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

If youre working on New Years resolutions right about now theres a good chance some of them deal with money. Thats great, but are you considering the full range of financial moves you could make in 2020? The list would be long, indeed, covering the practical, emotional and spiritual changes you could make to your finances. Our host Rob West welcomes investing expert Mark Biller to discuss those today. Mark Biller is the executive editor at Sound Mind Investing where theyve been working hard on an exhaustive list of 75 potential money moves for the new year. Rob and Mark discuss some of those today on Money Wise, but the full list is available at SoundMindInvesting.org.

In todays show we also answer your questions:

- We have a 30 year loan on our home. We owe 118K on it. Should we refinance?

- What are the best options for me for taking out my social security?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website,moneywise.org,where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!And remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. You can help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Scammers often target senior citizens with fake warnings from the IRS or the Social Security Administration. Now they have a new, vulnerable group in their sights as well, younger people struggling with student loan debt. Sometimes the offers seem too good to refuse! Today on MoneyWise, Kingdom Advisors’ president Rob West has what you need to know.

When something seems too good to be true it probably is!

The Department of Education has been contacted by many people reporting that these targeted individuals receive phone calls, letters, emails and even text messages offering them relief from their federal student loans.

Scammers make money on this by requiring a relatively small payment up front. This adds confusion because the education department actually does contract with a select group of pre-screened, legitimate companies for servicing federal student loans. But you can discern the difference between the two as scammers will ask for an up-front fee.

The Department of Education will help you to determine if you’re eligible for loan forgiveness or other programs. They can also help you lower or cap your monthly, federal student loan payments, consolidate the loans, and help you get your loans out of default.

Interest rates are low these days so now’s a good time to refinance student loans. This could save you thousands of dollars.

Find the list of legitimate companies servicing federal student loans atstudentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand

The Education Department’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness tool:studentloans.gov

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

My credit score is fairly low but I want to qualify for the best rates for future purchases using credit. What can I do?

What do you think about annuities? Are they the best solution? Are they expensive?

My daughter has gotten in over her head in debt. Is there a Christian organization that could help my daughter with creditors that are threatening her? Visitchristiancreditcounselors.org

What do you think about auto loans? And should a vehicle be new or used and why?

What do you think about Roth IRAs?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!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 at the top of the page.

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

Scammers often target senior citizens with fake warnings from the IRS or the Social Security Administration. Now they have a new, vulnerable group in their sights as well, younger people struggling with student loan debt. Sometimes the offers seem too good to refuse! Today on MoneyWise, Kingdom Advisors president Rob West has what you need to know.

When something seems too good to be true it probably is!

The Department of Education has been contacted by many people reporting that these targeted individuals receive phone calls, letters, emails and even text messages offering them relief from their federal student loans.

Scammers make money on this by requiring a relatively small payment up front. This adds confusion because the education department actually does contract with a select group of pre-screened, legitimate companies for servicing federal student loans. But you can discern the difference between the two as scammers will ask for an up-front fee.

The Department of Education will help you to determine if youre eligible for loan forgiveness or other programs. They can also help you lower or cap your monthly, federal student loan payments, consolidate the loans, and help you get your loans out of default.

Interest rates are low these days so nows a good time to refinance student loans. This could save you thousands of dollars.

Find the list of legitimate companies servicing federal student loans atstudentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/understand

The Education Departments Public Service Loan Forgiveness tool:studentloans.gov

In todays show we also answer your questions:

My credit score is fairly low but I want to qualify for the best rates for future purchases using credit. What can I do?

What do you think about annuities? Are they the best solution? Are they expensive?

My daughter has gotten in over her head in debt. Is there a Christian organization that could help my daughter with creditors that are threatening her? Visitchristiancreditcounselors.org

What do you think about auto loans? And should a vehicle be new or used and why?

What do you think about Roth IRAs?

Ask your questions at (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Visit our website atmoneywise.orgwhere you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!Remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Whether you own a business or are trying to advance your career, social media has become a powerful to for courting customers or just getting your name out there. But it can also be a double-edged sword. Things you should do and things you shouldn’t to promote yourself and your business on Facebook, Twitter, and all the rest.Today on MoneyWise Rob West and Steve Moore will share them with you. Next, they answer your questions at (800) 525-7000 and [email protected] about the following:

-My husband died as the result of his time in the military. I raised my 6 kids on my own. We found that the V.A. has a lot of programs that benefit the children of veterans.

