Ep. 104 - How Do I Avoid Profiting from Ill-Gotten Gain?

What if your charitable dollars could do more than fund traditional giving? What if they could be invested in businesses that create meaningful change while potentially generating financial returns for future charitable giving? In this episode, we welcome Jeff Ebihara, Senior Advisor at Impact Foundation, to discuss how Christians can use donor-advised funds to invest in businesses that align with their faith and values. We discuss how Impact Foundation helps donors put charitable capital to work through faith-driven investments that support affordable housing, job creation, poverty alleviation, education, and other initiatives that promote human flourishing. We'll also examine how these investments work, the potential financial and missional returns, and real-world examples of businesses making a difference in communities around the world. Join us for a conversation about biblical stewardship, charitable investing, and how Christians can use their financial resources to support meaningful, lasting change. Visit the Impact Foundation website: https://www.impactfoundation.org/  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-110-jeff-ebihara   Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe,  and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction to Jeff Ebihara and Impact Foundation  02:13 – Jeff's Journey to Impact Foundation  03:38 – Investing Charitable Dollars Through Donor-Advised Funds  05:54 – The Origins and Mission of Impact Foundation  08:27 – How the Charitable Investment Process Works  11:22 – What Happens to Investment Returns?  12:47 – Finding Investments That Align with Your Values  14:55 – What Is Redemptive Investing?  16:23 – Benefits of Investing Through Impact Foundation  20:14 – Real-World Examples of Charitable Investing  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/  The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.  #ChristianInvesting #BiblicalStewardship #FaithAndFinance #CharitableGiving #ChristianFinance #ImpactInvesting #FinancialStewardship #ChristianGenerosity #Investing #Philanthropy

Can your investments do more than simply generate financial returns?  In this episode we welcome Tim Macready of Brightlight to explore how Christians can align their investments with their faith and make a meaningful difference in the world.  Tim shares real-world examples of impact investing, from helping vulnerable families stay together to combating human trafficking, and explains how thoughtful investment decisions can promote human flourishing while pursuing financial returns.  Faith-driven investing isn't just about avoiding harmful industries. It's also about using your investments to support causes that align with your biblical values and God's purposes.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-109-tim-macready  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction to Tim Macready and Faith-Driven Investing  02:56 – How Christian Investing Differs from Traditional Investing  08:44 – Aligning Investment Decisions with Biblical Values  15:38 – Navigating the Gray Areas of Christian Investing 19:42 – How Shareholder Advocacy Can Influence Companies  25:26 – Real-World Examples of Impact Investing  29:21 – Balancing Financial Returns with Meaningful Impact  33:43 – Who Should Consider Faith-Driven Impact Investing?  36:42 – The Growing Opportunities and Challenges of Impact Investing  43:13 – The Future of Faith-Driven Investing and Its Spiritual Impact  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.  #ChristianInvesting #FaithBasedInvesting #ImpactInvesting #ChristianFinance #BiblicalStewardship #FinancialPlanning #Investing #RetirementPlanning #WealthManagement #Christianity

What does it look like to use your wealth not simply for growth, but as fuel for God's purposes?  In this conversation, we sit down with financial advisor and author Rachel McDonough to explore biblical stewardship, impact investing, and what it means to align your investments with your faith. Rachel shares how her experiences growing up as a missionary kid in Kenya shaped her view of wealth and investing, why faithfulness may require Christians to rethink traditional ideas about risk and return, and how families can use their resources to create meaningful impact today.  We also discuss Rachel's book, The River and the Garden, the importance of passing values—not just wealth—to the next generation, and practical ways to identify the next faithful step in your stewardship journey.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-108-rachel-mcdonough  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Rachel's book: https://www.theriverandthegarden.com/ The Garden Audit: https://www.theriverandthegarden.com/garden-audit Timestamps  00:00 Meet Rachel McDonough  01:03 How Rachel's Childhood in Kenya Shaped Her Calling  04:02 Rethinking Wealth Through a Biblical Lens  06:28 What Does Financial Risk Look Like for a Christian?  09:41 Aligning Your Investments With God's Purposes  13:37 Using Your Wealth for Impact Today  16:41 The River and the Garden: Rethinking Faithful Stewardship  20:41 Passing Faith and Financial Stewardship to the Next Generation  27:32 The Garden Audit: Finding Your Next Faithful Step  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents. #BiblicalStewardship  #ChristianInvesting #ImpactInvesting #FaithBasedInvesting #KingdomInvesting #ChristianFinance #FaithAndFinances #Stewardship #KingdomStewardship #BiblicalFinance #PurposeDrivenInvesting #GenerationalStewardship #RachelMcDonough #TheRiverAndTheGarden #SecondHalfStewardship

