Just-the-Basics Indexing with Mark Biller

Investing can feel overwhelming. With countless funds, strategies, market forecasts, and opinions competing for attention, it’s easy to assume that successful investing requires constant analysis and a complicated portfolio.But it doesn’t have to.For decades, Sound Mind Investing has offered an indexing strategy called Just-the-Basics, designed around simplicity, diversification, and minimal maintenance. According to Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, a straightforward indexing approach can also work alongside more active investment strategies.The key may not be choosing between active investing and indexing, but understanding how both can fit in a well-designed portfolio.How Index Investing WorksIndex investing begins with a simple idea: rather than trying to beat the market, investors seek to earn approximately the market’s return.They typically accomplish this through low-cost index funds that track a particular market benchmark. Because these funds generally require less active management, their expenses tend to be lower than those of actively managed funds.Over time, those lower costs can be significant. “Indexing is based on the idea that an investor is going to give up trying to beat the market in favor of just earning the market’s return,” Biller explains.Sound Mind Investing’s Just-the-Basics strategy takes that concept and keeps it intentionally simple. It uses three stock index funds and, when appropriate for the investor’s asset allocation, a bond index fund.Once established, the strategy requires relatively little maintenance—typically an annual portfolio rebalance. That simplicity can make indexing especially appealing to investors who don’t want to continually monitor markets or make frequent investment decisions.Active Investing or Indexing? Why Not Both?Investors sometimes treat active management and indexing as competing philosophies. Either you try to outperform the market, or you simply track it.SMI takes a different approach. Although the organization may be better known for its active strategies, Just-the-Basics was actually the first investing strategy introduced in the SMI newsletter more than three decades ago.Rather than viewing active investing and indexing as an either-or decision, Biller suggests thinking in terms of both-and.That approach can be particularly useful for investors whose workplace retirement plans offer mostly index funds. For example, an investor might use low-cost index funds inside a 401(k) while employing active strategies elsewhere in the portfolio.Combining the two can create another layer of diversification without requiring every investment account to follow the same approach.Why Use More Than One Stock Index Fund?If simplicity is the goal, why not simply purchase a total stock market index fund?That would certainly be easy. But SMI has historically used three separate stock index funds instead. There are practical reasons for that.When Just-the-Basics was first introduced, total stock market index funds were not yet widely available. More importantly, many workplace retirement plans still do not offer a true total-market option.Most plans, however, offer something similar to an S&P 500 index fund that tracks large U.S. companies. They may also offer a small-company fund and an international fund. Using several index funds makes it possible to build broader diversification even when a total-market fund isn’t available.Otherwise, investors who substitute an S&P 500 fund for a total-market fund could end up concentrated primarily in large U.S. companies.That concentration has worked especially well for much of the past 15 years, but recent performance does not necessarily predict future performance.Why Diversification Still MattersThe dominance of large U.S. companies in recent years has raised questions about whether investors still need meaningful exposure to smaller companies and international markets.SMI believes they do, although the organization has adjusted its allocations over time. The challenge is determining how much weight investors should place on recent history compared with longer-term market patterns.Large-company stocks have been exceptionally strong during the past 15 years. But when SMI examined a longer 30-year period, the picture became more complicated.Large companies slightly outperformed smaller and mid-sized companies over the full period. But when those 30 years were divided into two 15-year segments, the leadership changed. The more recent period favored large companies, while the earlier period favored the broader extended market.That serves as an important reminder: market leadership can change.Diversification means accepting that not every part of your portfolio will be the top performer at the same time. The goal is not necessarily to own only what has recently performed best, but to build a portfolio prepared for different market environments.What About International Stocks?International stocks present perhaps the more difficult diversification question.Foreign stocks have significantly lagged U.S. stocks over much of the past few decades. That has caused some investors to wonder whether international exposure is still necessary.Biller points to the concept of mean reversion—the tendency for an asset class that has significantly underperformed over a long period eventually to improve, while an asset class that has experienced exceptional performance may eventually cool.Historically, U.S. and international stocks have alternated leadership over extended periods.SMI has therefore maintained some international exposure while reducing its allocation. The Just-the-Basics strategy previously devoted 20% of its stock allocation to foreign investments; it has since reduced that figure to 10%.The goal isn’t to assume that history will repeat itself perfectly. Instead, it’s to maintain some diversification while acknowledging the changing structure of global markets. And because the strategy is simple, investors can adjust those percentages based on their own situation and investment philosophy.Indexing Can Help Investors Emotionally, TooDiversification isn’t only about mathematics. It can also influence investor behavior.Active investing inevitably produces periods when a strategy trails the broader market. During those times, investors may become frustrated and begin questioning their approach.Biller describes a common temptation: when an active strategy underperforms, investors may think, “I should have just bought the index.”Holding some indexed investments can reduce that all-or-nothing feeling. Part of the portfolio simply tracks the broader market while another portion follows an active strategy. That can make it psychologically easier to remain disciplined when one approach temporarily falls behind another.And investor behavior matters. Even a sound strategy can fail to produce its intended results if an investor repeatedly abandons it based on short-term performance.What Could a Simple Index Portfolio Look Like?For investors interested in a basic indexing approach, the structure does not have to be complicated. The Just-the-Basics stock allocation is approximately:60% large U.S. companies30% smaller U.S. companies10% international companiesDepending on an investor’s age, goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation, investors can also incorporate bonds into the portfolio. The exact percentages are less important than the underlying principle: build a diversified allocation you understand and can maintain consistently.For many investors, similar funds may already be available inside their workplace retirement plan.Simple Can Still Be WiseInvesting does not need to become a full-time job.Active strategies may make sense in some situations. Other times, simply owning diversified, low-cost index funds is entirely appropriate. For many investors, the right answer may include elements of both.What matters is having a thoughtful plan rather than constantly reacting to whatever has recently performed best.As stewards of what God has entrusted to us, our goal isn’t to make investing unnecessarily complicated. It’s to make wise, informed decisions with patience, discipline, and an appropriate understanding of risk.A simple, diversified investment strategy that you understand—and are prepared to stick with—can go a long way toward accomplishing that goal. To learn more about Sound Mind Investing’s Just-the-Basics strategy and other approaches to investing, visit SoundMindInvesting.org.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m 66, retired, and receiving Social Security, but I recently went back to work part time. My husband and I are debt-free but have only about $30,000 left in savings after cashing out our 401(k)s. Should I put most of my new income into my employer’s 401(k), or would another investment strategy make more sense?