In this episode, Art answers several money questions from More Than Money listeners.

Listener question answered:

We are starting the college search process for my child. What tips do you have for us. I don’t want her going into debt for school.

I’m single and just starting out on my financial journey. What suggestions do you have for someone like me?

Why do you tell us to get our company match before paying off debt?

I love how you talk about how God designed us for generosity and that is to be our financial priority. I don’t have much money to give. What should I do?

Notes:

Bad Reasons for Choosing a College:

1. It’s where my girlfriend/boyfriend is going.
2. It’s where my parents went.
3. It’s far away.
4. It’s prestigious.
5. It’s my favorite team.
6. It’s where everyone else is going.

Notes:

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/

Looking for a few good books to read this summer? In this episode, Art provides his top five (or six) recommended books on money.

Listener questions answered:

Where should I put my child’s savings? In a savings account?

Should I invest in Bitcoin?

Notes:

Redeeming Money by Paul David Tripp
Gospel Patrons by John Rhine
The Money Challenge by Art Rainer
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Notes:

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/

Is it okay to play the lottery? Is there a difference between gambling and investing? In this episode, Dave Jones rejoins us to discuss the biblical view of gambling.

Questions answered:

1. What’s wrong with playing the lottery?

2. What is the difference between investing and gambling?

3. Is it okay for me to have an office bracket pool?

Notes:

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, Thom Rainer joins Art to answer some FAMQ (Frequently Asked Money Questions) of ministers. Art also announces a new giveaway from SecureGive!

Listener questions answered:

1. We often discuss the difference between a pastor’s salary and the pastor’s compensation package. What is the difference and why is it important for a pastor to understand the difference?

2. Before taking a pastoral position, can a pastor negotiate the salary? How should he go about doing that?

3. Housing allowances are a big deal for ministers. What is a housing allowance and how can a minister take full advantage of it?

4. Give me your 3 biggest future financial concerns for pastors.

Notes:

Church Answers | https://churchanswers.com/

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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/

John Rinehart from Gospel Patrons joins us to share a few practical steps to becoming more openhanded with our money. Art also answers question about paying for Disney World and whether or not to sell your home.

Listener questions answered:

I want to take our family to Disney World this year, but we don’t have the money right now. My husband typically gets a bonus at the end of the year that would cover the costs. What do you think about paying for it with a credit card, knowing we can pay it off at the end of the year?

The real estate market is hot right now. Should I sell my home?

Notes:

Gospel Patrons | https://bit.ly/33zeoGH

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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/

The Rainer's paid off their mortgage. Woohoo! In this episode, Sarah joins Art to have a conversation about the lessons they learned along the way.

Listener question answered:

Should I pay off my mortgage? I am a pastor with a housing allowance and I don’t want to mess anything up. What do you think?

Notes:

Lessons Learned:

1. Know your why.
2. Buy a house you can afford.
3. Have a plan.
4. Stay focused (this is a long journey).
5. Be flexible (this is a long journey).

Notes:

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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 we answer questions about inheritances, savings bonds, and digital retirement platforms. Plus, we make fun of Taylor’s dancing. It is a great episode!

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?

While reading your new book, "The Money Challenge for Teens", you mention the importance of no minimum balance and low trading fees. Do you recommend online investment platforms such as Betterment for Roth IRA's? Why or why not?

Are bond checks worth investing and giving as a gift?

Notes:

Taylor's Hilarious Dance Video | https://bit.ly/3gI11vv

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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 I plan to care for my parents? Is 0% financing a good idea? We answer these questions plus a few other listener questions in this episode. Also, we announce a new giveaway!

Listener questions answered:

Regarding home improvements, how do you balance future ROI vs. what you want to live in?

Is 0% financing a good idea?

Should I plan to care for my parents?

What are effective ways to teach HS Seniors money management and stewardship BEFORE they go to college?

Notes:

The 8 Money Milestones | https://bit.ly/3s4r1Uz

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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/

Steve has $50,000 in debt and wants to know if he should sell his home to pay off the debt. In this episode, we answer Steve’s question plus several other money questions from our listeners. Also, we announce a new giveaway!

Listener questions answered:

Should I use sell my home to pay off my debt?

Would you have a recommendation for a percentage of my income to use towards a mortgage?

I’ve already maxed out my Roth IRA. What should I invest in for the remainder of my 15%? I am self-employed, so 401K is not an option.

Notes:

The 8 Money Milestones | https://bit.ly/3s4r1Uz

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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/

Last week, we asked you to send in your money questions. And you responded in a big way. So, we are going to answer a few of your questions in this episode. Plus, we will announce the giveaway winner!

Listener questions answered:

How should one order priorities of saving for retirement, paying off debt, saving for college, etc.?

I've taken my workplace match (6%) on my retirement account which is a 403(b) since I work at a non-profit, but as I think about where to invest the rest of my 15%. I'm tempted to invest it elsewhere since my 403(b) options are very slim. Is it smart to put the rest in something like a Roth IRA, or is it better to keep everything in the same account to capitalize on higher gains since the account will have more money?

What are the best practices in a healthy financial marriage when one spouse loves the idea of paying off a 3 % loan on a house and the other spouse loves the opportunity of making 8-10% in the market?

Notes:

The 8 Money Milestones | https://bit.ly/3s4r1Uz

The Essential Emergency Binder | Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3qsNYAm

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/