Faith & Finance

Losing a spouse changes almost everything. Beyond the emotional weight of grief, there are practical responsibilities that can suddenly feel overwhelming. Bills still need to be paid, accounts need attention, and financial decisions that once seemed routine may now feel impossible.

For widows, navigating those responsibilities can be especially difficult when grief affects their ability to think clearly, make decisions, and plan for the future.

Rachel Faulkner Brown understands this firsthand. Widowed twice by the age of 31, she has experienced profound loss, financial mistakes, and unexpected challenges. Today, as the Founder and Executive Director of Never Alone Widows, she helps women find hope, healing, and community after losing a spouse.

Rachel joined the show today to share what those experiences taught her about stewardship, financial vulnerability, and learning to trust God when life feels out of control.

"The day after Blair died, I threw away the Dave Ramsey envelopes."

That striking statement from Rachel's article in Faithful Steward magazine captures how dramatically grief can reshape a person's relationship with money.

Before losing her husband, Rachel had been committed to careful budgeting. At 21, she attended a Dave Ramsey conference, embraced its financial principles, and worked with her husband to manage their resources responsibly. But after his death, something changed.

"I knew that feeding my children was much more important than getting the envelopes right," she explained.

For Rachel, abandoning the envelope system wasn't necessarily about rejecting financial discipline. It was about recognizing that her circumstances had changed and the system she once relied on no longer served her immediate needs.

Grief can force us to reconsider our priorities. And sometimes, wise stewardship means adjusting our financial practices to reflect the realities of a new season.

One of the most important lessons Rachel learned was the value of patience when making major financial decisions after a loss.

She remembers meeting with a financial planner in Atlanta shortly after becoming a widow. Although she felt pressure to make investment decisions, something didn't seem right.

She ultimately chose not to move forward. The year was 2008, just before the financial crisis devastated investment portfolios across the country. Looking back, Rachel is grateful she resisted the pressure to act before she was ready.

Her experience highlights an important principle: Not every financial decision needs to be made immediately.

Grief can affect memory, concentration, and emotional well-being. Decisions that would ordinarily be straightforward may become much more difficult.

Some responsibilities, however, cannot wait. Household bills, insurance matters, and essential account management may require immediate attention. But major investments, significant purchases, and other long-term commitments can often wait until things are clearer.

Patience can be a form of wisdom, especially when circumstances make us vulnerable to pressure or manipulation.

When Blair died unexpectedly, Rachel discovered just how much of their financial life he had managed. She didn't have account passwords or ready access to important financial information. Even gathering the necessary documents felt overwhelming.

Fortunately, two close friends stepped in. They contacted financial institutions, organized investment information, and assembled a notebook containing the details Rachel needed to begin managing her finances.

Their assistance made an enormous difference. Rachel encourages widows to be vulnerable with trusted people who genuinely care about their well-being.

"Get someone to help you that is a trusted friend," she said, "not necessarily someone who needs anything from you, someone who wants something for you."

She also recommends building a support circle that extends beyond financial advice.

That might include a financial professional to help navigate investments and estate matters, a counselor to process grief, trusted friends to provide accountability, and people who can offer practical support with parenting and household responsibilities.

As Rachel explained, there are many areas of life where we readily seek professional assistance. Why should managing grief, caring for our families, and preparing for the future be any different?

The biblical picture of community reminds us that we were never intended to carry life's burdens entirely on our own.

Rachel's financial journey hasn't been without painful mistakes.

After losing her first husband, Todd, she turned to shopping as a way of coping with grief. What initially offered temporary relief eventually led to secretive spending and overdrafted accounts.

She also discovered an unexpected financial responsibility when preparing to sell a home she owned outright.

Although she had paid off the mortgage, she hadn't realized she still needed to pay property taxes. The unpaid taxes had placed the property at risk, and she learned about the problem while preparing to sell.

These experiences revealed how emotional pain and financial decisions can become intertwined.

Looking back, Rachel recognizes that she often tried to manage her struggles privately rather than allowing others to help. But her greatest lesson wasn't simply about avoiding mistakes. It was about understanding what those mistakes revealed.

Financial struggles sometimes expose areas where we need greater knowledge, healthier habits, or support from people we trust.

Rather than letting shame keep those struggles hidden, Rachel encourages people to see them as opportunities to heal and grow in wisdom.

Even after significant loss, Rachel faced another financial setback. Years after remarrying, she and her husband decided to invest outside their usual diversified, conventional approach.

A trusted family friend, active in their church community and even leading Bible studies in their home, brought the opportunity to them.

Unfortunately, the investment turned out to be part of a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme. The financial loss was devastating.

Rachel had viewed those investments as a source of security for her children's future. Losing that money forced her to examine how deeply she had associated financial resources with safety and stability.

She also recognized the importance of listening carefully to wise counsel.

Although she and her husband had sought advice before investing, some people had expressed reservations. Looking back, Rachel wishes she had given those concerns more weight.

Her experience offers an important reminder: Personal trust should never replace financial due diligence.

Even when an opportunity comes through someone we know and respect, it's wise to investigate the investment, understand the risks, seek independent counsel, and resist pressure to act quickly.

Christian character and sincere intentions matter, but they don't eliminate the need for accountability and careful evaluation.

Perhaps the deepest lesson Rachel learned through her financial experiences was that stewardship begins with recognizing God's ownership.

Before losing her investment, she understood that she and her husband were responsible for stewarding what God had entrusted to them. But the loss revealed how easily that responsibility could become a sense of possession and control.

She had seen the money as their safety net, their children's future, and their security. 

Losing it forced her to confront a difficult question: Where was she ultimately placing her trust?

Scripture reminds us that everything we possess belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."

That truth doesn't make financial loss painless or remove our responsibility to manage money wisely. But it changes the foundation of our security. We are stewards, not owners. Our resources are temporary, but God's faithfulness is not.

This perspective also shapes the way we understand financial setbacks. A loss doesn't necessarily mean we've failed as stewards, just as financial prosperity doesn't necessarily demonstrate God's approval.

Wise stewardship means faithfully managing what we've been given while acknowledging that our ultimate security rests in the Lord rather than our financial circumstances.

In Matthew 6, Jesus acknowledges our everyday concerns about food, clothing, and provision. Rather than dismissing those needs, He reminds His followers that their heavenly Father knows what they need.

Then Jesus says: "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33

For Rachel, that passage has transformed the way she thinks about her resources. Her financial decisions are no longer simply about accumulating enough to feel secure. They're about honoring God with everything He's entrusted to her.

As she explained, the goal is to glorify Him through the way we use our money, time, talents, and treasure.

That doesn't mean financial challenges will disappear, or that faithful stewardship will always produce favorable financial outcomes. It means we can approach those challenges with a deeper confidence in the One who provides for us.

Grief may change our circumstances, our responsibilities, and even our ability to manage everyday decisions. But it doesn't change God's character.

Whether we're navigating the loss of a spouse, recovering from financial mistakes, or learning to release our grip on what we possess, the invitation remains the same: Seek Him first, trust Him with what we cannot control, and faithfully steward what He's placed in our hands today.