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerSound Mind InvestingSMI Indexing: Checking Up On Just-the-Basics (Article by Mark Biller on SoundMindInvesting.org)Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan AccolaFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“There was not a needy person among them.”That remarkable statement in Acts 4:34 describes the early church's generosity. The first Christians freely shared what God had entrusted to them so their community's needs were met.Their example can sound almost foreign in a culture that prizes independence and personal ownership. But according to Dr. Darrell Bock, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), the generosity we see in Acts reflects something much deeper than a particular financial system. It reveals what happens when people begin to see themselves, their possessions, and one another differently because of the gospel.So what can the early church teach us about generosity today?Hold What You Have With Open HandsMoney and possessions receive considerable attention throughout the Gospel of Luke, and Dr. Bock summarizes Luke’s perspective with a simple image: believers should hold what they own with loose hands.The reason is stewardship. What we possess ultimately comes from God. We are not owners in the absolute sense but stewards responsible for faithfully managing what He provides.That changes the question from, “What can I do with my money?” to, “How can I use what God has entrusted to me to serve Him and others?”Open-handed stewardship does not mean possessions are inherently wrong. It means we refuse to grip them so tightly that they become unavailable when God gives us an opportunity to help someone else.Generosity Flows From Spiritual TransformationActs places the extraordinary generosity of the early believers immediately after Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's coming.That placement matters. Dr. Bock describes spiritual transformation as redirecting the focus of our lives. Instead of everything pointing inward toward ourselves and our own agendas, our attention begins moving upward toward God and outward toward others.That transformation inevitably affects how we think about possessions.We no longer view our resources merely as tools for our own comfort or even solely for the benefit of our immediate families. We begin recognizing that God may also use what He has entrusted to us to care for the people He places around us.The early Christians understood themselves as an extended family—brothers and sisters united in Christ. When needs arose within that family, those who could responded.Their generosity was not simply a financial practice. It was evidence of changed hearts.Generosity Was Voluntary, Not ForcedActs 2 and 4 have sometimes raised the question of whether the early church abandoned private ownership altogether. Acts 5 helps clarify the issue.When Ananias and Sapphira sold property but misrepresented what they had given, Peter made clear that the property had remained theirs and that they had authority over the proceeds. Their sin was not keeping some of the money. Their sin was dishonesty.That tells us something important about the early church's generosity: it was voluntary.Believers were not compelled to surrender everything they owned. They chose to give because their hearts had been transformed.That voluntary nature actually makes their generosity more remarkable. No one had to force them to care for one another. Their willingness reflected their character.Wise Generosity Is Sustainable GenerosityThe language Luke uses also suggests that believers were not necessarily liquidating all their possessions at once. Rather, they sold possessions as needs arose.That implies discernment. Dr. Bock points to the contrast between Jesus’ encounter with the rich ruler and His encounter with Zacchaeus. Jesus instructed the rich ruler to sell everything, while Zacchaeus announced that he would give away half of his possessions and was commended for his response.The lesson is not that every Christian must dispose of everything he or she owns. The larger principle is that our possessions should remain available to God.Generosity should also be practiced wisely. Giving everything away immediately could leave someone unable to meet his own responsibilities and eventually dependent upon others. Faithful stewardship asks us to manage what God provides in a way that sustains generosity.The goal is not reckless giving. It is a heart consistently ready to respond.Christian Generosity Grows From Christian CommunityActs 4 says the believers were “one in heart and soul” before describing how they shared their possessions.That connection is significant. Generosity becomes more natural when we genuinely view other believers as family.Christians sometimes call one another “brother” or “sister,” but the early church lived as though those words were actually true. They knew one another closely enough to recognize needs and cared enough to respond when those needs arose.That same connection appears elsewhere in Luke’s writings. When John the Baptist called people to produce fruit consistent with repentance, he gave an intensely practical example: If someone has clothing and another person is without it, the person who has enough should share.Love for God and love for neighbor belong together. That is the same connection Jesus makes in the Great Commandment. A transformed relationship with God should eventually become visible in how we treat the people around us.Meeting Needs Does Not Mean Everyone Has the Same AmountActs 4:34 says there was “not a needy person among them.”That does not necessarily mean every Christian possessed exactly the same amount. The focus was on meeting genuine needs.1 Timothy 6 says that if we have food and clothing, we should be content with these things. Dr. Bock suggests this provides a helpful lens for understanding Acts: the church made sure people had the necessities of life.The goal was not financial uniformity. It was to ensure brothers and sisters in Christ would not be left without basic provision while others in the community could help.That distinction matters. Biblical generosity is not primarily about making everyone's financial circumstances identical. It is about refusing to ignore genuine needs when God has given us the resources to respond.Barnabas and the Importance of Our MotivesActs places two dramatically different examples side by side.Barnabas sells property and gives the proceeds to help others. Immediately afterward, Ananias and Sapphira attempt to appear more generous than they actually are.The contrast exposes a serious danger: generosity can become something we perform for others' approval. Barnabas is presented positively because his generosity is genuine. Ananias and Sapphira seek the appearance of sacrificial generosity without the reality behind it.The issue is ultimately one of the heart. Biblical generosity is not about appearing generous. It is about honestly surrendering what God has entrusted to us and responding faithfully when opportunities arise.“Descriptive” Does Not Mean IrrelevantActs describes what the early Christians did rather than issuing a direct command that every Christian must sell property.But we should be careful not to use the distinction between descriptive and prescriptive passages as an excuse to avoid the challenge of the text.Biblical narratives frequently present examples intended to shape us. Barnabas is praised. The early church's generosity is celebrated. Their lives point us toward the kind of people Christians should desire to become.The question, then, should not be, “How can I prove that I don't have to do what they did?” A better question is, “What does their example reveal about the kind of heart God desires to form in me?”Acts does not give us a formula for how much property to sell or what percentage of our income to give. It gives us a picture of a community whose relationship with money had been transformed by its relationship with Christ.What Could This Look Like Today?Church benevolence funds can certainly help meet needs, but the generosity pictured in Acts is even more relational.It requires believers to know one another. We should know the people God has placed around us well enough to recognize when someone is struggling. And when we discover a need, helping that person does not always require a formal church program.Sometimes generosity is simply noticing. It may mean providing something someone lacks, helping a family through a difficult season, or using resources God has given us to ease another person’s burden.Jesus tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Most of us devote considerable attention to our own well-being. Christian generosity asks us to become increasingly attentive to others' well-being, too.A Question Worth AskingThe early church's generosity flowed from a deeper reality: these believers were united in Christ.They held their possessions loosely because their ultimate treasure was found elsewhere. Their resources became tools for loving others rather than merely serving themselves.Their example leaves us with a valuable question: Given the resources God has entrusted to me, how might I use them to bless someone else?We do not need identical bank accounts, nor are we commanded to sell everything we possess. But followers of Jesus are called to become generous people—people whose hearts have been transformed by the gospel, who see fellow believers as family, and who hold everything God provides with open hands.