To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Are we at the end of a bull market? Are we about to see the bears set loose on Wall Street? No one knows for sure, but you can prepare. Today, Rob West welcomes investing expert and executive editor at Sound Mind Investing, Mark Biller to discuss an article in the SMI Newsletter, Beginning of the End, or Business as Usual? First, some definitions:

A bull market is defined as a market in which share prices are rising, which encourages buying.

A bear market is defined as a market in which share prices are falling, which encourages selling.

The SMI article talks about short-term market observations, and Mark says some basic investing ground rules are in order.

A person should only have money invested in the stock market if they can afford to leave it invested for at least five years.

Keep a long-term perspective in mind rather than looking for short-term gains. Short-term outlooks are often wrong.

Mark says not to abandon your long-term plan or let the rising bearishness scare you out of the market.

Rob asked why investors have been so pessimistic lately. Here are some factors that explain why.

Investors see how far this market has run since the March 2020 lows. Basically, stocks have doubled over the last 18 months, and the last -10% correction was a full year ago.

Politically speaking, the debt ceiling is an issue along with the massive infrastructure bill squabble that is going on.

The Federal government has started tapering off monthly bond purchases. While at the same time the aggressive government support for the past 18 months is dwindling as extended unemployment benefits, eviction moratoriums and other things have expired.

Inflation is an ongoing issue

Job growth is low, despite businesses being desperate for workers.

All of this combines to make for a very uncertain environment for economic growth as we head toward next year. Investors are always looking ahead and right now a lot of them are nervous about what they see.

Rob and Mark discussed whether we should be concerned about the current state of affairs. Mark stated that this is why time frames become so important. He also reminded listeners that whenever investors collectively rush to one side of the boat, the boat tends to tip back the other way to balance things out. Of course, none of this is any guarantee the market won't start sliding into a bear market tomorrow, but Mark reiterated his point to be patient, to avoid doing something irrational, and to stick with your long-term plans.

You can find the SMI article here:

https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/beginning-of-the-end-or-business-as-usual

Next, Rob answered a few listener questions including the following:

I’m 71 years old and have a will in place. I’ve also been told that I need to have a trust. Do I need to have both, or just one of them?

I’m looking into getting my first credit card. Is there an advantage of going through my bank where I currently have accounts?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected]. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

Do you have piles of paper on your desk at home? Never sure which receipts, statements and documents to save and which to shred? You’re not alone. Even the best household money managers struggle with paper clutter. But if you’re ready to dig your way out and slay those piles of paper, we’ll share a simple way to do it.

Romans 13:7 says, Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed. It’s pretty hard to do that if you don’t have some kind of record keeping system in place and you’re not sure what papers you need to keep and for how long.

You can toss at least half of everything that ends up in your mailbox! However, you should never just toss unwanted mail directly into your recycling bin or trash can. It could contain unwanted credit offers that identity thieves could use to open accounts in your name.

Get a shredder.You want one that makes cross-cuts. In one pass, it will cut paper into strips and then cross-chop those strips into tiny pieces. You can even take it a step further and get a micro-cut shredder. It does the same thing, but the cross-cuts are really, really small.

Set up a 3-drawer system. This is based on how long you need to hang onto things. Anything that doesn’t go in one of the three drawers goes straight into the shredder.

In your first drawer go documents you need to keep permanently, things like your birth certificate, passport, car titles, property deeds, marriage certificates and your Social Security card.

In drawer #2 go giving unto Caesar things. Keep anything you need to fill out your 1040 including supporting forms like W2s and 1099sdefinitely anything where the IRS was also mailed a copy.

In the last drawer goes all the material you need to keep for just one yearthings like utility bills, bank statements, pay stubs, and bills. After that you can feed them into your shredder.

On today’s program we also answer some of your calls:

Should we pay off our mortgage with our income or put the extra cash into retirement?

As a giver to ministries, I’ve not been itemizing things on my tax returns. Is there any advantage for me to go with the required minimum distribution procedure?

What steps do I need to take to get my bank to transfer my regular IRA into a Roth? And is that a good idea?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Do you have piles of paper on your desk at home? Never sure which receipts, statements and documents to save and which to shred? You’re not alone. Even the best household money managers struggle with paper clutter. But if you’re ready to dig your way out and slay those piles of paper, we’ll share a simple way to do it.

Romans 13:7 says, Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed. It’s pretty hard to do that if you don’t have some kind of record keeping system in place and you’re not sure what papers you need to keep and for how long.

You can toss at least half of everything that ends up in your mailbox! However, you should never just toss unwanted mail directly into your recycling bin or trash can. It could contain unwanted credit offers that identity thieves could use to open accounts in your name.

Get a shredder.You want one that makes cross-cuts. In one pass, it will cut paper into strips and then cross-chop those strips into tiny pieces. You can even take it a step further and get a micro-cut shredder. It does the same thing, but the cross-cuts are really, really small.

