More Than Money

On this episode, we are talking about newlyweds and money. I have ArtRainer.com contributor and Executive Pastor at Redeemer Church in North Carolina, Daniel Tripp, to walk us through what he has learned over the years. We also answer a few listeners’ money questions. It is a great episode for all married couples.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: What do you tell a couple where one spouse is hostile to a budget and the other knows it would be helpful, but wants to keep the peace?

Question #2: My wife and I are hoping to purchase our first house in a year or two and we know that most people recommend a 20% down payment to avoid PMI. We've been married for 7 years and are currently debt-free. We want to get as close to 20% as possible, but we also don't want to deplete our savings. Which should we prioritize - the down payment or savings?

Other notes:

3 questions to answer before you buy a home:

1. Do you plan on living there for at least 5 years?
2. Will your mortgage payments be less than 30% of your after-tax pay?
3. Do you have at least 20% for a down payment?

Book: The Marriage Challenge: A Finance Guide for Married Couples | Buy it here: https://amzn.to/346J81Q

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

On this episode, we're talking about the Joneses — those people that you are constantly trying to keep up with and are ruining your financial health. We are also going to hear from the president of the Christian Stewardship Network, Leo Sabo, and, of course, we will answer some of your money questions.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: Why do you prefer a 529 over a Coverdell ESA when it comes to college planning?

Question #2: What type of account would you recommend our emergency savings to sit in?

Question #3: What is your best advice to save for retirement when still trying to pay off old debt.

Other notes:

1. Know what God says about money.
2. You need a financial plan.
3. Be intentionally grateful.
4. Spend less time on social media.

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Why are ministers often hesitant to talk about money? In this episode, we hit on a topic that’s often ignored—ministers and money. We are going to hear from best-selling author, Carey Nieuwhof, on the subject. And of course, we are going to answer some money questions.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: How much/often should a church preach on money? In your opinion, would a class be better?

Question #2: Does it raise suspicion with the IRS if you raise or lower your housing allowance designation during the year either as you get used to living in a new state with a different cost of living or as you anticipate purchasing a new home (thinking of the future)?

Question #3: Is it generally acceptable to claim moving expenses, first month’s rent, etc. as part of the housing allowance since I would say they fall under the category of setting up and maintaining the home that will be used immediately upon employment, but were actually paid for prior to my official hire date?

Other notes:

Housing Allowance for Ministers: Made Easy by Art Rainer | Buy here: https://amzn.to/2Zjh35F

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Did you know that a brand-new car depreciates by 10% the moment it drives off the car dealer’s lot? Car purchases—an area where financial blunders are often made. The mistakes in this area are costly. Sometimes, it’s like taking a big pile of money, worth thousands of dollars, and lighting it on fire. We can do better. By the end of the episode, we hope you are viewing car purchases through a different lens and saving money.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: Can you expand on Milestone #5 about how many months to have stocked up for an emergency fund? What circumstances should have more and which ones less?

Question #2: Do you and your spouse have joint or individual checking accounts? Why?

Other Notes:

How to view cars through a different lens:
1. Remember the statistics.
2. Focus on what a car payment prevents you from doing—living generously.
3. Remind yourself that all new cars eventually become old cars.

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

70% of couples argue about money. 57% of divorced couples reported that money was the
reason for their divorce. On this episode, we are spending some time on the topic of marriage
and money. We get some wise advice about marriage from the President of Crown Financial,
Chuck Bentley, and we answer a few money questions. You will love this episode.

Here are the questions we answer:

Question 1: How do you manage a budget while allowing for the Holy Spirit to lead you in
giving? 
Question 2: Should I refinance my ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage) if I think I may move in a few years?

Additional Notes:

Money Problems; Marriage Solutions: 7 Keys to Aligning Your Finances and Uniting Your Hearts
by Chuck Bentley | Buy it here: https://amzn.to/2G5fykP

Should I Refinance My Mortgage? from ArtRainer.com - https://bit.ly/2ExgbDh

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Is God in control, or is He not? In times of worry, that is the question we must answer. Now, trusting in God doesn’t mean we remain inactive. No, it moves us to action. We make wise money moves. We keep moving forward.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: What can people do if they can't pay their rent/mortgages due to COVID related issues?
Question #2: What age should I start talking about money with my son?

Other Notes:

Your Financial Priorities
Priority #1: Giving.
Priority #2: Food and health.
Priority #3: House.
Priority #4: Utilities
Priority #5: Automobile.
Priority #6: Other loans
Priority #7: Everything else.

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Debt is a generosity killer. Because you are obligated to pay your bills, you cannot give and help others in the way that you probably desire. This is why we need to get out of debt and avoid debt. And you are going to hear a story about someone who did just that on this episode.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: Which should I do first—max out my Roth IRA or pay off my debt?
Question #2: At what point did you feel educated and experienced enough to write and
encourage others on their journey of financial freedom equipping individuals to support the
Kingdom of God?

Other 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.

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

Why do we talk about retirement? Because we want your retirement years to be some of the
most generous years of your life, able to use your time and your money to be part of advancing God’s Kingdom in your community and around the world. Because the Great Commission doesn’t stop when your retirement starts. And in this episode, we focus on Baby Boomers.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: How do I get started investing?
Question #2: Should I invest in Bitcoin?

Other Notes:

Kingdom Advisors: https://kingdomadvisors.com/

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

What is the relationship between debt and generosity? What do we do if giving to our church means not paying another bill? We serve a generous God. One that sent his Son to stand in our place, to take on the punishment for our sins. And so, when we give, we reflect his generosity to others.

Listener questions answered:

Question #1: What are your thoughts on tithing the first check from a new job?
Question #2: How important is tithing if giving to our church means not paying another bill?

Other Notes:

1. Giving is to be a priority.
2. Giving is to be done proportionately.
3. Giving is to be sacrificial.
4. Giving is to be done cheerfully.

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/

The More Than Money Podcast helps listeners get financially healthy for the sake of giving and living generously. This unique podcast provides fun, practical, biblically-based financial advice
through interviews and listener questions. Let’s change our finances so that we can be a part of
changing eternity!

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. Learn more here: https://www.securegive.com/