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m in my 70s and setting up a trust that will eventually divide my estate equally between my two daughters. One is financially responsible, but the other struggles to manage money. How can I structure her inheritance so she doesn’t receive it all at once and the money helps rather than harms her?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerSplitting Heirs: Transferring Wisdom and Wealth to the Next Generation by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Financial loss can happen slowly or all at once. A business closes. A home is lost. An investment collapses. A scam wipes out savings built over decades.And when money disappears, the loss can reach far beyond the balance sheet. It can affect our sense of security, our plans for the future, and even the way we understand God’s provision.Scripture does not minimize those losses. It gives us permission to grieve them. But it also reminds us that while we can lose wealth, we cannot lose our true treasure.Three stories—from Job, Horatio Spafford, and John Wesley—offer perspective for responding faithfully when financial loss comes.Job: When Loss Reveals Where We Place Our TrustFew people in Scripture understood loss as Job did. In a remarkably short span of time, his possessions, livelihood, and children were taken from him. Job grieved deeply. He tore his robe. He wept. He asked hard questions.The Bible never suggests that faith requires us to pretend loss does not hurt. But Job also shows us something important about where his confidence ultimately rested. In Job 31:24–28, he reflects on the danger of placing his security in wealth:“Have I put my trust in money or felt secure because of my gold? Have I gloated about my wealth and all that I own? … If so, I should be punished by the judges, for it would mean I had denied the God of heaven.”That is especially significant because Job had been extraordinarily wealthy. Scripture describes him as the greatest of all the people of the East. His possessions were real blessings, and losing them was a real tragedy.Yet even before they disappeared, Job understood that wealth was never worthy of carrying the weight of his hope. Financial loss often reveals what prosperity can conceal.We may sincerely say that our security is in God, but a collapsing account balance can expose how much security we were actually drawing from that account.So when loss comes, the first question may not be, How quickly can I get this money back? A better question may be, Lord, what have I been trusting to do what only You can do?That does not mean we stop rebuilding. It means we rebuild on the right foundation.Horatio Spafford: Peace Does Not Mean Pretending Everything Is FineHoratio Spafford knew something about rebuilding after loss.He was a successful Chicago attorney and real estate investor who suffered significant financial losses around the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Then, two years later, tragedy struck at a level money could never measure.Spafford’s wife and four daughters were crossing the Atlantic when their ship collided with another vessel. His wife survived, but all four daughters died.Spafford soon crossed the Atlantic to join his grieving wife. In the midst of that devastating season, he wrote words Christians still sing today: “It is well with my soul.”Notice what he did not say. He did not say everything was well. It wasn’t. Christian peace is not denying loss. It is the assurance that loss does not have the final word.That distinction matters when you have been scammed, when a business fails, when retirement savings disappear, or when the house you thought you would grow old in is gone.You can grieve what was lost without believing that you have lost everything.John Wesley: A Different Definition of RichesThat brings us to John Wesley's story. When Wesley was only five years old, the Epworth Rectory, where his family lived, caught fire. John became trapped on the second floor as the flames spread.With no time for a ladder, neighbors climbed onto one another’s shoulders and pulled him through a window shortly before the roof collapsed.The house and nearly everything in it were lost. But Wesley later remembered his father responding to the disaster by giving thanks that his children had survived. His perspective was essentially this: Let the house go. My children are safe. I am rich enough.That is a radically different definition of wealth.Financial loss has a way of forcing us to take inventory. And sometimes, after the numbers have changed dramatically, we discover that our greatest riches were never held in an account to begin with.If you belong to Christ, you still have His promises. You still have His people. You still have work to do, people to love, opportunities to give, and a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.When the Numbers Change, Your True Treasure Hasn'tIf you are walking through financial loss today, give yourself permission to grieve. Loss is real, and Scripture does not ask us to minimize it.At the same time, ask the Lord to reveal where your trust has been placed. Seek wise counsel. Assess what remains. And take the next faithful step toward rebuilding. But do not measure your life solely by what disappeared.Financial loss may change your circumstances dramatically, but it does not change who God is or what belongs to those who are in Christ.When everything around us feels shaken, our ultimate treasure remains secure. And what we have in Christ can never be taken away.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a 7.1% mortgage and have been offered a refinance at 6.1% with $4,900 in closing costs. Does refinancing make sense?I owe $83,000 on a home worth about $240,000 at 4%, so refinancing at a higher rate didn’t make sense. I was denied a HELOC because of my credit, but I still need money for urgent home repairs. What other options should I consider?I’m behind on filing my taxes and don’t even know how many years I’ve missed. How can I find out what I owe and get caught up with the IRS?I’m 58 and have about $60,000 in an old 403(b) I can no longer contribute to. Should I roll it into another retirement account, such as an IRA or new 403(b), and how should I continue saving until retirement?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money stress rarely stays confined to a spreadsheet. It can shape a home's atmosphere, affect a marriage, and influence how children think about money long after they’ve grown up.That’s one reason Crystal Paine, creator of MoneySavingMom.com and author of The Seven Habits of Financially Healthy Women, believes financial health is about far more than simply earning more or getting all the numbers right.In fact, when Crystal surveyed 4,000 women about their relationship with money, one theme surfaced again and again: fear. Financial stress often left women feeling isolated, ashamed, or worried about whether they were doing enough for their families.But healthy financial habits don’t require a perfect income or a perfect financial situation. They begin with honesty, intentionality, and small choices made consistently over time.Financial Health Is About Purpose, Not PerfectionIt’s easy to define financial health by visible milestones: being debt-free, having a large savings account, earning a certain income, or reaching some other financial goal.Those can certainly be worthwhile goals. But Crystal encourages a broader perspective. Financial health is about learning to manage money with purpose rather than fear.Money is a tool. And whether you have a lot or a little, you can make thoughtful decisions about how you use what has been entrusted to you. Small habits practiced consistently can gradually change the direction of your finances.Sometimes those decisions seem almost insignificant. Bringing water from home instead of buying a bottle while you’re out won’t transform your finances overnight. Neither will skipping one unnecessary purchase or setting aside a few dollars.But repeated choices add up. That principle matters not only for your finances but also for the example you set for your children.Your Kids Are Watching How You Handle MoneyParents teach their children about money whether they realize it or not.Crystal remembers explaining financial decisions to her children when they were young—why the family paid cash, why they chose not to buy certain things, and why they handled money the way they did.Years later, she has watched her older children begin making some of those same choices for themselves.Children notice more than we sometimes realize. They observe whether conversations about money create panic or peace. They see whether spending is impulsive or purposeful. They notice generosity, sacrifice, contentment, and self-control.In many ways, more is caught than taught.That doesn’t mean parents need to manage money perfectly. It means we should recognize that our everyday financial decisions are