“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Despite living in an era of unprecedented wealth, many individuals and families struggle to meet basic needs like food and shelter. Today, Brian Holtz joins us to discuss a new resource aimed at helping communities in need. 

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

A New Focus: Addressing Financial Hardship

Navigating financial challenges can be overwhelming, especially for those who struggle to make ends meet. While many financial ministries focus on middle- and upper-income groups, Compass Financial Ministry has taken a bold step to address the needs of those with little to no financial margin. Their latest initiative—Making Ends Meet—is a resource designed to help individuals and families move from financial struggle to stability.

Key Takeaways from the Research

Many of the financial issues we associate with low-income communities aren’t unique to them. The same challenges exist in middle- and upper-income households—they just look different.

What are these key financial challenges? Three primary takeaways from Compass’ research are critical for financial health, regardless of income level.

1. A Simpler Approach to Budgeting

Starting a budget is often the most challenging part of managing finances. That’s why this new resource introduces a simplified spending plan:

• Step 1: At the beginning of the month, pay all essential bills (giving, rent/mortgage, food, utilities, etc.).
• Step 2: Transfer savings into a separate account.
• Step 3: Use the remaining money for non-essentials (entertainment, clothing, eating out, etc.).

This method isn’t as precise as traditional budgeting, but it’s better to use an imperfect system than a perfect one that you never implement.

2. The Power of an Emergency Fund

We all know the importance of emergency savings, but it's even more crucial for those living paycheck to paycheck.

Without an emergency fund, individuals often get trapped in a cycle of debt. But with a financial cushion, they can make wise financial choices and avoid unnecessary expenses.

3. The Importance of a Support Network

Building a strong financial support system is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of financial stability, in addition to budgeting and saving.

Money is a taboo topic in our society. We’re embarrassed to talk about our struggles, but if we find trusted people to share with before emergencies happen, we create a network we can rely on—and they can rely on us. 

This network isn’t just for financial help—it also provides emotional support, advice, and practical assistance when life’s unexpected events occur.

How You Can Get Involved

Financial hardship can feel isolating, but no one has to face it alone. With the right tools, support system, and biblical principles, it is possible to break free from financial struggle and find peace in stewardship.

Making Ends Meet is one of the most impactful projects Compass has ever developed. It combines biblical wisdom with practical, step-by-step guidance, helping people transition from struggling to thriving. This resource is perfect for:

• Small groups at churches
• Local shelters and community centers
• Families and individuals seeking financial stability

It’s available in English and Spanish, making it accessible to more communities in need. To learn more, visit Compass Financial Ministry and click on Making Ends Meet.

For more financial resources and biblical insights, check out Compass Financial Ministry’s website and start your journey toward financial freedom today.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I got behind on some of my bills, and the interest is hurting me. I make about $700 a week, but the high interest rates make it hard to catch up. I contacted a company called National Debt Relief, but I wanted to get a second opinion before jumping into anything. How can I deal with this situation and find a way to lower the interest rates?
• We inherited land and plan to keep it in the family. Do we need to tithe on the value of the inherited property, even though we haven't realized the increase in cash?
• I'm 24 and deciding whether to buy a home instead of renting an apartment. I live at my parents' house, but I'd like to know the best steps to take to buy a home.
• Last year, the FBI warned against using a cell phone number for two-factor authentication because of security vulnerabilities. I ended up losing $5,000 using that method. Can you provide some guidance on how to protect my accounts better?
• I'm in my 60s and recently got a job that pays over $200,000 a year, much more than I need to live on. I only need about $30,000 to $40,000 per year. I'm unfamiliar with 401(k)s or IRAs, but I want to know how much I could contribute to those types of accounts to put away the excess money I don't need.
• I contributed $4,000 to my Roth IRA at the beginning of the year. I'm leaving my part-time job and about to retire at 62. What should I do if I've contributed more to the Roth IRA than I've earned in income? Should I withdraw the excess contribution, and are there any penalties I should be aware of?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine
• Compass Financial Ministry
• Making Ends Meet (Compass Financial Ministry Video Study and Workbook)
• Google Authenticator (Apple | Google Play) | Authy 
• 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 every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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