A recent survey reveals that nearly 1 in 4 Americans has no emergency savings, and more than a third had to tap into their savings just to get through the past year. Even more sobering, Bankrate reports that only 46% of U.S. adults have enough savings to cover three months of expenses, while 33% have more credit card debt than they do in emergency savings.

The numbers are alarming, but they don’t have to define your future.

Laying the Foundation: Live on Less Than You Earn

Before we talk about building wealth or making investments, we must start with the foundation: living on less than you earn. It’s the bedrock of biblical financial wisdom. As John Maxwell put it, “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” Without a plan, it’s easy to drift. But a budget anchors your finances and gives every dollar a purpose.

That’s where the FaithFi app can help—offering a practical tool to craft a spending plan rooted in biblical values.

Proverbs 6:6–8 urges us:

“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”

The ant doesn't wait for a crisis—it stores up in advance. That’s what budgeting does. It’s not about restriction; it’s about preparation and wisdom.

Why Investing Comes Next

Once you’ve created margin through budgeting, the next step is investing. Why? Because while money sitting in a checking account loses value due to inflation, investing allows your resources to grow through the power of compound interest.

As Proverbs 21:5 (TLB) says:

“Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.”

Wise investing isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about faithful, consistent action over time.

Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t make enough to invest.” But consider this: If you invest just $100 a month starting at age 25, earning an 8% annual return, you’ll have over $300,000 by age 65. That’s the power of small, faithful steps over time.

And today, getting started is easier than ever. Roboadvisors, such as Schwab Intelligent Portfolios or Betterment, offer diversified, user-friendly platforms that require minimal financial knowledge.

Wealth With a Purpose: Stewardship, Not Self-Sufficiency

Remember: financial freedom isn’t independence from God—it’s dependence on Him with wisdom. Deuteronomy 8 reminds us that even the ability to produce wealth comes from the Lord. As Proverbs 13:11 teaches:

“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

God doesn’t call us to perfection—He calls us to faithful stewardship.

Why do we budget, save, and invest? So we can live with margin, give joyfully, and bless others. Wise financial decisions position us to participate in God’s Kingdom work—not just provide for ourselves. So if you’re feeling stuck, start small:

• Build a budget
• Create margin
• Save a little
• Invest a little
• Trust God with the process

Over time, you’ll be amazed at what He can do through your faithfulness.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My friend is interested in investing directly in Israel’s stock market—how would they go about doing that? Additionally, I’m 83 years old and own a home valued at $360,000. I need to replace the iron pipes, which could cost between $35,000 and $51,000. At my age, what are my options for financing a project like this?
• My 66-year-old brother wants to set aside money to care for his adult autistic son, who currently lives in a group home. What’s the best way for him to save and plan financially for his son’s future care after he’s gone?
• I’m 70, working full-time, and receiving Social Security, but I have no savings. My wife and I have been married for 50 years, but she refuses to save. What guidance can you offer for improving our financial situation at this stage in life?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Timothy Plan’s Israel Common Values Mutual Fund
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday 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.

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