In Episode 4 of the ‘Money and Me’ season, Simon and Bex discuss strategies for anticipating and dealing with personal financial emergencies that can arise in life.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• In response to a question from Bex about factoring life’s uncertainties into our financial planning, Simon dives in at the deep end and talks about death. It serves as a useful illustration of the mixture of certainty and uncertainty that we experience in our lives – on the one hand, we know that we are all going to die at some point; on the other hand, we don’t know when that will happen and what financial impact it will have on others. [00:33]
• While it is not particularly pleasant to think about life’s uncertainties and reflect on the possible consequences of death and serious injury, doing so can prompt us to consider positive actions such as writing a will, taking out insurance and being prudent in our financial planning and expenditure. [06:20]
• Simon picks up on the insurance point and acknowledges that people can have mixed attitudes towards it, including querying it from a faith perspective. However, it can be extremely helpful when difficult life events occur and can also significantly reduce the impact and trauma of such happenings on individuals and families. [09:26]
• Simon goes on to offer some thoughts about limiting our exposure to the risk of redundancy and the benefits of proactively building resilience through our financial planning and the choices that we make. [13:09]
• When it comes to contingency planning, it can be worthwhile to think about setting up our finances so that some checks and balances - such as using bank or savings accounts requiring notice for withdrawals - are in place. [16:07]
• Simon’s top tips when it comes to thinking about the uncertainties that can arise in connection with buying a house is to do our best to remember all of the associated costs that come with moving home and to resist the temptation to stretch ourselves to the limit when taking on a mortgage. [17:34]
• ’Everyday emergencies’ – when expensive bills arise from unforeseen incidents and events – can be very stressful and difficult, so Simon urges listeners to put in place whatever proportionate and sensible financial contingency planning they can afford. A beneficial side-effect of taking that approach is that it increases the likelihood that we will be able to help others when they are in need. [22:46]
• After a short break, the next two episodes in this ‘Money and Me’ series will explore the challenges involved in talking about money and the benefits of being generous. [26:15]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the third episode of the ‘Money and Me’ season, Simon and Bex talk about practicalities (including processes as well as tools) that can help us to manage our money well.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon starts off by commenting that because people deal with issues in different ways, there is not a single, ideal way to manage our money. Instead, we need to select - from a range of options - the strategies and tools that are going to work best for us. [01:35]
• Rather than launching straight into an evaluation of money management tools, Simon highlights the importance of adopting key attitudes from the outset: being deliberate; being diligent; being discerning. [03:09]
• Unless we are deliberate in our approach to money, we will not take on the sense of responsibility that is required if we are going to be good and effective stewards of our wealth and possessions. [04:02]
• Diligence is the action of following through so that appropriate and thoughtful actions are taken. Research and study of relevant topics can really help us to achieve that goal, and Simon mentions a couple of specific recommendations that he has found particular helpful: the work of Mark Lloydbottom and books from www.eden.co.uk [05:47]
• Building up our ‘discernment muscle’ over time can really help us to align our decision making with godly principles and practice. [08:59]
• When it comes to the practicalities of managing our money, it is important to look both backwards and forwards. Looking backwards enables us to check for mistakes and also to review our spending. [10:47] Looking forward gives us the opportunity to plan the way that we use our money so that we can achieve goals that are important to us and are aligned with God’s call on our lives. [13:17]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon mentions some money management ‘tools’ that he has found helpful. Currently, he uses a paid product, ‘You Need a Budget’ software, for his own purposes but he stressed the availability of free products that will serve most people’s money management needs – banking apps, spreadsheet tools and phone notes can all be really useful in helping us to track and plan expenditure etc. Bex added that she finds a digital ‘to do’ list, such as todoist, a great way of setting reminders to undertake particular financial tasks. [17:32]
• Simon concludes by emphasising the importance of taking account of both the ‘certainties’ and the uncertainties of life when planning our finances. Forethought, flexibility and allowing for unexpected contingencies can therefore be very helpful strategies to identify and develop. [19:38]
• Next week’s episode, ‘Life Happens!’, will drill down further into ways in which we can prepare ourselves and build resilience that can help us deal with the range of unwelcome surprises that we can end up having to deal with in our lives. [22:49]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the second episode of this season on ‘Money and Me’, Simon and Bex talk about the importance of identifying core values and principles at the start of our journey with money.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon suggests that the first step in getting to grips with money is being willing to think and talk about it [01:25]; the second stage is to start exploring and understanding what we believe as a result of our faith and how that then affects the way that we think about money and how it should be used. [05:32]
• Simon talks about the importance of identifying a small number of key guiding values that tie in with our circumstances, experiences and personal priorities. We can test whether these values are likely to be appropriate and helpful for us over the long-term through the likes of the rocking chair test, which prompts us to evaluate our anticipated direction of travel by looking into the future and thinking about the kind of person we might become. [07:44]
