James and Amberlee share their transformative journey from a dream session in a hot tub to paying off their house and the freedom it brought them. They discuss how this financial milestone allowed them to start their own business, serve in missions, and live a lifestyle aligned with their values and goals. The episode offers valuable insights into financial planning, teamwork, and incorporating faith into decision-making. Listeners are encouraged to sit down, dream about their ideal life, and take actionable steps towards achieving it.

00:05 Welcome to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:27 The Hot Tub Dream Session

01:51 Paying Off Our House

02:27 Missions Trips and Serving as a Family

03:33 The Importance of Paying Off the House

04:17 Starting Our Own Business

05:03 Living a Different Lifestyle

06:37 The Debt Dump Challenge

07:25 Should Everyone Pay Off Their House?

07:56 God's Guidance in Financial Decisions

12:14 Experiment: Dreaming Your Ideal Life

13:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Steward Lab Podcast, hosts James and Amberlee Rich discuss the critical importance of having an emergency fund. They share personal stories about financial emergencies they have faced and how they managed them using their defense strategy of sinking funds and an emergency fund. The episode delves into what constitutes an emergency fund, how much you should save, and strategies to ensure your emergency fund is both accessible and protected. The discussion includes biblical references, particularly the story of Joseph in Egypt, highlighting the importance of prudent financial planning. The episode ends with an experimental task encouraging listeners to establish or reassess their emergency funds.

Resources:

Steward Lab Online Coaching Community: https://stewardlab.com/ (Remember, Craft Your Christmas is now included with your Steward Lab subscription)

Free Q&A Call for One-on-One Coaching: https://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

00:00 Introduction to Emergency Funds

00:10 Welcome to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:32 A Series of Unfortunate Events

01:48 Draining the Savings Buckets

02:33 Tapping into the Emergency Fund

03:57 The Importance of a Two-Part Defense Strategy

05:12 Biblical Perspective on Emergency Funds

06:29 The Reality of Financial Emergencies

06:57 Protecting Your Emergency Fund

11:13 The Freedom an Emergency Fund Provides

13:39 Determining Your Emergency Fund Amount

16:25 Practical Tips for Managing Your Emergency Fund

19:37 Weekly Experiment: Setting Up Your Emergency Fund

20:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Steward Lab Podcast, hosts James and Amberlee Rich discuss the importance of preparing for Christmas well in advance, using their own experience of celebrating Christmas in July as a fun example. They offer practical advice on finances, highlight the average spending statistics for Christmas in the U.S., and introduce their 'Craft Your Christmas' course, designed to help families create meaningful and stress-free holidays. The episode emphasizes the benefits of proactive planning to avoid last-minute stress and overspending, encouraging listeners to start saving and preparing now for a Christ-centered and joyful Christmas.

Resources:

Craft Your Christmas: http://stewardlab.com/christmas

Steward Lab Online Coaching Community: https://stewardlab.com/ (Remember, Craft Your Christmas is now included with your Steward Lab subscription)

Free Q&A Call for One-on-One Coaching: https://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

00:00 Introduction to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:26 The Story of Christmas in July

01:54 The Financial Impact of Christmas

03:53 Reflecting on Past Christmas Experiences

05:54 Planning a Meaningful Christmas

08:12 Proactive Christmas Preparation

11:43 Craft Your Christmas Course

15:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Steward Lab Podcast, James and Amberlee Rich emphasize the critical importance of gaining financial clarity to be good stewards of God's resources. They discuss strategies for understanding your financial starting point, setting clear goals, and navigating the journey to financial stability.

They also offer practical steps for organizing your finances, including assessing your spending habits. Join them to learn how clarity can transform your financial life and help you steward your resources in a God-honoring way.

Resources:

Steward Lab Online Coaching Community: https://stewardlab.com/

Free Q&A Call for One-on-One Coaching: https://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

00:00 Introduction to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:26 Technical Difficulties and Last Episode Recap

01:12 Announcement and Today's Topic: Financial Clarity

02:12 Importance of Clarity in Financial Planning

08:20 Steps to Achieve Financial Clarity

12:37 Experiment and Emotional Aspects of Finances

15:22 Support and Resources for Financial Clarity

19:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Steward Lab Podcast, hosts James and Amberlee Rich discuss the importance of organizing your finances to reduce stress and increase productivity. They share personal anecdotes about the challenges and benefits of transitioning from mental note-taking to using physical agendas, calendars, and financial systems. Key points include the impact of financial disorganization on stress levels, debt accumulation, and missed financial goals. They also offer practical tips such as using password managers, financial apps, and creating dedicated financial emails to streamline processes. The episode concludes with encouragement to take small steps toward financial clarity and offers resources like Steward Lab for more in-depth guidance.

00:00 Introduction to Financial Organization

00:17 Welcome to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:39 The Importance of Using an Agenda

02:11 The Financial Course Revelation

03:26 Building Effective Systems

05:54 The Impact of Financial Disorganization

09:30 Emotional Toll of Financial Stress

16:28 Practical Steps to Financial Clarity

18:10 Small Tweaks for Big Changes

25:58 Join the Steward Lab Community

26:44 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Steward Lab Podcast, hosts James and Amberlee Rich are joined by Mary Valloni, a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector with over two decades of experience. Mary shares her journey and insights into the importance of giving, working with nonprofits, and supporting missionaries.

The discussion covers the mutual benefits of giving for both the giver and receiver, how to start giving even if you have limited resources, and the various forms of donations beyond just monetary contributions. Mary also emphasizes the importance of vocal support for nonprofits and provides practical advice on how to discern where to give. 

