More Than Money

Average new car prices and new car payments are at an all-time high. How can someone afford to purchase a car these days? If this episode, Art shares his recommended steps for purchasing a car with cash. Listener questions answered: Our church budget is tight. Should I provide bonuses to staff instead of salary raises? Also mentioned: The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artra...

Pastors and ministers enter ministry for the mission, not the money. In this episode, Art answers some common questions pastors frequently ask, mostly relating to housing allowances. Listener questions answered: How much housing allowance should I take? Should I pay off my mortgage? Should I rollover my current retirement account over to another brokerage? Also mentioned: 8 Money Milestones | Read...

After a conversation with a financial counseling client, Art realized he needed to talk more about the 8 Money Milestones. In this episode Art walks through your guide to financial health for the sake of living generously. Notes: 8 Money Milestones Milestone 1: Start giving. Milestone 2: Save $1,500 for a minor emergency. Milestone 3: Max out your 401(k) or 403(b) match. Milestone 4: Pay off all d...

A listener asks, “Is it okay for me to want more money and things?” On this episode, Art and Taylor dive into this question. Plus, Art and Taylor discuss some of their favorite More Than Money episodes. Notes: 1. God owns everything. 2. We don’t deserve anything. 3. Anything we have has been given to us by God. 4. To some God gives much. To others he gives little. To all he requires stewardship. 5...

We are big on joint accounts for married couples. But is it okay for only one spouse to be on the mortgage? Art and Katie answer this listener question and another listener question about compensating church staff. Notes: Significant Changes Coming to Your Credit Report: 1. Most medical debt will be removed from credit reports starting July 1, 2022. 2. Buy now, pay later debt can start showing up...

In this episode, Art and Taylor consider a listener’s question about renting or buying in their new city. In addition, Art provides some suggestions for how to have a great staycation this summer. Notes: 7 Ways to Ensure a Great Staycation 1. Set objectives for your staycation. 2. Make a plan. 3. Take advantage of special events. 4. Do something you’ve wanted to do for a while. 5. Take a day trip....

In this episode, Art shares three surprising statistics and the lessons we can learn from them. Art also answers a listener question about buying a dog. Notes: More money will not fix bad money habits. Don’t let the market determine your financial decisions. Don’t buy what you can’t afford. Money Challenge: Research buy now, pay later offers. Get a better understanding of the financing strategy th...

How can you make giving easier and more fun? In this episode, Art talks with author Bob Lotich about net worth, spending more on what you enjoy, and making giving easier. Plus, Art answers a couple of listener questions. Listener questions: Do you still recommend Greenlight for children? The market is tanking. Should I still invest? Resources mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life | Buy it here: https...

How does our faith influence our investing? Should you invest in vice or sin stocks? What about index funds with sin stocks in them? On this episode, Art talks with Dr. David Jones, a financial ethicist, about ethical investing. Resources mentioned: Health, Wealth, and Happiness | Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07175Q13Q/ref =dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i2 The Money Challenge...

Money arguments are common in marriages. How can you and your spouse reduce these blow ups? In this episode, Art helps a listener think through this question. Notes: 1. Remember God’s design for marriage. 2. Acknowledge God didn’t entrust you with money to destroy your marriage. 3. Place marital goals over financial goals. 4. Recognize money arguments may reveal some deeper issue in your marriage....

Financial infidelity is on the rise. How can you protect your marriage? In this episode, Art, Katie, and Taylor discuss three financial decisions married couples must avoid. Notes: Marriage Destroyer #1: Separate accounts. Marriage Destroyer #2: Secret accounts. Marriage Destroyer #3: Unilateral Decision-making. Money Challenge—Combine your accounts. If you are married, title all accounts in both...

You and your money were meant for more. In this episode, Art shares five teachings found in Scripture that positively alter your relationship with money. If taken seriously, these teaching can change everything. Notes: 1. God owns everything. 2. Stewardship is not about maintaining the status quo. 3. For better or worse, money will shape you heart. 4. The biblical patter of stewardship is: Give, S...