helping shape the next generation’s understanding of money.Understand the Financial Story You InheritedOf course, not everyone grew up with a healthy financial example.Some people learned discipline and generosity from their parents. Others grew up around financial conflict, scarcity, overspending, anxiety, or complete silence about money.Those experiences can continue influencing us as adults without our realizing it.Crystal encourages people to look back and ask: What did I learn about money growing up? What conversations did my family have? What behaviors were modeled for me? And how are those experiences shaping the choices I make today?Sometimes spending habits have roots much deeper than the purchase itself. They may be connected to experiences, unmet desires, or patterns developed years earlier. Recognizing those influences can help us make different choices moving forward.As Crystal puts it, we cannot change what we are unwilling to confront.Avoiding the numbers may feel safer in the short term, especially when finances already feel overwhelming. But avoidance rarely creates financial peace. Opening the statements, reviewing the spending, and understanding where things actually stand can be an important first step toward making progress.Seek Understanding in Your MarriageMoney disagreements can become especially difficult in marriage because two people often enter the relationship with very different financial histories.One spouse may see spending as freedom while the other sees saving as security. One may have grown up with very little, while the other rarely heard money discussed at all.That’s why financial conversations should not begin with, “I’m right, and you’re wrong.” Instead, begin with curiosity.Ask questions about what your spouse experienced growing up and why certain financial decisions feel important to them. Understanding doesn’t mean you will automatically agree, but it can replace frustration with compassion and make productive conversations much easier.You may not be able to control every financial decision another person makes, but you can take responsibility for the areas entrusted to you and seek greater unity with humility and patience.Let Your Spending Reflect What Matters MostOur financial decisions often reveal our priorities.One helpful exercise is to look at your spending from the last three months and ask what story those transactions tell.Does your spending reflect what you say matters most?Perhaps your family values generosity, margin, meaningful experiences together, education, or becoming debt-free. Whatever those priorities may be, your daily financial decisions should increasingly align with them.That doesn’t mean every dollar must accomplish some profound purpose. But it does mean our overall financial direction should reflect intentional choices rather than simply reacting to whatever demands our attention.A Budget Can Create FreedomFor many people, the word budget immediately sounds restrictive. Crystal prefers to think of it differently.Call it a budget, money plan, or spending plan. The name matters less than the purpose: deciding ahead of time how you want to use the resources you have.Rather than limiting freedom, a thoughtful plan can actually create it.When you know where your money is going, you can prioritize what matters, reduce uncertainty, and look back with greater confidence knowing your spending reflected the priorities you intentionally established.A budget isn’t punishment. It’s simply a tool for stewardship.Take the Next Small StepHealthy financial habits usually aren’t built through one dramatic decision. They’re formed through hundreds of ordinary ones.Reviewing your spending. Having an honest conversation with your spouse. Bringing lunch from home. Saving a little more. Teaching your children why your family makes certain financial choices. Facing something you’ve been avoiding.The progress may sometimes feel microscopic, but small steps are still steps forward.And those choices can extend far beyond your own financial life. The habits you practice today help create the financial atmosphere your children grow up in—and may influence how they steward money when they have families of their own.You don’t need to fix everything today. Start with one intentional choice, and then make another tomorrow.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:Social Security says I owe about $22,300 from years ago when I worked while receiving disability benefits, even though I had multiple reviews and was never told I owed anything. How can I verify the amount, understand why it took so long to notify me, and make sure the debt is accurate?I’m receiving cancer treatment through the VA. Is there any annual or lifetime dollar limit on VA-covered care that could cause me to lose coverage or require me to get private insurance?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineThe 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women: How to Stop Stressing, Begin Where You Are, and Build the Future You Want by Crystal PaineMoneySavingMom.com FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Women have played a vital role in advancing the gospel from the very beginning.In Romans 16, the Apostle Paul introduces us to Phoebe—a trusted partner whose generosity, influence, and service helped further his ministry. Her story offers a compelling picture of what it means to use the resources God has entrusted to us to advance the gospel.John Rinehart, founder and CEO of Gospel Patrons, has spent years studying and telling the stories of men and women who have supported gospel ministry throughout history. He says Phoebe is one of the clearest biblical examples of what he calls a gospel patron.What Is a Gospel Patron?A gospel patron is someone who comes alongside those proclaiming the gospel and supports their work through relationships, influence, financial resources, and other practical means.These partnerships have existed since the earliest days of Christianity.Luke 8 tells us that Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and other women supported Jesus and His disciples “out of their means.” They were using what God had given them to help make ministry possible.Throughout church history, the names of gospel patrons have often appeared in the background. They may not have been the ones preaching sermons, translating Bibles, planting churches, or leading missionary movements, but their generosity helped make those ministries possible.As Rinehart explains, behind many gospel proclaimers throughout history have been faithful men and women helping fuel the work.Phoebe was one of them.The Remarkable Trust Paul Placed in PhoebeRomans is one of the most significant theological writings in the New Testament. Yet when Paul reaches the final chapter, the first person he mentions is Phoebe. Paul writes:“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself.” —Romans 16:1–2Phoebe was apparently someone Paul trusted deeply. She is widely understood to have carried Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome—a significant responsibility involving a long and difficult journey.Paul also describes her as his own patron.We do not know exactly what Phoebe's financial support provided. She may have helped cover Paul's travel, living expenses, ministry costs, or even expenses associated with producing and distributing letters. Scripture does not tell us.What it does tell us is significant enough: Phoebe was an important partner in Paul's ministry, and her resources were being used in service to the gospel.Her example reminds us that faith and finances were never intended to occupy separate parts of our lives.Wealth Is an Opportunity to Do GoodChristians can sometimes struggle with how to think about money. We may begin to view wealth as something inherently worldly while treating faith as something private and spiritual.Scripture gives us a much more integrated picture.What we do with the resources God entrusts to us can itself become an act of worship. Money can be used to care for people in need, support missionaries, serve widows and orphans, strengthen ministries, and help spread the gospel.The important question is not merely, “How much wealth do I have?” It is, “How can I faithfully use what God has entrusted to me?”Phoebe understood that her resources carried Kingdom possibilities.That lesson may be particularly significant in the years ahead as enormous amounts of wealth change hands and women become increasingly influential stewards of financial resources. Phoebe offers a biblical picture of what can happen when financial influence is placed at God's disposal.Three Characteristics of a Gospel PatronRinehart identifies three qualities that can help us recognize faithful gospel patronage: vision, generosity, and humility.1. VisionGospel patrons develop eyes to recognize where God is working.They can see potential before the results are obvious. They recognize that something seemingly small today—a missionary, ministry, church plant, Bible translation, or act of service—may bear fruit far beyond what they will ever personally witness.That requires faith.God often