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

Who doesnt love a debit card? They make buying things easy and you cant go into debt with them since youre limited to whats in your checking account. So, theyre just as safe as credit cards, right? The truth is the law doesnt treat debit and credit cards equally and the difference could cost you money.

Today on MoneyWise, our host, financial planner and teacher Rob West explains more about about the debit card.

If youre a victim of credit card fraud, you wont be held liable for more than $50 if your card is stolen and the charges go through.

If you dont report debit card fraud within 60 days, youre liable for the full amount you had in your account. Also, your bank may not waive any overdraft charges resulting from the debit card fraud.

You should never use a debit card at an independent ATM not connected with your bank. Youll get hit with fees and youre more likely to be the victim of skimmers wholl steal your number.

If you pay your restaurant bill with a debit card youre putting trust in the waitstaff who take your card for several minutes. Nothing prevents that person from copying your number to use later or to sell other crooks.

So credit cards are safer than debit cards. But what if I dont trust myself using a credit card?

In todays show we also answer your questions:

I have a hospital bill of $4,000 and had two forms of insurance to pay at the time. I couldnt afford what they were asking to pay each money but I am paying on it every month. However, Im still being threatened with collections. Help!

What advice do you have to pay off mortgages more quickly?

Ive made a bad investment decision and feel like Ive failed. I need encouragement!

Someone told me that medical debt doesnt affect your credit score if you cant pay it. Is this true?

Is it a good idea to get a personal loan to pay off credit card debt? Visit christiancreditcounselors.org for addition information.

I have some money to invest. Which is better, a money market or a capital market account and whats the difference between them?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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.

If you take something out of the freezer for tonight’s dinner, raise a fork to Clarence Birdseye! Born in 1886, Birdseye is considered the father of the frozen food industry. But he didn’t start out that way. Many of today’s largest companies were founded on a shoestring and an idea. Today our host, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West, shares stories of small businesses that got big. You too should think about starting a business!

Our talents comes from God.

Mr. Birdseye saw native people fast freezing fish outside on the ice in -40˚ temperatures. Later, when cooked, the fish seemed almost fresh. This was a much better result than the slow freezing techniques in use that damaged foods. But Clarence had no money to start a company. So he convinced investors to back an idea. It took a lot of hard work to convince Americans that flash freezing worked, but eventually it caught on and the result is in our freezers today.

If you’ve dreamed of starting a business, money is certainly important, but a good idea is probably more important. Don’t be afraid to start small. Zechariah 4:20 teaches, Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Some of the biggest names in business have started out with less money than what you may have in your bank account now. But avoid borrowing! If you have to, borrow as little as possible to get started.

Don’t quit your day job just yet. If at all possible, start your business on the side.

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

Is there a good way to evaluate new banks and investment platforms and their offerings? Visit bankrate.com for more information.

I’m a cosigner on a loan. However, the principle payer is in the hospital and is having trouble backing back the loan at this time. Happily, the bank is reducing the APR for a short time. I just want to make sure if this is a normal thing that banks offer and is not a trick.

What kind of risk is there doing banking online?

I was lied to about a product that I spent thousands of dollars on and I went into debt to purchase it. That company’s now shut down due to fraud. Do I still owe this money?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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

If you take something out of the freezer for tonights dinner, raise a fork to Clarence Birdseye! Born in 1886, Birdseye is considered the father of the frozen food industry. But he didnt start out that way. Many of todays largest companies were founded on a shoestring and an idea. Today our host, Kingdom Advisors President Rob West, shares stories of small businesses that got big. You too should think about starting a business!

Our talents comes from God.

Mr. Birdseye saw native people fast freezing fish outside on the ice in -40˚ temperatures. Later, when cooked, the fish seemed almost fresh. This was a much better result than the slow freezing techniques in use that damaged foods. But Clarence had no money to start a company. So he convinced investors to back an idea. It took a lot of hard work to convince Americans that flash freezing worked, but eventually it caught on and the result is in our freezers today.

If youve dreamed of starting a business, money is certainly important, but a good idea is probably more important. Dont be afraid to start small. Zechariah 4:20 teaches, Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Some of the biggest names in business have started out with less money than what you may have in your bank account now. But avoid borrowing! If you have to, borrow as little as possible to get started.

Dont quit your day job just yet. If at all possible, start your business on the side.

