Whether to buy a house or go to college are major financial decisions, but so is deciding when to take Social Security.

It’s true—tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, are on the line when deciding when to start Social Security benefits. Eddie Holland joins us today to help make the decision easier.

Eddie Holland is a Senior Private Wealth Advisor and partner of Blue Trust in Greenville, South Carolina. He’s also a CPA, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®).

When it comes to retirement, one of the most common questions people ask is: When should I start taking Social Security benefits? It’s a vital decision that affects not only your income but also your long-term financial strategy and even your legacy.

It’s generally recommended to wait until at least full retirement age (66 or 67), but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone. While delaying Social Security allows your benefits to grow up to 8% annually after full retirement age, thanks to what's called a delayed retirement credit, we must remember that each situation is unique.

Here are several factors that should guide your decision:

Taking Social Security early reduces benefits. Delaying past full retirement age increases benefits. That tradeoff is foundational to your strategy.

If you retire before full retirement age and need income, you might begin drawing Social Security early to meet immediate needs. Some people may need to pay off debt or cover living expenses.

Interestingly, some retirees choose to take Social Security early in order to increase their generosity. Some people start taking benefits specifically to give more, either during retirement or as part of a legacy plan. 

Your health and family history play a significant role. If you don’t expect to live well into your 80s or 90s, you might opt to draw earlier. But if you’re healthy and expect a longer life, delaying could offer more value over time.

You can’t leave your Social Security benefits to heirs, but you can leave your investment portfolio. This means some people opt to draw Social Security sooner in order to preserve their portfolio for giving or inheritance purposes.

Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your income. Some people delay benefits until a year they anticipate being in a lower tax bracket, strategically minimizing the tax impact.

In some cases, there is a lesser-known but potentially powerful option: the withdrawal application.

If you start taking Social Security before full retirement age and change your mind within the first 12 months, you can actually ‘undo’ it.” You’ll need to repay the benefits you received, but the Social Security Administration treats it as if you never started. You then have the option to restart at a later date, potentially at a higher benefit.

This strategy can be especially useful during periods of market volatility when withdrawing from your investment portfolio might not be ideal.

There’s no universal right age at which to begin drawing Social Security. It really depends on your personal situation—your income needs, health, tax strategy, and goals for generosity and legacy.

Wise financial planning starts with understanding your options and aligning those choices with your values and calling.

• How much is enough? My wife and I have 10 properties, including the one we live in. Because of COVID and a flood, I’ve been rehabbing them for the last few years. My wife is 71 and still working, and I’m wondering if we should continue fixing them up to maximize profit, or we should just hold them as they are, even if we get less money.
• I’m near retirement with $2 million saved and a good pension. Should I spend $3,300-$7,600 on a $20,000 term life policy, or is it unnecessary given my financial situation?
• I have assets but don’t work. Can I gift my RMD to my church and not have it counted on my income tax for 2026?
• I’m taking early retirement from the government, and I’m wondering about what to do with my thrift savings.

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Social Security Administration (SSA.gov)
• Blue Trust
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

In Romans 2:4, Paul writes, “Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” What a powerful reminder that even when we fail, especially when we fail, God’s grace invites us back. He doesn’t lead with condemnation, but with compassion.

That truth has everything to do with our financial lives.

It’s easy to think God isn’t concerned with something as “earthly” as money. But Scripture tells a different story. There are over 2,300 verses dealing with money and possessions. Why? Because how we handle money reveals what we value, trust, and believe about God.

And just like any other area of our lives, when we fall short financially, whether through poor choices or sinful patterns, we’re invited to bring those failures to the Lord in repentance.

When we confess our financial sins, we don’t encounter a cold, condemning judge. We meet a loving Father, ready to forgive and restore. No financial mistake is too big for the Cross. Christ paid for every one of them.

Take Zacchaeus, for example. The chief tax collector of Jericho was known for financial exploitation. But after one encounter with Jesus in Luke 19, everything changed. His repentance was visible: He gave half his possessions to the poor and repaid those he had wronged four times over. Jesus didn’t demand this—grace compelled it. Zacchaeus didn’t earn salvation by generosity; his giving revealed a heart transformed by it.