begins His work through what appears small, like the mustard seed Jesus described. Gospel patrons have the vision to see what God might do and the willingness to participate.2. GenerosityVision eventually leads to action. Gospel patrons do more than admire good ministry. They joyfully put their resources behind it.That generosity may sometimes involve sacrifice. Instead of viewing giving merely as another financial obligation, gospel patrons see it as an opportunity to participate personally in God's work.Their resources become tools that can help others proclaim the gospel, serve people in need, and bless communities.3. HumilityGospel patrons are also willing to serve without being at the center of attention. They do not need the microphone.Their name may never appear on a platform or become widely known. Their joy comes from knowing that the work is being accomplished.Phoebe's name appears only briefly in Scripture, yet imagine the impact connected to the letter she carried. Christians have been studying Romans for nearly two thousand years.Sometimes extraordinary Kingdom impact happens through people willing to serve faithfully behind the scenes.How Do You Choose What to Support?Generosity should not mean giving impulsively to every opportunity that appears. Wisdom and discernment matter.Rinehart encourages believers to begin with prayer, asking God to help them see where they may have a role in His work.Then comes thoughtful evaluation.Before supporting a person or ministry, consider its theological convictions, character, competence, and clarity of mission. Talk with people who know the organization. Seek wise counsel. Ask whether the ministry has demonstrated faithful stewardship and whether its work aligns with biblical priorities.Generosity and due diligence do not compete with one another. Responsible stewardship includes both.You Don't Have to Wait Until You're WealthyPerhaps the idea of becoming a gospel patron sounds exciting, but you are still early in your career or don't have substantial financial resources.You do not have to wait.Jesus teaches in Luke 16 that faithfulness begins with what we have now. One of the dangers of generosity is always moving it into the future:I'll give when I earn more.I'll become generous when the debt is gone.I'll support ministry once I've reached a certain financial milestone.But habits established with a little often remain when we eventually have much. Start where you are.That might mean supporting a missionary with a modest recurring gift. It could mean giving toward a ministry you believe in, opening your home, sharing your professional expertise, introducing people who could accomplish more together, or intentionally creating financial margin so generosity can grow over time.Small acts of faithfulness have a way of preparing us for larger ones.Lifestyle matters here, too. Rising income can easily be consumed by rising expenses. If every increase in income automatically raises your lifestyle, generosity will always feel difficult.Choosing to live below your means can create margin not simply for financial security, but for giving.What Has God Put in Your Hands?Phoebe's story raises a question worth considering: What resources has God entrusted to you that could help advance the gospel?Perhaps it is wealth. Perhaps it is your business experience, professional expertise, relationships, home, influence, or ability to connect the right people.You may be called to proclaim the gospel publicly. Or you may be someone whose faithful support allows another person to devote more of his or her life to doing so.Both roles matter. Phoebe did not write Romans. Paul did.But Phoebe faithfully used what God had entrusted to her, and she became an important partner in Paul's ministry. Nearly two thousand years later, we are still saying her name.Her story reminds us that we do not need to be the person standing in the spotlight to have an extraordinary gospel impact. We simply need to ask God to show us what He has placed in our hands—and then faithfully use it for His glory.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m over 70, still working, and collecting Social Security. I’m considering withdrawing about $175,000 from my 401(k) to buy a rental property that could generate around $1,600 a month, leaving about $125,000 in the account. Would that be a wise move?My 91-year-old father has pension income and long-term care insurance, but we still face a $3,500 to $4,000 monthly shortfall, and he’s down to about $25,000 in savings. A reverse mortgage could help him stay in his home for another couple of years. Would that be a good option, and what type should we consider?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly MagazineGospel PatronsGospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed The World by John RinehartMovement MortgageFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For millions of vulnerable children around the world, a pair of shoes can mean far more than having something new to wear. It can mean the difference between going to school and staying home, between greater protection from disease and continued exposure, and even between feeling forgotten and knowing someone cares.That’s why FaithFi is partnering with Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls throughout September, a ministry of Buckner International, to help provide new shoes and socks to children in need around the world.Shawn Spurrier, Director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, joined the show today to explain why something as ordinary as a pair of shoes can have such an extraordinary impact.Removing a Barrier to EducationFor most families in the United States, buying shoes is simply part of getting children ready for school. But in many parts of the world, adequate footwear is required to attend class.According to Spurrier, an estimated 300 million children worldwide lack access to adequate footwear, and tens of millions may miss school as a result. In many countries, children cannot attend school without shoes.That makes a pair of shoes more than a practical gift. It can help remove a barrier to education and give a child greater opportunity to rise above poverty.Shoes also provide important protection from cuts, injuries, parasites, and footborne diseases. For children living in vulnerable communities, those protections can make a meaningful difference in their health and daily lives.Health, Dignity, and the Love of ChristThe impact goes beyond education and physical health.When children receive new shoes, they may also gain a greater sense of dignity and confidence. Proper footwear can help reduce some of the social stigma children experience because of poverty or illness.Most importantly, Buckner sees every pair of shoes as an opportunity to communicate Christ's love.Since 1999, Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls has collected and distributed approximately 5.25 million pairs of shoes in 86 countries. Today, Buckner maintains programming in the United States and several countries throughout Latin America and Africa, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Kenya, and Ethiopia.A pair of shoes may seem like a small piece of a much larger effort to strengthen vulnerable families. But small acts of generosity can open doors to deeper relationships and lasting transformation.When a Pair of Shoes Says, “You Are Not Forgotten”Spurrier shared the story of a young girl named Romina, whom Buckner served near Oaxaca, Mexico.Romina was about six years old when she attended a shoe distribution at one of Buckner’s Family Hope Centers. During the distribution, volunteers washed her feet, talked with her, and reminded her that God loved her and cared for her.As Romina received her new shoes, she began to cry.At first, Spurrier wondered if something was wrong. But a Buckner family coach explained that Romina was simply overwhelmed that someone had thought enough of her to give her a new pair of shoes.The story didn’t end with the distribution.Romina’s family became connected with the local Family Hope Center and embraced the support offered there. Over time, their circumstances changed. Romina, once shy and anxious, became a leader in her after-school programs, reaching out to children who felt excluded and even praying with other students. Her family eventually reached greater economic and spiritual stability and began volunteering with Buckner to encourage other families.It’s a reminder that we rarely know how God may use a simple act of generosity.A pair of shoes met an immediate physical need. But it also helped communicate something deeper: You are seen. You are loved. You have not been forgotten.More Than a One-Time GiftBuckner’s ministry doesn’t simply distribute shoes and leave.In many of the communities where it serves, Buckner operates Family Hope Centers that provide ongoing, Christ-centered support designed to help families move toward greater stability. The ministry also works alongside local churches and trusted community partners to connect families with resources and relationships that extend beyond the initial shoe distribution.Each pair of shoes also includes an encouraging message reminding the child of God’s love. In some communities, distributions are accompanied by Scripture, Bibles, Vacation Bible School programs, and opportunities for children and families to hear the gospel.That long-term approach matters.Meeting a practical need can become the beginning of a relationship. And as children and families experience both tangible care and spiritual encouragement, the impact can spread throughout an entire community.A Simple Way to Make a DifferenceThroughout September, FaithFi and Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls have set a goal of providing shoes for 1,000 children worldwide.Every $15 provides a child with a new pair of shoes and socks and helps cover the cost of getting them where they are needed. A gift of $150 can provide shoes and socks for 10 children.It’s a simple gift, but its impact can reach much further.A pair of shoes can help a child walk into a classroom. It can protect against injury and disease. It can restore dignity and confidence. And through Buckner’s ministry, it can become a tangible expression of the love of Jesus Christ.If you’d like to join FaithFi and Buckner in reaching 1,000 children this September, visit GiveShoesToday.org.