'Where Your Treasure Is...': The Podcast where Faith and Finance Meet

Co-hosts Simon Glazier and Bex Elder introduce what will be covered in the two new seasons of the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast.

Season 2 starts on 31st August and will cover eight Key Life Stages, exploring the main financial decisions and actions that need to be considered in each phase.

Season 3 will provide a deeper dive into Practical Financial Planning, and its first episode will arrive on 7th September. Topics covered will include understanding pensions and ISAs, how to model your financial future, and why and how you might want to invest.

As ever, feedback, questions and requests can be sent via email to [email protected] or by sending a message on Instagram to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

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

In this bonus episode, Mike Elder - who produces 'Where Your Treasure Is...' on behalf of Free Range Podcasting - takes a light-hearted look at some of the technical issues and challenges that Simon and Bex encountered during the recording of the first season of the podcast.

Seven aspects of creating a podcast are covered, as follows:

1. To produce a podcast, you need sound, and to produce sound you need a microphone (preferably one that is switched on). [02:40]
2. To hear the sound produced during a recording, you need headphones (preferably a set that don't require pressure to be applied to an electrical connection in order to work). [03:36]
3. Audio software settings also need to be mastered if good quality sound is to be produced. [05:01]
4. A very distinctive element of audio recordings and podcasting is the need to neutralise the risk of sounds such as plosives and sibilance creating an unpleasant listening experience. [07:23]
5. The technical issues aren't restricted to equipment and software, however. The brain also needs to be engaged. [08:00]
6. And once recording has begun, an alert brain continues to be important if lapses in concentration and delivery are to be avoided. [09:44]
7. The importance of keeping "the main thing the main thing" is emphasised, particularly as far the show's email address and the name of the show are concerned. [13:08]

• Finally, and in the spirit of the rest of the episode, three top tips for navigating the podcasting journey are shared! [15:23]

This bonus episode, following the conclusion of Season 1 of the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast, is a spin-off from the fifth episode, ‘Giving’. In it, Simon explains how he came to take part in a humanitarian aid trip to Poland in June 2022. As well as describing the nature and purpose of the journey, Simon reflects on the importance of being open to participating in different types of ‘giving’, including donating our time, energy and support.

• Simon explains the nature of his recent trip to Poland to deliver humanitarian aid and how he became involved in it. [00:35]
• When asked how this trip ties in with some of the content covered in the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’podcast, Simon speaks about the engagement with a cause that can arise from giving to it. [05:35]
• Replying to a question from Bex, Simon talks about the different ways in which we can give. [10:16]
• Simon makes comments in response to a question about how we can decide what we should give in particular situations. [15:13]
• Simon talks about the arrangement that his business has adopted in order to ensure that each person in the team can give time to others on an annual basis. [17:22]
• Simon concludes by suggesting that there is a ‘grace of giving’ which means that when you participate in a practical way in a ‘giving’ activity, it is likely to have benefits for you, your community and your relationship with God. [20:09]

In this final episode of Season 1 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, Simon and Bex discuss the topic of Investing: what it is, what the Bible says about it and how to go about doing it wisely.

The following points are among those covered by Simon and Bex in their discussion:

• Simon starts off by referring to the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25.14-18) - also known as the Parable of the Bags of Gold - to illustrate the fact that the Bible describes money as a tool which needs to be used well. [01:12]
• However, Simon also goes on to acknowledge that our attitude towards money can be a major obstacle to faith, as can be seen from Jesus’s comment that, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19.24; Mark 10.25); this point of view is reinforced by a passage in 1 Timothy 6 (verses 9-11), which includes the statement, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”. [04:09]
• Bex asks whether investing money is therefore incompatible with the Christian faith because its aim is to increase how much money a person has. Simon responds by suggesting that the key issue is a person’s attitude, with generosity and obedience to God being crucial, as illustrated by 1 Timothy 6.17-19, with its exhortation to “those who are rich in this present world” to “be generous and willing to share”. This principle is reinforced in Acts 4.34-35, which describes an ongoing pattern of generosity: “from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” [05:15]
• Simon also mentions that the Bible indicates that it is right to provide for our families (both now and in the future) but, again, the crucial point is to ensure that wealth and money do not get in the way of following God. [06:54]
• Moving on from the theological perspective to practical matters, Simon explains that his aim is to provide a framework for understanding how we can, and why we should, put our money to work by investing it. The points that he covers when outlining this framework are as follows: Inflation [08:14]; Bank Accounts [09:52]; Shares and Shareholders [11:27]; and Pensions. [13:30]
• Simon then goes on to explain the following key terms and factors that are important to understand in connection with Investing: Asset Classes [15:16]; Tax Wrappers (including ISAs and salary sacrifice arrangements) [18:07]; Investment Funds (including the principle of diversification, to which there is a reference in Ecclesiastes chapter 11!) [20:55]; Risk [21:48]; Time [22:57]; Cost and Fees. [24:01]
• Bex notes that the points covered in this episode will be taken up and expanded in one of the two new podcast seasons that will be running after the break being taken over the summer: Season 2 will go into greater detail on matters relating to financial planning for each key life stage, with an episode being devoted to each life stage, while Season 3 will focus on practical tasks associated with financial planning. [24:55]

Thank you for listening to Season 1 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’

We will be back after a short break, but look out for at least one bonus episode from us in the meantime!