We’re invited to that same transformation.

You might be wondering, What financial sins should I bring before the Lord? Here are a few worth reflecting on:

We are stewards, not owners. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us that God gives us the ability to produce wealth. When we forget that, we risk idolizing what we’ve earned instead of worshiping the One who provides.

Cutting corners, misrepresenting the truth, or taking advantage of others damages our witness. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:21, “We aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.”

Proverbs 11:24 warns that stinginess can actually lead to lack. A lack of generosity can reveal misplaced trust in wealth instead of God.

Work isn’t a punishment—it’s a calling. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all toil there is profit.” Laziness, or lack of engagement with our work, hinders our ability to live out God’s purposes.

Chronic overspending leads to stress and debt. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Contentment honors God’s provision.

Envy skews our perspective and sows discontentment. Exodus 20:17 calls us to guard our hearts from coveting what others have.

If any of these hit close to home, remember this: conviction is not the same as condemnation. The goal of repentance is restoration, not shame. God is not asking for perfection—He’s asking for surrender.

When we confess, He forgives. And in His kindness, He leads us into new patterns of faithfulness marked by integrity, generosity, and wisdom.

So wherever you are today—whether gathered with family, enjoying the day off, or reflecting quietly—take a moment to consider how God’s kindness might be calling you back in your financial life.

Ask Him to search your heart. Repent of anything that’s not aligned with His will. And trust that He will meet you with mercy and guide you forward in grace. Because when we place even our financial story in His hands, it becomes a testimony of His faithfulness.

And that, friend, is true freedom.

• I want to know how to invest my Roth IRA funds. I have a large account with a private custodian in a checkbook LLC, and right now it’s just sitting in a bank account, which is shrinking because of inflation. I just want to keep up with inflation.
   
• I’m 70 years old and want to invest $30,000 wisely. After financial challenges, I want to create a safety net for my family and 15 grandkids. I don’t know much about investing and need advice on what to do with my money.

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Schwab Intelligent Portfolios | Betterment
• Sound Mind Investing (SMI)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

They say that crisis reveals character, and for a brief moment, the pandemic revealed surprising financial resilience.

Many Americans experienced a rare financial reset during that season, as savings rose and debt declined. But five years later, much of that progress has unraveled. Dr. Shane Enete joins us to unpack what changed—and how believers can respond faithfully in a culture gripped by renewed financial anxiety.

Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and founded the Biola Center for Financial Planning. He is also the author of the book Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill, something surprising happened with our money. Instead of overspending, many Americans buckled down.

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the U.S. Government Accountability Office showed that people used pandemic stimulus checks to reduce credit card balances and cut spending. Simultaneously, emergency fund levels rose to 20-year highs.

With fewer opportunities to spend and greater economic vulnerability, people embraced margin, paid down debt, and began saving like never before. It was a rare moment of collective financial wisdom.

But that moment didn’t last.

Fast-forward to today, and the picture looks far less encouraging. Credit card debt has now surpassed $1 trillion, and six in ten Americans are uncomfortable with their emergency savings, up from just 37% before the pandemic.

The decline in financial well-being is measurable. According to the CFPB’s 2024 Making Ends Meet survey, the average financial well-being score dropped from 55 to 49. This score reflects how confident households feel about meeting basic expenses, like paying bills and putting food on the table.

Even more concerning: over one in three Americans now carry more credit card debt than they have saved. And 42% say they couldn’t go even one month without income before falling behind.

So, what’s going on? Why the backslide? The answer lies not just in behavior but also in belief.

Fear takes over when Jesus isn’t present in our financial decisions. We start believing that we have to carry the full weight of financial responsibility. But Scripture reminds us that we have a good Father and a faithful Shepherd who provides for His children.

As believers, we’re called to live differently—to manage God’s resources with wisdom, margin, and generosity. This begins with a mindset shift from ownership to stewardship.

Many people dread the word “budget”, but we should really see this through a new lens. If budgeting is about tracking God’s provision—your daily bread, your shelter, your gas money—then it becomes an act of gratitude. It’s a moment to declare God’s goodness.”