-I’m 7 years from retirement and I started late. What’s the best investment vehicle for me in order to catch up?

-Our church has had some financial problems. Should a church have savings or a cash reserve?

-I am 2 years out of college and have started my new job, but I feel like I should shift my focus to firefighting. I have some student debt, and changing jobs will bring a significant pay cut. What do you suggest?

Be sure to check out our new website at moneywise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books, videos, or any of our free helpful resources.You can also find us on Facebook. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air.And if you'd like to help, just go to the website and click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

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

Whether you own a business or are trying to advance your career, social media has become a powerful to for courting customers or just getting your name out there. But it can also be a double-edged sword. Things you should do and things you shouldnt to promote yourself and your business on Facebook, Twitter, and all the rest.Today on MoneyWise Rob West and Steve Moore will share them with you. Next, they answer your questions at (800) 525-7000 and [email protected] about the following:

-My husband died as the result of his time in the military. I raised my 6 kids on my own. We found that the V.A. has a lot of programs that benefit the children of veterans.

-Im 7 years from retirement and I started late. Whats the best investment vehicle for me in order to catch up?

-Our church has had some financial problems. Should a church have savings or a cash reserve?

-I am 2 years out of college and have started my new job, but I feel like I should shift my focus to firefighting. I have some student debt, and changing jobs will bring a significant pay cut. What do you suggest?

Be sure to check out our new website at moneywise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books, videos, or any of our free helpful resources.You can also find us on Facebook. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air.And if you'd like to help, just go to the website and click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Folks who’ve learned to manage money wisely know there’s one absolute, non-negotiable requirement for achieving true financial freedom and it’s nothing more than knowing how to live within your means. It sounds so simple, yet for many, living at, or even below one’s means seems almost impossible. Today, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West has advice to help you spend less than you earn and it all starts in your head. Rob offers Biblical wisdom on how to change your thinking and change your behavior in order to live more within your means. He gives tips such as always making sure you have margin in your finances, asking for discounts and truly tracking your spending.In today’s show we also answer your questions:

Should I use money from my investments to pay off my student debt?

I just bought a pizza place with a business partner. We are struggling on deciding how to determine our own salaries. Do you have advice on this subject?

My son has a 12-year-old car that needs work. How do you determine if it is worth it to fix the car or just replace it?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website,moneywise.org,where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. You can help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

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

Folks whove learned to manage money wisely know theres one absolute, non-negotiable requirement for achieving true financial freedom and its nothing more than knowing how to live within your means. It sounds so simple, yet for many, living at, or even below ones means seems almost impossible. Today, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West has advice to help you spend less than you earn and it all starts in your head. Rob offers Biblical wisdom on how to change your thinking and change your behavior in order to live more within your means. He gives tips such as always making sure you have margin in your finances, asking for discounts and truly tracking your spending.In todays show we also answer your questions:

Should I use money from my investments to pay off my student debt?

I just bought a pizza place with a business partner. We are struggling on deciding how to determine our own salaries. Do you have advice on this subject?

My son has a 12-year-old car that needs work. How do you determine if it is worth it to fix the car or just replace it?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website,moneywise.org,where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!And remember that its your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. You can help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

There’s no doubt that gift cards are a great convenience. You can buy them at most stores and they save hours of time you’d otherwise spend shopping for a gift. Unfortunately, as Rob West explains, they can be a little too convenient for scammers. Rob shares several scams making the rounds these days and how to avoid them.

Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission says about a quarter of all scams now involve gift cards, so they’re warning consumers about this type of fraud and they have helpful information on their website:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards

Since most gift cards are bought at stores, many of the major chains are now implementing anti-fraud procedures. If you go into a store and try to buy gift cards, some are putting limits on the total purchase. In other cases, the cashier may ask you questions such as

Are you being pressured to buy these?

Do you know the person very well you’re sending the cards to?

Is this to pay tax bill? (NOTE: The IRS doesn’t accept gift cards.)

