Faith & Finance Minute

You may be eligible for ‘spousal’ or ‘survivor’ benefits even if you’ve never received a paycheck. The Social Security Administration usually won’t inform you if you’re eligible for benefits, so contact your local office to find out.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When your home appreciates in value, very often there’s a corresponding increase in your property taxes. The good news is, you can challenge your property tax assessment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Every day, “thousands of Americans retire…short on cash, friendships, and plans.” Today, Rob West offers some advice and wisdom on how to plan for retirement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Even though you can't take it with you, Rob West reminds us that you can decide who will manage what God has entrusted to you when you're gone. You can leave a legacy that reflects God’s wisdom and advances His Kingdom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do the wealthy know that others might not? Rob West shares five key concepts that these people understand. However, you don’t need millions to apply these principles, just a heart willing to steward God’s resources with wisdom. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What sets the best investors apart from the rest? Rob West shares three things those investors consider in their investing. In the end, it’s not timing the market, but trusting the process and staying humble that leads to long-term success. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you’re self-employed or your job doesn’t offer a 401(k) an IRA could be your best option for retirement savings. Rob West shares tgat IRAs offer powerful tax advantages but only if you understand how to use them wisely. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parent PLUS loans have long been easy to access, but that’s changing. Rob West shares about tighter limits and fewer repayment options. Maybe open a 529 education savings plan instead. Unused funds can now roll into a Roth IRA, giving your child a head start on retirement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data fo...

Is wealth about having lots of money or about something else? Rob West reminds us that real wealth isn’t found in chasing more, it’s found in contentment, gratitude, and trusting God to provide what we truly need. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

There is an antidote to financial worry. Quoting from Isaiah, Rob West encourages us to bring our burdens to the Lord and find peace, especially during times of financial uncertainty. Listen for a special study offered to find encouragement in your financial journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adve...

New research suggests a practical way to reduce financial conflict in marriage. Rob West reveals the result of several universities that found that married couples who share a joint bank account fight less about money and feel more satisfied with how their finances are managed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal da...

The average American has four credit cards, some of which rarely get used. Rob West reminds us that closing an unused credit card can be a wise decision. It limits your exposure to fraud and identity theft. But be careful, closing accounts the wrong way can hurt your credit score. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

With rates going up how can you lower your car insurance? Rob West has a few ideas... shop around, raise your deductible, take an online driver safety course, improve your credit score and drive safely. These are just a few ways to get the best rate possible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Watch out for the “overpayment scam.” Rob West warns of folks calling to “verify your banking information.” It may be for an overcharge they wish to credit you or an overdue bill you owe. Remember to stay alert and never share your banking information with someone you didn’t contact first. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of...

As a whole, Americans aren’t saving much—and that’s a growing problem. Rob West warns failing to save today often leads to financial stress tomorrow. So save as much as you realistically can. When the furnace breaks or retirement rolls around, you’ll be grateful you did. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for...

A good credit score has traditionally been the key to getting a credit card. But that’s starting to change. Rob West explains that banks are now offering credit cards to people with no credit score—folks they once considered too risky. Why? They now see them as an untapped market. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal...

If you’re going to use credit cards, Rob West has a few guidelines for you to consider from Art Rainer. Credit cards can be helpful for convenience, such as making online purchases or avoiding the need to carry cash. But they should never be used as a crutch. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buy Now, Pay Later services are everywhere, even allowing you to split fast food into four payments. Rob West warns it may sound harmless, but it’s reshaping our perspective on money and debt. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sometimes, the wisest move is to wait. Rob West shares a word of advice for high school graduates—and their parents. Don’t rush into college. Consider taking a “gap year” first. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is there a gap between what you think you spend and what you really spend? Rob West explains that inflation may cause that gap to increase because what we think something costs and what we actually pay for it is not the same. If you haven’t reviewed your spending plan lately, now’s the time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use...

Being a wise money manager means tracking your income and spending. But according to Rob West it’s also important to track your giving. Because giving isn’t about what we lose, it’s about honoring God with what He’s entrusted to us and joining Him in blessing others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for adve...

Not all protection plans are created equal. Rob West explains some of the differences and that insurance has its place, but in some cases, like home warranties, self-insuring through a healthy emergency fund may be the better and wiser option. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Bible urges us to flee temptation—including those tied to money. Rob West shares that some financial temptations are obvious, such as greed, dishonesty, or chasing wealth. But one that often hides in plain sight is the temptation to be stingy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Facts are stubborn things—but sometimes, myths are even more stubborn. Rob West shares some retirement planning myths, the truth about those situations, and a main truth to consider - start saving now, and plan wisely—because in retirement, planning beats guessing every time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data...

What are the two components of managing money well? Rob West reminds us that they are first, put God first. And second, live with a plan. That includes saving consistently, spending wisely, and being intentional with every dollar. So seek God, make a plan, and trust Him to provide. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...