By embracing this spiritual practice, we open a line of communication with the Lord about our finances. Budgeting isn’t just math. It’s discipleship.

Where do you begin if you want to live this way?

Start simple and track your spending. Shine a light on your habits without judgment. What you illuminate can be transformed. Ephesians 5:13 says, “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.”

Using tools like the FaithFi app can help you begin this journey. And remember, you don’t have to walk it alone.

Living within your means, avoiding debt, and giving generously stand out in a culture of consumption. They testify to the Spirit’s work in our lives, especially the fruit of self-control.

When believers manage money wisely, they display a beautiful trait of the Holy Spirit. They model a life that’s free, sustainable, and others-focused—the kind of financial light the world desperately needs.

To read Dr. Enete’s full article in the latest issue of our quarterly magazine, Faithful Steward, become a FaithFi Partner today with a gift of $35 a month or $400 a year. Just visit FaithFi.com/Partner to join.

• My mother, who’s in her 90s, is going to be selling my house, which I’ve owned for over 30 years. It looks like the sale may exceed the $250,000 capital gains exemption. If the profit goes over by, say, $20,000, what happens? How is that taxed, and how soon would she have to address it after the sale?

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Heart for Lebanon
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless…” - Isaiah 1:17

As believers, we’re called to defend the powerless and stand up for those who can’t stand for themselves. Right now, few places need that more than Lebanon, especially for its girls and young women. Today, Jack Hibbard is with us to share compelling stories of hope—and how you can be a part of this important mission. 

Jack Hibbard has been a passionate advocate for Heart for Lebanon for many years and previously served on the organization’s board of directors.

While global headlines often focus on Lebanon’s war-torn landscape and economic collapse, an even deeper crisis is affecting the most vulnerable: young women and girls. Heart for Lebanon is responding to this crisis with bold, gospel-centered compassion, providing protection from human trafficking, early marriage, child labor, and violence.

In refugee and impoverished communities, early marriage, domestic abuse, and forced labor are tragically common. One mother, now divorced with four children, shared how her own 14-year-old daughter was forced into marriage to escape abuse, only to find more of the same. In the midst of this pain, the light of the gospel is breaking through.

Through Hope Centers, literacy programs, counseling, and discipleship, Heart for Lebanon offers girls a safe place to learn, heal, and flourish. They’re helping young women understand who they are in Christ, not as tools or burdens, but as daughters of the King.

One 5th-grade girl, forced to labor after school for just $20 a week, broke down in tears when a staff member shared her worth in Jesus' eyes. She had believed she only existed to serve others. But that day, she gave her life to Christ, choosing to walk in His light, despite the darkness around her.

When girls discover their God-given dignity and worth, it changes everything. The gospel doesn’t just rescue—it prevents trafficking, early marriage, and abuse. It restores what the world has tried to steal.

As believers, we have a chance to participate in this redemptive work. Every gift of $114 helps protect three at-risk girls from early marriage, child labor, and violence, while introducing them to the love of Jesus.

When we loosen our grip on money, we loosen the grip of money on our hearts. Giving doesn’t just bless others—it deepens our trust in God and draws us closer to Him.

That’s the vision behind our quarterly ministry partnership with organizations like Heart for Lebanon. Together, we’re trusting God to help us reach 500 girls and young women in Lebanon with protection and hope.

Join us in this life-saving mission. To give:

• Text FAITH to 98656
• Visit: FaithFi.com/Lebanon

Every gift makes an eternal impact—rescuing girls, restoring dignity, and proclaiming the gospel in one of the world's most challenging places. Let’s be faithful stewards together.

• I’m 75 and have two retirement accounts I’m not sure what to do with. One is a TSP from my military retirement with just under $5,000. The other is a New York Life annuity worth about $50,000, but it’s only earning 2%. Should I move it into an indexed annuity or keep taking the RMDs as is?
• My wife passed away just two weeks ago, and I’m overwhelmed. She handled our finances; I haven’t paid a bill in 25 years. We tried reaching out to a Certified Kingdom Advisor before she passed, but didn’t have much success. I don’t have a budget, and honestly, I don’t know where to begin. I need help.

