In this episode, Art and Taylor talk about the FIRE movement—Why some think it is unbiblical, and whether they’re right. Plus, they answer a listener question about investing instead of paying off a car loan.

Resources mentioned:

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

In this episode, Art and Taylor ask Thom Rainer several listener questions about generosity, including questions about amounts to give, church benevolence, stewardship ministries, and more.

Resources mentioned:

Church Answers University | Learn more here: https://churchanswers.university/

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Should you pay off your mortgage? Art discusses six reasons why he and his family paid off their mortgage.

Notes:

1. Return isn’t everything.
2. Reduced interest paid.
3. Increased cash flow.
4. Increased peace of mind.
5. One of retirement’s largest expense is eliminated.
6. Increased capacity to live and give generously.

Listener questions answered:

Can I rollover my Traditional 403(b) into a Roth 403(b)?

Also mentioned:

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

In this episode, Art revisits his interview with Paul David Tripp about how Scripture shines a light on the real reasons we struggle with money, and why we don’t fix debt with a budget.

Listener questions answered:

When one adult child is a very poor money manager, what is the best way to set up a will so that an inheritance does not make the problem worse?

Also mentioned:

Redeeming Money | Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Money-Reveals-Reorients-Hearts/dp/1433556731

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Are you still anti-crypto? Should my church take out a loan? In this episode, Art and Taylor answer these questions. Plus, they talk about how ridiculously hot it is in Texas right now.

Listener questions answered

Are you still anti-crypto?

Should my church take out a loan?

Notes

What the Bible teaches about debt:

1. Be cautious about bringing a church into debt.
2. If you do go into debt, your congregation will be burdened.
3. Debt provides another opportunity to sin.

Four questions to help you assess whether it is right to take on debt:

1. Is the debt for a ministry need or want?
2. Can we pay off the debt quickly?
3. What is the budgetary impact?
4. What are our other options?

Money Challenge

Be thankful and strategic. Consider where you live and your primary mode of transportation. Write down five reasons you are thankful for each. Next, write down three ways you can leverage your residence and mode of transportation for God’s mission.

Also mentioned:

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Average new car prices and new car payments are at an all-time high. How can someone afford to purchase a car these days? If this episode, Art shares his recommended steps for purchasing a car with cash.

Listener questions answered:

Our church budget is tight. Should I provide bonuses to staff instead of salary raises?

Also mentioned:

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Pastors and ministers enter ministry for the mission, not the money. In this episode, Art answers some common questions pastors frequently ask, mostly relating to housing allowances.

Listener questions answered:

How much housing allowance should I take?
Should I pay off my mortgage?
Should I rollover my current retirement account over to another brokerage?

Also mentioned:

8 Money Milestones | Read them here: https://www.artrainer.com/8-money-milestones

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

After a conversation with a financial counseling client, Art realized he needed to talk more about the 8 Money Milestones. In this episode Art walks through your guide to financial health for the sake of living generously.

Notes:

8 Money Milestones

Milestone 1: Start giving.
Milestone 2: Save $1,500 for a minor emergency.
Milestone 3: Max out your 401(k) or 403(b) match.
Milestone 4: Pay off all debt except your mortgage.
Milestone 5: Save 3 to 6 months of living expenses for a job-loss emergency.
Milestone 6: Put 15% of your gross income to retirement.
Milestone 7: Save for college or pay off your mortgage.
Milestone 8: Live generously.

Money Challenge:

Determine where you are. Which Money Milestone are you on? Take a look at the Milestones to determine which ones you have completed and which one is your next financial goal.

Resources mentioned:

10 Small Ways to be Generous This Summer | Read here: https://www.artrainer.com/post/10-small-ways-to-be-generous-this-summer

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

A listener asks, “Is it okay for me to want more money and things?” On this episode, Art and Taylor dive into this question. Plus, Art and Taylor discuss some of their favorite More Than Money episodes.

Notes:

1. God owns everything.
2. We don’t deserve anything.
3. Anything we have has been given to us by God.
4. To some God gives much. To others he gives little. To all he requires stewardship.
5. Contentment with possessions reflects a heart that’s content with God. Discontentment suggests a heart is searching for contentment outside of God.
6. Limitations are often acts of God’s grace.
7. Possessions are not bad, but a heart that puts its hope in possessions is in trouble.

Practical steps:

1. Pray for contentment.
2. For the next month, daily identify 5 things for which you are grateful.
3. Stop looking up.
4. Stay away from social media accounts that unsettle your heart.

Money Questions:

Is it okay for me to want more money and things?
What types of investments should I consider?

Money Challenge:

Build your contentment. Start writing down five things for which you are thankful. Try to do this for the next thirty days. Stay focused on what God has entrusted you with.

Resources mentioned:

MTM Episode 21: Redeeming Money with Paul David Tripp | Listen here: https://www.artrainer.com/podcast/episode/794355e9/episode-21-or-redeeming-money-or-guest-paul-david-tripp

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

We are big on joint accounts for married couples. But is it okay for only one spouse to be on the mortgage? Art and Katie answer this listener question and another listener question about compensating church staff.

Notes:

Significant Changes Coming to Your Credit Report:

1. Most medical debt will be removed from credit reports starting July 1, 2022.
2. Buy now, pay later debt can start showing up on credit reports.
3. Emphasis on trended data.

Money Questions:

How can I better compensate my church staff?
Is it okay for me not to include my wife on the mortgage?

Money Challenge:

Ask one of you church ministers if there is anything you can do for them. And then, if possible, serve them. Reflect God’s generosity to your church ministers this week.

Resources mentioned:

Significant Changes Coming to Your Credit Report | Read the blog here: https://www.artrainer.com/post/significant-changes-coming-to-your-credit-report

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://www.artrainer.com/essential-emergency-binder

Episode Sponsor:

Most churches struggle to get people to give. SecureGive has created a system that helps churches increase giving so their ministry is funded to reach their community. SecureGive helps churches increase giving in 3 ways: software that makes giving easy, a custom growth strategy, and ongoing stewardship resources. They stand out by offering a real ministry partnership, the most cost-effective solution with the lowest processing rates, and the most comprehensive giving platform available. Use the code 'RAINER20' to get 20% off your first year! Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/