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My pension ends when I die, and I want to protect my wife and special-needs son. I already have a special needs trust for my son and am considering about $1 million of term life insurance, possibly using a laddered strategy so coverage decreases over time. Does that make sense, and how should I balance life insurance with investing for their future?I’ll reach full Social Security retirement age next June and plan to keep working, earning about $60,000 a year. If I start Social Security at full retirement age, can I continue working and receive my full benefit without an earnings limit?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Buckner Shoes for Orphan SoulsFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When money is tight, the financial goals you want to pursue can feel frustratingly out of reach. You may want to give more generously, build your savings, or pay down debt, but there simply doesn’t seem to be enough margin to do everything.The good news is that financial progress doesn’t always begin with a giant leap. Sometimes, faithfulness looks like taking one small step at a time.Brian Holtz, CEO of Compass Financial Ministry, says that whether financial pressure comes from past choices or circumstances outside our control, creating that first bit of margin is often the hardest part. But a few practical steps can begin building momentum.1. Start With PrayerThe first step may not sound tactical, but it is foundational: invite God into your financial decisions.James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to those who ask. When you feel financially stuck, tell the Lord that you want to honor Him with what He has entrusted to you and ask Him to show you the next faithful step.The answer may not come as unexpected money. More often, God may provide fresh insight, reveal new options, or bring wise people into your life who can help you see your situation differently.Before changing the numbers, begin by seeking the One who gives wisdom.2. Think Smaller—but LongerWhen margins are slim, quick financial wins may be harder to come by. But that doesn’t mean progress is impossible.Perhaps you want to give 10% of your income but simply aren’t in a position to do that right now. Instead of giving up on generosity altogether, you might begin with 1% or even less and prayerfully work your way up over time.The same principle applies to saving. If all you can set aside is $5 or $10 a week, start there. Small amounts may not seem significant, but consistency matters.Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins in Mark 12:41–44. The monetary value was tiny, but her gift revealed something much greater about her heart.Faithful stewardship isn’t measured only by the size of the step. Sometimes the important thing is simply keeping moving in the right direction.3. Use Windfalls to Create MarginOccasional extra money can become a powerful tool when used strategically.A tax refund, bonus, rebate, gift, or an occasional month with an extra paycheck can help reduce expenses that normally consume your monthly cash flow.Instead of spending that money automatically, consider using it to eliminate a small recurring payment. Perhaps you can pay off a phone, clear a small department-store credit card balance, or eliminate another modest bill.That may free only $10, $20, or $50 each month—but now that money can be redirected toward your next priority.It’s similar to a miniature debt snowball. One small victory creates margin, and that margin fuels the next step.When money is tight, momentum matters.4. Shop With a StrategyAnother way to create breathing room is to become more intentional about everyday spending.Start by prioritizing essential expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and other obligations. Then evaluate optional expenses.That may mean pausing a streaming subscription during a difficult month or postponing a purchase you would otherwise enjoy. Needs should generally come before wants.You can also make your grocery dollars work harder by purchasing staples when they are discounted. If chicken is half-price and you know your family will use it, buying an extra package may reduce future grocery costs. The key is buying strategically rather than simply buying more because something is on sale.Small decisions like these can gradually create room in a tight budget.Don’t Despise Small BeginningsWhen finances are strained, it’s easy to become discouraged because you can’t immediately accomplish everything you want to do.But stewardship is not about achieving financial perfection overnight. It is about faithfully managing what God has placed in your hands today.Pray for wisdom. Start smaller if necessary. Use unexpected income strategically. Choose needs before wants. Then allow each wise decision to create a little more margin for the next one.As Zechariah 4:10 reminds us, we should not despise small beginnings.You may not be able to change your entire financial situation today. But you can take one faithful step—and then another.Compass also offers a video study called Making Ends Meet, designed to help individuals and families find that first bit of financial margin and begin their financial discipleship journey one step at a time.You can learn more and find additional biblical stewardship resources at CompassFinancialMinistry.org.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband has been in a nursing home for four years and is on Medicaid. I’ve been told that once I retire, if my income exceeds about $4,000 a month, I may have to contribute more toward his care. Is that true? And could using some of my 401(k) to pay down our mortgage affect how Medicaid treats my income or assets?I keep my emergency fund in savings, but the interest is low, and CDs limit access. Would a money market mutual fund be a good place to keep emergency savings?I’m receiving Social Security survivor benefits from my late husband. If I remarry, can I continue receiving those benefits, particularly at my age?I’m 63 and have both a traditional IRA and a 401(k). Will my traditional IRA withdrawals be fully taxable in retirement, and would a Roth conversion make sense before I retire? Also, should I contribute only enough to my 401(k) to receive the 4% match and put additional retirement savings into my IRA instead?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Compass Financial MinistryMaking Ends Meet Video Study (Compass Financial Ministry)Fidelity Government Money Market Fund | Schwab Prime Advantage Money Fund | Vanguard Federal Money Market FundFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the companies in your portfolio are working against the values you’re trying to live by?For Christians, investing is about more than pursuing financial returns. Like every other financial decision, investing can be viewed through the lens of stewardship—asking not only, “How is my money growing?” but also, “What is my money supporting?”Faith-based investing seeks to bring those questions together.Brian Mumbert, president of Timothy Plan, joined the show today to explain how faith-based investing works, what research suggests about performance, and how Christians can begin aligning their portfolios with biblical values.What Is Faith-Based Investing?Faith-based investing shares many objectives with conventional investing: building a diversified portfolio designed for long-term growth while managing risk appropriately.The difference is that it adds another consideration—a values-based screen.For Timothy Plan, that means avoiding companies that profit from or promote activities the fund family believes conflict with biblical principles. Examples may include abortion, pornography, gambling, and businesses that profit from activities that can exploit addiction or vulnerable people.At the same time, faith-based investors can seek companies producing goods and services that contribute positively to society.Importantly, biblical screening does not replace traditional investment analysis. Financial fundamentals still matter.