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Heart for Lebanon
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” — Luke 12:15

In an age of instant gratification, getting what we want has never been easier, even if we can’t afford it. But as “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) services become increasingly popular, they’re quietly reshaping our relationship with money, debt, and even contentment. Let’s explore how these programs work, why they’re spiritually and financially dangerous, and how Scripture invites us into a better way.

Originally used for large purchases like furniture or electronics, BNPL services now allow consumers to split nearly any purchase into multiple payments—even cheeseburgers. DoorDash, for example, lets customers finance their food in four installments. The convenience may seem harmless, but it can mask deeper issues.

Companies like Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, Zip, Sezzle, and PayPal offer these options at checkout. According to Experian, more than 80% of U.S. shoppers have used BNPL. The ease is attractive, but the long-term impact can be devastating.

BNPL makes it seem like you’re not going into debt, but that’s exactly what’s happening. Small recurring payments across multiple platforms add up fast, leading to overdraft fees, financial stress, and, in many cases, high interest rates—some as high as 36% for missed or extended payments.

A $60 DoorDash meal split into four $15 payments doesn’t seem bad—until you do it for every meal. Or take a $3,000 couch bought with a BNPL plan: one missed payment, and that couch could ultimately cost $8,000 due to fees and interest.

The Bible doesn’t shy away from warning us about the dangers of debt. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.” Debt isn’t just a financial issue—it can become an emotional and spiritual burden, dividing our attention and devotion.

In Luke 12:15, Jesus reminds us that “life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Yet BNPL feeds the lie that more stuff equals more satisfaction. Instead of trusting God to provide, we try to manufacture comfort and control through impulsive spending.

Why are we tempted to buy now and pay later? Often, it’s not out of need, but out of insecurity, impatience, or discontentment. Paul models a better path in Philippians 4:11–13: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content...I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

True contentment doesn’t come from a checkout screen—it comes from trusting the Lord to provide, even when the budget feels tight.

So, how do we resist the pull of BNPL and grow in godly contentment?

Practically:

• Build margin. Save up for purchases ahead of time.
• Budget for “wants.” Use a separate category or envelope system.
• Set spending limits. Use cash or debit card to help avoid overspending.

Spiritually:

• Examine your heart. Ask: Am I trusting God, or just trying to feel better?
• Pursue contentment. Let God define your enough.
• Practice gratitude. Train your heart to see God’s provision in what you already have.

Saying no to unnecessary debt frees us to say yes to generosity. When we live with open hands and open hearts, we reflect the freedom we have in Christ—freedom from striving, fear, and scarcity. And that’s far better than four easy payments.

So next time you see a “Pay in 4” button, pause. Ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I pay for it in full? And does this reflect trust in God, or just in a payment plan?

Wise stewardship begins with contentment, and contentment begins with Christ.

• My husband and I are sending our son on a five-week mission trip to Scotland. We’re debt-free and want our kids to stay that way. I’m hesitant to open a credit card, but what’s the best, safest way to give him access to money while he’s overseas?
• We recently sold our home at a profit, bought a new one, and are now debt-free. However, the new home needs repairs, and we still have a mortgage. Should we tithe on the profit from the home sale, or use those funds for the house needs?
• I’m a recently retired teacher with two annuities—one worth $19,000 and the other about $13,000. I’ve just opened an IRA and wonder if I should roll the annuities into it, or if there might be a better strategy.
• I’ve inherited a large amount of cash-valued property and need guidance on how to manage it wisely, especially to minimize potential tax liability.
• We paid off our home in October 2024. Do we need the deed and title to protect ourselves from fraud, or is it handled automatically?

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Christian Credit Counselors
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12 

If you're a few years from retirement and your savings aren’t quite where you want them, you might feel like you've run out of time. But maybe you don’t need a time machine to solve the problem. Today, Matt Bell joins us with some encouraging words about beefing up retirement savings.

Matt Bell is the Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. 

In 2018, a Stanford study called The Power of Working Longer made a compelling discovery: delaying retirement by just three to six months can have the same impact on retirement readiness as saving an additional 1% of income every year for 30 years.

Yes, really.