If you or someone you love is navigating widowhood, Rachel Faulkner Brown and her team at Never Alone Widows provide encouragement, practical resources, and a community of women who understand the journey. Learn more at NeverAloneWidows.com.

You can also explore Rachel's story in the special Women Stewarding Wealth edition of Faithful Steward magazine, available at FaithFi.com/Shop.

• My husband and I are retired and living on Social Security. We want to add about $35,000 to our home and have $16,000 in emergency savings plus a $100,000 reverse-mortgage line of credit. What’s the best way to fund the project?
• My wife and I are 68 and 69 and recently gained custody of our 10-year-old granddaughter. How should we set up a trust or other plan to provide for her future?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Widow's Might: 365 Days of Strength for Grief and Loss – Find Comfort, Hope, and Healing by Rachel Faulkner Brown
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature by Peter Scazzero
• Never Alone Widows
• Finances When You're Widowed by Rachel Faulkner Brown (Article in Faithful Steward, Issue 7)
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? 
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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)
• 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.

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Money can be a wonderful servant or a terrible master. It touches nearly every part of our lives, influencing our decisions, shaping our priorities, and often revealing what matters most to us.

But have you ever wondered why the Bible has so much to say about it?

According to bestselling author Randy Alcorn, Founder and Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries, the answer has less to do with money itself and more to do with what money reveals about our hearts.

On today’s show, Randy joined us to share insights from his forthcoming 31-day devotional with FaithFi, exploring why God's wisdom about money ultimately invites greater freedom, contentment, and joy.

Scripture addresses money and possessions with remarkable frequency. From the wisdom of Proverbs to the teachings of Jesus, financial stewardship appears throughout the biblical narrative.

Why does God devote so much attention to something we might consider merely practical?

Because money is never just about money. "What we do with our money is an indication of where our heart is," Randy explains.

Jesus makes this connection in Matthew 6:21: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Our financial decisions reveal what we value, what we trust, and where we seek security. They can expose our fears and misplaced priorities, but they can also express worship, compassion, and love for our neighbors.

The danger comes when we separate our financial lives from our spiritual lives.

We may think of prayer, worship, and Bible study as spiritual activities, while treating budgets, careers, and purchases as entirely different matters. Yet Scripture makes no such distinction.

We live one life before the Lord, and every part of it belongs to Him.

That means managing money isn't simply an exercise in financial responsibility. It's an opportunity to grow in discipleship, learning to trust God and use His provision for purposes that reflect His character.

Some of Scripture's teachings about money can make us uncomfortable.

Jesus warns against greed, challenges misplaced trust in wealth, and calls His followers to a life of generosity. These teachings sometimes confront attitudes we'd rather leave unexamined. But Randy encourages us to see that discomfort differently.

Drawing from Proverbs 27:6, which says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend," he reminds us that loving correction is often necessary for genuine growth.

Just as a trusted friend may lovingly confront something harmful in our lives, God's Word exposes what threatens our relationship with Him.

"The Holy Spirit loves to expose our idols, and it's not to humiliate us. It's to liberate us from those idols," Randy says.

That distinction matters. God's instructions about money aren't designed to burden us with guilt or deprive us of enjoyment. They're intended to free us from trusting in something that cannot ultimately satisfy.

When money becomes our source of identity, security, or significance, it demands more than it can ever deliver. But when money takes its rightful place as a gift from God, it becomes a powerful instrument for worship, generosity, and compassion.

One of the most persistent promises of our culture is that greater prosperity will bring greater happiness. 

We imagine how much better life will be when we purchase a new home, receive a salary increase, take a dream vacation, or finally reach a particular financial milestone. And while those experiences can bring genuine enjoyment, their ability to satisfy us is limited.

Randy observes that, as we grow older, we often discover this truth through experience. The things we once anticipated with tremendous excitement eventually become ordinary, and the satisfaction we expected begins to fade.

That doesn't mean those things were wrong to pursue or enjoy.

Scripture affirms that God's provision is good and that we can receive His gifts with gratitude. The problem arises when we expect temporary blessings to satisfy eternal longings.

As Randy puts it, "God made us for something far greater than living from purchase to purchase."

This is part of what makes generosity so remarkable. In Acts 20:35, Jesus reminds us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Rather than organizing our lives around accumulating more possessions, generosity invites us to participate in something beyond ourselves. It directs our attention toward others and reminds us that what God has entrusted to us can accomplish far more than simply increasing our personal comfort.

We don't have to reject enjoying God's gifts. We simply need to remember that the gifts themselves were never intended to replace the Giver.

Jesus' words in Matthew 6:21 reveal another important principle: Our hearts are connected to what we treasure.

We often assume our spending and giving simply reflect what we already care about. And certainly, our priorities influence our financial decisions. But Randy points out that the relationship can also work in the other direction.

Consider what happens when you invest in a company. Suddenly, you pay closer attention to its performance, leadership, and future. You have a personal interest in what happens because you've committed some of your resources to it.

Something similar can happen with generosity. When we support a ministry that provides clean water, shares the gospel, or translates Scripture into another language, we often become more attentive to the people and needs involved.

Our giving connects us to work we might otherwise have overlooked.

Of course, generosity isn't a formula for manufacturing spiritual maturity. A transformed heart is ultimately the work of God's grace. But intentional giving can become one way we express and cultivate the priorities He's developing within us.

It encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize the opportunities God has given us to love and serve others.

So how do we keep money and possessions from occupying a place in our lives they were never intended to hold?

For Randy, the answer begins with a deeper understanding of God's character.

He recalls how books such as A. W. Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy and J. I. Packer's Knowing God helped shape his understanding of the Lord. In her final days, Randy's late wife, Nancy, also returned to books that reminded her of God's goodness, faithfulness, and promises.

Their example points to a profound truth: The more clearly we understand who God is, the more freely we can hold everything else.

When we're anchored in His goodness and generosity, we no longer need to look to money for the security, identity, and satisfaction that only He can provide. We become more openhearted and, as a result, more openhanded. This is the beautiful invitation at the center of biblical stewardship.

God isn't calling us to despise money or reject the good things He provides. He's teaching us to enjoy those gifts without confusing them with the source of our joy.

As Randy reminds us, "The greatest treasure isn't what God gives us, but God Himself."

And when God becomes our greatest treasure, money can finally become what it was always meant to be: a useful tool, a good gift, and an opportunity to reflect His generosity to the world.

That's why the Bible has so much to say about money. Not because God needs our resources, but because He loves us and wants our hearts to rest in something infinitely greater.

• My wife and I are in our mid-20s, recently had a baby, and are currently living on one income. We want to become debt-free so we can give more generously. What should we prioritize, and what’s the best strategy for paying down our debt?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM)
• The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn
• Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn
• Money and Marriage God’s Way by Howard Dayton
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Do I Prepare the Next Steward?
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? 
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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)
• 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.

Every day, we make decisions about money, but not every decision is made with intention. When it comes to generosity, many of us wrestle with the same questions: Where should we give? How much should we give? And does our giving really make a difference?

