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“Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” — Deuteronomy 8:17–18 How much money is enough? It’s a question that quietly shapes many of our financial decisions, yet few people ever stop to answer it.  On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, we were joined by Cody Hobelmann, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP), Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA), and co-founder of Finish Line Pledge, to explore a practical and deeply biblical framework for answering that question.  Why Prosperity Can Be a Greater Test Than Hardship In Deuteronomy 8, Moses addressed the people of Israel as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. They had endured hunger, uncertainty, and hardship. But Moses warned them that their greater challenge would come after entering abundance. Would they remember the Lord as their provider, or would they begin to believe their

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding right now in Lebanon, and for hundreds of thousands of families, survival has become a daily question. As conflict intensifies once again, the impact on families—especially women and children—is overwhelming.  In today’s conversation on Faith and Finance, May-Lee Melki of Heart for Lebanon shared what is happening on the ground, how their team is responding, and how believers can help bring both urgent relief and lasting hope. A Nation in Crisis Once Again For many in Lebanon, this is not the first season of displacement and fear. The nation has endured years of instability, economic collapse, and refugee pressures. Now, renewed conflict has forced countless families from their homes yet again. More than one million people have been internally displaced in just a matter of weeks—roughly 20% of the country’s population. Entire regions have become uninhabitable, leaving families to seek shelter wherever they can: schools, unfinished buildings, sidewalks, parks, and vehicles. T

What if the most important factor in choosing a financial advisor isn’t performance alone, but alignment? Many people assume the primary role of a financial advisor is to maximize returns. While wise investing certainly matters, new research suggests something deeper may be at work. When financial advice aligns with your values, it doesn’t just affect your portfolio—it can reshape how you think about money altogether. That was the focus of today’s conversation with Sharon Epps, president of Kingdom Advisors, who shared insights from a new study conducted in partnership with Pinkston Research. What the Research Sought to Discover The study set out to compare the experiences of clients working with values-aligned advisors—specifically Certified Kingdom Advisors® (CKAs)—with those of clients using more traditional advisory relationships. The goal was simple: determine whether shared values actually change the financial planning experience. The findings were compelling. When values line up, the advisor-client rel

How much can you safely spend in retirement without running out of money? It’s one of the biggest questions retirees face. For years, many people have looked to the well-known “4% rule” for guidance. But as helpful as that rule may be, it’s not as simple—or as reliable—as many assume. Today, Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, joined us to revisit this widely used guideline and explain why a more flexible, personalized approach may better serve retirees. Why Retirement Spending Is More Complicated Than Saving Saving for retirement is often more straightforward than spending in retirement. During working years, many people invest consistently, contribute to retirement accounts, and let time and compound growth do their work. But retirement introduces a new challenge: no one knows exactly how long their money needs to last. That uncertainty changes everything. Retirees must make decisions while facing several unknowns: Future market returns Inflation rates Int

What if investing wasn’t just about returns—but about redemption? For many people, investing can feel impersonal. It’s often framed as something tied to markets, retirement accounts, and long-term financial goals rather than spiritual growth. But Scripture invites us to see it differently. God calls His people to use what they have in ways that serve others, reflect His character, and advance His purposes in the world. When viewed through a biblical lens, investing can become an act of worship and a tool for human flourishing. There Is No Sacred-Secular Divide In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul writes: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That includes our financial decisions. Scripture does not divide life into “spiritual” and “non-spiritual” categories. Every area of life belongs to God—including how we save, spend, give, and invest. That means investing is not outside the reach of discipleship. It is one more opportunity to honor the Lord with what He has entru

Money conversations often center on numbers, strategies, and outcomes. But underneath those practical concerns lie deeper questions—questions about identity, worth, and purpose. For many women, financial confidence isn’t just about knowledge. It’s deeply connected to how they see themselves and their role in God’s story. That’s why conversations about money must go beyond budgets and investing—they must address the heart. On today’s show, financial advisor and author Bethany Frymire shared how faith, identity, and financial decision-making are deeply intertwined—and why that connection matters. A Calling Rooted in Faith Bethany Frymire, a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) with Blue Trust and author of Women of Worth: A Faith-Based Guide to Financial Wisdom, didn’t set out to work in financial services. Her journey began unexpectedly, but God used it to shape a calling centered on helping others steward resources through a biblical lens. Today, she serves clients by integrating financial planning with spiritual

What if your everyday banking could help fuel ministry—without changing how you manage your money? That’s the question at the heart of a growing movement to rethink financial stewardship. For many of us, banking feels purely transactional. But what if it could become a tool for Kingdom impact? On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, Aaron Caid joined us to share how a unique approach to banking is helping support churches, families, and ministries around the world. A New Chapter in Faith-Based Banking Aaron Caid represents AdelFi and Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU), which recently came together to form what is now the largest faith-based credit union in the country. As they move toward a unified identity under AdelFi Christian Banking, the mission remains unchanged—but the opportunity for impact has grown. This new chapter means expanded resources, greater reach, and a continued commitment to serving individuals, families, businesses, and ministries nationwide. The goal is simple but powerful: to s

