Financial Issues

In today's show, Shana Burt and Sam Case explore tax season topics, including document gathering and potential scams. They highlight the importance of being cautious about phishing schemes, fake tax preparers, and fraudulent phone calls claiming to be from the IRS. The hosts discuss the rise of crypto-related scams and introduce the idea of using Christian values when approaching tax preparation....

In today's show, Shana Burt and Sam Case explore the relationship between consumer confidence, the economy, and financial markets. They highlight that while consumer sentiment sometimes correlates with economic trends, it's not always a reliable predictor. The hosts introduce a biblical perspective on wealth, discussing King Solomon's riches and the importance of prioritizing one's relationship wi...

In today's show, Shana Burt and Sam Case discuss market volatility, Tesla's stock performance, and the impact of Elon Musk's recent actions. They explore the concept of using financial resources for spiritual purposes, highlighting a successful fundraising campaign for Crossroads Kids Club. The hosts present a listener question about preferred stocks and introduce potential options for portfolio d...

In today's show, hosts Shana Burt and financial advisor Jason MacDowell explore yield's role in portfolio construction and overall returns. They discuss a listener question about preferred stocks and their tax implications in different account types. The hosts highlight considerations for placing preferred stocks in traditional IRAs versus taxable brokerage accounts. They also touch on how investm...

In today's show, hosts Shana Burt and Sam Case explore recent Federal Reserve decisions and their potential impact on inflation and the economy. They discuss falling egg and gas prices, as well as possible tax cuts under the Trump administration. The hosts highlight the importance of biblical stewardship in financial matters, referencing Matthew 19:17. Burt and Case introduce the concept of Biblic...

In today's show, hosts Shana Burt and Sam Case explore biblically responsible investing and its application to personal finance. They highlight the importance of aligning investment choices with Christian values and introduce the concept of in-service rollovers from employer-sponsored plans. The hosts discuss options for gifting investments to grandchildren, such as custodial accounts or Roth IRAs...

Become a Financial Issues Partner today! For $132 a year, you get full access to our stock picks, asset allocation models, and so much more. Join right here! If you believe in and want to support the work of FISM, donate securely today. Today's show is sponsored by Timothy Plan. Learn how you can invest in a God-honoring way through biblically responsible ETFs, mutual funds, and retirement plans....

In today's show, hosts Shanna Burt and Sam Case introduce the upcoming launch of Financial Issues' new website on March 26th, highlighting improved features and user-friendliness. They explore the importance of Biblically responsible investing and discuss strategies for managing tax-deferred accounts. The hosts present a stewardship verse from 1 John 5:3, emphasizing the connection between loving...

In today's show, Shana Burt and guest financial advisor Jason MacDowell explore the possibility of an upcoming recession and its potential impact on the economy and investments. They discuss changes in how GDP is calculated, particularly regarding government spending, and how this might affect economic indicators. The hosts highlight the importance of long-term investing strategies in navigating m...

In today's show, hosts Shana Burt and Seth Udinski highlight the Crossroads Kids Club campaign, interviewing CEO Matt Armstrong about bringing the gospel to children in public schools. They explore recent economic developments, including inflation trends and market volatility. The hosts discuss biblically responsible investing and its potential impact on portfolios. Additionally, Shana and Seth pr...

In today's show, Shana Burt, Seth Udinski, and Jason MacDowell explore recent market movements and economic indicators. They highlight a Department of Justice probe into UnitedHealthcare and discuss President Trump's executive order on medical price transparency. The hosts introduce insights on savings habits, presenting strategies for building emergency funds and investing wisely. They also menti...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore the importance of biblical knowledge in understanding American history and literature. They highlight Oklahoma's attempt to introduce Bibles in public schools and discuss the legal challenges it faces. The hosts present the story of the Madanat family and their involvement with Crossroads Kids Club, emphasizing the impact of bringing the gospel to...

