Bountiful: The Heart of Money Management

Money is a tremendous resource. If we learn how to control it and use it wisely, we will be able to use it for the most benefit in the Lord’s kingdom. In this episode, Gary & Christy talk about the “origin story” of wealth and why it’s important to remember our blessings have a purpose.

Episode Resources

• https://www.getrichslowly.org/the-guilt-of-wealth/
• https://www.huffpost.com/entry/time-management-tips-_b_5365403

The Bible encourages us to help each other as we have opportunity, to be rich in good works, and to be generous. Such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Sometimes you are able to give help, and other times you need to receive help.
In this episode, Gary and Christy focus on how to ask for help, specifically when we need financial help. There are some barriers to asking for help. It can be difficult to admit to somebody that we need money. There are benefits to asking for help, not the least of which is the relief when a financial burden is lifted. Finally, there are boundaries to asking for help, including being straightforward when we ask and sharing the results of the help we received.

Episode Resources

• https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-Your-Family-for-Money
• https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/how-to-ask-for-help-with-money
• https://www.andymort.com/hard-asking-for-help/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/07/21/how-to-ask-for-help/?sh=ab439327d539
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-mastery/201904/what-makes-it-so-hard-ask-help

Surviving a personal financial crisis, like losing a job or facing an unexpected expense, has some similarities to surviving stormy weather. In this episode, Gary & Christy compare these two types of storms, and they discuss how prayer, protection, prevention, and a plan can help you survive financial storms that may appear in your life.

Episode Resources

• Related Bountiful episodes:
  • Overcoming Financial Discouragement – https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls4e9/
  • Dealing With Unexpected Expenses – https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls1e3/
• How To Overcome Financial Crisis As Christians | PRAYER POINTS (everydayprayerguide.com)
• How to Prepare For a Recession | Clever Girl Finance
• How to Handle the Stress of a Financial Crisis (verywellmind.com)
• 6 Tips for Handling Financial Stress (bankofamerica.com)

In Genesis 39 we read an example of good stewardship in the life of Joseph. He exemplifies good stewardship by gaining approval from his master, having responsibility for his master’s household, and understanding that his master was the owner and Joseph was the steward. If we model our stewardship of God’s blessings after Joseph’s example, the Lord will bless us in our efforts.

According to some, Americans are grumpy! Of course, there are a lot of stress factors impacting that, many of which we feel personally, emotionally, and even financially. However, Philippians 4:11 encourages us to not allow our physical circumstances to adversely impact us spiritually. In this episode, we discuss contentment, its importance, and the consequences of not having it.

“Now and then, it’s good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.” – Art Buckwold.

Episode Resource

• https://news.yahoo.com/americans-are-too-grumpy-131916541.html

While giving money to the church or to charitable organizations is certainly needed and very helpful, it isn’t the only avenue we have to give. There are non-monetary ways we can give, too. In this episode, we talk about a few of those alternatives. The point is not to make anyone feel guilty of what they are NOT doing, but it’s to help give ideas of what we COULD do to evolve our work for the Lord and his church.

Episode Resources

• https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/503890/7-non-monetary-donations-can-help-others-dream-big
• https://www.creditkarma.com/auto/i/donate-car-4-things-to-know
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/budget-and-spending/2017/10/27/13-ways-give-charity-without-breaking-your-budget/792720001/

Minimalism is a strategy to manage our material possessions. It’s not the only strategy, nor is it necessarily the best, but it is a way we can fulfill our duties as stewards of what God blesses us with. However, this approach is a little bit misunderstood at times. In this episode, we’ll discuss four myths around minimalism:

1. I might need (this thing) later
2. I’ve already spent too much money on (this thing)
3. As long as I have room for (this thing) it’s okay to keep it
4. I’m too sentimental to be a minimalist

Episode Resources

• Bountiful episode about minimalism: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls2e1/
• Bountiful episode about intentionality: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls1e6/
• https://minimalism.co/articles/7-mental-roadblocks-to-minimalist-living
• https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/clutter-control
• https://www.becomingminimalist.com/how-to-simplify-your-stuff-and-honor-your-memories/

We (should) all have financial goals, whether they’re about home ownership, debt freedom, retirement planning, traveling, or enjoying hobbies. A Certified Financial Planner is a professional who helps people set financial goals & guides their clients toward reaching them. But, is such a professional necessary for your life? In this episode, we discuss the costs and benefits of a CFP.

Episode Resources

• Bountiful episode with guest Dale Hubbert, a financial planner – https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls4e8/
• Find a CFP: https://www.napfa.org/find-an-advisor
• https://toughnickel.com/personal-finance/The-Life-Cycle-of-Financial-Planning
• https://www.forbes.com/advisor/investing/what-is-a-financial-planner/
• https://www.moneyunder30.com/are-certified-financial-planners-worth-the-money
• https://retirecertain.com/pros-and-cons-of-using-a-financial-advisor/
• https://www.investopedia.com/managing-wealth/when-should-you-hire-financial-advisor/
• https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/100115/why-your-financial-advisor-should-be-cfp.asp
• https://www.cfp.net   

Wealth and income are topics that are discussed a lot, but are they understood? In this episode, we talk about their similarities and differences, and then we highlight some Biblical principles regarding wealth, income, and all of our material blessings.

Episode Resources

• Related Bountiful episodes:
  • “The Wealth Gap” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e8/
  • “Net Worth Is Not the Basis for Self-Worth” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls1e4/
  • “When Net Worth is Worthless” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls4e3/
• Other resources:
  • https://positivemoney.org/2017/10/wealth-inequality/
  • https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-income-and-wealth.html
  • https://www.ramseysolutions.com/relationships/income-vs-networth
  • https://brandongaille.com/18-income-statement-advantages-and-disadvantages/

Our finances can impact our mental health, and our mental health can impact our finances. In this episode, we discuss this topic with a goal to discuss some ways we can stay mentally healthy regarding our money & personal finances.

Episode Resources

• https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health
• https://www.moneyaftergraduation.com/mental-health-money/
• https://www.moneyunder30.com/depression-and-finances