What if debt isn’t just a financial issue—but a discipleship one? We often view borrowing through a practical lens: interest rates, monthly payments, and payoff timelines. But Scripture invites us to look deeper. Debt doesn’t just affect our wallets—it can shape our freedom, influence our generosity, and impact our ability to respond when God calls. Understanding debt through a biblical perspective helps us see why it matters far beyond the numbers. The Weight Debt Carries Borrowing is common in modern life. Credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and business financing are often seen as normal—even necessary. And while Scripture doesn’t call debt a sin, it does consistently warn us about its burden. Proverbs 22:7 reminds us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” In the ancient world, that was sometimes literal. Today, while we aren’t entering servitude, the principle still applies. Debt creates obligations. It ties up future income. It can limit flexibility and shape decisions in ways we don’t always an

Many believers wrestle with a quiet but important question: If I truly follow Christ, shouldn’t life go better for me? It’s a tension that often surfaces when life doesn’t unfold as expected—when financial strain, illness, or hardship interrupts our plans. At the heart of that struggle is a deeper issue: how we understand God’s promises and what we believe the Christian life is meant to produce. In today’s conversation with John Cortines, Director of Partnership and Growth at the McClellan Foundation, we explored how the “prosperity gospel” shapes this conversation—and how Scripture offers a better, more faithful perspective. What Is the Prosperity Gospel? At its core, the prosperity gospel teaches that your spiritual standing can be measured by your circumstances—your health, your wealth, and your overall success. It suggests that if you have enough faith, say the right things, or give to the right causes, you can unlock God’s blessings in tangible, immediate ways. But here’s the problem: while this teaching

What if the question “How much is enough?” isn’t really about money at all? On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, we’re joined by Taylor Standridge, FaithFi’s Production Manager and a key contributor to the ministry’s new field guide on this very question. He explored why enough has less to do with numbers—and far more to do with the heart. Because in the end, enough is not a financial equation. It’s a spiritual one. The Problem Behind the Question At first glance, asking how much is enough sounds like a financial question. We tend to think in terms of income levels, net worth, or a desired lifestyle. But as Taylor pointed out, Scripture rarely approaches the issue this way. Instead, it exposes something deeper: what we trust, what we pursue, and what we believe will ultimately satisfy us. As Ecclesiastes 5:10 reminds us, “Whoever loves money never has enough.” The issue isn’t the amount—it’s the affection. When more becomes the goal, enough will always stay just out of reach. The finish line keeps movin

Jonathan Edwards once said, “True legacy consists not of what we leave behind, but of what we instill in others.” That insight cuts against the grain of how many of us think about inheritance. We often focus on leaving behind money, assets, or property. But Scripture calls us to think bigger. What we pass on isn’t just wealth—it’s wisdom, character, and a legacy of faithfulness. So the real question isn’t simply, "What will I leave behind?" It’s, “Who am I preparing to receive it?” The Tension: Wealth Without Wisdom There’s a natural desire in all of us to provide for the people we love—children, grandchildren, or others God has entrusted to our care. And that desire is good. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” But Scripture also gives us a warning. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.” Why? Because when wealth is passed on without wisdom, it can become more of a burden than a blessing. The go

God’s Word doesn’t just tell us how to manage money—it transforms how we see it. Too often, we approach finances as a purely practical matter: budgets, investments, and goals. But Scripture invites us into something deeper. It reframes money not as something we own, but something entrusted to us by God. When we begin to see money through that lens, everything changes. Today, Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined the show to unpack several powerful, biblical principles that shape faithful stewardship. These aren’t just financial tips—they’re spiritual truths that guide how we live.  Let’s explore them. 1. The Power of Trust It may be surprising, but the foundation of wise financial stewardship isn’t money—it’s trust. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Before we talk about budgets or strategies, we must understand our role. God is the owner. We are the stewar

“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and the power to enjoy them…this is the gift of God.” — Ecclesiastes 5:19 What if true joy doesn’t come from gaining more—but from gratefully receiving what God has already provided? That’s the invitation we find in Ecclesiastes, and it’s the focus of a powerful conversation with John Cortines, Director of Partnerships and Growth at the McClellan Foundation and author of FaithFi’s study on the book of Ecclesiastes called, Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money. His insight centers on what he calls the cycle of grateful living—a biblical framework that reshapes how we view money, work, and contentment. Rediscovering Joy in God’s Gifts Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 sits at the heart of Scripture’s teaching on money and meaning. These verses remind us of something we often overlook: Not only are wealth and possessions gifts from God, but so is the ability to enjoy them. That means joy isn’t something we manufacture through achievement or accum