Resources:

• Steward Lab Online Coaching Community: https://stewardlab.com/
• Free Q&A Call for One-on-One Coaching: https://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

Resources Mentioned in this Episode: 

• https://www.maryvalloni.com/
• https://fullyfundedacademy.com/

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, rate, and leave a review to help others discover the transformative concept of biblical stewardship in today's world.

00:00 Introduction to Giving

00:09 Welcome to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:35 Meet Our First Guest: Mary Vol

00:45 Mary's Journey in Nonprofit Work

03:16 The Importance of Giving

04:12 Spiritual Gifts and Giving

07:21 Motivations Behind Giving

12:14 Different Ways to Give

14:11 The Importance of Public Generosity

14:54 A Doctor's Inspiring Example

15:35 Aligning Business with a Cause

17:13 Supporting Missionaries: A Personal Touch

18:59 Practical Steps for Donors

20:31 Finding and Vetting Charities

23:22 Using Your Voice and Resources

24:03 Connecting with Mary Baloney

25:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Welcome to our seventh episode of the Steward Lab Podcast with James and Amberlee Rich! In this lively discussion, we delve deep into the concept and significance of the Sabbath. Contrary to popular belief, the Sabbath isn't a day meant for boredom, but a day filled with life, rest, and worship. Join us as we explore how observing the Sabbath can transform your productivity, relationships, and spiritual life. We also share personal stories and practical tips on how to implement a life-giving Sabbath in your busy week. Don't miss this episode that could change your approach to weekly rest and worship.

Resources:

• Steward Lab Online Coaching Community: https://stewardlab.com/
• Free Q&A Call for One-on-One Coaching: https://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

Subscribe to our YouTube channel, rate, and leave a review to help others discover the transformative concept of biblical stewardship in today's world.

00:00 Introduction to the Sabbath

00:16 Welcome to the Steward Lab Podcast

01:41 Personal Experiences with the Sabbath

04:05 Reevaluating the Meaning of Sabbath

05:50 The Biblical Perspective on Sabbath

07:50 The Importance of Rest in Modern Life

10:45 Practical Tips for Observing the Sabbath

12:09 The Transformative Power of Sabbath

19:39 Reflecting on Your Own Sabbath Practice

21:18 Conclusion and Action Steps

In this special anniversary edition of the Steward Lab Podcast, hosts James and Amberlee Rich celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary by sharing valuable marriage advice they've gathered over the years. They discuss the importance of teamwork, continuous learning about your spouse, annual marriage counseling, regular date nights, and effective communication. They also highlight personal stories and practical tips to strengthen your relationship. Whether you're newly married or have been together for decades, this episode is filled with insights to help you steward your marriage better and grow closer as a couple. Tune in and get inspired to make your marriage stronger!

Resources:

🔗 Join our online coaching community: https://stewardlab.com/

🔗 Schedule a free Q&A call: https://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

00:00 Introduction to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:36 Celebrating 16 Years of Marriage

01:18 The Importance of Premarital Counseling

02:47 Gathering Marriage Advice from Others

06:09 Best Marriage Advice: Get a PhD in Your Spouse

08:58 Annual Marriage Counseling

10:28 The Importance of Dating Your Spouse

13:21 Meta-Communication in Marriage

15:25 Being a Team in Marriage

18:42 Putting Your Spouse First

20:41 Dreaming Together as a Couple

21:35 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Steward Lab Podcast, James and Amberlee Rich discuss the journey from dissatisfaction to contentment. They share personal experiences, such as fixing up their first home and realizing the impact of media consumption, like TV shows, on their satisfaction with life. They dive into biblical teachings on wealth and contentment, emphasizing the importance of Christ-sufficiency rather than self-sufficiency. The episode offers practical advice on identifying and reducing triggers of discontentment, fostering gratitude, and trusting God's provision. Join them as they explore these themes and how to live a life rooted in contentment and stewardship.

Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Good Steward Prayer: https://stewardlab.com/prayer

🔗 Join our online coaching community: https://stewardlab.com/

🔗 Schedule a free Q&A call: http://richlivingcoaching.com/meet

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:29 Our First Fixer Upper Experience

01:50 The Impact of Media on Contentment

04:39 A Year Without TV

07:27 Biblical Insights on Contentment

11:29 Modern Discontent and Its Triggers

23:08 Practical Steps to Cultivate Contentment

28:40 The Good Steward Prayer

30:39 Conclusion and Upcoming Episode

In this episode of the Steward Lab Podcast, hosts James and Amberlee Rich discuss the often-taboo subject of money from a Christian perspective. They share personal anecdotes and Biblical insights on how to be good stewards of time, money, relationships, health, and careers. The episode emphasizes the importance of aligning financial practices with Biblical teachings, highlighting three key Biblical truths: all resources are God's, be content with both little and much, and don't put your trust in wealth or possessions. Additionally, they introduce their program 'Steward Lab,' aimed at helping people manage their finances based on Biblical principles, complete with a community, courses, Q&A sessions, and more. The episode concludes with the Good Steward Prayer.

00:00 Introduction to the Steward Lab Podcast

00:27 Personal Money Stories and Lessons

01:47 Biblical Perspective on Money

02:30 The Taboo of Money in Church

03:50 The Importance of Giving

08:51 Steward Lab Community and Resources

11:34 Biblical Truth 1: All Resources are God's

18:47 Biblical Truth 2: Be Content with Little and Much

29:02 Biblical Truth 3: Trust in God, Not Wealth

31:58 The Good Steward Prayer