With so many worthy causes competing for our attention, generosity can easily become reactive rather than intentional. Yet Scripture invites us to see giving as something much greater than another financial habit. Intentional generosity is an act of discipleship that connects our resources to God's work in the world.

The needs around us are endless. Local churches, global missions, ministries serving the poor, and organizations strengthening families all offer meaningful opportunities to give. Faced with so many possibilities, we may feel overwhelmed or simply respond to whichever need appears most urgent. But Scripture gives us a larger perspective.

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."

Our lives are meant to reflect God's grace through good works, and generosity is one way we can do that. The resources entrusted to us aren't simply for our own comfort or financial security. We can also use them to meet needs, serve others, and support the spread of the gospel.

This changes how we think about giving. Rather than viewing generosity as an occasional financial obligation, we begin to see it as a meaningful expression of our faith.

The apostle Paul reinforces this perspective in 1 Timothy 6:18–19, encouraging believers to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. He connects this kind of generosity with laying up treasure for the future and taking hold of that which is truly life.

Generosity reminds us that the greatest value of our resources isn't found in what we accumulate, but in how faithfully we use what God has entrusted to us.

Intentional generosity begins by prayerfully considering where our resources can serve others and reflect God's priorities.

Supporting the local church is an important place to begin. God has established the church as a community where believers worship, grow in faith, care for one another, and proclaim the gospel. Financially supporting its ministry lets us join in that shared work.

Beyond the local church, Scripture repeatedly calls us to care for those in need. Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD." Whether through local outreach, relief organizations, or helping a struggling neighbor, our generosity can reflect God's compassion in practical ways.

We can also support ministries and missionaries dedicated to sharing the gospel. Romans 10:15 reminds us, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" Financial gifts can help equip those serving in places and circumstances we may never personally reach.

Of course, we cannot support every worthy cause. Intentional giving requires discernment. We can prayerfully evaluate opportunities, consider the needs God has brought to our attention, and make thoughtful commitments that reflect our convictions and financial circumstances.

A practical starting point is to establish a regular giving plan while leaving room to respond to unexpected needs. This allows generosity to become a consistent part of our stewardship without losing the joy of spontaneous giving.

Perhaps the most important truth about generosity is that we don't do it to earn God's favor. It's a response to the grace we've already received.

2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

God isn't interested in generosity driven merely by pressure or obligation. He desires hearts that respond willingly to His goodness. And we need look no further than Jesus Christ to understand the foundation of Christian generosity.

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul points to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for our sake so that through His poverty we might become rich. Christ willingly humbled Himself to bring us the incomparable riches of salvation.

Our generosity is a response to His.

We don't give to purchase God's approval or secure greater blessings for ourselves. We give because God has already shown us extraordinary generosity through His Son.

When we understand that truth, giving becomes less about what we're surrendering and more about the privilege of using what we've received to love and serve others.

Generosity certainly benefits those who receive it, but God can also use it to shape the hearts of those who give.

When we give intentionally, we practice holding our possessions with an open hand. We acknowledge that everything belongs to God and that our security ultimately rests in Him rather than our accumulated wealth.

Giving can also help us recognize the purposes our money is serving. Our financial decisions reveal something about what we value, and thoughtful generosity gives us an opportunity to align those decisions more closely with our faith.

Over time, this practice can strengthen our trust in God, deepen our concern for others, and loosen money's grip on our hearts.

That's why intentional giving is about much more than choosing a charity or setting aside a percentage of our income. It's about seeing everything we have through the lens of faithful stewardship. The question isn't simply, "How much should I give?" It's also, "How can I faithfully use what God has entrusted to me?"

God has entrusted each of us with different resources, relationships, experiences, and opportunities. We won't all give the same amounts or support the same ministries, but every believer can pursue a life marked by generosity.

As you consider your own giving, think about the people and needs God has brought into your life. Look for opportunities to support the work of the gospel, serve those in need, and use your resources with greater purpose.

Above all, remember that intentional giving isn't simply about becoming better at managing money. It's to grow in our love for God and others.

That's a central theme of my devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. One chapter focuses on intentional giving, helping readers see how generosity fits into God's larger story and how their financial decisions can reflect His grace.

If you'd like to grow in faithful stewardship and learn to view your resources through an eternal perspective, I encourage you to pick up a copy. You can purchase Our Ultimate Treasure or place a bulk order for your church or small group at FaithFi.com/shop.

• My son is disabled and receives SSI. If I leave him my home, would a special needs trust help protect his benefits?
• My niece has unused 529 funds. If the account ownership changed from her late mother to me, does that restart the five-year waiting period for a Roth IRA rollover?
• I recently retired and have Medicare Advantage through my former employer, but unexpected copays and coinsurance are draining my savings. How can I better plan for these healthcare costs?
• We have five children with different needs. From a biblical perspective, how should we think about dividing an inheritance among them?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Splitting Heirs: Giving Money & Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy White
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? 
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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)
• 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.

Most Christians want to be generous. But wanting to give and actually following through are two different things.

With so many worthy causes, competing needs, and financial decisions to consider, even the best intentions can become overwhelming. Without a plan, our giving can become reactive rather than purposeful, driven more by the requests we receive than by a thoughtful understanding of how God has entrusted us to steward His resources.

So, how can we move from good intentions to meaningful action?

Kendra VanderMeulen, CEO of the National Christian Foundation (NCF), joined the show today to discuss how developing a thoughtful giving strategy can help Christians become more intentional, generous stewards.

For more than four decades, NCF has helped believers put their generosity into action, facilitating more than $25 billion in grants to over 100,000 churches and charitable organizations.

According to VanderMeulen, one of the greatest obstacles to intentional generosity is simply the number of decisions involved.

What should we give? How much? When? And to whom?

Without a clear strategy, these questions can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Instead of giving with confidence and purpose, we may respond to requests as they arise, unsure when to say yes or no.

The solution begins with Scripture. Proverbs 3:9 says, "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce."

Generosity isn't merely a financial transaction. It's an expression of worship and a recognition that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God.

VanderMeulen encourages Christians to begin by considering the causes and needs that stir their hearts. What brings you joy? What breaks your heart? Where do you see opportunities to participate in the work God is doing?

From there, consider the resources God has placed in your hands and how you might use them to serve others. And remember, developing a giving strategy doesn't have to happen overnight. The goal isn't perfection. It's taking one faithful step at a time toward greater intentionality.

When most people think about charitable giving, they picture writing a check or making an online donation. But cash represents only a portion of the resources many households possess.

VanderMeulen highlights an important distinction: Roughly 90% of charitable giving comes from cash, even though approximately 90% of wealth is held in other forms. That means some of the greatest opportunities for generosity may be found outside our checking and savings accounts.

Non-cash assets that may be suitable for charitable giving include appreciated stocks, bonds, real estate, privately held businesses, and other investments.

Families can sometimes donate these assets directly to charitable organizations or donor-advised funds, potentially giving more efficiently while supporting causes they care about.