This is largely due to two factors:

1. Higher Social Security Benefits – For every month you delay past full retirement age, your benefit increases by 2/3 of 1% (8% annually).
    
2. Better Annuity Rates – The older you are when purchasing an annuity, the more monthly income you’ll receive for the same investment.

But there’s a caveat: the study is based on specific assumptions that may not match your financial situation.

The Stanford study uses a fictional worker named “John” who:

• Started saving at age 36
• Saved 6% of income and received a 3% match
• Retired at 66 and claimed Social Security immediately
• Used all savings to buy an inflation-indexed annuity

In reality, your income, savings rate, Social Security timing, and withdrawal strategy may differ widely. Not to mention, indexed annuities like the one in the study are no longer widely available. So while the study provides encouragement, its specifics shouldn’t be universally applied.

If you can delay claiming Social Security, it can significantly boost your lifelong income. For example, waiting until age 70 instead of 66 could result in a monthly check that’s 24% higher. You’d need to live roughly 12 more years to “break even,” but many retirees today are living well into their 80s and beyond.

Social Security is essentially a government-backed, inflation-adjusted annuity, making it a powerful foundation for retirement income.

Beyond Social Security, staying employed offers additional financial and emotional perks:

• More Contributions – Additional working years allow you to save more and delay withdrawals.
• Shorter Retirement Span – Fewer retirement years mean your nest egg doesn’t have to stretch as far.
• Health & Community – Work often provides routine, purpose, and social interaction—elements many retirees miss.

Working longer isn’t just a financial decision—it impacts your time, relationships, and expectations. If you’ve long looked forward to travel, family time, or volunteering, extending your career might feel like a loss. That’s why it’s essential to consider both the math and the meaning.

Couples should prayerfully approach retirement planning together. Decisions about timing affect both spouses, especially when only one is working. Unequal expectations can lead to tension, so it's essential to:

• Talk openly about your hopes and concerns
• Understand your financial picture as a team
• Choose unity over independence in decision-making

This is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make as a couple.

You may have heard that you need 70–80% of your pre-retirement income. That’s a good rule of thumb, but it’s far better to run the numbers yourself. Some costs (like commuting or saving for retirement) may go down. Others (like healthcare or travel) may go up. The best approach? Create a post-retirement budget based on your unique goals and lifestyle.

If you're behind on retirement savings, don’t panic—and don’t go it alone. Tools on the Social Security website can help you run scenarios based on your age and income. Brokerages like Fidelity or Schwab offer annuity estimators. Most importantly, seek wise counsel and pray through your decisions with your spouse.

If you’d like to read the full article from Sound Mind Investing that we discussed during this episode, read Matt’s article titled Retirement Preparedness—What a Difference a Little Time Can Make at SoundMindInvesting.com. 

• I now have the money from my tax return to pay my property taxes, due in two installments—one in May and one six months later. Should I go ahead and pay it all now since I have the funds, or is there a wise short-term investment I could consider in the meantime?
• Is there a reliable resource or organization that can provide information on charities that are requesting donations, such as groups like America Cares, CARE, or Mercy Ships?
• What are your thoughts on the cryptocurrency XRP? Is it something worth considering?

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Sound Mind Investing
• Retirement Preparedness — What a Difference a Little Time Can Make by Matt Bell (Sound Mind Investing Article)
• Social Security Administration (SSA.gov)
• ECFA | Charity Navigator | Ministry Watch
• Fidelity | Charles Schwab
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” - Matthew 25:40

Some exciting things are happening that will give you more ways to help “the least of these” in God’s Kingdom. Brian Holtz joins us today with details about how we can all have the greatest impact in helping those in need.

Brian Holtz is the CEO of Compass Financial Ministry and the author of Financial Discipleship for Families: Intentionally Raising Faithful Children.

When it comes to helping families in financial crisis, good intentions aren’t always enough. Real transformation requires more than quick fixes—it takes relationships, discipleship, and time. That’s the heart behind Making Ends Meet, a small group video study from Compass Financial Ministry designed to equip churches and communities to walk with struggling families toward lasting financial health.