Set up a 3-drawer system. This is based on how long you need to hang onto things. Anything that doesn’t go in one of the three drawers goes straight into the shredder.

In your first drawer go documents you need to keep permanently, things like your birth certificate, passport, car titles, property deeds, marriage certificates and your Social Security card.

In drawer #2 go giving unto Caesar things. Keep anything you need to fill out your 1040 including supporting forms like W2s and 1099sdefinitely anything where the IRS was also mailed a copy.

In the last drawer goes all the material you need to keep for just one yearthings like utility bills, bank statements, pay stubs, and bills. After that you can feed them into your shredder.

On today’s program we also answer some of your calls:

Should we pay off our mortgage with our income or put the extra cash into retirement?

As a giver to ministries, I’ve not been itemizing things on my tax returns. Is there any advantage for me to go with the required minimum distribution procedure?

What steps do I need to take to get my bank to transfer my regular IRA into a Roth? And is that a good idea?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

Today, many investors want their assets to do more than provide for their financial futures, they want them to reflect their faith values as well. God calls us to be faithful stewards and that also means looking beyond the bottom line and towards stewarding the non-financial impact of our investments.Today on MoneyWise, we speak with Stella Tai of Praxis Mutual Funds.

Today, more than ever before, we have more options to help investors align their portfolios with their values. Stella, the Manager for Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis at Praxis Mutual Funds, addresses this. If you’re new to this idea, Praxis is a leading, faith-based family of mutual funds.

Praxis starts with recognition that God owns it all and that our job is understand the true owners objectives and these go beyond financial returns. There’s an early commitment to move beyond screening to allow everyday investors make a real difference for the kingdom through investments while meeting financial objectives.

Praxis believes that opportunities for impact should not just be for high net worth investors. Financial products exist for low-to-moderate income people.

Investing together, impacting the worldwitnessing the impact that the faith community can have upoon kingdom values.

On today’s program we also answer a listener’s question:

I’m 62, not yet retired, and have $10,000 saved. I also have a closed-out IRA worth about $10,000. My house is paid for. What are some strategies I can do now to be a financial blessing to my granddaughters?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Today, many investors want their assets to do more than provide for their financial futures, they want them to reflect their faith values as well. God calls us to be faithful stewards and that also means looking beyond the bottom line and towards stewarding the non-financial impact of our investments.Today on MoneyWise, we speak with Stella Tai of Praxis Mutual Funds.

Today, more than ever before, we have more options to help investors align their portfolios with their values. Stella, the Manager for Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis at Praxis Mutual Funds, addresses this. If you’re new to this idea, Praxis is a leading, faith-based family of mutual funds.

Praxis starts with recognition that God owns it all and that our job is understand the true owners objectives and these go beyond financial returns. There’s an early commitment to move beyond screening to allow everyday investors make a real difference for the kingdom through investments while meeting financial objectives.

Praxis believes that opportunities for impact should not just be for high net worth investors. Financial products exist for low-to-moderate income people.

Investing together, impacting the worldwitnessing the impact that the faith community can have upoon kingdom values.

On today’s program we also answer a listener’s question:

I’m 62, not yet retired, and have $10,000 saved. I also have a closed-out IRA worth about $10,000. My house is paid for. What are some strategies I can do now to be a financial blessing to my granddaughters?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

Money is always listed as one of the top reasons marriages fail. Knowing what not to do is just as important as doing the right things. Wise money management contributes a great deal to the health of a marriage. But there are four things concerning money you should never do.

First, secrecy. It destroys trust, an absolutely essential element in marriage. For example, if you open a credit card account without your spouse’s knowledge, you’re destroying trust and potentially putting your marriage at risk.

Second, disregarding your financial plan. If you haven’t sat down with your spouse and put together a plan for managing money to achieve your goals, you should do that as soon as possible.

Next, putting your parents above your spouse. Though parents are a great source of wisdom and advice, there’s a limit. Seeking the counsel of your parentsabout money or anything elseabove that of your spouse will begin to crack the foundation of your marriage.

Finally, placing your children your spouse. You both love your kids and you’d do anything for them, but don’t. It’s a tough one to swallow, but your first commitment is always to your spouse. Don’t put your kids’ wants over those of your spouse. It’s more important to keep your marriage strong.

On today’s program we also answer a few of your calls:

What’s the best way to manage a 457 Plan?

Do you know anything about so-called CD brokers? Apparently they look for higher-interest yielding CDs for you.

Which is better: wills or trusts?

My wife has a job bringing in income but now I have a good job in my career field. What ideas do you have for doing something with my extra income?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

Money is always listed as one of the top reasons marriages fail. Knowing what not to do is just as important as doing the right things. Wise money management contributes a great deal to the health of a marriage. But there are four things concerning money you should never do.