In Season 1 Episode 9 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’, Simon and Bex continue to look at ways in which financial planning strategies can be applied to key life stages. Generic principles grouped together under the acronym PEPSI (Protection; Emergency Fund; Pension, Savings, Investment) are again used to identify financial needs and priorities at each life stage.

Points of particular significance that are covered in this episode include the following:

• Having concentrated last time on the first life stage (‘Starting Out’), Simon begins by considering issues associated with ‘Starting a Family’, whether that be establishing a lifelong relationship or having children. [01:29] He highlights the fact that the arrival of children can be a good reason to review matters associated with the principle of protection. [03:09]
• Understanding tax, budgeting for a surplus, pensions and investing are among the topics covered when commenting on the third life stage, ‘Your First Job’. [04:21]
• When discussing the fourth life stage, ‘Your First Home’, Simon considers property matters ranging from personal priorities for a home to affordability considerations, including the benefits of adopting a cautious and pragmatic approach to buying a home and moving house. [12:30]
• Simon suggests that it is worth spending time thinking about protection, pensions, building an effective saving habit and investing during the fifth life stage, ‘Career Progression’. [16:07]
• When speaking about life stage six, ‘Getting Ready for Retirement’, Simon gives the following tips: (i) get organised and gather together all of the relevant information (ii) check your state pension (iii) make specific plans regarding how you want to spend your retirement (iv) aim to make the financial transition to retirement as smooth as possible (eg by bolstering your pension during the final 5-10 years when you are working). [20:07]
• Talking about ‘Retirement’ itself, Simon highlights the importance of checking carefully all of your pension and national insurance details, as well as prioritising your health. [23:21]
• The final life stage, ‘End of Life Planning’, involves not only putting your affairs in order but also simplifying your finances, leaving behind clear information (including a will and power of attorney arrangements) and considering whether you wish to, and are able to, make some financial gifts while you are still alive. [24:55]
• The episode concludes with an explanation of the two new seasons that will be launched, following a break after the conclusion of season 1. One season will go into greater detail on matters relating to financial planning for each key life stage, with an episode being devoted to each life stage; the other season will focus on practical tasks associated with financial planning, with the aim of making topics accessible and relevant for listeners. The final episode of the current, introductory season will be ‘Investment Strategies’, which will look at some essential points that can assist people to invest wisely. [28:06]

In Season 1 Episode 8 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’, the focus is on ‘Financial Planning for Key Life Stages’.

Foundational principles are explored by considering the situation faced by those who are starting out on their financial journey, but those principles are generic and are relevant for listeners whatever their life stage may be.

Specific points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• The podcast has attracted a wide audience from all stages of life, so the aim of this episode is to identify some key principles that will be relevant and useful for listeners regardless of the particular stage that they have reached in their own financial journey. [01:00]
• Simon refers to the acronym PEPSI to identify the generic principles that can be used to assess our financial needs and priorities at each stage of life: Protection; Emergency Fund; Pension, Savings, Investment [03:25]
• It is noted that while debt management does not appear as a category in its own right, it is an important “thread” that runs through all life stages and requires appropriate attention to avoid issues arising. [04:18]
• Simon explains the meaning of ‘Protection’ in a financial planning context. [05:53]
• Bex provides a list of eight life stages that each have their own distinct financial circumstances and would therefore benefit from having the five core principles applied to their specific needs and priorities. [06:23]
• Simon describes the first group identified by Bex: individuals who are “starting out’ on their financial journey. [07:09] He then goes on to analyse the relevance and usefulness of each element of the PEPSI approach to their situation: Protection [07:51], including a discussion about what a Christian’s attitude should be towards Insurance [10:23]; Emergency Fund [13:52]; Pension, Savings and Investment [17:23]
• Simon provides some closing observations that he hopes will be helpful for each of us as we endeavour to take forward our own financial journeys well. [19:55]
• The next episode of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ will continue the financial planning theme, covering the remaining key life stages and applying the PEPSI principle to them. [21:25]

In Season 1 Episode 7 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’, Simon and Bex continue to explore the theme of ‘Negative Money’, a term used by Simon to prompt us to think about various kinds of debt and borrowing that can be part of our financial experience these days.