Most financial ministries have historically focused on middle—and upper-income families, but Compass felt God pushing them to address those with no financial margin at all—those who aren’t just managing poorly but truly don’t have enough income to meet basic needs.

In response, Compass partnered with ministries that specialize in serving low-income families to learn the unique challenges these households face, many of which go far beyond budgeting.

Simply giving money doesn’t create lasting change. It may provide short-term relief, but study after study shows that injecting money into poverty doesn’t solve the deeper problem.

That’s not a reason to stop giving—it’s a reason to start giving differently.

Jesus didn’t just heal people and walk away. He invited them to follow Him. That’s the model we need to follow—combining financial help with relational investment.

When someone is experiencing financial hardship, it’s often not just a matter of dollars and cents—it’s about identity, family history, and deeply ingrained beliefs. That’s why true transformation requires more than a checkbook; it requires presence.

When we invest relationally, we gain credibility. That allows us to speak into someone’s life in a way that supports their heart and habits.

One of the surprising lessons Compass learned during the development of Making Ends Meet is how emotional the journey out of poverty can be.

Many poor communities are deeply interdependent. They share what they have and support each other in powerful ways, like the early church in Acts.

But when someone begins to move toward financial stability, it can create fear: Will I lose my community if I start to thrive? Will I be accepted if I have more than those around me?

This anxiety can be paralyzing, which is why patience and prayer are so critical. These are generational challenges. They won’t be overcome overnight, but change is possible with consistent love and support.

The beauty of Making Ends Meet is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a financial expert to use it. If you care about people and are willing to walk with them, the study provides a step-by-step framework to break cycles of poverty and help families build a new mindset.

This is for anyone already serving in their community through their church, a shelter, or a mentoring ministry. Compass provides the tools to make that investment more effective.

To explore how you or your church can use Making Ends Meet, visit CompassFinancialMinistry.org. Whether you’re looking to lead a group or come alongside a struggling neighbor, this resource is designed to equip you to serve with compassion and wisdom.

Helping others financially isn’t just about generosity—it’s about discipleship. When we combine truth, love, and time, God can do amazing things.

• How do I get banks to produce my bank statements further back than the seven-year period usually required to keep records? I need bank statements from 10-15 years ago because I believe fraud or theft has occurred.
• My boyfriend is 62 and is about to receive profit-sharing money in two weeks after he took an early retirement from his job. He wants to put the money in his checking account or keep it in his man cave. I don’t know how to get anything lined up for him or what to tell him to change his mind.
• I would like to send a charitable donation to my church directly from my IRA. I have the RMD forms, but I don’t understand them. I don’t know what to do by myself and don’t want to make a mistake.
• I’m trying to withdraw some equity from my house, and I’m wondering what you think of a HELOC or an HEI.

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Compass Financial Ministry
• Making Ends Meet Video Study
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

What would you do if you found something so valuable, so life-altering, that you gladly gave up everything else just to have it? That’s the image Jesus gives us in Matthew 13—two brief parables, one powerful message. They remind us of a truth that can reframe not just our faith, but our finances, especially in uncertain times.

In Matthew 13:44–46, Jesus says:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

In both parables, something of immense value is found, and the response is total surrender. But not begrudgingly. Not in fear. In joy. That joy is everything. It’s the natural overflow of discovering something so worthy, so beautiful, so eternally good that it reorders your entire life. All other pursuits fade in comparison.

Let’s be honest—most days don’t feel like we’ve just struck eternal treasure. In today’s economy, with interest rates up, inflation lingering, and layoffs still in the news, you might feel like you’re just trying to stay afloat. You’re not alone if you’re grasping for security, calculating risks, or losing sleep over your monthly expenses.

But here’s the good news: even in uncertain times, Jesus extends the same invitation. He’s saying there is something more valuable than everything you own. And that something is someone—Him.

When Jesus becomes your treasure, money loses its power to control you. You’re no longer tethered to the markets, to your salary, or to your fears. Your peace isn’t tied to your portfolio—it’s anchored in God’s unshakable Kingdom.

That’s what Paul discovered in Philippians 3:7–8:

“Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Paul had status and influence, but he gave it all up when he found the true treasure in Christ.

