More Than Money

How often should my wife provide updates about our finances? Do I really have to put 20% down on a home? If my wife wants a lot of kids, at what point should I upgrade our house? We answer those questions and more. Listener questions: How often should my wife provide updates about our finances? What are some general guidelines if I take on a side gig? Do I really have to put 20% down on a home? If...

Bivocational pastors have a difficult task. What are their financial struggles? How do they manage their time? In this episode, two bivocational pastors help us understand what their life and ministry is like. Listener questions: I am a bivocational pastor. How much can I claim for my housing allowance? Notes: Duck Duct Cleaning | https://www.duckductcleaning.com/ The Essential Emergency Binder |...

Jake and his wife have children but no significant assets. Should they get a will? On this episode, Art discusses wills and trusts with Leo Sabo, president of Christian Stewardship Network. Listener questions: My wife and I have a couple of young kids, but we don’t have many assets. When should I get a will? Notes: Splitting Heirs | Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Splitting-Heirs-Childre...

How do I prepare for college costs with 7 kids? How should I prepare for another economic downturn? What is the most important thing about money I should teach my child? In this episode, Art answers several listener questions. Listener questions: 1. How do I prepare for college costs with 7 kids? 2. My son will go to college next year. I am thinking about purchasing a home wherever he goes to coll...

Should you use your home equity to consolidate debts? When should you start saving for a down payment? Should I meet with a financial planner? Listener questions: 1. Should I use my home equity to consolidate my debts. 2. Should I pay off all debts before saving for a down payment for a house? 3. Should I use my emergency to cover my homeowners insurance deductible? 4. Should I use a planner to ma...

Give generously. Save wisely. Live appropriately. That’s the 3-step financial pattern we see in the Bible. And most of the time, we talk about those first two steps—give generously and save wisely. In this episode, Art answers listener questions, including one about living appropriately and spending money. Listener questions: 1. You say give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately. What do...

Are you wanting to change careers? Is now the time to really go after that dream job? On this episode, bestselling author, Ken Coleman, will help you think through what steps you need to take next. Notes: The Proximity Principle | Buy it here: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/store/books/the-proximity-principle-by-ken-coleman From Paycheck to Purpose | Preorder it here: https://amzn.to/3hPo4F4 The...

So, you married into debt. What do you do? This is going to be a great episode for married couples and those who, one day, want to be married. Notes: - Don’t follow the script. - Be your family. - Live like you have one salary. - Togetherness. JackiCKing.com The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder Episode Sponsor: Our sponsor SecureGive ha...

Most of the time, we talk about being good stewards (managers) on More Than Money. In this episode, we are going to discuss how to be terrible stewards. It is a fun and inspirational episode. Listener question answered: Should I buy a high quality, expensive item that will last a long time and take care of it, or should I buy cheap and just know it may not last? My wife and I disagree on the amoun...

On this episode, Art talks with Costi Hinn about his life story and his book, “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel.” Plus, Art answers questions about 529 plans and retirement savings. Listener questions answered: I am curious whether you have Roth or Traditional IRAs in mind when recommending a 15% savings rate. I am a bit overwhelmed by looking through info for all 50 states to find the best...

Is it okay for a church to accept someone’s lottery winnings? When is it wrong for a church to accept designated gifts? Is it okay to accept personal gifts from church members? Listener question answered: I am a bi-vocational pastor. My ministry income is about 10% of my total income. Are there any unique ways churches should allocate pastoral pay packages (distributed between housing allowance, m...

Going to Disney World this summer? In this fun episode, we talk to Disney aficionado Kristen Petersen about how to save a little money at the parks this summer. Listener questions answered: Can you help me understand what a zero-based budget is? You recommend the debt snowball to pay off debt. It seems like paying off the highest interest would be better financially. Would you be okay if I do that...

In this episode, Art answers several money questions from More Than Money listeners. Listener question answered: We are starting the college search process for my child. What tips do you have for us. I don’t want her going into debt for school. I’m single and just starting out on my financial journey. What suggestions do you have for someone like me? Why do you tell us to get our company match bef...