In todays show we also answer your questions:

Is there a good way to evaluate new banks and investment platforms and their offerings? Visit bankrate.com for more information.

Im a cosigner on a loan. However, the principle payer is in the hospital and is having trouble backing back the loan at this time. Happily, the bank is reducing the APR for a short time. I just want to make sure if this is a normal thing that banks offer and is not a trick.

What kind of risk is there doing banking online?

I was lied to about a product that I spent thousands of dollars on and I went into debt to purchase it. That companys now shut down due to fraud. Do I still owe this money?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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.

Whether your church is young or old, a benevolence fund should be a key part of its ministry. True, most churches have them, and they’re a blessing to those in need, but do we take them for granted? If your church needs to start a benevolence fund or its been on autopilot, maybe its time for a refresher course Today on MoneyWise Rob West and Steve Moore have some best practices for your church. Next, they answer your questions at (800) 525-7000 and [email protected] about the following:

-We recently started farming and we have quite a bit of farm debt. What’s the best way to pay off business debt?

-My wife and I are debt-free. My company offers a health savings plan. Should we take advantage of that?

-I am retired I have gotten myself into a lot of credit card debt. What do you think about credit card consolodation?

-What do I need to keep in mind when I take the equity out of my primary residence to fund an investment property?

-My husband has recently retired. He has a pension and a 401k. Should we put some of the 401k into the pension?

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 your church is young or old, a benevolence fund should be a key part of its ministry. True, most churches have them, and theyre a blessing to those in need, but do we take them for granted? If your church needs to start a benevolence fund or its been on autopilot, maybe its time for a refresher course Today on MoneyWise Rob West and Steve Moore have some best practices for your church. Next, they answer your questions at (800) 525-7000 and [email protected] about the following:

-We recently started farming and we have quite a bit of farm debt. Whats the best way to pay off business debt?

-My wife and I are debt-free. My company offers a health savings plan. Should we take advantage of that?

-I am retired I have gotten myself into a lot of credit card debt. What do you think about credit card consolodation?

-What do I need to keep in mind when I take the equity out of my primary residence to fund an investment property?

-My husband has recently retired. He has a pension and a 401k. Should we put some of the 401k into the pension?

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.

There’s a funny thing about planningit tends to work so much better when you do it ahead of time. Kidding aside, having a plan always makes your efforts more effective, especially when giving. So is your giving strategy in place and ready to go for the New Year? Today on MoneyWise, host Rob West sits down with Michael King of the National Christian Foundation to find out how you can do just that.

Spontaneous generosity has a place in a Christian’s life. It’s great when a need arises unexpectedly where we can help someone else, especially at this time of year. But that doesn’t replace the need for planning, does it?

What happens when we begin to put more thought and prayer into our giving strategy?

Remember to acknowledge that God owns everything and that all we have comes from Him. The goal of giving is to show our gratitude and to give Him the glory.

Keep in mind that what we give can be as critical as how much we give. You have time, talent and treasure to give back to God’s Kingdom, so be thinking about all the different ways you can be generous.

Visit the National Christian Foundation at www.ncfgiving.com.

Download the National Christian Foundation’s Giving Guide here.

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

Is it possible to refinance a car loan in the middle of the term to get a lower APR?

I’ve had to rely upon my credit cards to help me out of some difficult situations. Now I’m over the limit on everything and I’m on a fixed income on social security and disability. My credit is damaged. What are my options?

Go to www.christiancreditcounselors.org for debt management wisdom.

Visit www.bankrate.com or www.lightstream.com to find the best deals on loans.

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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

Theres a funny thing about planningit tends to work so much better when you do it ahead of time. Kidding aside, having a plan always makes your efforts more effective, especially when giving. So is your giving strategy in place and ready to go for the New Year? Today on MoneyWise, host Rob West sits down with Michael King of the National Christian Foundation to find out how you can do just that.

Spontaneous generosity has a place in a Christians life. Its great when a need arises unexpectedly where we can help someone else, especially at this time of year. But that doesnt replace the need for planning, does it?

What happens when we begin to put more thought and prayer into our giving strategy?

Remember to acknowledge that God owns everything and that all we have comes from Him. The goal of giving is to show our gratitude and to give Him the glory.

Keep in mind that what we give can be as critical as how much we give. You have time, talent and treasure to give back to Gods Kingdom, so be thinking about all the different ways you can be generous.