First, secrecy. It destroys trust, an absolutely essential element in marriage. For example, if you open a credit card account without your spouse’s knowledge, you’re destroying trust and potentially putting your marriage at risk.

Second, disregarding your financial plan. If you haven’t sat down with your spouse and put together a plan for managing money to achieve your goals, you should do that as soon as possible.

Next, putting your parents above your spouse. Though parents are a great source of wisdom and advice, there’s a limit. Seeking the counsel of your parentsabout money or anything elseabove that of your spouse will begin to crack the foundation of your marriage.

Finally, placing your children your spouse. You both love your kids and you’d do anything for them, but don’t. It’s a tough one to swallow, but your first commitment is always to your spouse. Don’t put your kids’ wants over those of your spouse. It’s more important to keep your marriage strong.

On today’s program we also answer a few of your calls:

What’s the best way to manage a 457 Plan?

Do you know anything about so-called CD brokers? Apparently they look for higher-interest yielding CDs for you.

Which is better: wills or trusts?

My wife has a job bringing in income but now I have a good job in my career field. What ideas do you have for doing something with my extra income?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

During his presidency, Ronald Reagan said, We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. The days of a trillion dollar national debt would look pretty good today. It now stands at nearly 28-trillion. Here to discuss what that means for the economy and your future is economist Jerry Bowyer. Then it’s on to your calls at 800-525-7000.

MoneyWise contributor Jerry Bowyer is the financial editor at Townhall.com and author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.

We crossed the trillion-dollar threshold some 35 years ago, now it’s 28 or 29 times that, Jerry explains how we got to this point.

He then talks about what the Bible says about debt.

Deuteronomy 15:6, For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

Deuteronomy 28:12,The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Jerry offers a historical sense of where our economy has been and where we are today and also what a debt crisis would look like.

He also offers advice on the best practices to take on how to protect ourselves from the effects of the national debt.

On today’s program we also answer a couple of your questions:

My company matches my 401K up to 4%. I have 250K and the cost basis is 6400. My brokerage firm is telling me to do a NUA. Should I do this?

My wife and I are building a home and having issues with the builder being fair and truthful. How do we handle this as Christians?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

During his presidency, Ronald Reagan said, We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. The days of a trillion dollar national debt would look pretty good today. It now stands at nearly 28-trillion. Here to discuss what that means for the economy and your future is economist Jerry Bowyer. Then it’s on to your calls at 800-525-7000.

MoneyWise contributor Jerry Bowyer is the financial editor at Townhall.com and author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.

We crossed the trillion-dollar threshold some 35 years ago, now it’s 28 or 29 times that, Jerry explains how we got to this point.

He then talks about what the Bible says about debt.

Deuteronomy 15:6, For the Lord your God will bless you, as he promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow, and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

Deuteronomy 28:12,The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.

Jerry offers a historical sense of where our economy has been and where we are today and also what a debt crisis would look like.

He also offers advice on the best practices to take on how to protect ourselves from the effects of the national debt.

On today’s program we also answer a couple of your questions:

My company matches my 401K up to 4%. I have 250K and the cost basis is 6400. My brokerage firm is telling me to do a NUA. Should I do this?

My wife and I are building a home and having issues with the builder being fair and truthful. How do we handle this as Christians?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app

As the COVID Delta variant spreads, businesses are facing new mandates and struggling to stay open. Making matters more difficult, the extended unemployment benefits for millions of workers are ending. If you’re among them, we have 5 steps you can take to weather a financial crisis.

Step 1. Establish a base point for your credit score and report. This will allow you to accurately judge the effect of any lay payments you’re forced to make. Start by getting a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can do that atAnnualCreditReport.com

Step 2. Start using our MayDay budget. It has four categories: food, housing, utilities, transportation. With anything left over you can pay other bills.

Step 3. Look for other sources of help. Your unemployment benefits may have run out but other resources are probably available. Check out non-profit organizations and local government agencies that may have assistance programs.

Step 4. Contact your creditors and explain in detail what you’re facing. Do this before you’re late making credit card, car loan or mortgage payments. Many creditors still have programs in place to help you get through this.

Step 5. Seek professional, non-profit help for managing your finances.

Get all three of your credit reports free atAnnualCreditReport.com.TheMayday Budgethelps you prioritize your spending during a financial hardship. Check out non-profit organizations and local government agencies that may have assistance programs. Call 2-1-1 or go online to211.org. Connect with a MoneyWise volunteer coachhere. Get on a debt management program withChristianCreditCounselors.org. If you need a low cost alternative to health insurance, check outChristian HealthcareMinistries.

On today’s program we also answer a your questions:

I turned 67 this past May. Is there any reason I should wait any longer to sign up for Social Security? What advantage is there to waiting until age 70?

What do you think of purchasing identity theft protection?

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website atMoneyWise.orgwhere you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app.

Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29