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It’s only day two of the new year. How are those resolutions holding up?

Every January, many of us recommit to eating better, exercising more, or finally getting our finances on track. And yet, most resolutions fade long before winter does. The issue usually isn’t a lack of desire—it’s a lack of accountability and perspective.

That’s especially true when it comes to budgeting. Managing money well requires more than good intentions. It requires clarity about why we’re doing it and a system that supports us day by day.

To explore that idea, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at FaithFi, to discuss what actually helps people follow through on their financial goals.

Chad shared an observation from years of building budgeting tools: many people view a budget the same way they view a diet. They know it’s necessary, but it feels restrictive, temporary, and easy to abandon when life gets busy.

The problem usually isn’t the budget itself. It’s the missing “why.”

You may know what you want to do—get out of debt, save more, or give generously—but without a compelling reason behind it, the motivation fades quickly. Sustainable habits require more than goals; they need purpose.

For believers, Scripture gives us a clear foundation for our financial “why.” Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” God owns it all. We don’t.

That truth reshapes budgeting entirely. If God is the owner, then our role is stewardship—managing what He has entrusted to us for His purposes.

But Chad introduced an important distinction: how we view God as owner matters just as much as recognizing His ownership.

Chad used a helpful analogy. Imagine managing a coffee shop for someone else.

A passive owner hands you the keys, says, “Good luck,” and disappears. You make every decision on your own, unsure what the owner really wants.

An active owner, on the other hand, says, “Call me anytime. I’m here to help.” That owner stays engaged, offers guidance, and shares responsibility.

Many of us unknowingly treat God like a passive owner—assuming He’s uninvolved in our day-to-day money decisions. But Scripture paints a different picture. God desires to be an active owner, guiding us through the Holy Spirit as we seek wisdom and direction.

That realization lifts a heavy burden. We’re not meant to figure it all out on our own.

When we see God as an active owner, budgeting stops being a rigid rulebook and becomes a practical tool for faithful stewardship.

A budget isn’t the goal—it’s the means. It helps us manage the King’s resources wisely, align our spending with our values, and make intentional decisions rather than reactive ones.

Without this perspective, budgeting can feel overwhelming or pointless. With it, budgeting becomes an act of faithfulness.

Another key insight Chad shared: budgeting isn’t about finding the perfect method—it’s about having a system.

People manage money differently. Some thrive with detailed categories. Others prefer broader guardrails. The important thing is consistency, not complexity.

That’s why the FaithFi app was designed with multiple budgeting systems, including a digital version of the classic envelope method many longtime listeners recognize. The goal isn’t to force everyone into the same mold, but to help each person find a system that fits their habits and personality.

Over time, that system becomes part of daily life—like your morning cup of coffee. When you’re not checking in with it, you can feel that something’s

It’s a strange day indeed when a “man of the cloth” runs from the Lord. Jonah was a prophet of God . . . but when God gave him an assignment, he literally left town in the opposite direction. That solved everything, right? Not at all. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out, when we run from God, He still knows where we are, and He has some amazing ways to get our attention. And He may stop at nothing to get us back on track. Let’s learn more.

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Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

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Why is it that some people who have been converted turn back to living in sin like they were when they were lost? Dr. Stanley explains some key principles to help believers be on guard against falling back into their old lifestyles.

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Teaching we want to hear in 2026, plus God’s plan for your career, and an executive’s career resource recommendations.   

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Roundtable: What I Wish My Church Would Talk About

As you look forward to spiritual growth in 2026, what do you hope your pastor will preach on? What do you feel is needed by Christians in terms of scriptural guidance and instruction? Or maybe encouragement? Any specific Bible passages or topics seem especially relevant? Our guests ponder this potential; actually talking to their pastors about it — well, we’ll see!  

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Culture: God’s Will for Your Career

Does God have specific direction for your career? Does it matter what you do? Jordan Raynor lives, thinks and breathes all things calling and vocation. He spends time this week helping us decipher what listening to the Holy Spirit looks like when it comes to our jobs. He also offers tips for being proactive, pursuing growth, and moving on. 

The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity (Even When You’re Not Sharing the Gospel)        

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Inbox: Favorite Career Resources

If you’re a successful executive coach, what are your go-to career resources? Ken Lane has a list of books, podcasts and assessments that you should check out. 

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Comedian John Branyan celebrates the sensibilities of those who live in the Midwest……what some people from the West and East coasts refer to as “Flyover Country.” The “coasters” think their big cities and beaches are special, but the Midwest contains all of America’s food! After riffing on a variety of subjects, John closes with a very encouraging word picture about the value of every human life.

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How much praise should you give your kids? Danny talks with John about how to know if the ways you're praising your kids are helpful. You'll also hear from Michelle Nietert, who talks to Jim Daly about why proper forms of praise can encourage them to process their emotions.

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The first word of the Great Commission is an important one . . . and a challenging one. “GO and make disciples.” “How ‘bout if we STAY and make disciples? Can’t we just phone it in. Can we text them? Maybe a clever meme on social media?” No, today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points out how we need to go and share our faith on their turf. We can’t expect them to come to church, Jesus expects us to go and meet them right where they are. Today’s talk is from our series of best of messages.

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Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years.

Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.

Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupport

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.