In today's show, Shana Burt and Seth Udinski explore the concept of a "Trump session" and its potential economic impacts. They discuss Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant's view of the economy undergoing a detox process and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's statements on inflation. The hosts highlight recent policy changes, including Senator Marco Rubio's cancellation of USAID contracts and investi...

In today's show, Seth Udinski interviews financial advisor Jason MacDowell about Social Security strategies. They explore the potential impact of the Social Security Fairness Act and discuss considerations for managing lump sum payments and increased monthly benefits. The conversation shifts to younger generations, with MacDowell sharing his perspective on the future of Social Security and how to...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore the potential closure of the Department of Education under Trump's administration. They highlight Crossroads Kids Club's campaign and discuss Target's recent policy changes regarding bathrooms and DEI programs. The hosts present a listener's question about managing separate investment portfolios for grandchildren. Become a Financial Issues Partner...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore recent market movements and discuss Target's decision to end its DEI programs. They highlight the contrasting boycotts against Target from different groups and present opinions on how this might impact the company. The hosts introduce the idea of potentially returning to shop at Target for those who previously boycotted it. Additionally, the show...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore recent developments in Ukraine and discuss potential economic impacts. They highlight Trump's approach to international relations and touch on market reactions to tariff news. The hosts present information about a campaign to sponsor children through Crossroads Kids Club. Seth and Sam also address listener questions about auditing the national deb...

In today's show, hosts Shana Burt and Seth Udinski explore estate planning with a focus on kingdom-minded giving. They discuss the importance of having a clear blueprint for one's estate plan before consulting professionals. The hosts also consider whether IRAs with beneficiaries go through probate. Additionally, they highlight the significance of valuing children in alignment with God's perspecti...

In today's show, hosts Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore recent developments in the Ukraine-Russia conflict and its potential impact on global markets. They discuss cryptocurrency trends, particularly Bitcoin's volatility, and introduce the concept of a potential "Doge Dividend." The hosts highlight the importance of reaching children in public schools with the gospel, featuring an interview about...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore credit scoring and its impact on financial health. They discuss recent issues affecting student loan borrowers' credit scores and explain how FICO scores are calculated. The hosts present different perspectives on credit scores, including insights from their founder Dan Celia. They highlight strategies for potentially improving credit scores, such...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore recent federal job cuts and Trump's economic plans. They discuss a DOJ probe into UnitedHealthcare with Joel Noble from Samaritan Ministries, highlighting healthcare transparency and personal control over medical expenses. The hosts present Trump's "Gold Card" investor visa program and its potential impact. Become a Financial Issues Partner today!...

In today's show, Seth Udinski and Sam Case explore recent developments at JP Morgan and Citigroup regarding their DEI policies. They discuss the increasing number of Americans identifying as LGBTQ and its potential societal impacts. The hosts highlight a concerning statistic about many Americans lacking sufficient emergency savings. Additionally, they present insights on estate planning basics fro...

On today's show, Seth Udinski interviews Twila Brase, who addresses questions about Real ID. Seth also speaks with Craig Haugaard, as they discuss egg prices and the impact of bird flu on the market. Seth introduces this week's mini-series with a clip featuring Shana and financial advisor Jason MacDowell. They explore the importance of estate planning and the options available to estate owners and...

In today's show, hosts Shana Burt and Seth Udinski explore various financial topics submitted by listeners. They discuss portfolio allocation strategies, particularly regarding fixed income and preferred stocks. The hosts present thoughts on government agency bonds, cryptocurrency, and oil prices. Shana introduces ideas for managing cash positions and overweight allocations in portfolios. In the s...

In today's show, Shana Burt and Seth Udinski examined recent Federal Reserve actions, including the pause in rate hikes and potential easing of quantitative tightening. Shana explained how short-term and long-term interest rates are influenced by different factors, including Fed policy and market supply and demand. The hosts looked at upcoming economic data releases and changes to next week's show...