a disabled vet.
such as a ramps could I use a walker and other things within the house.
Well, my daughter is telling me that the reason I bought my daughter a car because she needed one. I'll be paying that flu off for her.
So my free income right now is $5,400 a month.
So I'm making I'll be making the car payments over that. And I hope to pay the car off like in a few months. And from my notes saying rather than continue to rent, Why don't you just buy a a piece of land? and put a prepared house on him. And I got to thinking about it and she said, You would be money nervous.
the rent money you're paying out if you're making on that rental pro that property you buy it, that would be an investment for you.
Well, I got to thinking about it, but I thought, well, I gotta have to put in a septic. and a well and a waterline and foundation and and all that sort of stuff. and plus I'll be making house payments and there'll be taxes on the property. And I'm wondering Would I be better off just to stay where I'm at? Because my rent is five hundred a month, which is a very good price.
I can easily afford that. That comes out of I take that out of my VA disability fee. And if I just uh I'm retired from it if I can't work, So I'm wondering, should I just stay where I'm at rather than s invest in a new house of my age. Yeah. Wow, that's great.
Well, first of all, Dennis, thank you for all that background information. Thank you for your encouragement about the program here and for being a partner. Also, thank you for your service to our nation. What a gift that is. And we are incredibly grateful.
You know, based on what you've shared, I love the fact that you're in a very strong financial position with no consumer debt, stable income from your VA benefits and civil service. As you said, you're paying a low $500 a month in rent. I mean, that's a very positive situation. And I would say to your point. You know, don't buy just because you can.
You know, buying land and putting a prefab home on it is more complicated than many people realize. You mentioned some of the complexities beyond the land and the home. You know, we're talking about the septic system, the utilities, the site prep, the permits, the insurance, the property taxes, the maintenance. You know, I think considering your accessibility needs, you want to make sure that you have a place that's going to meet those needs. I love that they're giving you that grant to do that.
And those VA grants are a blessing. And if you can make your current rental safer and more accessible, your landlord's willing to cooperate. And you can keep that low rent, I think that's worth serious consideration just to stay right where you are. I know your daughter loves you and wants the best for you, but I think at the end of the day, the decision needs to serve your needs and lifestyle, not necessarily just be considered a quote-good investment, if that makes sense.
Well, I talked with the landlord and they they've told me that I can stay in this rental property as long as I want. And the payment's not going to go up as far as I know. And I figure, well, that V A uh my V A disability that the VA has given me is a large large amount and that takes care of everything. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, from what you've shared here, Dennis, I mean, I don't think you can go wrong either direction, but just my observation is I don't hear a financial problem to solve.
I hear someone who's in a stable, affordable housing situation. And unless there's a strong lifestyle reason to move, I'd be inclined to enjoy the simplicity, keep. building your savings. Avoid taking on the cost and responsibility of developing a property at this stage of life. Continue giving and blessing the people you love, just like you did with this automobile.
The verse that comes to mind is Proverbs 15:16: Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. And sometimes the best investment isn't the one with the highest potential return, especially in this season of life. It's the one that provides the greatest peace and stability and freedom. Does that make sense? Yeah, it does all.
I just don't wanna create any more problems and right now my lifestyle is very simple. My bills are virtually nothing, so I kinda think maybe I should just stay where I'm at. I am able to put away about $1,500 a month in savings. Love it. Yeah, that's great.
Well, I think that's the answer to your question, Dennis. At least for now, I just stay put, enjoy this unique situation you have with a very accommodating landlord with a very reasonable price.
Something really good about keeping life simple. And that's what I'm hearing from you. Again, thank you for your service to our nation, my friend, and for being a FaithFi partner. We're grateful. God bless you.
Folks, if you'd like to support our work, just head to faithby.com/slash give. Big thanks to Taylor and Devin and Patty and the entire team here at Faith By. Come back and join us tomorrow. We'll look for you then. God bless you.
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