While the holidays may be stressful, they could be joyful. In this episode, we discuss finding joy during the holidays in our festivities, in our family, and in our finances.

Episode Resources

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/stories/ten_tips_for_enjoying_holidays.html

At some point you will decide whether or not to make a big purchase, like a laptop, appliance, television, furniture, car, or house. Sometimes these purchases happen in times of need (e.g. your water heater stopped working). Other times we buy things for special occasions (e.g. Christmas, birthdays, weddings). All the time, before we make a big purchase, we should consider at least 3 things: its affordability, its applicability, and our accountability.

Episode Resources

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2020/03/11/14-things-to-consider-before-making-a-major-purchase/?sh=a64c471674c7
• https://www.cnbc.com/select/questions-to-ask-yourself-before-making-a-big-purchase/
• https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/5-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-buy-something/
• https://www.thebalancemoney.com/before-you-make-large-purchases-2385817

Happy Thanksgiving week! In this episode, we talk about what we should do when we feel thankful. Feeling thankful without expressing it is like wrapping a present without giving it – it loses its purpose. On the flip side, what should we do when we’re not really feeling like thanksgiving? While it’s okay to be in a rut, we offer a few ideas to guide us to higher ground.

“Reflect upon your present blessings – of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” – Charles Dickens

Episode Resources

• “Grateful and Thankful” – https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls2e14/
• https://www.countryliving.com/life/g29536898/thankful-quotes/
• https://blog.gratefulness.me/how-to-feel-grateful-when-you-dont/ 

Time management is about appreciating the value of our time and prioritizing what matters most. That’s why time management is not always about saving time or using less time. There may be instances when it is worthwhile to save time, like getting drive-thru lunch when you’re in a hurry. On the other hand, there may be other instances when it’s worth it to use more time, like driving the scenic route instead of the interstate. Stewarding our time is more about using our time toward things we value.

In this episode, Gary & Christy discuss some principles to improve our time management.

Episode Resources

• Another Bountiful episode about Time & Money: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e6/
• Where to find Master Your Time, Master Your Life by Brian Tracy – https://www.amazon.com/Master-Your-Time-Life-Breakthrough/dp/0399183825/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520091052&sr=8-1&keywords=manage+your+time+manage+your+life

Part of the appeal of “Farm to Table” is we have a deeper appreciation of the food that’s served because we know where it comes from. Likewise, when we understand everything we have – our minds, our bodies, our abilities, our “lucky breaks” – comes from God, then we can have a deeper appreciation of the blessings we’re granted because we know where they come from. In this episode, Gary and Christy discuss how remembering the source of our blessings helps reminds us to appreciate the Great Supplier as well as appreciate the great supply.  

Going on vacation with family can be a great experience. It gives families a chance to make memories and enjoy time together. In an effort to help, Gary and Christy share some tips on how to prepare for travel, from lodging to food to sightseeing.

Episode Resources

• https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-time-to-book-a-flight/
• https://ordinarytraveler.com/best-travel-tips
• https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/home/articles/travel-safety-tips
• https://www.moneytalksnews.com/14-super-smart-ways-save-travel/
• https://www.theunconventionalroute.com/travel-tips-and-tricks/

We are created with emotions. Solomon wrote there is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance (Eccl 3:4). In other words, we have a spectrum of feelings within our hearts that we’ll likely experience throughout our lives. Simultaneously, we make financial decisions every day. That means our emotions will cross paths with our personal finances, and preparing for that is important in order for us to remain faithful in our stewardship. In this episode, we talk about how much emotions may drive money decisions. Then, we provide a few tips to find the balance between logical & emotional.

Episode Resources

• https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/do-you-want-it-or-are-you-sad-how-feelings-affect-finances
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/why-managing-your-money-starts-with-your-emotions
• https://due.com/blog/avoid-letting-emotions-control/
• https://kahlerfinancial.com/financial-awakenings/money-psychology/the-emotional-aspect-of-sound-money-decisions
• https://www.theheavypurse.com/7-emotions-and-their-affect-on-your-finances/
• https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/how-to-keep-your-emotions-from-controlling-your-finances/

Being credit worthy has its advantages, especially if you’re applying for a mortgage, taking out an automobile loan, wanting to rent a place to live, or even applying for a job. In this episode, Gary & Christy will cover some basics about financial credit. Then they’ll discuss how to build good credit, improve your credit score, and how to keep it exceptional.

Episode Resources

• https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e13/ – Episode about credit score basics
• https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls6e7/ – Episode about how to protect yourself from scams
• https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/whats-in-your-credit-score
• https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
• https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/credit-cards/credit-intel/credit-score-ranges/
• https://www.thebalancemoney.com/maintain-good-credit-score-960513

Financial security involves having enough money to live on, cover emergencies, and save for retirement without concern of running out. In this episode, we talk about finding our financial security, even during times when it seems like there isn’t any. Gary and Christy discuss where we try to find security versus where we should find security.

Proverbs 3:25-26: Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

Episode Resources

• https://www.investopedia.com/articles/retirement/06/10secureretirementtips.asp
• https://www.moneyunder30.com/six-and-a-half-steps-to-financial-stability

In this podcast, we try to discuss various topics that would help us be better stewards of the Lord’s material blessings. Budgeting, setting goals, validating transactions, communicating, giving, expressing gratitude, and prioritizing are just a few things we can examine within ourselves to test our stewardship. When our financial situation is going well or better than expected, it feels easier to put in the effort toward budgeting and giving. However, when our personal finances are not where we expect them to be, it feels easier to give up. In this episode, we talk about how making an effort is worthwhile as it lies in the heart of money management.