Every day, we make decisions about money—but not every decision is made on purpose. When it comes to generosity, many of us wrestle with familiar questions: Where should I give? How much is enough? Does my giving really make a difference? But Scripture invites us to see generosity differently—not as a financial habit, but as an act of discipleship. Intentional giving connects our everyday resources to God’s redemptive work in the world. From Overwhelmed to On Mission We’re surrounded by needs. Local churches, global missions, ministries serving the poor, organizations strengthening families and sharing the gospel—the opportunities are endless. And because of that, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or default to reactive giving when something tugs at our hearts. But God’s Word points us to something deeper. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Generosity isn’t random. It’s part of the purpose God

Faith-based investing has been around for decades, yet many investors still wrestle with an important question: Does aligning your investments with your values mean sacrificing performance or diversification? As more people seek to steward their resources in ways that reflect their convictions, it’s worth taking a closer look at what faith-based investing really is—and what it isn’t. On today’s show, Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan—a pioneer in faith-based mutual funds—joined us to help clear up some of the most common misconceptions and offered a clearer picture of how values-driven investing really works. What Is Faith-Based Investing? At its core, faith-based investing seeks to align financial decisions with biblical values. This often involves screening out companies whose practices conflict with those convictions while still pursuing wise, disciplined investment strategies. Despite its growing popularity, several misconceptions persist. Misconception #1: “Faith-Based Funds Always Cost More” One

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9 Good Friday invites us into a sacred tension—one marked by sorrow, gratitude, and deep hope. It is the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, when the Son of God bore the weight of our sin on the cross. And yet, for centuries, Christians have called this day good. Not because the events were easy or lighthearted—but because of what Christ accomplished through them. The Sorrow and the Wonder of the Cross For many believers, Good Friday carries a heaviness. We reflect on the suffering Jesus endured and the sobering reality that our sin made the cross necessary. Scripture reminds us that sin is not merely a mistake—it is a separation from God, the very source of life and love. And yet, alongside that sorrow is overwhelming gratitude. We remember the love of the Father who gave His Son, and the love of the Son who willingly laid d

Reverse mortgages often trigger strong reactions—especially among believers who want to honor God with their finances. But are those reactions grounded in biblical wisdom…or outdated information? When it comes to debt and home equity, emotions can run high. Yet Scripture calls us to something deeper than instinct—it calls us to understanding. As Proverbs 19:20 reminds us, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.” To help bring clarity to this often misunderstood topic, Harlan Accola—who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage—joins the show today to separate fact from fiction. Why Reverse Mortgages Carry So Much Stigma For many people, the phrase reverse mortgage immediately raises red flags. And to be fair, some of that concern is rooted in history. As Harlan Accola explains, earlier versions of these loans—and in some cases, unethical practices—damaged trust. Like many industries, there were bad actors who misused the product and took advantage of senior

“The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” — Proverbs 14:15 In a world where scams are increasingly sophisticated, Scripture reminds us that precaution is not paranoia—it’s stewardship. Protecting the resources God has entrusted to us isn’t just practical; it’s spiritual. Today’s threats may come through phone calls, emails, text messages, or even impersonations of people we trust. But as followers of Christ, we are not called to live in fear—we are called to walk in wisdom. So what does wise, faithful stewardship look like in a digital age? 1. Slow Down and Verify Scammers thrive on urgency. They want you to act before you think. If someone pressures you—claiming to be your bank, a government agency, or even a loved one—pause. Hang up. Verify the source using official contact information. Remember: Pressure is a red flag. Wisdom takes a breath. 2. Be Wise About How You Send Money One of the clearest warning signs of fraud is how payment is requested. Never send money via

Is it possible to have everything—and still be missing the one thing that matters most? That’s not just a philosophical question. Scripture gives us real-life examples of people who appeared successful by every measure, yet walked away empty. On today’s episode, Bob Shank—founder of The Master’s Program—joins us to help unpack how Jesus challenges our definition of wealth and invites us into something far greater. Why the Desire for “More” Is So Universal Across cultures, generations, and economic backgrounds, one desire seems to unite us all: the desire for more. According to Bob Shank, that longing isn’t inherently sinful—it’s actually part of how God designed us. From the beginning, God created humanity with a mindset of multiplication (Genesis 1:28). We were wired to grow, build, and increase. But sin distorts that desire, redirecting it toward the wrong things. The problem isn’t the desire for more—it’s what we define as “more.” God calls us to pursue more of what truly satisfies: His presence, His purpo

Most of us don’t wake up intending to serve money. And yet, over time, financial pressure, goals, and anxieties can quietly begin shaping our decisions, priorities, and even our sense of security. Jesus addresses this directly in Luke 16:13: “You cannot serve God and money.” But that doesn’t mean money has no place in the life of a believer. It simply means money must never be our master. The invitation of Scripture is far better: not to serve money, but to serve God with money. Money Is a Gift to Receive with Gratitude One of the most important starting points is recognizing that money is not inherently bad—it’s a gift. Ecclesiastes 5:19 reminds us, “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them—this is the gift of God.” God is not opposed to provision or even enjoyment. In fact, when Jesus fed the five thousand in Matthew 14, He didn’t just meet the need—there were twelve baskets left over. The message isn’t excess for its own sake, but that God’s provision is abundant a