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

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 Israels 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 todays show we also answer your questions:

Ive 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 Im 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 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.

It’s an uncomfortable subject and is something most couples don’t like to think aboutone spouse outliving the other. Women usually outlive men and that more often means the wife will become a widow. Losing a husband is difficult enough, but adding the burden of managing money (maybe for the first time) makes the challenge overwhelming for many. MoneyWise host Rob West welcomes Valerie Neff Hogan to talk about a new resource that can help.

Valerie Neff Hogan is an attorney and a certified financial planner. She and her mom, Miriam Neff, the founder of Widow Connection, have put together an extremely helpful video series for women faced with managing their finances in difficult times. It’s called, Wise Women Managing Money.

What is affinity fraud and why are widows especially vulnerable to con artists?

One way that widows can protect themselves is by adding a name on their portfolio of a trusted contact person through whom all asks and transfers must be approved.

Crisis can equal opportunity. Psalm 77:19 says, Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. God will lead you through troubled times if you lean on Him.

Scripture says you’re uniquely formed. You’re more resilient than you think. When God created you He knew each day of your life. The upheaval you’re facing today is no surprise to Him.

Discover new friends in new ways and places. Learn from others. You can network and explore things online. Connect with those who’ve gone through similar struggles. Often a widow’s friendship network shrinks, but you don’t have to let it.

You can’t have the past back, so what would you like your future to look like? This time of crisis can be a time for a fresh start.

Learn more at http://widowconnection.com

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

What are HELOC loans and do you recommend them?

Tell me more about how to talk to my financial professional regarding strategies on retirement investments.

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

Its an uncomfortable subject and is something most couples dont like to think aboutone spouse outliving the other. Women usually outlive men and that more often means the wife will become a widow. Losing a husband is difficult enough, but adding the burden of managing money (maybe for the first time) makes the challenge overwhelming for many. MoneyWise host Rob West welcomes Valerie Neff Hogan to talk about a new resource that can help.

Valerie Neff Hogan is an attorney and a certified financial planner. She and her mom, Miriam Neff, the founder of Widow Connection, have put together an extremely helpful video series for women faced with managing their finances in difficult times. Its called, Wise Women Managing Money.

What is affinity fraud and why are widows especially vulnerable to con artists?

One way that widows can protect themselves is by adding a name on their portfolio of a trusted contact person through whom all asks and transfers must be approved.

Crisis can equal opportunity. Psalm 77:19 says, Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. God will lead you through troubled times if you lean on Him.

Scripture says youre uniquely formed. Youre more resilient than you think. When God created you He knew each day of your life. The upheaval youre facing today is no surprise to Him.

Discover new friends in new ways and places. Learn from others. You can network and explore things online. Connect with those whove gone through similar struggles. Often a widows friendship network shrinks, but you dont have to let it.

You cant have the past back, so what would you like your future to look like? This time of crisis can be a time for a fresh start.

Learn more at http://widowconnection.com

In todays show we also answer your questions:

What are HELOC loans and do you recommend them?

Tell me more about how to talk to my financial professional regarding strategies on retirement investments.

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.

Christmas is a special time of yeara time for get-togethers with family friends and of course, a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord. And right about now it’s also the time you may feel pressured into last minute shopping. Don’t let today’s hypercommercialism carry you away! Today on MoneyWise, host Rob West talks with Howard Dayton, founder of Compass- Finances God’s Way, to find out how to use the principles in God’s word.

Holiday sales this year will be about $730 billion, up 4% from last year and that qualifies as hypercommercialism (rather, this is materialism run amok).

In Luke 12, Jesus warns, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. And in Matthew 6, Jesus says, Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Every spending decision is a spiritual decision.

Our Lord puts an exclamation point on this principle, saying, No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

There are dangers with materialism. So how can we avoid this all year round? The keys are in God’s word. Limit your exposure to commercialism and focus on the awesome miracle of Jesus coming to earth to provide salvation. Also, surround yourself with friends who have the same biblical values.

Howard Dayton is the author of several great Bible-based books on personal finance including Your Money Counts.

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

How do I not have to pay administrative costs on my 403(b) from a previous employer?

Do you discourage the use of credit cards? What do you think about using cash only or the envelope system?

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

Christmas is a special time of yeara time for get-togethers with family friends and of course, a time to celebrate the birth of our Lord. And right about now its also the time you may feel pressured into last minute shopping. Dont let todays hypercommercialism carry you away! Today on MoneyWise, host Rob West talks with Howard Dayton, founder of Compass- Finances Gods Way, to find out how to use the principles in Gods word.

Holiday sales this year will be about $730 billion, up 4% from last year and that qualifies as hypercommercialism (rather, this is materialism run amok).

In Luke 12, Jesus warns, Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. And in Matthew 6, Jesus says, Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Every spending decision is a spiritual decision.

Our Lord puts an exclamation point on this principle, saying, No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

There are dangers with materialism. So how can we avoid this all year round? The keys are in Gods word. Limit your exposure to commercialism and focus on the awesome miracle of Jesus coming to earth to provide salvation. Also, surround yourself with friends who have the same biblical values.

Howard Dayton is the author of several great Bible-based books on personal finance including Your Money Counts.

In todays show we also answer your questions:

How do I not have to pay administrative costs on my 403(b) from a previous employer?

Do you discourage the use of credit cards? What do you think about using cash only or the envelope system?

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.

What if everything you think you know about living the good life is wrong? Society tells us it’s filled with wealth, success, and leisuremore is always better. Why then do we so often hear that money can’t buy happiness? It turns out that the good life is defined by something other than what’s in your wallet. Today, our host Rob West welcomes best-selling author Randy Alcorn to find out what that might be.