“The screening comes before the portfolio construction,” Mumbert explained.The goal is to combine disciplined financial analysis with biblical convictions so investors can pursue competitive returns without unnecessarily separating their financial decisions from their faith.Does Screening Companies Hurt Investment Performance?One common concern about faith-based investing is that eliminating certain companies or industries will automatically lead to lower returns.According to Mumbert, research does not support the idea that values-based investing necessarily requires investors to accept a persistent performance penalty. He points to independent studies examining faith-based and values-aligned investment strategies, some of which have found comparable performance and, in certain cases, favorable risk-adjusted results.Screening can also remove companies facing significant social, reputational, or regulatory risks.Of course, no screening methodology guarantees better investment results, and past performance never guarantees future returns. Faith-based investors still need to evaluate expenses, diversification, risk, time horizon, and the quality of the underlying investment strategy.The larger point is that investors do not necessarily have to choose between financial discipline and biblical alignment.Looking Beneath the SurfaceKnowing what a company truly supports can be more complicated than simply looking at its primary business.A company may appear acceptable based on the products it sells while supporting other activities through corporate policies, charitable contributions, partnerships, or business practices.That makes research an important part of faith-based investing.Timothy Plan has developed a proprietary screening process over more than three decades. Its research examines both what companies profit from and what they promote at the corporate level.The process also relies on third-party information, and companies are reviewed periodically because corporate practices can change.That ongoing evaluation is important. A company that meets a particular screen today may change its policies, business lines, or priorities in the future.Transparency also gives investors an opportunity to examine holdings for themselves. Timothy Plan makes information available so shareholders can better understand how their investments align with its biblical screening standards.Building a Diversified Faith-Based PortfolioFaith-based investing has expanded considerably over the years. Investors today have access to a growing range of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and other investment strategies.Timothy Plan currently offers 12 mutual funds and seven ETFs covering different areas of the market. Its offerings include strategies focused on various company sizes and investment styles, as well as more specialized options such as an Israel-focused fund.For investors just getting started, some Timothy Plan mutual funds have relatively low entry points, including a $1,000 initial investment or an automatic investment program beginning at $50 per month.But investors should never base their choices solely on whether a fund carries a Christian label.Investors should still consider their overall financial plan, including their goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, diversification, fees, and tax situation. A faith-based portfolio should be both biblically aligned and financially sound.Take an Inventory of What You OwnMany Christians have never examined the companies held inside their mutual funds, ETFs, retirement accounts, or other investments.That can be a valuable place to begin.Rather than assuming your investments reflect your convictions, take an inventory of what you actually own. Look beneath the fund names and examine the underlying companies your investment dollars are supporting.Timothy Plan offers screening resources that can help investors evaluate their current holdings. You may also want to work with a financial professional, such as a Certified Kingdom Advisor®, who understands both investment planning and the desire to integrate biblical principles into financial decisions.Faith-based investing will not make every investment decision simple. Christians may reach different conclusions about particular companies, industries, or screening standards.But stewardship invites us to be thoughtful.Our investments are part of the resources God has entrusted to us. And while financial returns matter, they are not the only question worth asking. We can also consider whether the way we invest is consistent with the values we seek to live out everywhere else.To learn more about Timothy Plan and its faith-based investment options, visit TimothyPlan.com.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband passed away in January, and I’m the beneficiary of his IRA and 401(k). What taxes might I owe on those accounts? He also had an outstanding 401(k) loan—will I have to repay it or report the unpaid balance as income?From a credit-score standpoint, is it better to have more than one credit card, or is one enough?My 90-year-old mother has early-stage dementia, and I’m now managing her finances. She continues to spend heavily on collectibles, and we’re concerned her money may not last if she eventually needs memory care. How can my sisters and I address her spending wisely and respectfully?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Timothy PlanWise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD. FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the first century B.C., Roman historian Sallust observed, “Prosperity tries the souls, even of the wise.”Most of us would probably choose financial prosperity over adversity. Yet both seasons bring their own spiritual challenges.When things are going well financially, it can be tempting to take credit for our success. Pride, greed, and self-reliance can quietly take root. Financial hardship brings different temptations—self-pity, bitterness, envy, or fear.Scripture offers a better way. Christians are called to live faithfully and with integrity regardless of their circumstances. And according to the Bible, the key to doing that in both prosperity and adversity is wisdom.The Beginning of WisdomProverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”Fearing the Lord does not mean living in dread of Him. It means recognizing that He is God and we are not. It is a posture of reverence toward His holiness, wisdom, and authority.God’s commands are not arbitrary restrictions designed to make life difficult. They are loving boundaries given by the One who created us and knows what leads to life and flourishing. Like a loving parent who sets boundaries to protect a child, God directs us toward what is good.When we understand that, fearing the Lord becomes less about being afraid and more about growing in love, trust, and joyful obedience.And this wisdom is not reserved for the wealthy, successful, or especially intelligent. It is available to anyone who humbly listens to God and trusts His Word.The Fruit of Godly WisdomScripture describes many benefits of walking in wisdom.There is discernment. Proverbs 2:9 teaches that wisdom helps us understand “righteousness and justice and equity, every good path.”There is guidance. Proverbs 3:6 reminds us, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”There is blessing. Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom.”There is also honor and protection. Proverbs 3:35 says, “The wise will inherit honor,” while Proverbs 16:6 teaches that “by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”These are not promises that wise people will always become financially prosperous. They are reminders that God’s wisdom produces something far more valuable: a life increasingly shaped by truth, integrity, discernment, and faithfulness.Those qualities can take root whether your bank account is growing or shrinking.When We Reject WisdomScripture often contrasts the wise with the fool. That language is not intended as a petty insult but as a sober warning.Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”Biblically speaking, foolishness is the attempt to live independently of God’s wisdom—to determine for ourselves what is good, right, and worthy of pursuit.That temptation certainly appears in our financial lives.We may assume that because something makes financial sense, it must automatically be wise. We may pursue more money without asking what that pursuit is doing to our hearts. Or we may allow our circumstances to determine our attitude toward God.But His warnings are also invitations. God continually calls us back to a better way—a life shaped by His wisdom rather than our impulses.So what does that look like in our everyday financial decisions?See Money Through God’s EyesFirst, remember who owns everything.Scripture teaches that everything ultimately belongs to God. We are stewards of what He has entrusted to us.That changes the goal of financial management. The ultimate objective is not simply to reach a certain bank balance, accumulate enough possessions, or achieve financial independence. It is to become increasingly faithful with whatever God places in our hands.Ask the Holy Spirit to shape your desires, guide your decisions, and help you use God’s resources in ways that honor Him.Put Biblical Principles Into PracticeFinancial wisdom is more than knowing what Scripture says. It means putting biblical principles into practice.God’s Word should shape not only what we do with money but also how we treat people along the way.That means practicing honesty and integrity, dealing fairly with others, keeping our commitments, and allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate generosity and humility.A financially wise decision should not merely ask, “Will this benefit me?” It should also consider whether the decision reflects God’s character and demonstrates love for others.Pursue ContentmentFinally, pursue contentment.Contentment grows as we learn to trust God with what we have, what we need, and what lies ahead.As we invite Him into our financial lives and depend increasingly on His provision, the Holy Spirit begins loosening our grip on comparison and the constant desire for more.That is why 1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”Contentment does not mean we stop planning, working, saving, or pursuing worthwhile goals. It means those things no longer determine our security or identity.Faithful in Prosperity and AdversityWhether you are walking through financial adversity or enjoying a season of prosperity, your circumstances do not change who God is.He remains faithful. His wisdom remains trustworthy. And His provision remains worthy of our confidence.True financial wisdom is not measured by how much we have. It is revealed in how faithfully we follow God with whatever He has entrusted to us.In every season—prosperity or adversity—the wisest path is the same: fear the Lord, trust His Word, and faithfully walk in His ways.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I inherited about $50,000, and a friend is encouraging me to use options trading to grow it faster. How does that compare with investing in more traditional mutual funds? Also, my late mother left $100 in a savings account that the bank says must go through probate. Does that make sense for such a small amount?My 75-year-old mother owns her home outright and is considering a reverse mortgage for extra income. She also co-signed a loan for my sister. Could that affect her ability to qualify?My wife has an inherited IRA from her father and a separate 401(k) from a former employer. Can those accounts be combined, and what’s the best way to use them for retirement income?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Money has a way of reaching places in our lives that few other things do. It touches our fears, desires, relationships, priorities, and sense of security.That may be why Jesus spoke so often about money and possessions. In Matthew 6:21, He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Jesus understood something we often miss: money issues are often heart issues. Our financial choices can reveal what we trust, what we desire, and ultimately what we treasure.Materialism Is a Heart ProblemYears ago, Ron Blue once shared a story from his time in Kenya that profoundly shaped the way I think about stewardship.Ron was sitting on a hillside with a local pastor, looking out over the village where the man lived. Ron asked him what he thought was a practical question: “What’s the greatest barrier to the spread of the gospel here?”Ron expected to hear about a lack of money, transportation, or other resources.The pastor didn’t hesitate. “Materialism.”Ron was stunned. Surely materialism was primarily a Western problem. But the pastor explained that if a man has a mud hut, he wants a stone hut. If he has a thatched roof, he wants a metal one. If he has one cow, he wants two.That conversation helped Ron recognize an important truth: Materialism isn’t ultimately about how much you have. It’s about what your heart longs for.If materialism can thrive in a mud hut as easily as in an American suburb, then possessions aren’t the root problem. The heart is.Money simply has a remarkable ability to expose what is already there.Money Reveals What We TrustMoney itself is neither moral nor immoral. It is a tool. But because it touches nearly every area of life, the way we handle it can reveal what is happening inside us.Overspending may reveal a desire for identity, comfort, or approval. Clinging tightly to savings may reveal where we seek ultimate security. Debt can sometimes expose impatience or a desire to live beyond what God has currently provided. Resistance to generosity may reveal a fear that there will not be enough.In each case, the dollars are secondary. The heart is primary.The good news is that God cares deeply about our hearts, and He invites us into something better: freedom from fear, comparison, striving, and the belief that everything depends on us.Over the years, a few biblical truths have become foundational to the way I think about money and stewardship.1. God Owns It AllBiblical stewardship begins with ownership.Everything we possess ultimately belongs to God. Our money, possessions, abilities, opportunities, and even the power to produce wealth are gifts entrusted to us for a season.Recognizing God's ownership changes the question from, “What do I want to do with my money?” to, “God, what would You have me do with what belongs to You?”When we understand ourselves as stewards rather than owners, we can begin to hold money with greater gratitude, humility, and freedom.2. God Is Our ProviderJesus reminds us in Matthew 6 that our heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies—and that His children are worth far more.That doesn’t mean Christians will never face financial difficulty or uncertainty. It does mean our ultimate confidence is not found in a paycheck, investment account, or emergency fund.Wise planning matters. Saving matters. Working diligently matters. But none of those things were designed to carry the weight of our ultimate security.God is our provider. As that truth moves from something we know intellectually to something we believe deeply, fear begins to loosen its grip.3. Money Is a Tool, Not a TreasureMoney is useful, but it makes a terrible master.It was never meant to provide our identity, significance, or ultimate security. Instead, money can become a tool for accomplishing good purposes—providing for our families, meeting needs, blessing others, supporting gospel work, and practicing generosity.The problem begins when the tool becomes the treasure. Jesus calls us to something infinitely greater: to treasure Him above everything money can provide.When Christ becomes our ultimate treasure, money can return to its proper place.4. Financial Decisions Can Become Acts of WorshipStewardship is about far more than giving.Every spending decision, saving goal, act of generosity, and financial plan gives us another opportunity to ask, “Lord, how can I honor You with what You’ve entrusted to me?”That changes the way we approach money.Instead of treating our finances as an isolated part of life, we begin to see them as part of our discipleship. Spending can reflect gratitude and contentment. Saving can demonstrate wisdom and preparation. Giving can express love and trust. Planning can help us faithfully fulfill our responsibilities.Money stops competing for the throne of our hearts and becomes a tool we can place in God's hands.Discovering Our Ultimate TreasureThese truths are at the heart of Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship.We wrote it to help Christians work through foundational biblical principles of money and consider how those truths shape everyday financial decisions.Our hope is that as you walk through the devotional, you’ll experience God’s peace growing where fear once lived, contentment replacing comparison, and generosity overcoming the instinct toward self-protection.In the end, money will always reveal what we treasure most. And when Christ is our ultimate treasure, we discover a freedom and security that no amount of money could ever provide.You can order Our Ultimate Treasure for yourself, your church, or your small group at FaithFi.com/Shop.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I inherited land from my parents’ trust in 2003 and sold it in 2025. I’m now facing a larger-than-expected capital gains tax bill. Does the inheritance tax exemption apply to the sale proceeds, or only to the property’s value when I inherited it?I’m considering tapping my home equity. How does a traditional HELOC compare with newer home equity-sharing arrangements, and what are the pros and cons of each?Are there policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits? And can those products also include an investment component, or would investing need to be handled separately?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. 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