For Christians who have spent decades building a business, investing, or accumulating other assets, this opens the door to thinking about generosity in entirely new ways. Instead of asking only how much they can give from their income, they can consider how the wealth entrusted to them might bless others.

One of the most important principles in asset-based giving is to consider generosity before a major financial transaction.

For example, someone preparing to sell a business, investment property, or appreciated securities may have an opportunity to structure a charitable gift before the sale takes place.

Depending on the circumstances, donating an appreciated asset before selling it may reduce certain tax liabilities and increase the amount ultimately available for charitable purposes. However, these strategies require careful planning.

The asset type, transaction timing, and applicable tax rules all affect what's possible. That's why VanderMeulen emphasizes involving qualified tax professionals, financial advisors, and charitable planning specialists early in the process.

For business owners, the conversation may also need to include family members and other stakeholders.

A business sale affects more than the owner's finances. Employees, customers, family members, and future generations may all be impacted. Thoughtful planning can help ensure that both the business transition and charitable intentions are handled responsibly.

The earlier these conversations begin, the more opportunities there may be to align the transaction with the family's broader financial and generosity goals.

This is especially important as year-end approaches. While some charitable gifts can be completed relatively quickly, gifts involving real estate, businesses, or other complex assets often require additional time and documentation.

Another tool for intentional generosity is a donor-advised fund (DAF), which NCF calls a Giving Fund.

A donor-advised fund allows someone to contribute assets to a sponsoring charitable organization, potentially receive a tax deduction for an eligible contribution, and recommend grants to qualified charities over time.

One of its greatest benefits is that it separates the timing of a charitable contribution from the timing of the eventual grants.

For example, a family may want to make a substantial charitable contribution in the same year it sells a business. But that doesn't mean the family has to decide immediately which ministries will receive the money.

A donor-advised fund lets you make the contribution first and then prayerfully decide where and when to recommend grants. NCF describes this approach in three simple steps:

1. Give: Contribute cash or other eligible assets to a Giving Fund.
2. Grow: Choose from available investment options, including faith-aligned investments, so the fund's assets can grow over time.
3. Grant: Recommend distributions to qualified charitable organizations according to your giving priorities.

As VanderMeulen explains, this structure can be particularly helpful for complex assets. It allows donors and their advisors to focus first on completing the contribution and addressing the relevant financial and tax considerations. Then, with those decisions behind them, families can devote more attention to the ministries and causes they hope to support.

There are practical benefits, too. A donor-advised fund can simplify recordkeeping by providing consolidated contribution documentation, rather than requiring donors to track receipts from numerous charities.

It's also important to understand that contributions to a donor-advised fund are irrevocable. Although donors can recommend grants, the sponsoring organization retains legal control over the assets and must approve distributions.

While charitable planning can make giving more effective, it's important to distinguish between preparing to give and actually giving.

A giving strategy isn't simply about accumulating charitable assets or maximizing tax advantages. It's to put the resources God has entrusted to us to work in loving and serving others.

A donor-advised fund can provide valuable flexibility, but it should also encourage thoughtful action. Money set aside for charity can only support churches, ministries, and people in need when grants are actually made.

This principle extends beyond donor-advised funds. Whether we give from a paycheck, donate appreciated investments, or develop a long-term generosity plan, our intentions should ultimately lead to action. And that brings us back to the heart of biblical stewardship.

Generosity isn't measured merely by the size of our gifts or the sophistication of our financial strategies. It's about faithfully managing what belongs to God and responding with wisdom, gratitude, and love to opportunities to serve others.

A thoughtful giving plan can help us do exactly that—moving beyond good intentions toward generosity that reflects what matters most.

To learn more about asset-based giving and donor-advised funds through the National Christian Foundation (NCF), visit FaithFi.com/NCF.

• I’m 65 and plan to sell my home and move closer to family, but the proceeds may not fully cover my next home. Should I withdraw about $100,000 from my rollover IRA to avoid a 7% mortgage, and how should I factor in the taxes?
• I’m 64 and plan to retire at 65. Can I use TurboTax to determine how much to convert to a Roth IRA, and should I convert from my traditional IRA or 401(k)?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• National Christian Foundation (NCF)
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? 
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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)
• 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.

“The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.” — Proverbs 18:11 (NIV)

Money can provide real protection, but it can also create a dangerous illusion of security. We may begin to believe that enough savings, investments, or possessions can shield us from whatever life brings.

In 1 Samuel 25, we encounter a wealthy man named Nabal whose story illustrates the danger of placing too much confidence in earthly riches. His experience reminds us that while financial resources are valuable tools, they can never provide the ultimate security our hearts desire.

Nabal was an extremely wealthy man, owning 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. His wife, Abigail, is described as intelligent and discerning, but Nabal himself was harsh and badly behaved.

At the time, David was fleeing from King Saul. While David and his men lived in the wilderness, they spent time near Nabal's shepherds. Rather than taking advantage of them, David's men helped protect them and their livestock.

One of Nabal's servants later described David's men as a wall around them, both day and night. Their presence had provided genuine protection.

When sheep-shearing season arrived—a time of celebration and abundance—David sent several young men to Nabal with a respectful request for provisions. Considering the protection David's men had provided, the request was reasonable. But Nabal responded with contempt.

“Who is David? Who is the son of Jesse?” he asked (1 Samuel 25:10).

Rather than acknowledging the help he had received or sharing from his abundance, Nabal dismissed David entirely. His wealth had not made him generous or grateful. Instead, his response revealed a troubling arrogance.

Nabal's story brings Proverbs 18:11 into focus:

“The wealth of the rich is their fortified city; they imagine it a wall too high to scale.”

Notice that last phrase: “They imagine it.” Wealth really can provide a measure of protection. Savings create financial margin. Insurance helps manage risk. Wise planning prepares us for unexpected challenges. Scripture consistently commends prudence and diligence.

The danger comes when practical security becomes ultimate security.

Nabal seems to have believed his wealth, position, and possessions put him beyond the reach of trouble. But while he enjoyed his abundance, David was preparing to retaliate against him with armed men.

The wall of security Nabal imagined was far weaker than he thought.

This story offers an interesting contrast. David's men had served as a real wall of protection for Nabal's household, yet Nabal's arrogance threatened to destroy the very security he enjoyed.

He had considerable wealth, but he lacked the wisdom to recognize his vulnerability.

When Abigail learned what had happened, she acted quickly.

She gathered provisions, went out to meet David, and approached him with remarkable humility and discernment. She acknowledged the danger, urged David not to take vengeance, and reminded him of God's promises concerning his future.

Her intervention prevented unnecessary bloodshed and restrained David from responding to Nabal's foolishness with violence.

The contrast between husband and wife could hardly be sharper. Nabal possessed tremendous wealth but lacked wisdom. Abigail demonstrated humility, discernment, and an awareness that their household was not beyond danger.

Their story illustrates an important truth: Financial resources are valuable, but they cannot replace godly wisdom.

A person can have considerable wealth and still make decisions that threaten everything they've accumulated. Likewise, someone with fewer resources may demonstrate the wisdom, humility, and prudence that lead to greater stability.

Ultimately, our security depends on far more than the size of our accounts.

