When the Bible talks about debt, it’s rarely about interest rates or payment schedules. It’s almost always about something deeper.

In this episode, we explore what Scripture actually teaches about borrowing and lending through three recurring themes: presumption, power dynamics, and posture.

We walk through Proverbs’ strong warnings against guaranteeing someone else’s debt, unpack why predatory lending is ultimately a misuse of power, and wrestle with the surprising truth that Scripture does affirm lending—but only when it flows from generosity, mercy, and trust rather than control.

This is the upside-down economy of the Kingdom. An invitation to steward money in a way that reflects the heart of a God who is kind, merciful, and generous—even to the ungrateful.

The One Degree Podcast is brought to you by Openhanded Wealth, LLC, a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice.

“whatever gifts I have received from God, may I use them to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s varied grace." — 1 Peter 4: 10

🌐openhandedwealth.com/podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

In this episode, we explore a timeless metaphor from St. Bernard of Clairvaux about living as reservoirs rather than canals—filling ourselves first before giving from overflow.

We discuss the intersection of biblical generosity, financial wisdom, and the uncomfortable truth that sometimes faithful stewardship means adjusting our giving.

Through client stories and scriptural reflection, we examine what it means to give wisely in changing seasons, why limits are part of God's design, and how provision has never been our responsibility to bear alone.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

If you’re self-employed, in sales, or running a small business, you know the budgeting struggle is real. But inconsistent income doesn’t mean you’re off the hook — it just means you need a smarter plan.

Nick shares a four-part framework inspired by YNAB (You Need a Budget) and shaped by real-world experience:

1. Only budget dollars you have — no guessing games.
2. Prioritize spending by what matters most (including giving and saving).
3. Break big, rare expenses into monthly habits.
4. Build a buffer during your "hill" months to survive the valleys.

This episode is packed with practical help, biblical stewardship, and avocado jokes. (Seriously.)

🛠️ Tool Mentioned: YNAB’s guide to irregular income

📩 Want help building your own budget? Reach out via openhandedwealth.com/onedegree

💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend or drop a 5-star review — it helps more people find One Degree.

🌐openhandedwealth.com

I want to use whatever gifts I have received to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4: 10

Openhanded Wealth, LLC is a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

In this episode, Nick reflects on the final chapters of Practicing the King’s Economy and how the Bible’s vision of rest is radically different from our hustle culture. He shares five real-world reasons why rest feels impossible — including the “reentry tax,” productivity identity, and the sheer effort it takes to prepare.

We explore:

• Why biblical rest requires intentionality and community
• The psychological hurdles that keep us “too busy”
• What the Year of Jubilee might teach modern business owners
• How rest can become a regular, life-giving rhythm — not just a reward for burnout

📖 Referenced Book: Practicing the King’s Economy by Robby Holt, Michael Rhodes, and Brian Fikkert

📺 Mentioned Show: Alone, Season 11 (History Channel)

👉 Got a question for Nick? Ask it here: openhandedwealth.com/onedegree

💬 Like what you heard? Leave a review — it helps the show reach more people!

🌐openhandedwealth.com

I want to use whatever gifts I have received to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4: 10

Openhanded Wealth, LLC is a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

In this episode of the One Degree podcast, I share how small choices over time can create significant impacts in our lives. As a husband, father, and financial planner, I reflect on my love for fixing things and how this 'fix it' mentality doesn't always translate well in relationships. I recount a recent family vacation story involving my daughter and emphasize the importance of approaching relationships with humility and curiosity instead of trying to fix them. I discuss how feeling misunderstood often leads to frustration and anger and how slowing down to genuinely listen can foster better connections. I also highlight how these concepts apply to discussions, especially around sensitive topics like money. Finally, I encourage listeners to engage in better communication practices and promote relational healing.

[00:00] Introduction to the One Degree Podcast[00:16] Nick's Passion for Fixing Things[01:13] The Challenge of Fixing Relationships[02:10] A Lesson in Humility and Curiosity[06:12] Understanding and Managing Anger[07:39] Applying Lessons to Financial Conversations[09:57] Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

In today's episode of the One Degree podcast, I discuss a recent LinkedIn article about my CRM software, Wealthbox, adding a new AI note-taking feature. While it sounds efficient, I'm skeptical about its impact on innovation. I explore the necessary balance between creative energy and structured processes in business. Using examples like PowerPoint versus tools like Beautiful.ai, I emphasize the importance of flexibility and innovation in certain areas of business, while maintaining efficiency and procedures in others. Finally, I stress the significance of choosing which parts of your business to innovate and which to streamline.

[00:00] Introduction to the One Degree Podcast[00:16] New AI Note-Taking Feature in CRM Software[01:55] Balancing Creativity and Structure in Business[02:38] The Pitfalls of Built-In Tools[04:38] The Importance of Flexibility and Innovation[05:36] Knowing When to Optimize and Standardize[07:44] Conclusion and Listener Engagement

The One Degree Podcast is brought to you by Openhanded Wealth, LLC, a registered investment adviser in Holly Springs, GA, serving Christian families and small business owners. This content is educational only and should not be taken as financial, tax, or legal advice.

“whatever gifts I have received from God, may I use them to serve others, as a faithful steward of God’s varied grace." — 1 Peter 4: 10

🌐openhandedwealth.com/podcast

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

Today, I'm excited to share insights from my recent conversation with Marcus Schaller on his podcast, Attract Your Ideal Clients. Marcus and I dove deep into the concept of selling as an act of generosity. From rethinking sales not as a pushy transaction but as a service to others, to Marcus' profound idea: 'Selling is an act of generosity.' Join me as I unpack how this perspective shift is helping me and could help you too. We'll also discuss crafting clear messages about the problems you solve and why not every conversation should be a sales pitch. Let's shift our mindset and embrace sales as a form of stewardship and genuine connection.

Listen to my full interview with Marcus Schaller on Attract Your Ideal Clients.

[00:00] Introduction to the One Degree Podcast[00:16] Guest Appearance on Attract Your Ideal Clients[01:24] The Profound Concept of Selling as Generosity[02:37] Personal Reflections on Sales and Value[07:09] Reframing the Elevator Pitch[09:27] Conclusion and Listener Engagement

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

What can two jazz legends teach us about money, resilience, and playing into your mistakes? Find out on today's episode of the One Degree podcast. I'm Nick, your host, and in this episode, I'll dive into a powerful quote from Miles Davis and how it applies to financial decisions, personal growth, and faith. We'll explore how small, consistent changes shape our lives and why it's crucial to give ourselves grace. Remember, the song's not over yet—the next note might just change everything. Join me as we discover how to make the next right move.

[00:00] Introduction: The Power of the Next Note[00:26] Welcome to the One Degree Podcast[00:37] The Impact of Small Changes[01:27] Miles Davis and the Wrong Note[02:11] Applying the Concept to Life and Finances[03:41] Grace and Self-Compassion[04:02] The Kingdom of God and Wasted Time[06:15] Encouragement and Final Thoughts[07:09] Listener Engagement and Disclaimers

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

Discover the VIM framework—Vision, Intention, and Means—and how it can drive meaningful changes in your finances, business, and life. Learn actionable steps to break inertia and make lasting improvements.

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⁠⁠Visit my website⁠⁠⁠ to connect with me.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com

Oh what life lessons can we learn from AirPods? Great question. Turns out we can learn something about loss aversion, decision-making, and gratitude. In this episode, we unpack the behavioral bias that shapes how we manage money, investments, and life's choices—and how small mindset shifts can lead to peace and intentionality.

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⁠Visit my website⁠⁠ to connect with me.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit faithandfinance.substack.com