Visit the National Christian Foundation at www.ncfgiving.com.

Download the National Christian Foundations Giving Guide here.

In todays show we also answer your questions:

Is it possible to refinance a car loan in the middle of the term to get a lower APR?

Ive had to rely upon my credit cards to help me out of some difficult situations. Now Im over the limit on everything and Im on a fixed income on social security and disability. My credit is damaged. What are my options?

Go to www.christiancreditcounselors.org for debt management wisdom.

Visit www.bankrate.com or www.lightstream.com to find the best deals on loans.

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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.

Health savings accounts can be a great way to save on medical expenses and reduce your tax liability. Money goes in tax deferred and it’s there when the doctor bill arrives. But is the HSA a good deal for everyone?

To even qualify for an HSA you must have a high deductible health plan. And even then it may not be the best move. Today on MoneyWise, financial planner and teacher Rob West tells us who’ll get the most out of a Health Savings Account.

HSAs are a great way to accumulate tax-deferred savings for medical expenses. And many financial advisers say they’re as good or better than some retirement plans. At age 65, the penalty for using the money for non-medical reasons goes away but money used for medical bills is still tax deferred. So they’re a real win-win.

Some advisors think that HSA’s are not for everybody who has a high deductible. They break down eligible folks into three groupsone where HSAs work great, one where they’re merely good, and one where you’d be better off without one.

How would an HSA actually be better than a conventional retirement plan after age 65?

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

How should we handle our adult child that habitually runs out of money only to have us wanting to bail him out again?

My savings account has gone dormant! What does that mean for me?

I’m 79 and my husband recently passed away taking with him $4,000 a month of income. I do have a life insurance policy of $350,000 which I haven’t touched. But I have bills to pay (though no debt). Where do I go from here?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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

Health savings accounts can be a great way to save on medical expenses and reduce your tax liability. Money goes in tax deferred and its there when the doctor bill arrives. But is the HSA a good deal for everyone?

To even qualify for an HSA you must have a high deductible health plan. And even then it may not be the best move. Today on MoneyWise, financial planner and teacher Rob West tells us wholl get the most out of a Health Savings Account.

HSAs are a great way to accumulate tax-deferred savings for medical expenses. And many financial advisers say theyre as good or better than some retirement plans. At age 65, the penalty for using the money for non-medical reasons goes away but money used for medical bills is still tax deferred. So theyre a real win-win.

Some advisors think that HSAs are not for everybody who has a high deductible. They break down eligible folks into three groupsone where HSAs work great, one where theyre merely good, and one where youd be better off without one.

How would an HSA actually be better than a conventional retirement plan after age 65?

In todays show we also answer your questions:

How should we handle our adult child that habitually runs out of money only to have us wanting to bail him out again?

My savings account has gone dormant! What does that mean for me?

Im 79 and my husband recently passed away taking with him $4,000 a month of income. I do have a life insurance policy of $350,000 which I havent touched. But I have bills to pay (though no debt). Where do I go from here?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census took place while Quirinius governed Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Most of us know the account in Luke, chapter 2. Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem where Jesus was born in a manger. Today on MoneyWise, on Christmas Day, host Rob West talks with economist Jerry Bowyer to get the backstory on what life was like in first century Israel.

Most of us know about the census that Caesar Augustus ordered, and we have a vague idea that it had something to do with taxes. But why did Joseph and Mary have to go to Bethlehem?

This travel was a serious undertaking, especially with a pregnant wife. Can we assume that paying taxes to Rome was nothing to be taken lightly?

What do we know about Joseph and his profession?

Most societies at the time were largely agrarian with farmers producing food for consumption and sale. Where does that put Joseph, a tradesman, on the socio-economic ladder?

Would you describe Israel’s economy as free market or controlled?

In terms of economics, was there something that set Bethlehem apart from other ancient towns in Israel?

If Joseph was from Bethlehem, why do you suppose Joseph ended up plying his carpentry trade in Nazareth far from his ancestral home?

Learn more about the company that Jerry Bowyer represents at www.videntfinancial.com.

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

I’ve had to dip into my savings account last year due to work issues. So all I have in the bank for retirement is $20,000 and I’m 64. I also owe a great deal of debt to various people. How should I pay off my obligations?

To ask your questions, call (800) 525-7000 or email them at [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 at MoneyWise Media for 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