Nabal's story raises an important question: What are we expecting money to provide?

There's nothing wrong with building an emergency fund, investing wisely, carrying appropriate insurance, preparing for retirement, or providing for our families. These are meaningful expressions of faithful stewardship. But none of these things can bear the weight of becoming our ultimate security.

A strong balance sheet cannot guarantee tomorrow. A diversified portfolio cannot prevent every loss. Even the most carefully constructed financial plan cannot eliminate life's uncertainties.

That doesn't make financial planning unimportant. It simply reminds us that its benefits have limits. The Apostle Paul addresses this directly in 1 Timothy 6:17, instructing the rich not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides everything for our enjoyment.

Notice the balance in Paul's instruction. He doesn't condemn wealth or discourage us from enjoying God's provision. Instead, he redirects our hope toward the One who provides it.

We can enjoy what God has given, manage it responsibly, and use it to provide for others. But we must never confuse the gift with the Giver. And this temptation isn't limited to the wealthy.

Whether we have a little or a lot, we can begin believing that reaching a certain income, eliminating every debt, or accumulating a particular amount in savings will finally make us secure.

Those can be worthwhile financial goals, but they cannot provide the lasting security that comes from trusting God.

The lesson from Nabal's life isn't that wealth is dangerous or that financial planning is unnecessary. It's that money becomes a poor foundation when we ask it to provide what only God can.

Financial wisdom helps us prepare for an uncertain future, but it can never remove our need to depend on the Lord.

So build financial margin. Save diligently. Invest wisely. Make thoughtful decisions that honor God and provide for those entrusted to your care. But hold those resources with humility, remembering that circumstances can change and our control is always limited.

Everything we have ultimately comes from God and belongs to Him. Our responsibility is to steward His provision faithfully, without allowing it to take His place in our hearts.

Money may help protect us from life's uncertainties, but it was never meant to be the foundation of our security. That place belongs to God alone.

• I’m retired and want to invest for my six-year-old grandson’s future. What type of account would let the money grow while keeping him from accessing it until a later age?
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• Do health-sharing ministries include Medicare Part D prescription coverage, or would I need to purchase that separately?
• Scripture says a good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children. How should I understand that, and how much should I consider leaving my grandchildren?

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It's almost time for health insurance open enrollment again. For many families, that means sorting through premiums, deductibles, coverage options, and rising healthcare costs. But what if you didn't have to wait for open enrollment to explore a different approach?

Traditional health insurance isn't the only option available to Christians. Health cost-sharing ministries offer an alternative rooted in biblical community, mutual support, and financial stewardship.

Lauren Gajdek, Senior Director of External Affairs at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), joined us today to explain how this approach works and why more Christians are exploring it.

Choosing healthcare coverage can be one of a family's most stressful financial decisions. Between monthly premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and uncertainty about future medical needs, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

And those feelings are widespread. According to a recent survey from KFF, a healthcare policy research organization, Americans who enrolled in Marketplace coverage reported significant frustration with the process:

• 63% said evaluating their options made them feel worried.
• 52% said they felt angry.
• 46% said they felt confused.

These numbers show how challenging it can be to navigate healthcare decisions, especially when families try to balance quality care with responsible financial stewardship. But as Lauren explained, Christians have another option.

Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM) is the nation's longest-serving health cost-sharing ministry, having served Christians since 1981.

Unlike traditional insurance, CHM operates through a voluntary community of believers who contribute monthly to help share one another's eligible medical expenses.

Rather than paying premiums to an insurance company, members participate in a ministry designed around Christians helping Christians. This approach reflects the biblical principle in Galatians 6:2: 

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Of course, CHM is not insurance, and it differs in important ways. Sharing is subject to the ministry's guidelines, and payment of medical expenses is not guaranteed. Members remain responsible for their medical bills. That's why it's essential to understand the program's eligibility requirements, limitations, and sharing process before joining.

Still, for many Christian families, health cost sharing provides an opportunity to approach healthcare expenses through the lens of faith and community.

One of the most appealing distinctions between CHM and traditional health insurance is that CHM doesn't have a limited open enrollment period.

With conventional health insurance, individuals often must enroll or make changes during designated periods unless they experience a qualifying life event.

CHM operates differently. Because it isn't an insurance company, individuals and families can apply for membership year-round.

That flexibility means you don't have to make a rushed decision during the traditional open enrollment season. You can take time to explore your options, understand the guidelines, and determine whether health cost sharing fits your family's circumstances.

As Lauren explained, you don't have to limit your consideration of a different approach to healthcare to a particular time of year.

Interest in healthcare alternatives continues to grow, and CHM is seeing that interest firsthand. Lauren shared that CHM received more than 6,600 new applications through its marketing efforts during the second quarter, an 8% increase from the previous year.

She also noted that more than 80% of CHM website visitors were new. Those numbers suggest that many Christians who have never considered health cost sharing are beginning to explore alternatives to traditional insurance.

Affordability is certainly one consideration. As healthcare expenses put increasing pressure on household budgets, families are looking for ways to manage those costs responsibly. But Lauren believes there's something more behind the interest.

For Christians, healthcare decisions aren't exclusively financial. They can also reflect our desire to care for others and participate in a community that shares one another's burdens.

CHM offers a model centered on those convictions, bringing together believers who voluntarily help meet one another's eligible medical needs.

Healthcare is one of the most important areas of financial stewardship, and there's no single solution that's right for every family. Whether you're considering traditional insurance or a health cost-sharing ministry, take time to understand your options.

Consider your family's medical needs, monthly costs, potential out-of-pocket expenses, and how different arrangements handle unexpected healthcare bills. If you're exploring CHM, pay particular attention to its sharing guidelines, pre-existing condition policies, and expenses that aren't eligible for sharing.

The goal isn't simply to find the lowest monthly payment. It's to make a thoughtful decision that balances your family's healthcare needs with wise stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to you.

And for Christians interested in a community-based approach to managing medical expenses, CHM may be worth exploring. The good news is that you don't have to wait for open enrollment to consider your options.

To learn more about how Christian Healthcare Ministries works, explore membership options, and determine whether health cost sharing might be right for your family, visit FaithFi.com/CHM.

• My husband and I have both Trump accounts and 529 plans for our grandchildren, ages 7 and 11. Which accounts should we prioritize, and should the Trump accounts be invested more aggressively because of their long time horizon?
• I’m nearly 71 and want to buy a home before selling my current one. Would it be better to sell investments and pay capital gains tax, or take out a mortgage and pay it off once my current home sells?
• We need home repairs, and my father-in-law has offered to withdraw money from his retirement account and lend it to us. We’d help cover the taxes on his withdrawal. Would that be wiser than taking out a loan ourselves?

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• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
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• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
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If there's one word that defines our culture, it's more. More upgrades. More comfort. More square footage. More of whatever promises to make life a little better.

Yet, despite having more than previous generations could have imagined, many of us feel less satisfied than ever.

Why? Because contentment doesn't come from acquiring what's next. It's cultivated in the heart, right where we are. And Scripture reminds us that contentment isn't something we stumble upon. It's something we can learn.

