Faith and Finances

Tim: They say that all good things must come to an end. We hope and pray that the Faith and Finances Podcast has been "good" to you, that the Christ-focused financial teaching has blessed and encouraged you.   Troy: In 1965, The Byrd's (can't these guys spell?) popularized the message of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in their hyper-creatively titled song, "Turn! Turn! Turn!". The message is one of seasons—beginnings and endings. For every beginning, the Bible teaches us that there must also be an ending. That truth brings us to the final episode of the Faith and Finances Podcast.   Our Farewells: Tim: We are so thankful that you have chosen to listen to this Podcast. We have endeavored to bring valuable content and honor the Lord in every episode. I will be focusing my time and energy on my writing and live teaching endeavors. You can stay in touch, and receive my devotional writings on the subject of biblical finances by visiting www.TimRosen.org and providing your e-mail address. You can also learn where I am teaching the Faith and Finances sessions by visiting the ministry Facebook or Instagram (see links below).   Troy: Tim and I have enjoyed our time with you during these few years of podcasting. Both of us are now entering seasons of life that demand a bit more of our time than in the past. I'm blessed with 2 godly teenagers, but they are teenagers nonetheless and require more of my time than ever before. Katrina and I have gone back to serving as Care Group Leaders after a 1-2 year break and that also requires time. On the work front, I'm currently building an online training system for our new hires and helping with the NeuroStar international expansion efforts. I suspect that Tim and I will share a microphone or video camera at some point in the future. We both enjoy each other and those mediums. But until then, dear listener… God bless.   Resources and Links: Faith and Finances - Book Multiply, What the Bible Teaches About Saving, Investing, and Planning for Your Future - Book   Improve Your Faith and Finances: Learn and trust God's ways, for His ways are so much higher (better) than our ways.   Reach Us: Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or Twitter, or Instagram Troy Twitter and Facebook Matt Website or Twitter

How often are the words of the Apostle Paul, "Owe no man anything" applied to literally every form of loan, mortgage, and debt?   In This Episode, We Look At: Romans 13:8 in its proper context Types of debt to avoid Manageable, acceptable debt   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

I talk with my family frequently about the quality of food (or junk) that we put in our bodies. Yet there are times when I would see an amazing-looking dessert (just Google "Monster shakes") and all of a sudden I'm now telling my family how awesome this thing looks and that we ought to try it! That is not integrity! The healthy talk is somewhat recent in my life, but the junk food temptations stem from decades of bad habits.   In This Episode, We Look At: Deep seeded bad habits and bad behavior do not suddenly disappear overnight. This applies to financial habits and behaviors as well. You cannot dig yourself out of a 20, 30, or 40-year hole in just weeks or months. Financial integrity means handling money in a manner consistent with your beliefs—and words. Listen as we provide an Integrity self-test for Christians.   Improve Your Faith and Finances: Saturate yourself in God's Word, seeking to learn what is acceptable, and then practice awareness of your own thoughts, words, and deeds.   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

Most of us are repelled by rules thrown at us. There's a bit of a maverick in all of us, preferring "our way." Just as there are laws of nature, there are laws in personal finance. They really do sound simple, yet simple is often enough. We are going to list the Simple Rules/Laws and teach you how to implement them.   Save Be aware of cash flow Avoid consumer debt

As Christ-followers, we are commanded to love others (see Matthew 22:37-40). That's a tall order. How much do we love ourselves?   In This Episode, We Look At: Love in action: With neighbors- demonstrate Christ-likeness. With our enemies. With family and the body of Christ.   Improve Your Faith and Finances: As Christ loved us unconditionally so are we to love others-unconditionally. Demonstrate that love, and also give, as giving is an act of love   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim's Faith and Finances Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

We all see the ads and the Hallmark movies this time of year. We see happy, joyful people shopping for their loved ones and enjoying bountiful Christmas dinners. In reality, do we display such joy and happiness in the marketplace while shopping for our loved ones? Why not?   In This Episode, We Look At: Three keys to a joyful Christmas shopping season. First: Determine to keep your family's focus on the meaning of Christmas. If the primary focus is the buying and giving of gifts, you're doing it wrong. Second: Determine a budget for Christmas related spending (including food). We cover some tips here in the episode. Third: Be intentional to spread joy and the love of Christ to others. Consider how other people feel as they work long hours at the stores this season, trying to tolerate impatient, rude, and belligerent customers. What difference can you make by offering a genuine smile and a "Thank you for working."   Resources and Links: Christmas Shoes - you're welcome!  :-)   Improve Your Faith and Finances: Schedule time to read the true Christmas story from Scripture this season. Luke 2, Matthew 2, and Isaiah 9 are wonderful places to start.   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim's Faith and Finances Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

We would like you to meet Scott and Bethany Palmer, also known as The Money Couple. Scott and Bethany focus their decades of financial planning experience on helping couples strengthen their marriages and stop fights about money.   In This Episode, We Look At: Both spouses have their own unique money language and personality. You've heard of 5 Love Languages, but it's the money language that causes most arguments and contention in a marriage. In this interview, Scott and Bethany help us to not only identify our own money personalities, but also how to understand our spouse's money personality. With this knowledge and understanding, couples can work together, knowing they are on the same team, and build their future together, instead of against each other.   Resources and Links: The Money Couple - website The Money Couple - Facebook The 5 Money Personalities - book   Improve Your Faith and Finances: Visit the Money Couple website and look around. Consider taking their Assessment. When you learn about your own money beliefs and personality and your spouse's, you can begin working together toward God-honoring goals instead of against each other.   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim's Faith and Finances Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

Today, your Smartphone probably knows you better than you know yourself. Simply let the device look into your eyes and in seconds, you have access to all of your financial accounts, e-mail, and everything personal you could imagine. But, how well does it know your spouse? Specifically, if you were taken out of this world, would your spouse know how to access crucial financial accounts, insurance policies, and other vital information? I'm not simply talking about what is on your phone. Would your surviving spouse know who to call, how to access money, what to pay off, and where vital documents are kept?   In This Episode, We Look At: Preparing a "What to do" list for your loved one, in the event of your passing. The time to plan is now, while you are healthy and thriving, not once you are ill, old, or injured. Do you have life insurance? If not, why not? How will your loved ones pay for burial and funeral expenses? What will be the source of your surviving spouse's income? We also review the differences between having a Will and a Living Trust   Improve Your Faith and Finances: It is our responsibility to plan for the "what if's" in order to take care of our family. But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim's Faith and Finances  Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter

"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mark 10:25 Why did Jesus say that? Are riches bad? Are rich people condemned?   In This Episode, We Look At: Because the Bible gives so many warnings against the dangers of riches, some other misunderstandings have been perpetuated in the Christian community. One is that being wealthy is inherently sinful, or that only sinful people become wealthy. (R.C. Sproul) The rich who are lost. They trust their wealth and see no need for a savior. The rich who are saved may see that their needs are met, which leads them to trust their wealth also, and not consciously depending on God (which is His design).   Improve Your Faith and Finances: If God entrusts you with riches, purpose to continue your dependence on God, the Giver of all things, and not on "uncertain riches" (1 Timothy 6:17). "If riches increase, set not your heart on them." Psalm 62:10   Share Your Thoughts: If you have a question or comment about today's topic, we invite you to share your thoughts. Podcast on Facebook Tim's Faith and Finances Website or Twitter Troy Twitter Matt Website or Twitter