• Simon comments that one of the biggest challenges that we face arises from the fact that the culture of the society in which we live can exert a huge influence on our attitudes towards wealth and possessions. If we are to exercise integrity in our dealings with money, we not only need to be alert to that factor, we will also need to make our own decisions, based on our view of the nature and purpose of money. [12:25]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon talks about possible ways in which we can find an appropriate balance between being responsive and generous with our money while, at the same time, managing it in a godly and wise manner. Two very significant principles for us to consider in that context are to include others in our money journey and to have a ‘stewardship’ mindset. [16:05]
• Next week’s episode, ‘Do I Need a Spreadsheet?’, will explore some of the practical tools that can help us to turn our principles into practice when it comes to managing and using our money well. [21:16]
• Bex rounds off the episode by encouraging listeners to pick up the challenge of having a money conversation this week and to get in touch to say how that went. [22:30]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the first episode of this season on ‘Money and Me’, Simon talks about key moments and turning points in his journey with money.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon talks about a Peugeot 204 and the part that it played in the first ‘gripping memory’ that he has of money. [03:45]
• Simon's first significant experience of managing his own money was when he became a student. [06:06]
• Being left some money in his Gran’s will prompted Simon to consider the relevance of biblical teaching to what he did with his money. [08:32]
• Getting married was a really formative time in Simon’s journey with money, especially in terms of coming to appreciate the difference between ‘managing’ money and ‘using’ it. [13:19]
• Thinking of money as a tool helped Simon and his wife set goals for their mortgage and the kind of house that they wanted to buy that were in line with their desire to create a really good home for their family and to be hospitable. [16:04]
• Simon explains some factors that have influenced his approach to financial planning, highlighting, in particular, the need for people to identify and understand what is most important to them if they are going to use money well. [18:10]
• Simon concludes the episode by talking about why the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast exists. [21:05]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed through @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the second bonus episode of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Dr Yekemi (Kemi) Otaru shares her experiences of dealing with faith and finance challenges in her role as CEO of Aberdeen charity, Somebody Cares.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Kemi introduces herself, explaining the steps that led her to become the CEO of Somebody Cares. Her achievements en route include becoming the first black woman to serve as a University Chancellor in Scotland. [01:09] Kemi goes on to talk about how Somebody Cares gives immediate relief and support for people in hardship and poverty in and around Aberdeen by providing furniture and running a food bank. [02:40]
• In response to a question from Bex, Kemi outlines her journey of faith from childhood, through her professional life and into the present day. [05:24]
• Kemi describes the nature of her role at Somebody Cares and the importance of finding time both for immediate, practical priorities and for long-term, strategic planning. [13:21]
• When asked about the significance of money to her role, Kemi speaks about funding, contingency planning and using the money well so that it makes the greatest possible impact. [16:43]
• Kemi drills deeper into funding arrangements and explains how listeners can support Somebody Cares and similar charities. [22:18]
• Kemi responds to a question from Simon about how her attitude to her own personal giving has been affected by her involvement with a charity. [27:45]
• As well as the website that explains charity VAT(!), Kemi has found www.goodfinance.org very helpful as it provides key performance indicators and examples linked to social impact reporting. [29:39]
• Kemi’s final piece of advice is directed towards anyone who feels that God may be calling them to some kind of involvement in the charitable sector. As well as praying about the options, Kemi would suggest exploring the possibility of becoming a trustee of a charity because that can provide such great insights into charitable activities while also being of huge benefit to a charity. [31:31]
• With this being the final episode of Season 9 of the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast, Simon invites listeners to provide feedback and suggestions that will help to shape Season 10, which will commence after a short break. [34:40]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the first bonus episode of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Malcolm Webb shares his experiences of balancing faith and finance on a daily basis in his role as a church accountant.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Malcolm introduces himself, explaining how he became a Christian and the steps that led him to become the accountant of a multi-site church serving Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. [01:48]
• In response to a question from Bex, Malcolm describes some of the dynamics of being the accountant of a church other than the one that he attends himself. [07:01]
• As part of a discussion about tracking donations and the purposes for which they have been given, Bex reminds Malcolm of a time when the response of church members to a special appeal had been so generous that it caused the bank to be in touch to check that nothing untoward was taking place! [11:53]
• Responding to a question from Simon, Malcolm talks about the challenge of balancing his professional responsibility to operate ‘by sight’ with his personal conviction that he has been called to live ‘by faith’. [13:42]
• When asked for a top tip to help with the running of the finance function of a church, Malcolm recommends taking advantage of available technology (especially Excel), streamlining processes and encouraging donors to set up standing orders. [18:48]
• When it comes to training others to manage money well on behalf of a church or charity, Malcolm highlights the importance of developing understanding and an inquiring mind. [21:09]