What happens when you've saved enough for yourself, your future, and your family? In this episode, we explore how Christians can think differently about surplus wealth and the opportunities available through private impact investing.  We'll discuss microfinance, private credit, private equity, and venture capital investments designed to create jobs, address real-world problems, and advance Kingdom-focused work. We also examine the risks, potential returns, investment minimums, and long lockup periods that come with private markets—and why these investments should be considered carefully within a broader financial plan.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-107-kingdom-impact  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps  0:00 – When Have You Reached Your Financial Finish Line?  4:48 – What Should You Do With Surplus Wealth?  7:37 – What Is a Private Market Investment?  11:27 – Who Can Invest in Private Markets?  13:16 – Microfinance and Impact Investing  15:26 – Private Credit and Job Creation  17:04 – Private Equity and Faith-Driven Investing  20:36 – What Rates of Return Should You Expect?  23:45 – Balancing Financial Return and Kingdom Impact  27:06 – Investment Minimums, Risks, and Final Considerations  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.  #ChristianInvesting #BiblicalStewardship #ImpactInvesting #KingdomInvesting #FaithAndFinance

What does it look like to invest in companies that actively contribute to human flourishing? In this episode, we explore how Christians can move beyond simply avoiding problematic investments and intentionally pursue companies that align more closely with their values.  We'll also discuss the benefits and risks of concentrated portfolios, risk capacity versus risk tolerance, and practical ways investors can pursue biblically responsible investing while remaining thoughtful about diversification, cost, and financial stewardship.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-106-christian-approach  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps  0:00 – Moving Beyond Defensive Christian Investing  1:56 – Creating a Portfolio That Aligns With Your Values  6:20 – What Does Faithful Investing Look Like?  8:29 – The Benefits and Risks of a Concentrated Portfolio  13:49 – Risk Capacity vs. Risk Tolerance  16:23 – Investing in Companies That Promote Human Flourishing  21:12 – Practical Ways to Build a Values-Aligned Portfolio  23:51 – The Limitations of Investing in Public Companies  25:37 – Final Thoughts on Investing for Human Flourishing  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.  #ChristianInvesting #BiblicalStewardship #FaithBasedInvesting #HumanFlourishing #ChristianFinance

Christian investors have more options than simply owning a company or avoiding it altogether. As shareholders, investors have a voice—and an opportunity to influence how companies operate. In this episode, we explore what active ownership looks like from a biblical perspective, including proxy voting, shareholder resolutions, direct engagement, and investing through fund managers who actively advocate for change.  We'll also discuss how Christians can think beyond financial returns and consider the impact their investments can have on businesses, communities, and human flourishing.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-105-investment-influence  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps  0:00 – How Christian Investors Can Influence Companies  1:11 – A Biblical View of Shareholder Engagement  4:37 – Avoiding Darkness While Still Having Influence  6:41 – How Proxy Voting Works  10:04 – Engaging Companies Through Investment Funds  12:14 – Using Collective Influence to Drive Change  13:59 – What Can an Individual Investor Do?  16:09 – The Tradeoffs of More Active Engagement  18:26 – How Fund Alignment and Unity Can Lead to Change  20:59 – How Individual Action Can Spark a Movement #ChristianInvesting #BiblicalInvesting #ChristianStewardship #FaithBasedInvesting #BiblicallyResponsibleInvesting  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