We see this again in the Macedonian believers in 2 Corinthians 8. Even in deep poverty, they gave with joy—not because they had extra, but because they understood Christ's surpassing worth. They didn’t view giving as a loss but as a gain.

Here’s the paradox: when you release your grip on material things, you make room to take hold of eternal things. Stewardship becomes joyful. Giving becomes worship. And peace begins to replace pressure.

But let’s not pretend it’s always easy. Sometimes, the treasure feels far away. The joy is buried beneath fear. The anxiety drowns out trust. Jesus anticipated this, too. In Matthew 10:29–31, He says:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father... Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

God sees you. He knows your needs. And His care for you isn’t based on your net worth, but your infinite worth to Him.

That’s the heartbeat behind our 21-day devotional, Look at the Sparrows. Created by our team at FaithFi, this devotional helps center your heart on God’s promises, His presence, and His provision.

Because when you’re standing in a storm, you need more than a budget—you need a Savior. And He’s not far off. As Jeremiah 29:13 promises:

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

When Jesus is your treasure, everything changes. You steward your money with open hands, not clenched fists. You invest in what truly matters. You trade the stress of accumulation for the peace of contentment. And yes, joy returns.

So if your heart is anxious today, remember the man who bought the field. Remember the merchant who found the pearl. And remember the Savior who invites you to find lasting treasure in Him.

Order your copy of Look at the Sparrows at FaithFi.com. Click “Shop” to get a copy for yourself—or buy in bulk for your church or small group.

• I'm retired and living on Social Security with no debt. I have key expenses paid off, and I'm pulling about $1,900 a month from Social Security. Whenever I have a significant project for the house, I pull money out of an IRA that my broker has set up. Is this the best way to finance these projects so that I can remain debt-free and avoid incurring any interest?
• I have a 401(k), and I'm wondering how I can invest according to my values with the available options. It seems like the only options are big companies that I'd rather not invest in. Do you have any suggestions?
• We recently sold our house for a good profit, and I'd like to know how we should tithe on it. Do we tithe on the full amount we received, or only what goes above the initial price and the interest we paid on it?
• My wife and I are purchasing a home this year. The credit union offers us a standard 30-year mortgage with one monthly payment and a bi-weekly payment plan. I want to know which option would be better and the pros and cons.
• I used to be poor about 25 years ago and filed bankruptcy for $3,500. Now I receive my ex-husband's Social Security, and I would like to see about possibly paying back the bankruptcy debt.

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• List of Faith-Based Investment Funds
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Proverbs 4:26 reminds us, “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.”

That’s a call to intentional living—choosing wisdom over impulse, especially in how we manage our money. We often emphasize that budgeting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about aligning your resources with God’s purposes.

Matt Bell, a trusted voice in biblical finance, recently wrote about the contrast between cultural and Christian approaches to budgeting. He notes that culture gives your money a script:

“Make $80,000 a year. Then move into this neighborhood, drive that car, wear these clothes, eat in these restaurants, and take these vacations. Then you can give.”

In this model, spending comes first and usually leads to debt. If we're lucky, we might save or give with what’s left. The result? Financial stress, shrinking savings, and a fading sense of contentment.

But what if budgeting isn’t just a spending plan—it’s a sacred trust?

Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” 

Your income is a gift and a responsibility. Imagine God saying:

“I’m entrusting you with $80,000 this year. Use it to reflect My love—meet needs, fund ministry, invest in My Kingdom. Save wisely. Enjoy what I’ve provided.”

This echoes 1 Timothy 6:17, which reminds us that God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” With a biblical framework, our financial decisions flip the cultural script:

• Give first
• Then save and invest
• Then spend wisely
• And use debt sparingly

Paul David Tripp puts it this way:

“God calls us to stop starting with ourselves and hoping there’s money left over for him. Instead, the call is to willingly and joyfully accept that our money’s primary purpose is to fund a kingdom of generosity… and then trust that God will provide what we need.”

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:26–27 that anyone who builds their life on shifting sand—hearing His words but not doing them—will find their house collapsing in the storm. A budget based on biblical principles isn’t just practical—it’s foundational. It anchors our financial lives to the truth of God’s Word.