Another common sense restriction is to refuse any transaction where you try to use one gift card to purchase one or more different gift cards. Scammers will try to get you to do that sometimes as a way to cover their tracks.

Finally, remember that gift cards can never be used for court fees, to bail someone out of jail, or to pay your taxes.

Next Rob and Steve answer listener questions to 800-525-7000 or [email protected] about the following:

Is it possible to link an online savings account to a traditional bank savings account? (Rob explains various ways in which you can transfer money in and out of online accounts.)

What’s the best way for a 29-year-old single to build up short and long term savings and pay off loans? (Rob gives some guidance, but also suggests connecting with a free MoneyWise Coach at MoneyWise.org.)

Is it worth refinancing a mortgage on a condo? Or will the refinancing costs be more than the interest savings?

Is there an age at which perspective employers think you’re just too old to hire?

Young newlyweds want to buy a home rather than rent, but husband is in a commission-based job. What should they do to qualify for a mortgage?

Be sure to check out our website at MoneyWise.org. While there, you can hear past programs, connect with a free MoneyWise Coach, learn how to become a MoneyWise Coach, or access our books and many free helpful resources.If you’re active on social media, you can Like us and Follow us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) or connect on Instagram and Twitter @MoneyWiseLive and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air.And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at MoneyWise.org.

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

Theres no doubt that gift cards are a great convenience. You can buy them at most stores and they save hours of time youd otherwise spend shopping for a gift. Unfortunately, as Rob West explains, they can be a little too convenient for scammers. Rob shares several scams making the rounds these days and how to avoid them.

Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission says about a quarter of all scams now involve gift cards, so theyre warning consumers about this type of fraud and they have helpful information on their website:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/paying-scammers-gift-cards

Since most gift cards are bought at stores, many of the major chains are now implementing anti-fraud procedures. If you go into a store and try to buy gift cards, some are putting limits on the total purchase. In other cases, the cashier may ask you questions such as

Are you being pressured to buy these?

Do you know the person very well youre sending the cards to?

Is this to pay tax bill? (NOTE: The IRS doesnt accept gift cards.)

Another common sense restriction is to refuse any transaction where you try to use one gift card to purchase one or more different gift cards. Scammers will try to get you to do that sometimes as a way to cover their tracks.

Finally, remember that gift cards can never be used for court fees, to bail someone out of jail, or to pay your taxes.

Next Rob and Steve answer listener questions to 800-525-7000 or [email protected] about the following:

Is it possible to link an online savings account to a traditional bank savings account? (Rob explains various ways in which you can transfer money in and out of online accounts.)

Whats the best way for a 29-year-old single to build up short and long term savings and pay off loans? (Rob gives some guidance, but also suggests connecting with a free MoneyWise Coach at MoneyWise.org.)

Is it worth refinancing a mortgage on a condo? Or will the refinancing costs be more than the interest savings?

Is there an age at which perspective employers think youre just too old to hire?

Young newlyweds want to buy a home rather than rent, but husband is in a commission-based job. What should they do to qualify for a mortgage?

Be sure to check out our website at MoneyWise.org. While there, you can hear past programs, connect with a free MoneyWise Coach, learn how to become a MoneyWise Coach, or access our books and many free helpful resources.If youre active on social media, you can Like us and Follow us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) or connect on Instagram and Twitter @MoneyWiseLive and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air.And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at MoneyWise.org.

You’ve just turned 65 or you are about to.You have to sign up for Medicare, and maybe even a Medicare Advantage Plan. But now that you’ve reached your golden years, is that alltheinsurance you need?Well, there’s one more piece of the insurance puzzle you may want to consider - aMedigappolicy. It could save you thousands in medical bills. Our host, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West has what you need to know about Medigap plans. He gives information on what exactly they are, compares Medigap to Medicare Advantage, the costs and what exactly they cover. In today’s show we also answer your questions:

How do you budget with a variable income?

How do you choose between a lump sum and monthly payments for a pension payout? What are the tax implications?

What is the best way to start investing?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them [email protected]. Also, visit our website,moneywise.org,where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, purchase books, and even download free, helpful resources.

Like and Follow us on Facebook atMoneyWise Mediafor videos and the very latest discussion!And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. You can help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab at the top of the page.

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