If God owns everything and we are simply stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us, should we care what our investments are supporting? In this episode, we continue our discussion on biblically responsible investing by exploring what it means to avoid profiting from ill-gotten gain. We'll examine the biblical principles behind faithful stewardship and discuss practical ways Christians can thoughtfully evaluate the companies and industries they own through their investment portfolios. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the Bible teaches about ill-gotten gain. • Why Christians should care about what they support. • Common categories many faith-driven investors choose to screen out. • How investment screening works. • Why biblically responsible investing is about pursuing faithfulness. No portfolio will ever be perfect. But every Christian can seek to be intentional about stewarding God's resources in a way that aligns with biblical convictions. This conversation offers practical guidance to help you think through those decisions with wisdom and discernment. You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-104-corrupted-profits Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps 00:00 – Could Your Investments Be Funding Sin? 00:30 – Why Christians Should Care What They Own 02:20 – What Is Ill-Gotten Gain? 03:49 – What Should Christians Screen Out? 04:33 – Addiction Industries: Tobacco, Gambling & Alcohol 07:38 – Exploitation, Injustice & Human Dignity 10:23 – Life, Family & Other Difficult Screening Decisions 12:19 – How Investment Screening Actually Works 17:02 – The Benefits of Direct Indexing & SMAs 19:07 – Faithfulness Over Perfection Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Every investment is more than a financial decision—it's a stewardship decision. When Christians invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs, we're doing more than seeking financial returns. We're providing capital that helps businesses, governments, and organizations accomplish their goals. That raises an important question: Should our investments reflect our biblical convictions? In this episode, we explore what Scripture teaches about stewardship, ill-gotten gain, and the responsibility that comes with investing. We'll discuss the difference between stocks and bonds, and what it means to own or lend to a company, and offer a biblical framework for thinking through today's investment opportunities. In this episode, you'll learn: • What the Bible teaches about ill-gotten gain • Why investing is never morally neutral • The difference between stocks and bonds • What it means to own a company versus lend to one • Value-creating vs. value-extracting businesses • How Christians can think biblically about investing While there are rarely easy answers, Scripture gives us principles that help us faithfully steward the resources God has entrusted to us. You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-103-never-neutral Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: What Are You Really Funding? 00:58 What Does the Bible Mean by "Ill-Gotten Gain"? 02:50 Identifying Businesses That Harm Human Flourishing 06:43 What Is a Stock? Understanding Public Equities 09:45 What It Means to Own Part of a Company 13:40 What Is a Bond? Lending vs. Owning 19:26 Is Your Bank Using Your Money Wisely? 21:07 Stewardship: What Are You Enabling with Your Investments? 24:51 Hebrews 13:5 and the Christian Investor's Perspective Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

The world says the goal of investing is simple: maximize risk-adjusted returns. But Scripture calls Christians to something greater—faithful stewardship. As followers of Christ, we aren't just asking how much our investments earn. We should also ask what they are funding.  In this episode, we explore the tension between the world's investment philosophy and a biblical approach to investing. We discuss what it means to avoid ill-gotten gain, whether Christians should be concerned about the companies they own, and why faithfulness—not simply financial performance—should shape the way we deploy the resources God has entrusted to us.  Whether you're just beginning to think about faith-based investing or you're looking to align your portfolio more closely with your convictions, this conversation will challenge you to view investing through the lens of Scripture.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-102-christian-dilemma  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.  Timestamps  00:00 - Every Investor Is Living Inside a Story  00:34 - The World's Investment Narrative vs. God's Story  04:21 - You Cannot Serve God and Money  05:27 - The Goal of Modern Investing: Risk, Return & Time  08:53 - Are You Profiting Alongside Human Harm?  12:23 - Faithfulness vs. Maximum Returns  18:08 - Rethinking Risk, Return & Time Through Scripture  21:24 - Avoiding Ill-Gotten Gain as a Christian Investor  23:05 - How Christians Can Invest Differently  24:15 - The Foundation of Faithful Investing  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

How Should Christians Help Other Christians in Financial Need? In this episode we discuss how Christians can wisely and compassionately respond to financial hardship within the body of Christ. From debt and poverty to medical bills and unexpected crises, we explore the difference between short-term relief and long-term transformation.  You'll learn why financial struggles are often about more than money, how discipleship plays a critical role in lasting change, when lending or giving may be appropriate, and how the church can come alongside those in need with both grace and discernment. Helping others isn't just about solving a financial problem—it's about encouraging stewardship, spiritual growth, and lasting freedom in Christ.  You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-101-helping-christians  Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps  00:00 Introduction: Helping Christians in Financial Need  01:36 Understanding the Different Types of Poverty  03:25 Identifying the Root Cause of Financial Struggles  06:24 Crisis Poverty vs. Lifestyle Choices  10:16 The Church's Role in Financial Support  13:30 Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Long-Term Help  18:10 Moving from Relief to Lasting Transformation  18:52 The Importance of Submission and Change 20:36 Why You Are Not the Savior  23:24 Documenting Financial Assistance and Loans  Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.