Have you been known to overspend? If so, this episode is for you! Overspending creates significant financial problems. On this episode, Art and Taylor talk about how to rein in your bad spending habits. Notes: 1. Really believe that money management reflects heart management 2. Consider the opportunity cost. 4. Create a blueprint for mission. 5. Always make a list before you shop. 6. Automate as m...

Training and running a marathon provides many lessons that apply to our financial journeys. In this episode, Art talks about eight lessons he learned that will help you get financially healthy. Plus, Art answers a couple of listener questions. Notes: 1. You need a why. 2. You can’t just show up and expect to finish. 3. You need a plan. 4. Don’t underestimate the power of discipline. 5. Avoid all u...

Stop believing the lies! There are several lies that, if believed, will keep you from getting and remaining financially healthy and, ultimately, experiencing God’s design for your money. In this episode, Art and Taylor discuss five of the lies. Resources mentioned: The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder Episode Sponsor: Most churches stru...

On this episode, Art and Katie discuss a question from a financially struggling teacher. She wonders if quitting her current job and jumping into a higher paying profession is the right move for her. Resources mentioned: Find More Money | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/find-more-money The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder Episode...

How does someone get and remain financially healthy? In this episode, Art and Taylor reveal five secrets of financially healthy people. Plus, Art talks about his recent marathon race…way too much. You will find yourself learning and laughing throughout this episode. Listener Question: My net worth is in the negative. I don't WANT to know exactly what it is because it is too depressing. Resources m...

On this episode, Art and Taylor talk about a person’s net worth—what it is, how to calculate it, and how to increase it. Plus, they answer a listener question about selling a car in this crazy automobile market. Listener question: I have a 2018 Honda Pilot that I bought in late 2019. Right now, I can sell my car at a profit. Should I take advantage of this, or should I just hold on to the car? Res...

Student loan repayment starts back up on May 1. Are you ready? In this episode, Art gets you prepared for your student loan payment. Listener Question: Should I buy a home in this crazy market? Resources mentioned: The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder Episode Sponsor: Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created...

The financial world is a little crazy right now. The stock market has been down while inflation has been up. Let’s not even start talking about gas prices. What are we to do? In this episode, Art discusses how to avoid making emotionally driven investment decisions and how to budget during times of inflation. Listener Question: When is it okay for me to purchase a luxury item? Resources mentioned:...

God has designed you for generosity. In this episode, Art talks with John Rinehart of Gospel Patrons about giving as a community. Plus, Art answers a few listener questions, like “Is saving for retirement hoarding?” Listener Question: Is Saving for Retirement Hoarding? Should I tithe off gross or net income? Resources mentioned: Giving Together | Buy the book here: https://www.gospelpatrons.org/bo...

Should you keep a mortgage for tax savings? Many ask this question. On this episode, Art talks with Andy Hill about why paying off your mortgage is usually worth no longer having the tax deduction. Listener Question: Get a 10% return or pay off my 4% loan? Resources mentioned: Marriage, Kids, and Money | Visit Andy's website here: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/ The Essential Emergency Binder |...

The usage of buy now, pay later services is rapidly growing. This is a problem. On this episode, Art talks with Ramsey Personality, George Kamel, about the financial dangers of these services and how to overcome the buy now, pay later temptation. Listener Question: Car prices are going crazy. Should I buy a car? How do I budget during times of inflation? Resources mentioned: The Money Challenge |...

Debt is a burden. You desperately want to get rid of it, but your income is limited. What do you do? In this episode, Art talks about how you can increase your financial margin to pay off debt more quickly. Listener Question: How much housing allowance should I take? Resources mentioned: The Money Challenge | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/the-money-challenge Find More Money | Buy it here:...

Various pricing strategies surround you every time you walk into a store. In this episode, Art talks about four pricing strategies that you need to guard yourself against. Plus, Art answers a few listener questions. Listener Question: 1. Debt snowball method or debt avalanche method? 2. Should I include my match as part of my 15% retirement savings goal? Resources mentioned: The Money Challenge fo...