We're all tempted to believe that the next purchase, promotion, milestone, or change in circumstances will finally make us feel satisfied. But this longing for just a little more is as old as humanity itself.

Consider King Solomon. Ecclesiastes tells us that he denied himself nothing his eyes desired. He accumulated extraordinary wealth, pursued pleasure, and enjoyed nearly everything the world could offer. Yet, when he reflected on all he had accomplished, he described it as a chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

Solomon discovered what we often learn the hard way: lasting satisfaction cannot be bought, achieved, or accumulated. Whenever we look to possessions to satisfy our deepest longings, contentment seems to slip through our fingers.

The Apostle Paul understood this, too. In Philippians 4:11, he writes, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." 

Notice that word learned. Contentment doesn't come naturally, nor does it depend on favorable circumstances. It's cultivated through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to reveal the secret: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

We often hear that verse applied to achieving ambitious goals or overcoming obstacles. But in context, Paul is talking about something quite different. He's describing his ability to remain content whether he has plenty or very little.

Writing from prison, Paul wasn't celebrating worldly success. He was testifying to Christ's sustaining strength in every circumstance.

Contentment isn't found in having everything. It's found in knowing the One who is enough.

In our devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, I explore how contentment begins with recognizing that we have a Shepherd who faithfully cares for us.

Psalm 23:1 declares, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Think about the significance of that statement. We belong to Him. We live under His watchful care and depend on His provision. Even when circumstances are uncertain or resources are limited, we can trust the One who knows our needs.

Hebrews 13:5 adds another beautiful dimension to this truth: "Be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Notice the connection. Scripture grounds our contentment not in the abundance of our possessions, but in the assurance of God's presence.

Our circumstances may change. Our financial resources may rise or fall. We may experience seasons of abundance and seasons of genuine hardship. But through it all, the Lord remains faithful.

We don't have to depend on our possessions for the security and satisfaction that only God can provide.

Another important practice that helps us grow in contentment is gratitude.

Where gratitude grows, contentment has room to flourish.

When we intentionally thank God for His provision, our attention shifts from craving what's next to appreciating what He's already given. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, we begin noticing the blessings we might otherwise overlook.

And often, that shift begins with the simplest things.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal. Each morning or evening, write down three things you're thankful for. They don't have to be extraordinary.

A warm cup of coffee. A conversation with a friend. A roof over your head. A quiet moment with your family. Another day of life. These small expressions of gratitude help train our hearts to recognize God's goodness in everyday life.

You might also practice gratitude by pausing before you buy something and thanking God for what you already own. Or perhaps you need to spend less time scrolling through social media, where constant comparison can leave you feeling dissatisfied.

If you have children, consider making gratitude part of your family's daily conversations. Talk about the ways God has provided, not only financially, but through relationships, opportunities, and answered prayers.

Over time, these practices can help loosen the grip of comparison and cultivate a deeper appreciation for what God has entrusted to us.

Contentment isn't a destination we reach once our finances improve or our circumstances become ideal. It's a daily practice of trusting Christ. 

And choosing contentment doesn't mean we stop planning for the future, pursuing meaningful goals, or enjoying the good gifts God provides. Scripture affirms that the ability to enjoy God's provision is itself a gift (Ecclesiastes 5:19). The difference is that we no longer ask those gifts to carry the weight of satisfying our souls.

We can enjoy what God has given without making it the source of our identity. We can pursue worthwhile goals without believing our happiness depends on achieving them. And we can hold our possessions with open hands because our ultimate security rests in something far greater.

That's the freedom contentment offers. In a world that constantly whispers, "You need more," Jesus invites us to find our rest in Him.

Remember, lasting contentment isn't measured by our income, possessions, or circumstances. It's rooted in our relationship with the Shepherd who promises never to leave or forsake us.

Because when Christ is our ultimate treasure, we can learn to say, "I have enough because He is enough."

If you'd like to explore what it means to choose contentment and treasure Christ above everything else, I encourage you to pick up a copy of Our Ultimate Treasure. This 21-day devotional was written to help you loosen your grip on the things of this world and deepen your trust in the One who provides everything you truly need.

You can order your copy at FaithFi.com/shop. Bulk discounts are also available for churches and small groups.

• I’m 53, single, and able to max out both my Roth 401(k) and Roth IRA. Should I stay in my current job or consider a lower-paying university job for the retiree health benefits?
• My wife is a notary, and her brother-in-law wants her to notarize a handwritten will he prepares himself. Is that wise, and would the will be legally valid?
• How much of a financial cushion should we have before I leave my job to stay home with our two young children? We have about $45,000 in land debt, $20,000 in savings, and would be on a very tight one-income budget.

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• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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
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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.

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Money can tell you how much you have, but it makes a terrible answer to the question, “Who am I?”

Wealth is a gift to steward, but it was never meant to become our identity. Yet in a culture that often measures success by income, possessions, and financial security, it’s easy to begin defining ourselves by what we have—or what we lack.

Scripture offers a different perspective. In fact, some of Jesus’ most memorable teachings about wealth reveal what happens when possessions become central to a person's identity.

Have you ever noticed how Scripture describes certain wealthy individuals? There's the rich fool, the rich young ruler, and the rich man who lived in luxury while a poor man named Lazarus suffered outside his gate.

We know what these men possessed. We know how they related to their possessions. But we don't know their names.

Perhaps there's something worth considering in that pattern. These men looked to wealth for something it could never ultimately provide: security, significance, and even identity. And in the stories themselves, their possessions became what they were known for.

Consider the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. Jesus describes a wealthy man dressed in purple and fine linen who feasted lavishly every day. Outside his gate lay a poor man covered with sores, longing for scraps from the rich man's table.

But Jesus introduces these two individuals with a striking contrast: the poor man has a name, Lazarus. The rich man doesn't.

The world may have known the wealthy man's name while overlooking Lazarus entirely. But in Jesus' telling, that distinction is reversed. Lazarus is known by name, while the other man is identified simply by his wealth.

There's something sobering about that. The rich man possessed the outward markers of earthly significance, but those possessions could not establish his standing before God.

Now consider the rich fool in Luke 12.

Jesus tells the story of a wealthy landowner whose farm produces such an abundant harvest that he runs out of room to store it. He decides to tear down his barns, build larger ones, and enjoy the security he believes his wealth provides.

He tells himself, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry" (Luke 12:19). Again, we never learn his name. We know him simply as the rich fool.

His problem wasn't that his farm succeeded or that he possessed an abundance. Scripture doesn't condemn wealth or enjoying God's provision. His problem was that his possessions had become the foundation of his security.

Notice his language: my crops, my barns, my grain, my goods.

His world had become centered on what he possessed. He had accumulated enough to convince himself that his future was secure. But God tells him, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you" (Luke 12:20).

He had plenty of possessions, but they couldn't provide the security he ultimately needed.

Then there's the rich young ruler, whose encounter with Jesus is recorded in Mark 10. 

He approaches Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. But when Jesus exposes how his possessions hold his heart captive, the man walks away sorrowful because of his great wealth.