Looking for a few good books to read this summer? In this episode, Art provides his top five (or six) recommended books on money. Listener questions answered: Where should I put my child’s savings? In a savings account? Should I invest in Bitcoin? Notes: Redeeming Money by Paul David Tripp Gospel Patrons by John Rhine The Money Challenge by Art Rainer The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley...

Is it okay to play the lottery? Is there a difference between gambling and investing? In this episode, Dave Jones rejoins us to discuss the biblical view of gambling. Questions answered: 1. What’s wrong with playing the lottery? 2. What is the difference between investing and gambling? 3. Is it okay for me to have an office bracket pool? Notes: The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https:/...

In this episode, Thom Rainer joins Art to answer some FAMQ (Frequently Asked Money Questions) of ministers. Art also announces a new giveaway from SecureGive! Listener questions answered: 1. We often discuss the difference between a pastor’s salary and the pastor’s compensation package. What is the difference and why is it important for a pastor to understand the difference? 2. Before taking a pas...

John Rinehart from Gospel Patrons joins us to share a few practical steps to becoming more openhanded with our money. Art also answers question about paying for Disney World and whether or not to sell your home. Listener questions answered: I want to take our family to Disney World this year, but we don’t have the money right now. My husband typically gets a bonus at the end of the year that would...

The Rainer's paid off their mortgage. Woohoo! In this episode, Sarah joins Art to have a conversation about the lessons they learned along the way. Listener question answered: Should I pay off my mortgage? I am a pastor with a housing allowance and I don’t want to mess anything up. What do you think? Notes: Lessons Learned: 1. Know your why. 2. Buy a house you can afford. 3. Have a plan. 4. Stay f...

In this episode we answer questions about inheritances, savings bonds, and digital retirement platforms. Plus, we make fun of Taylor’s dancing. It is a great episode! Listener questions answered: When one adult child is a very poor money manager, what is the best way to set up a will so that an inheritance does not make the problem worse? While reading your new book, "The Money Challenge for Teens...

Should I plan to care for my parents? Is 0% financing a good idea? We answer these questions plus a few other listener questions in this episode. Also, we announce a new giveaway! Listener questions answered: Regarding home improvements, how do you balance future ROI vs. what you want to live in? Is 0% financing a good idea? Should I plan to care for my parents? What are effective ways to teach HS...

Steve has $50,000 in debt and wants to know if he should sell his home to pay off the debt. In this episode, we answer Steve’s question plus several other money questions from our listeners. Also, we announce a new giveaway! Listener questions answered: Should I use sell my home to pay off my debt? Would you have a recommendation for a percentage of my income to use towards a mortgage? I’ve alread...

Last week, we asked you to send in your money questions. And you responded in a big way. So, we are going to answer a few of your questions in this episode. Plus, we will announce the giveaway winner! Listener questions answered: How should one order priorities of saving for retirement, paying off debt, saving for college, etc.? I've taken my workplace match (6%) on my retirement account which is...

Some decisions are clear. Should we give? Yes. Should we pay our bills? Of course. what about those questions that aren’t always so clear, like should you give to the homeless man at the traffic light? I invited, Dr. David W. Jones, a Professor of Christian Ethics, to answer three questions: •Is it okay for Christians to negotiate down debt? •Is it okay for Christians to be rich? •Should you give...

Does your family struggle with budgeting? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Jimmy and Kristin Scroggins are, not just great ministry leaders, but amazing budgeters. In this episode, they share what they’ve learned from budgeting for a family of ten. Listener questions answered: Is it worth the effort trying to find a better rate on our Liquid Money Market account for our emergency fund? We currently...

Budgeting? Teenagers? Are you serious? We are. Crystal Paine is a New York Times bestselling author known widely as the Money Saving Mom, and on this episode, she joins us to discuss three important tips for teaching your teenager about budgeting. Listener questions answered: Any big pros/cons with using a state option rather than a big firm for 529 Plans? Do you use a software for budgeting or al...