If you're ready to build your finances on that foundation, it helps to partner with others who share your values. That’s why we’re grateful for Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU).

More than a bank, CCCU is a financial institution with a Kingdom mission. They offer everything you’d expect—checking, savings, loans, mortgages—but they also invest your deposits in ministries that serve the Gospel worldwide. Every dollar becomes a tool for transformation.

If you’re seeking a trusted financial partner that aligns with your faith and fuels your impact, learn more at JoinChristianCommunity.com.

Budgeting isn’t about restriction—it’s about worship. It’s about saying, “Lord, everything I have is from You and for You.” When we carefully consider our financial paths, we begin to experience the freedom, peace, and joy of Kingdom stewardship.

• I will be full retirement age in August. I'm still working, so my Social Security will be a surplus that I want to put toward my home. I still owe $82,000 on it, but I also know it needs many repairs. Does it make more sense to put this extra cash flow toward repairs, paying down the mortgage, or a little bit of both?
• What's the difference between getting a debt consolidation loan or working with a debt counselor?
• I just wanted general information about universal index life insurance. It seems too good to be true. I've heard that you put money in, and it always increases, but you never lose money out of there, like in the case with stocks.
• I have a colleague with $12,000 in student debt. He wants to pay $1,000 down and the rest over time, but I think he should pay it off completely now. What's the best method for him to save money and pay off the debt quickly?

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU)
• Christian Credit Counselors
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

“Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever…” - Proverbs 27:23-24

These days, our “flocks and herds” often look like stocks and mutual funds, not sheep and cattle. But the call to wise stewardship remains. One way we do that is through proxy voting. Jerry Bowyer joins us to explain how and why it matters.  

Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.

Proxy voting is similar to civic voting. As a citizen, you vote in elections, attend town halls, and even influence legislation. As a shareholder in a company, if you own the stock directly, you have similar rights: to vote on proposals, ask questions, and even submit resolutions.

But if you're invested through mutual funds or ETFs, you hand that vote over to someone else—often a fund manager or institution. And unless you know how they’re voting, your values may not be represented at all.

Many Christian ministries, nonprofits, and even pro-life organizations are unknowingly voting against their own missions. Why? Because they either don’t engage in proxy voting or delegate it without vetting the recipient’s values.

Proxy statements are often long, complex, and written in confusing legal language. For that reason, many advisors default to saying, “Just let the client decide,” rather than helping them engage meaningfully.

Of course, that’s not a good sign because if it’s too complex for the advisor, it’s definitely too complex for the client. Instead, we encourage advisors and Christian investors to partner with specialists, like Bowyer Research, who can help decode the process and ensure votes reflect biblical values.

They offer audits to show investors how they’ve been voting—often to their shock. They’ve never done one where people weren’t stunned by what they saw.

If you're invested through mutual funds or ETFs, you're likely not voting directly. However, that doesn't mean you're powerless. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• You can request data on how your funds are voting. Bowyer Research tracks that.
   
• You can explore “direct indexing” solutions—an increasingly available strategy that allows you to own shares directly and reclaim your voting rights.
   
• You can ask your advisor questions. “How am I voting?” is a simple but powerful question. If your advisor can’t answer it, that’s a red flag.

• Ask your advisor how your shares are being voted. If they don’t know, press in.
• Get an audit of your proxy voting records through BowyerResearch.com.
• Talk to companies, not just about them. Change happens through engagement, not complaint.

If you’re an investor, advisor, or leader at a Christian ministry or nonprofit, don’t let your investments work against your mission. Visit BowyerResearch.com to learn how to align your proxy voting with your values.

• I'm 27 and own 20 acres of land. Should I use the land as collateral for a house loan, or use my saved money to get a bigger loan and increase my land's equity?
• I opened a Roth IRA with National Life Group in 2013. It's past the surrender fee date, but it's not earning me much. I'll be 66 in July, and I'm single with no one to depend on. I also have another annuity with F and G that I'm not happy with. What should I do with these investments?

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Bowyer Research
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)
• 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)
• FaithFi App

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.