The Bridge Austin

Join Rabbi in Israel and journey into a life sized replica one of the most intimate structures between God and man – The Tabernacle of Moses and learn the principles of how to dwell with God. 

**** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner 

Today, Mark dives into some more pressing challenges parents face today — from transitioning your parenting style as kids grow, to managing teens’ phone usage and tough issues like household rules for 18-year-olds. Drawing from real listener questions, Mark discusses how to foster safe and open communication and find the balance between structure and relationship. If you’re struggling with tech boundaries, curious about when to loosen the reins or just want practical strategies for making your home a training ground for wise decisions, this episode is full of relatable advice and encouragement!

If you've benefited from or enjoyed our podcast, will you consider making a year-end donation so we can continue these podcasts and expand our ability to help more families? Go to parentingtodaysteens.org/year-end-match today!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Many of today’s young adults are struggling to hold a job and mishandling money in an alarming manner—and parents have an important role to play in breaking the pattern! Dr. Robert Jeffress presents five lessons about money that parents need to pass along to their children and grandchildren.

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

High-yield savings rates have dipped slightly since early spring, but they remain strong enough that choosing the right account right now can still be a wise move. After several quarter-point interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, savings yields have eased—but not disappeared. In fact, many online banks continue to offer returns well above those of most brick-and-mortar institutions.

Understanding what’s happening—and how to respond—can help you steward your cash with wisdom and confidence.

Savings and investments play very different roles. A savings account is designed for money that must remain safe, accessible, and dependable—your emergency fund, short-term needs, and dollars you’ll rely on in the next few years.

Savings won’t deliver investment-level growth, but the interest they earn still matters. Every bit of growth helps preserve purchasing power and strengthens your financial footing over time.

Over the past few years, inflation rose well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. In response, the Fed raised short-term interest rates aggressively. As rates climbed, savings yields—especially at online banks—rose alongside them.

Earlier this year, many high-yield savings accounts were paying between 4.75% and 5%, sometimes more. That gave savers an unusual opportunity to earn meaningful interest on cash that would otherwise sit idle.

Since then, inflation has cooled, and the Fed has begun cutting rates. Those reductions have nudged savings yields lower, but today’s rates are still historically strong—and far more generous than what traditional banks typically offer.

Banks rarely adjust savings rates immediately after a Fed announcement. Often, there’s a window—sometimes several weeks—when higher yields remain available before they gradually drift downward.

That lag creates an opportunity. While savings accounts aren’t “locked in” like CDs, moving your money into a competitive high-yield account now allows you to benefit as rates slowly settle. Banks tend to move cautiously, often watching one another before making changes, which gives savers time to act.

For many families, knowing their savings are earning a solid return brings peace of mind—whether preparing for an unexpected expense or setting aside resources for opportunities God may bring.

A strong savings strategy usually includes three key priorities:

1. Your emergency fund. Keep three to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account. The stronger the yield, the faster that cushion grows—without taking on risk or debt.

2. Short- and mid-term goals. Money you’ll need in the next two to five years—such as a down payment, major repair, or planned purchase—should stay protected from market volatility. High-yield savings accounts offer both safety and reasonable earnings.

3. Regular comparison. Some traditional banks still pay as little as 0.01%—essentially nothing—while online banks often offer rates dozens of times higher. Comparing what you’re earning with what’s available elsewhere can make a meaningful difference.

Comparison sites like Bankrate and NerdWallet can help you evaluate current rates while also considering reliability, customer experience, and safety ratings.

Money market accounts are another solid option, often offering competitive yields with added flexibility, such as check-writing privileges. Just be mindful of minimum balance requirements.

Don’t overlook credit unions either. As not-for-profit institutions, they often return earnings to members through stronger rates and lower fees. One example is

Husbands and wives can strengthen their relationship with regular “date nights.” It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive – simply being intentional about alone time together as a couple, talking, sharing your dreams, and no distractions! The Laffoons also recommend having fun, having a purpose for your date, and doing what your spouse most desires.

Receive the book Ultimate Date Night and an audio download of "Tips for Planning Memorable Date Nights" for your donation of any amount! Your Gift DOUBLES to Help Deliver Hope and Joy! Save 2X the marriages and families this Christmas with your life-changing gift today!

Get More Episode Resources 

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family with Jim Daly, please give us your feedback.

Want more joy and a closer walk with God? Chip shares the game plan for personal satisfaction and intimacy with Him.

Breakthrough Concept #2: God owns everything. I am His money manager.

The “Oikonomia” Principle: All that we are, and all that we have belongs to God and has been temporarily entrusted to us to manage according to His wishes. -1 Cor. 4:1-2

The Setting: Correction of the Pharisees and instruction of His disciples concerning wealth.

The Story: Luke 16:1-11

• Mismanagement occurs and dismissal soon follows.
• Two options are considered and a third is taken.
• A commendation by the owner, a good lesson from a bad example, “he was shrewd.”

The Teaching: Faithfulness with material wealth is a prerequisite to being entrusted with spiritual wealth and rewards.

The Test: Two basic financial practices that demonstrate God is our #1 priority.

1. Generous stewards give the FIRST and BEST to God. -Pr. 3:9-10

2. Generous stewards give REGULARLY and SYSTEMATICALLY. -1 Cor. 16:2

Three questions wise stewards regularly ask

1. Am I using the money entrusted to me in accordance with the Owner’s wishes?

2. Am I carefully keeping account of where all the Owner’s funds are going?

3. Am I becoming “best friends” with the “Owner” by the privilege and opportunity of managing His resources?

Broadcast Resource

• Series Resources
• Message Notes

Year End Match

• Double Your Gift Today
• Ministry Report

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Hope in the Night-Trials

The peace on earth spoken of in the Christmas story will not happen until Jesus sets up his kingdom on earth. But when He first came to live among us, few understood that. In this message, Pastor Lutzer shares two life-changing takeaways about Jesus' deliverance. In God's Church, we carry on Christ's work until He returns.

This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.

Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.

Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

SUPPORT:

Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/

Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/

SUBSCRIBE:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia

Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/