-We must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

- Life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions.

- So often, some of us, when thinking about giving and generosity, say, Well, that’s for someone who has lots more money. And yet, a lifestyle of givingwhat Jesus intended when we hold loosely what He’s entrusted to usis the message for everyone.

- The world’s view of the good life does not satisfy and has often been shown to lead some into depression and self harm.

- We’ve been hard-wired for giving and we’re most like God when we give. There’s joy in giving and helping others.

- Randy Alcorn’s new book is Giving Is the Good Life: The Unexpected Path to Purpose and Joy

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

- My husband and I are in our late 50s and we’ve been thinking about long-term care insurance. What advice can you give?

- I just transferred a balance on a credit card to take advance of 0% interest for 21 months. I know that having a new card will affect my credit score, currently 781. I don’t plan to use the old card again. How long should I wait until I close it?

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

What if everything you think you know about living the good life is wrong? Society tells us its filled with wealth, success, and leisuremore is always better. Why then do we so often hear that money cant buy happiness? It turns out that the good life is defined by something other than whats in your wallet. Today, our host Rob West welcomes best-selling author Randy Alcorn to find out what that might be.

-We must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

- Life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions.

- So often, some of us, when thinking about giving and generosity, say, Well, thats for someone who has lots more money. And yet, a lifestyle of givingwhat Jesus intended when we hold loosely what Hes entrusted to usis the message for everyone.

- The worlds view of the good life does not satisfy and has often been shown to lead some into depression and self harm.

- Weve been hard-wired for giving and were most like God when we give. Theres joy in giving and helping others.

- Randy Alcorns new book is Giving Is the Good Life: The Unexpected Path to Purpose and Joy

In todays show we also answer your questions:

- My husband and I are in our late 50s and weve been thinking about long-term care insurance. What advice can you give?

- I just transferred a balance on a credit card to take advance of 0% interest for 21 months. I know that having a new card will affect my credit score, currently 781. I dont plan to use the old card again. How long should I wait until I close it?

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.

The book of Proverbs has wise advice for teaching Godly living and this is especially true for encouraging generosity. So what practical ways can you inspire your family to share with others during this season of giving? Our MoneyWise host, Rob West, speaks with National Christian Foundation’s Michael King to get some ideas. Christmas is a generosity storyGod gave his son that we might have eternal life.

- God gave His purest of gifts, His very own son.

- They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

- We are to count our blessings. We need to celebrate all that God has done for and through us.

- Develop a sense of gratitude for God’s abundant provision.

- Encourage each family member to think of the most generous person they know and then have them ask that person for one piece of advice about practical ways to share.

-Volunteer as a family at your church or local ministry.

- Learn about opening a giving fund at National Christian Foundation. This makes getting funds to your favorite ministries simple.

- Make an anonymous gift to someone in need.

- Discover more about the National Christian Foundation and receive a copy of their giving guide at www.ncfgiving.com.

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

- What kind of flexible repayment options are there for debt?

- Should I combine my debts into one bill or pay them off separately?

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

The book of Proverbs has wise advice for teaching Godly living and this is especially true for encouraging generosity. So what practical ways can you inspire your family to share with others during this season of giving? Our MoneyWise host, Rob West, speaks with National Christian Foundations Michael King to get some ideas. Christmas is a generosity storyGod gave his son that we might have eternal life.

- God gave His purest of gifts, His very own son.

- They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

- We are to count our blessings. We need to celebrate all that God has done for and through us.

- Develop a sense of gratitude for Gods abundant provision.

- Encourage each family member to think of the most generous person they know and then have them ask that person for one piece of advice about practical ways to share.

-Volunteer as a family at your church or local ministry.

- Learn about opening a giving fund at National Christian Foundation. This makes getting funds to your favorite ministries simple.

- Make an anonymous gift to someone in need.

- Discover more about the National Christian Foundation and receive a copy of their giving guide at www.ncfgiving.com.

In todays show we also answer your questions:

- What kind of flexible repayment options are there for debt?

- Should I combine my debts into one bill or pay them off separately?

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.

When you’re desperately trying to find something you’ll leave no stone unturned. That’s true for lost car keys, your cell phone, a missing electric bill you need to payand a job that lets you work from home. But what if you knew where to look before you started that frantic search? Today on MoneyWise our host, Rob West, has the top 10 areas with flexible jobs. Why is this becoming such a big deal in the employment market?

- Employers want to attract and keep good workers so they’re offering more work-from-home, flexible working opportunities.

-Computer and IT opportunities are the first areas to look at but these require specialized training.

- Software development is also increasing in demand.

- Flexible opportunities exist in the areas of medicine and health, accounting and finance, project management, and account management.

-Sales and customer service jobs can be done by phone and Internet today.

- Marketing professionals can also do their jobs from home via social media.

- Education and training is also done online today. Look for support roles in K-12 teaching, college and university training, and professional development.

- For a list of the top 10 categories with the most flexible opportunities in 2019, visit www.flexjobs.com.

In today’s show we also answer your questions:

- How do we save for retirement? We’ve not given it much thought because we were raising our family, our income’s not steady, and I have almost $50,000 in student loans.

- I’m a 70-year-old woman who tried to retire at 65 couldn’t. My husband is disabled. Over these recent years I’ve been trying to save up at least six months’ worth of expenses reserves. However, I’m worried about another stock market collapse! So I’m considering putting half of what I have into an annuity. What do you think of this?

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