More Than Money

Most of the time, we talk about being good stewards (managers) on More Than Money. In this episode, we are going to discuss how to be terrible stewards. It is a fun and inspirational episode.

Listener question answered:

Should I buy a high quality, expensive item that will last a long time and take care of it, or should I buy cheap and just know it may not last?

My wife and I disagree on the amount we should give to our church. I like our current 10% of gross income. She wants to increase it to 15%. How do we resolve the difference?

Notes:

Nobodies for Jesus: 14 Days Toward a Great Commission Lifestyle | Find it here: https://amzn.to/3AzGvFa

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

Episode Sponsor:

Our sponsor SecureGive has a special event coming up that we want you to know about called the Give Conference. As you know, not enough people are giving to your church. And, many that are giving simply aren’t giving enough. Church leaders, we know you desire to turn this around, but it can be challenging. You need practical step-by-step help and encouragement in the process.

Learn from other church leaders who understand exactly what you're up against. Walk away with the tools you need to grow and sustain digital giving. Make a plan that takes discipleship and giving participation to the next level!

Imagine a local church filled with faithful, generous people. Give Conference is a unique event designed to help you make this a reality. Register and get your tickets by clicking here: https://www.securegive.com/give-conference/

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/

On this episode, Art talks with Costi Hinn about his life story and his book, “God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel.” Plus, Art answers questions about 529 plans and retirement savings.

Listener questions answered:

I am curious whether you have Roth or Traditional IRAs in mind when recommending a 15% savings rate.

I am a bit overwhelmed by looking through info for all 50 states to find the best. Are there a few off the top of your head that you’d recommend.

Notes:

God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel | Find it here: https://amzn.to/3x5k5sZ

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

Episode Sponsor:

Our sponsor SecureGive has a special event coming up that we want you to know about called the Give Conference. As you know, not enough people are giving to your church. And, many that are giving simply aren’t giving enough. Church leaders, we know you desire to turn this around, but it can be challenging. You need practical step-by-step help and encouragement in the process.

Learn from other church leaders who understand exactly what you're up against. Walk away with the tools you need to grow and sustain digital giving. Make a plan that takes discipleship and giving participation to the next level!

Imagine a local church filled with faithful, generous people. Give Conference is a unique event designed to help you make this a reality. Register and get your tickets by clicking here: https://www.securegive.com/give-conference/

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 for a church to accept someone’s lottery winnings? When is it wrong for a church to accept designated gifts? Is it okay to accept personal gifts from church members?

Listener question answered:

I am a bi-vocational pastor. My ministry income is about 10% of my total income. Are there any unique ways churches should allocate pastoral pay packages (distributed between housing allowance, mileage reimbursement, etc.) when the pastor does not depend on the funding to provide for his family?

How should "cost of living" and inflation factor into the modest raises ministers receive?

I am a couple years away from paying off my mortgage. Should I use some of my emergency fund to pay it off early and save on interest?

Find More Money by Art Rainer | Get it here: https://www.artrainer.com/find-more-money

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

Episode Sponsor:

Our sponsor SecureGive has a special event coming up that we want you to know about called the Give Conference. As you know, not enough people are giving to your church. And, many that are giving simply aren’t giving enough. Church leaders, we know you desire to turn this around, but it can be challenging. You need practical step-by-step help and encouragement in the process.

Learn from other church leaders who understand exactly what you're up against. Walk away with the tools you need to grow and sustain digital giving. Make a plan that takes discipleship and giving participation to the next level!

Imagine a local church filled with faithful, generous people. Give Conference is a unique event designed to help you make this a reality. Register and get your tickets by clicking here: https://www.securegive.com/give-conference/

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/

Going to Disney World this summer? In this fun episode, we talk to Disney aficionado Kristen Petersen about how to save a little money at the parks this summer.

Listener questions answered:

Can you help me understand what a zero-based budget is?

You recommend the debt snowball to pay off debt. It seems like paying off the highest interest would be better financially. Would you be okay if I do that instead?

Notes:

1. Get a travel agent.
2. Stay at a Value Resort.
3. Skip table service dining.
4. Bring souvenirs from home.
5. Purchase Disney gift cards at a discount.

If you'd like to learn more about Travelmation and work with them on your next family vacation, click here: https://www.travelmation.net/

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

Episode Sponsor:

Our sponsor SecureGive has a special event coming up that we want you to know about called the Give Conference. As you know, not enough people are giving to your church. And, many that are giving simply aren’t giving enough. Church leaders, we know you desire to turn this around, but it can be challenging. You need practical step-by-step help and encouragement in the process.

Learn from other church leaders who understand exactly what you're up against. Walk away with the tools you need to grow and sustain digital giving. Make a plan that takes discipleship and giving participation to the next level!

Imagine a local church filled with faithful, generous people. Give Conference is a unique event designed to help you make this a reality. Register and get your tickets by clicking here: https://www.securegive.com/give-conference/

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 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/