• Having previously quoted Psalm 50 verse 10 (“for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills”), Malcolm identifies the Parable of the Bags of Gold (Matthew 25.14-30) as another biblical passage that has been influential in shaping his thoughts on money and what our attitude towards it should be. [23:39]
• When asked if he has a story of seeing God’s generosity at work, Malcolm talks about the capacity of the church to initiate social transformation, as illustrated by the cafe that has recently been set up with a clear vision that it will develop its own ‘ministry’ for the benefit of others. [25:27]
• Having been invited to do so by Bex, Malcolm prays for those who are feeling called by God to initiate or take forward a church-related project or idea that requires financial expertise or resources. [27:22]
• Simon talks about the hidden, but vital, role of the church accountant; Malcolm responds by commenting that, in fact, the nature of financial communication these days (eg through Zettle transactions and detailed bank statements) means that he is very aware of what is going on in church life and often feels that he has been given a ‘front row seat’ to observe it. [29:10]
• A second Season 9 bonus episode will follow shortly, also featuring a guest with significant experience of dealing with faith and finance matters in the charity sector. [32:51]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 8 of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Simon and Bex discuss ways in which faith can be put before finance so that vision is turned into provision for churches and charities.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex and Simon introduce the topic of vision and provision in church and charity work, noting from the outset that there is a crucial balance that needs to be struck between having faith and being realistic about financial matters. [00:34] Bex gives some biblical examples to illustrate the fact that God provides for his people in many different ways, sometimes through quite unexpected means. [02:45]
• Simon uses his own experience as a church trustee to highlight the key principle of identifying the individual responsibilities that people undertake, observing that this will lead them to weigh faith and finance elements differently from those who fill other roles within a church or charity. [03:31] Simon then develops the point, suggesting that it can be helpful to recognise that complementary contributions can be made by those who are very good at managing money and those who are very good at using money. [05:49]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon talks about the type of discernment that is needed to deal with circumstances in which there is a gap between the scope and vision for a project and the current level of provision. [07:05]
• By inviting listeners to put themselves into the position of someone appealing for money to support a vision, Simon highlights the importance of engagement from those who are responsible for the finances of a church or charity; otherwise, important opportunities can be missed or watered down. [10:37]
• There is a balance to be struck between holding the resources that God has provided lightly and appreciating what has been entrusted to us so that we are diligent and responsible in the ways that we use those resources. [13:22]
• Simon describes ways in which the issues associated with operating a church or charity budget can be tackled, with a structured approach, oversight, discernment, flexibility and good communication being key factors. [15:35]
• There are also legal requirements that have to be fulfilled, so Simon speaks about ways in which a good working relationship can be built up with the charity regulator. [18:22]
• In order to exercise due diligence, there needs to be a plan for bringing a charity to an end, if need be. Simon explains some steps that can be taken to accommodate that possibility. [20:12]
• Responding to a question from Bex, Simon explains how charities can borrow money, for example by taking out a mortgage. [21:45]
• Simon concludes by praying for those already involved in charitable work and also for those with a vision to be involved in activity of that nature in the future. [23:42]
• Bex invites listeners to get in touch with their questions and also with stories about their own experiences of charity and finance. Up next will be a bonus episode, airing in a few weeks’ time, in which Malcolm Webb, a church accountant, will share his experiences of balancing faith and finance on a daily basis. [24:58]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 7 of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Simon and Bex discuss approaches that charities and churches can take to dealing with staffing and other business factors that affect their finances.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex starts off the discussion by asking Simon whether all charities and churches need ‘staff’ [00:50] and then goes on to enquire about essential personnel, such as trustees, for a charity. (01:51)
• Simon explains that the nature and vision of a charity will determine if, and when, it should start employing staff. [05:01]
• Simon talks about the advantages for some charities of adopting selected elements of a business organisational structure [06:38] and follows up by outlining key principles that should underpin the approach of a charity that has decided to operate along the lines of a not-for-profit business. [08:41]
• When it comes to employing staff, Simon notes that it can be a complex area to navigate – not least because there are legal requirements and regulatory policies that need to be observed – and therefore it can be a moment in time when it can be very helpful to enlist some expert assistance. [10:38]
• When asked about contracts, Simon explains the circumstances under which a temporary contract can be appropriate and also highlights the importance of good communication in relation to contracts in general. [12:43]
• Simon shares some thoughts about approaches that can be taken in connection with the important task of making decisions regarding appropriate levels of remuneration for staff. [14:17]
• Once staff have been employed, there is an onus on a charity or church to put in place appropriate communication, review, appraisal, training and contract processes. [17:18]
• Given the complex and ever-changing nature of employment regulations and tax arrangements, it quickly becomes highly desirable to have access to an accountant, payroll services, HR personnel etc. [19:33]
• When staffing appointments don’t work out for whatever reason, Simon would recommend taking professional advice (eg from an HR expert or solicitor) as it is very important to adhere to legal and other processes in such situations. [20:49] Once again, the significant role of the trustees is highlighted as they are often to the fore when it comes to ensuring that issues are dealt with in the best and most professional manner possible. [23:59]