Once again, we remember someone largely by what he possessed.

These accounts don't suggest that wealth itself is the problem or that those who have much cannot faithfully follow Christ. Rather, they reveal the danger of allowing wealth to occupy a place in our hearts that belongs to God alone.

When wealth becomes our identity, it can diminish our understanding of who we truly are.

Our culture constantly invites us to define ourselves through financial categories.

We're wealthy, middle class, homeowners, investors, retirees, or high earners. Or perhaps we define ourselves the other way: struggling, broke, behind, or unsuccessful. But none of those descriptions can bear the weight of telling us who we are.

Money is something God entrusts to us. It was never intended to establish our worth. Scripture offers something infinitely better. Paul writes in Colossians 3:3–4:

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Consider those words: Christ is your life.

For those who belong to Him, identity isn't something we have to construct through possessions, accomplishments, income, or social status. We receive it through our relationship with Jesus Christ. And that means the deepest truth about us doesn't rise and fall with our net worth.

Markets can decline. Businesses can fail. Careers can end. Retirement accounts can shrink. And even if our wealth keeps growing for the rest of our lives, we'll eventually leave every dollar behind. But if we belong to Christ, the truest thing about us can never appear on a balance sheet.

Our identity rests in someone far more secure than our financial circumstances.

None of this means money is unimportant or that we should neglect wise financial decisions. Quite the opposite.

We should manage money wisely, save for the future, invest prudently, provide for our families, enjoy God's provision with gratitude, and give generously to others.

These are meaningful expressions of faithful stewardship. But there's a difference between managing wealth and allowing wealth to define us.

When money becomes the measure of our significance, we're asking it to provide something it was never designed to give. And whether we have a little or a lot, the temptation remains the same: looking to our financial circumstances for our ultimate sense of security and worth.

As John D. Rockefeller Jr. once put it, “The poorest man I know is the man who has nothing but money.” 

Wealth can accomplish many worthwhile things. It can provide for our needs, create opportunities, support those we love, and help us serve others. These are gifts worth receiving with gratitude. But wealth makes a poor identity.

To be known by God, to belong to Christ, and to have our lives hidden with Him—that is a treasure no financial loss can touch, and no amount of money could ever buy.

Your financial circumstances may describe part of your life, but they never determine your worth. In Christ, you have an identity that lasts forever.

• My wife and I are retired and received a $60,000 inheritance, about what we still owe on our 4.25% mortgage. We have less than $100,000 in retirement savings and no separate emergency fund. Should we pay off the mortgage or keep the inheritance liquid?
• My mother is transferring her share of our family farm to my brothers and me, leaving the three of us as equal owners. Should we use an LLC or another structure to manage the property and plan for the next generation?
• If I have $5,000 to give to an organization, is it better to give it outright for current needs or place it in an endowment that provides ongoing income?

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• 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
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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.

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We like to think we make rational decisions with our money, but what if our emotions influence our financial choices far more than we realize?

That’s one of behavioral economics' central findings: human psychology shapes financial decisions. While these discoveries have challenged traditional economic thinking, they reinforce what Scripture has taught for thousands of years: human wisdom is limited, our hearts can deceive us, and our emotions don't always lead us in the right direction.

Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing (SMI), believes understanding these tendencies can help Christians become wiser, more disciplined investors.

For decades, traditional economic theory largely assumed people make rational financial decisions based on available information and their own economic interests.

But behavioral economists have shown that emotions, cognitive biases, and psychological tendencies often shape our decisions in ways that can undermine our financial well-being.

While these findings have transformed modern economic thinking, they shouldn't surprise Christians familiar with Scripture. Consider what the Bible reveals about human nature:

Our wisdom is flawed. 1 Corinthians 3:18–19 reminds us that human wisdom doesn't always align with God's wisdom. What seems reasonable from our limited perspective may not be wise at all.

Our hearts can deceive us. Jeremiah 17:9 warns that the human heart is deceitful. We may believe we're making objective financial decisions when fear, pride, or greed actually shapes our motivations.

Our emotions can overpower our intentions. In Romans 7:18, Paul acknowledges the struggle between knowing what is right and actually doing it. Investors experience a similar tension when they understand sound financial principles but struggle to follow them during market volatility.

Our ability to predict the future is limited. James 4:13–14 cautions against assuming we know what tomorrow will bring. That principle matters especially in investing, where even the most experienced professionals cannot consistently predict market movements.

Recognizing these limitations should encourage humility, not fear. We don't have to understand everything about the future to make wise financial decisions today. And according to Biller, there are practical ways to account for these human weaknesses when managing investments.

At Sound Mind Investing, Biller and his team encourage investors to recognize their behavioral tendencies and establish disciplined practices to counteract them. Here are three strategies they recommend.

1. Establish Clear, Non-Emotional Selling Guidelines

One of the most difficult investment decisions is knowing when to sell.

Behavioral economists have identified two common tendencies that make selling particularly challenging.

The first is the Endowment Effect, our tendency to value something more simply because we own it.

An investor might become emotionally attached to a particular stock, especially after it has performed well, making it difficult to recognize when selling might be appropriate.

The second is the Sunk Cost Effect, which makes it difficult to walk away from something we've already invested in.

For example, someone holding a declining investment might refuse to sell because they're determined to recover their original investment, even when the investment's future prospects no longer justify holding it.

Both tendencies can lead investors to make decisions based on emotional attachment rather than sound judgment.

Establishing clear selling guidelines in advance helps reduce that temptation. Rather than deciding what to do in the middle of an emotional market environment, investors can follow a predetermined process.

2. Exercise Restraint With Higher-Risk Investments

Another common behavioral tendency is allowing recent market performance to influence how much risk we're willing to take.

When markets rise, and aggressive investments perform well, investors may feel increasingly comfortable taking on more risk. But that confidence can disappear quickly when markets decline.

Biller points to a behavioral tendency known as loss aversion, which describes how people generally experience the pain of financial losses more intensely than the pleasure of comparable gains.

That emotional imbalance can make volatile investments especially difficult to hold through challenging markets.

Even when a higher-risk strategy can produce attractive long-term returns, investors must consider whether they can emotionally withstand the downturns that may come along the way. That's why SMI encourages investors to limit exposure to more aggressive strategies, especially after periods of unusually strong performance.

The goal isn't to eliminate risk. It's to ensure that the risk we're taking remains appropriate for our financial circumstances and long-term goals.

3. Diversify Your Investment Strategies

Diversification is a familiar investing principle, but Biller emphasizes that it can also provide psychological benefits.

Different investment strategies tend to perform better under different market conditions. By combining approaches that respond differently to market movements, investors may find it easier to remain disciplined through both rising and falling markets.

Consider two common situations.

An investor following an aggressive strategy may experience significant anxiety when markets decline. Meanwhile, someone using a conservative strategy may feel frustrated during a strong bull market because their investments aren't keeping pace.

Both investors face emotional pressures that could tempt them to abandon their plans.

A diversified approach can help moderate those pressures by reducing dependence on any single strategy.

