Faith & Finance

With mortgage rates fluctuating, now might not seem like the perfect time to buy a home, but it’s an ideal time to prepare, especially for first-time homebuyers.  Movement Mortgage recently shared helpful tips on FaithFi.com for those looking to enter the housing market. Here’s a breakdown of these critical steps to set you up for a successful and financially wise home purchase. Step 1: Determine...

There’s a great investing option out there, and chances are, it’s not in your portfolio. That option is Exchange-Traded Funds or ETFs, and they’re worth considering. Brian Mumbert joins us today to discuss the advantages of ETFs. Brian Mumbert is Vice President and Regional Sales Executive at Timothy Plan , an underwriter of Faith & Finance . What is an ETF? An Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) is an inv...

Did you hear about the guy who paid his taxes to the IRS with a smile? It didn’t work out, though—it turns out they prefer money. Well, paying taxes is certainly no laughing matter, and we don’t want to miss something that could end up costing us money. Fortunately, Kevin Cross is here today with a list of year-end tax tips you don’t want to miss. Kevin Cross is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)...

They say that winners never quit and quitters never win, but that’s not really true, is it? What if you’re trying to quit a bad habit? It’s not only okay to quit a bad habit; it’s something we should always strive to do—especially with investing. Mark Biller joins us today with a list of bad habits you should quit if you find yourself doing them. Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfoli...

You’ve heard of the Great Wealth Transfer taking place as Baby Boomers pass away, but did you know that women will inherit the majority of those assets? It’s true. The Great Wealth Transfer is really horizontal, with widows inheriting most private wealth before it’s passed on to the next generation. Sharon Epps joins us today to talk about how women should prepare. Sharon Epps is the president of...

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1 That verse reminds us to keep a cool head when we experience conflict or crisis in a relationship—and maybe even more…when that crisis involves the marriage relationship. Howard Dayton joins us today to talk about surviving a marriage crisis. Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and the former...

Bonds are considered safe investments but also a bit boring. Is that true, though? In the investing world, all the drama, for good or ill, is in the stock market. It’s up, it’s down, you get the picture. However, bonds also have an interesting story, and Benjamin Bailey is here to tell us about it. Benjamin Bailey is Vice President of Investments and Senior Fixed Income Manager at Praxis Mutual Fu...

Christmas is six weeks away, and some folks may already be feeling the stress. The holidays should be a time of spiritual reflection and reconnection with family and friends…but too often, we lose sight of that in the quest for perfection. Crystal Paine is here to help us stay focused on the actual “reason for the season.” Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of The Ti...

If you’ve ever thought you view the world differently than others—that has probably never been more true. A new study has revealed a sharp drop in the number of Americans with a biblical worldview. Chad Clark joins us today with his insights. Chad Clark is the Executive Director of FaithFi: Faith & Finance and the co-author of Look at the Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety...

The Bible is full of wisdom on managing money and possessions, yet there are common beliefs about wealth that are simply unbiblical. These misconceptions can lead people away from God’s truth about finances, creating confusion and stress. Let’s examine five of these myths and explore what the Bible actually teaches. 1. The “I Win, You Lose” Mentality One widespread belief is that money is a zero-s...

Having an emergency fund is great, but how can you ensure it’s there when you really need it? It’s easy to set aside money for a rainy day, but what happens when we start dipping into that fund for things that aren’t actually emergencies? The Bible has much to say about wisdom and preparation, and Proverbs 21:20 offers a powerful reminder:  “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,...

In 1897, hymn writer Johnson Oatman Junior penned the timeless words, “Count your blessings, name them one by one,” a refrain that has encouraged generations. It reminds us of the profound role gratitude plays in the Christian life. As Thanksgiving approaches, this theme of gratitude takes on even greater significance. Let’s look closer at Oatman’s hymn and the enduring truths it holds for us. The...

Psalm 82:3 says, “Give justice to the poor and the orphan, uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.” This powerful verse reminds us of our responsibility to care for those in need. Today, we turn our attention to a ministry doing just that— India Partners , which is providing hope and rescue to the oppressed in India. David Harms has devoted nearly a decade of ministry to the work of...

Marriage is a living relationship that requires constant care and attention. Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned author of The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts , highlights this in his resource, A Couple’s Guide to a Growing Marriage . This Bible study helps couples invest in their marriage with a structured, intentional approach, ensuring their relationship grows stronger. Working on your m...

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:21 In that verse, the Apostle Paul teaches that we should practice discernment in all things. We would include financial advice. One of the most common questions we receive is, "How can I choose a financial advisor who I can trust and who fits my financial situation?" Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to ensure you fi...

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”- Proverbs 22:6 God’s Word tells us that children should be taught early how to live wisely and righteously, including how to handle money. Howard Dayton is here to explain why it’s especially important to teach kids about the dangers of debt. Howard Dayton is the founder of Compass Financial Ministry and th...

The Fed is scheduled to meet next week. Will it lower interest rates again?  With one rate cut already on the books and perhaps two more coming before the end of the year…folks are wondering what effect all this will have on mortgages and home sales. Dale Vermillion joins us today to talk about it. Dale Vermillion is the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your...

Why do you suppose Jesus had so much to say about money and possessions? Our Lord and Savior knew that how we handle money can reveal our spiritual priorities. Every financial decision has a spiritual component, which can even be true of our investing. Bob Doll joins us today to answer, “Why should we strive for faith-based money management?” Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investm...

If you’re self-employed, a contractor, or a small business owner, you’re probably familiar with the ups and downs of variable income. In some months, your earnings may exceed your expectations, while in others, they may fall short. This makes budgeting a little more complex—but not impossible! Let’s walk through how to create a budget tailored to your fluctuating income. Start by Finding Your Aver...

There’s a saying, “Any port in a storm.” Does that apply to your savings? The economic waters seem choppy these days, so where’s a safe harbor for your savings that still gives you a return? Aaron Caid helps you plot a course for your money today. Aaron Caid is the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union , an underwriter of Faith & Finance .  Understanding Savings Options If yo...

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” - Matthew 6:24 Serving two masters is not merely an economic or social concern but is profoundly spiritual. It touches on what it means to be a follower of Christ, challenging us to examine what truly governs our lives. Taylor S...

These days, more workers are opting to stay on the job after signing up for Social Security. The percentage of Americans over 65 who are still working has doubled since 1980. Of course, many of them also get security benefits. Eddie Holland is here to explain how working affects the monthly benefit check. Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, Sou...

“And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house…“ - Deuteronomy 26:11 God is worthy of all the praise we can give Him, but that’s not the only reason to be grateful for His blessings. Sharon Epps is here to tell us what happens when we rejoice in God’s provision. Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors , FaithFi ’s parent organization. King...

If you think there’s only one way to pay for healthcare, maybe it’s time to think outside the box of health insurance. Of course, health insurance is a great thing to have, but is it necessarily the best way to pay for healthcare costs? Lauren Gajdek joins us today to discuss medical cost sharing and how it might be a better option. Lauren Gajdek is the Vice President of Communications and Media a...

If you bought a house in the last couple of years, you’ve probably been wondering, “When can I refinance?” The Federal Reserve has already made one interest rate cut, and more are expected before the end of the year. So when will it make sense to refinance your mortgage? If you’re considering refinancing your mortgage, it’s crucial to weigh various factors before making a decision. Movement Mortga...