• The next episode in this season will focus on ways in which faith can be put before finance so that vision is turned into provision! [24:31]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 6 of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Simon and Bex discuss how charities and churches can make finances work for specific projects.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon starts off the discussion by mentioning a number of different types of projects – including special events, new initiatives and building projects – that can require a specific financial response from a church or charity. [01:49]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon suggests that the first priority should be to establish the timescale of the project as that will determine how best to manage and schedule the communication and financial elements of the venture. Simon notes that it is important to keep the timescale under review and to be willing to make adjustments to it under certain circumstances. [05:23]
• Simon identifies the cost of a project as being another important priority when undertaking a special project. He explains that it is important to undertake a ‘scaling’ process to establish the implications for a charity or church of taking on this new commitment, especially if the target amount is equivalent to a high proportion of the expected annual income. [09:33]
• When asked about how best to predict and control project expenditure, Simon highlights the following points: include some contingency costs in the budget; if possible, increase financial commitments gradually; be realistic and pragmatic when communicating to donors and supporters about money matters. [12:05]
• Simon outlines some people-related considerations that need to be taken into account when planning a project. [13:48]
• Simon explains the issues that can arise from donations that fall into the category of ‘restricted giving’ (ie gifts that have been targeted at a specific outcome or purpose). [16:34] Clear communication is the best way for a charity to avoid unwelcome outcomes in this context while for donors, the answer is to state that their gifts can be used for general purposes / in any way that the charity feels is appropriate. [21:03]
• Simon concludes by referring listeners to Season 5 of this podcast for further content on the topic of ‘Giving’ and also encourages those working in charities to be encouraged and to keep making a difference. [22:38]
• The next episode in this season will focus on approaches that charities and churches can take to dealing with staffing and other business factors. [23:46]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 5 of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Simon and Bex discuss how, when and with whom charities and churches should talk about money.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon starts off by suggesting that when it comes to talking about money, churches and charities should be proactive by initiating conversations, and also by determining their content and direction. [01:41] He adds that money cannot be a ‘secret topic’ for a church or charity for legal reasons and also because transparency and accountability are required in order to demonstrate that donations etc have been managed well and appropriately. [03:13]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon identifies some key elements of communicating well about money: use a variety of methods to communicate because people assimilate facts in different ways; and create a picture (eg by telling stories) of how the money received has been transformed into positive outcomes for individuals and communities. [05:10] On a year-by-year basis, a ‘compare and contrast’ approach can also work well, especially if this includes some visual elements, such as charts and infographics. [07:10]
• On the topic of when and how often should churches and charities talk about money to their supporters / congregations, Simon suggests that the following approach is sensible and balanced: create (and explain) a ‘rhythm’ of regular (but not excessive) financial updates; stick to that cycle; be consistent in the way that information is presented on each occasion. [08:37]
• Simon notes that it is important to understand the reason behind any communication about money as that will affect the way in which it is conveyed and the outcome that is achieved. [11:14] Focusing on why a particular communication is taking place can also help us to ‘stand aside’, review and adapt it in a manner that helps to ensure that the listener receives the desired message in exactly the way that it was intended. [12:44]
• Simon goes on to suggest three key reasons for a charity or church to communicate regularly with its donors: to provide feedback on the benefits that are being achieved through their donations; to keep them informed so that they can be engaged and proactive in their giving; to inspire them to spread the word about the good outcomes being achieved through the donations received so far. [14:15]
• Simon agrees with Bex that a great deal can be achieved when people give their influence by endorsing or praising a cause. [17:01] He also notes that a well-crafted financial report of the type sent out by some charities once a year can be an effective way of getting a positive money message out to potential supporters. [17:55]
• Bex and Simon then discuss the benefits that can arise when a church or charity shares with its staff and volunteers regular, helpful and transparent updates on money matters and the outcomes being achieved. [18:26]
• Bex and Simon talk about how an Appreciation Dinner initiated by Simon has been a means of inviting others to hear about what can be achieved through giving and to get involved themselves. [20:52]
• In addition, partnerships forged through compassion and respect have the potential to achieve more than solo endeavours and can even lead to charities coming together formally in a helpful manner, in certain contexts. [22:11]
• Simon’s final exhortation is not to shy away from talking about money; even in difficult circumstances, it is important to keep communication channels open, and there can still be good stories to tell. [23:39]
• The next episode in this season will consider how charities and churches can make finances work for specific projects. [24:07]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to [email protected] while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.