Diversification can't eliminate losses or guarantee returns, but it can make the investing experience more manageable and help investors maintain a long-term perspective.

Biller often reminds investors that investing can be simple, but not easy.

The basic principles of successful long-term investing aren't necessarily complicated. But applying those principles consistently requires patience, restraint, and emotional discipline.

Markets will remain unpredictable. Investments will experience periods of growth and decline. And our natural tendencies toward fear, overconfidence, and comparison won't simply disappear.

That's why a rules-based investment approach can be so valuable.

Instead of constantly reacting to market headlines or deciding based on how we feel in the moment, we can establish a thoughtful investment process and follow it consistently.

Doing so doesn't eliminate uncertainty, but it can reduce the temptation to make impulsive decisions that undermine long-term financial goals.

Ultimately, investing isn't simply about accumulating as much wealth as possible. For Christians, investing is one aspect of a much larger responsibility: faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us.

That perspective should shape not only the investments we choose but also the attitudes we bring to the process.

A stewardship mindset encourages patience over impatience, humility over overconfidence, and contentment over constant comparison. It also reminds us that our financial security ultimately doesn't depend on our ability to anticipate every market move.

We can make thoughtful decisions, exercise appropriate restraint, and prepare responsibly for the future while recognizing that the outcomes remain beyond our control.

The goal isn't to become an investor who never experiences fear or uncertainty. It's to become a faithful steward who doesn't allow those emotions to dictate every financial decision.

By recognizing our limitations and applying time-tested financial principles, we can approach investing with greater discipline and a healthier perspective on wealth.

To learn more about rules-based investing strategies and biblical financial wisdom, visit SoundMindInvesting.org.

• My wife is 68 and retired, and I’m 67 and still working. We have about $58,000 in retirement accounts and are considering a fixed index annuity. How does it work, and should we move our money into one or leave it where it is?
• I found a credit card account on my credit report that I never opened. What’s the simplest way to dispute it with TransUnion and protect myself?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Sound Mind Investing
• IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission)
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? 
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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)
• 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.

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What if debt isn't just a financial issue, but a discipleship one?

We often view borrowing through a financial lens, focusing on interest rates, monthly payments, and repayment timelines. But Scripture invites us to consider something deeper. Debt can shape our freedom, influence our generosity, and affect our ability to respond to opportunities God places before us.

Borrowing is common in modern life, but understanding its spiritual implications can help us make wiser financial decisions.

Credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and business financing are familiar financial tools. While Scripture doesn't identify borrowing itself as a sin, it consistently warns about the obligations debt creates.

Proverbs 22:7 reminds us, "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender."

In the ancient world, this wasn't merely a metaphor. Those unable to repay their debts could sometimes be forced into servitude. While modern lending generally operates differently, the underlying principle remains: Debt creates obligations that can limit our freedom and influence our decisions.

When we borrow, we're committing a portion of our future income to something we've purchased or financed today. Those commitments can affect more than our monthly budgets. They can also limit our ability to give generously, serve others, or respond to unexpected opportunities.

That's why debt deserves more than a financial evaluation. It deserves a spiritual one.

Imagine having an opportunity to support a ministry, help a family in need, or serve in a meaningful way, only to discover that your financial obligations leave little room to respond.

That's the deeper concern with excessive debt. It can reduce our financial flexibility and make it harder to act on the things we value most.

Paul writes in Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."

This passage shouldn't be interpreted as an absolute prohibition against borrowing, but it reminds us to take our obligations seriously. Our financial commitments should never distract us from our greater responsibility to love and serve others.

Of course, this doesn't mean all borrowing is unwise. A manageable mortgage or a carefully considered business loan may be entirely appropriate within a thoughtful financial plan. 

But Scripture invites us to ask a better question than simply, "Can I afford the payments?" We should also ask, "Will this financial decision support my ability to love and serve others, or will it unnecessarily limit that freedom?"

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:23, "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.

Sometimes our borrowing reflects genuine needs. Other times, it may reveal impatience, comparison, or pressure to maintain a certain standard of living. Examining our motivations helps us recognize when debt serves a legitimate purpose and when it may shape our priorities in unhealthy ways.

What if you're already carrying significant debt?

First, don't despair. The gospel reminds us that our relationship with God isn't defined by our financial circumstances or past mistakes.

When Jesus died on the cross, He declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The Greek word tetelestai means "completed." It also provides a powerful picture of a debt fully settled.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what we could never accomplish for ourselves. We can't repay our debt of sin through our own efforts. Salvation is a gift of grace we receive through faith in Christ. 

That truth should shape how we approach our financial obligations, too.

We don't pursue financial freedom to earn God's approval. We pursue wise stewardship out of gratitude for His grace and a desire to use what He's entrusted to us faithfully.

Psalm 37:21 reminds us, "The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives."

Repaying what we owe is an important part of honoring our commitments. But our goal shouldn't simply be to eliminate debt as quickly as possible, regardless of the consequences.

Instead, we should ask, "What's my next faithful step?"

That might begin with an honest assessment of your financial obligations, including how they're affecting your ability to provide for your family, give generously, and serve others.

From there, consider creating a spending plan, developing a realistic debt-repayment strategy, and building financial margin to prepare for future needs. Progress may take time, but each faithful step can help create greater financial freedom.

The ultimate goal of becoming debt-free isn't simply to reach a particular number on a balance sheet. It's to cultivate the freedom to live generously and respond faithfully to the opportunities before us.

Consider Isaiah's response when he heard the Lord's call: "Here I am! Send me" (Isaiah 6:8). While Isaiah's calling was unique, his willingness to respond offers a beautiful picture of availability to God.

Our financial decisions can help create room for that same willing posture. When unnecessary obligations don't overwhelm our resources, we may find ourselves better positioned to meet needs, practice generosity, and serve where God has placed us.

Freedom from unnecessary debt isn't about legalism. It's about availability.

So, wherever you are financially, start with one faithful step. Seek wisdom. Honor your commitments. Build margin where possible. And remember that God's grace is sufficient even when progress feels slow.

The goal isn't financial perfection. It's faithful stewardship that leaves us increasingly free to love God and others.

Financial freedom is just one part of a much bigger conversation about faithful stewardship. In my devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship, we explore what Scripture teaches about money, generosity, contentment, and finding our ultimate satisfaction in Christ.

You can purchase your copy at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you'd like to walk through the devotional with your church or small group, discounted pricing is available for bulk orders.

• I’m 69 and considering a $25,000 burial insurance policy that costs $149 a month with fixed premiums. Is that reasonable, or should I compare other options?
• I’m a single mom with limited income and credit card debt. I give regularly but not 10%. How can I become more generous without neglecting my financial obligations?
• My wife and I want to buy a property but have little savings. Can I use money from my retirement accounts or annuity to help with the purchase, and what should I consider before rolling over an old retirement plan?
• My father deeded property to me and ‘the heirs of my body.’ Does that mean it would automatically pass to my son, or do I still need a will or trust?

• Become a FaithFi Partner
• Christian Credit Counselors
• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine
• FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? 
• Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West
• 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)
• 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.