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

• Initially, a quick recap of Part 1 of this topic is provided. [01:02]
• Some points to consider regarding bank overdrafts are put forward. [02:49]
• When discussing credit cards, it is acknowledged that they can be useful, but Simon suggests that they should be treated with caution and an awareness that they can prove problematic if they are not managed carefully. [04:37]
• Bex and Simon talk about various kinds of loans, and issues associated with them, [09:14] before Simon goes on to remind listeners of the two key questions to ask when considering the possibility of taking on any kind of debt. [11:31]
• Specific points relating to student loans are considered. [12:33] Simon highlights the fact that we are our own most valuable financial asset (because of our ability to work, earn money etc), so it can be a “good debt” to invest in our education, health and personal development. [14:51]
• Bex asks Simon about “buy now, pay later” arrangements (including those offered online by Klarna) and whether we should consider them to be good or bad debt options. [17:06]
• Simon talks about ‘snowballing’ approaches to paying off multiple debts. [19:56] If, however, attempts to manage debt are unsuccessful, very helpful information and advice can be provided by Christians Against Poverty and Citizens Advice [23:35]
• In next week’s episode of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’, the topic under discussion will be ‘Financial Planning for Key Life Stages’. [24:30]

In Season 1 Episode 6 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’, Simon and Bex consider the topic of ‘Negative Money’, a term used by Simon to prompt us to think about various kinds of debt and borrowing that can be part of our financial experience these days.

A key theme running through the show is the importance of being able to distinguish between “what we need” and “what we want”.

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

• In response to a question from Bex, Simon explains why he has chosen to call the episode ‘Negative Money’ rather than ‘Debt’. [00:48]
• Bex asks Simon what kinds of financial transaction he would include under the heading of ‘Negative Money’. [01:48]
• As his starting point for opening up a discussion about debt and borrowing, Simon comments on the Shakespearean quotation: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be”. [02:50]
• Simon highlights the following verses from the Bible which mention debt and borrowing: Deuteronomy 15.1-15; Proverbs 22.7 (“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender”); Romans 13.8 (“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”) [04:55]
• Three key principles arising from biblical teaching on debt are identified: try to avoid getting into debt; if you are in debt, try to get out of it as soon as possible; if you can make a payment to reduce or remove debt, do so. [06:44]
• Bex comments that it is virtually impossible to avoid debt in contemporary society and asks Simon whether all debt is bad. [08:19]
• Simon talks about mortgages as a means of considering issues raised by a couple of key questions: Does God want me to borrow money in certain circumstances? Can there be such a thing as a “good debt”? [09:43]
• Bex asks Simon to apply the “good debt” principles that he has identified to another significant purchase: buying a car. [13:54] As part of his response, he highlights the importance of recognising the difference between “what we need” and “what we want”. [14:59]
• Affordability (in this case, of a debt rather than of an item being purchased) is identified as another key point that needs to be taken into account in this area, along with the associated “risk and reward” considerations. [18:44]
• However, even if careful decision making has taken place, with the aim of managing any possible risks, financial shocks can still happen. In such instances, Christians Against Poverty and Citizens Advice can be invaluable sources of information and advice. [22:09]
• The next episode of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ will continue the theme of ‘Negative Money’, including some thoughts on how to get out, and then stay out, of debt. [23:53]

In the fifth episode of Season 1 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, Simon and Bex take a deeper dive into the topic of Giving. They consider what the Bible says about the subject and discuss how various key points should be interpreted. Simon outlines his own thoughts and practice in this area with the aim of providing listeners with some points which may be helpful to them as they consider this aspect of their finances.

Key points that are covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex invites Simon to share his thoughts about tithing, a topic which can prompt a fair amount of debate among Christians. [03:09] Bible verses to which he refers when discussing the principles behind tithing, and how we should interpret them, include the following: Matthew 23.23 where Jesus endorses tithing but stresses that it must be accompanied by principled living and a focus on justice and mercy [07:24]; Mark 12.41-44 (the widow’s offering) as an example of proportionate and sacrificial giving [08:10]; 1 Corinthians 16.1-2 to highlight the importance of planned and regular giving [09:32]; and 2 Corinthians 9.6-13 as a passage that draws attention to the joy and blessing that is widely experienced when God’s people are generous in their attitudes and behaviour. [10:56]

• Simon comments that much of what he has been saying can be summarised as follows: “It's not about how much we give but about what we do with the how much that we have been given." [13:01]

• Simon explains the practices that he has adopted in this area in the hope that they will provide listeners with a helpful starting point for their own reflections on the topic. He covers the following points: (1) To whom should we give? [13:59]; (2) When should we give? (Part 1 – in general terms) [15:11]; (3) When should we give? (Part 2 – dealing more specifically with the practicalities of regular giving) [16:38] (4) How should we give? (Part 1 - the benefits of a standing order) [17:32]; (5) How much should we give? [19:18]; (6) How should we give? (Part 2 – the advantages of Gift Aid) [21:55]; (7) How can we factor in irregular giving? [24:14]; (8) How can we involve our family in this area? [25:10]

• In response to a question from Bex, Simon provides some thoughts on how people might start giving if this is something that they haven’t done before and they are finding the issue quite daunting. [20:27]

• Simon indicates that he is very happy to take queries and requests for further information from listeners on this topic. This can be done by emailing [email protected] [26:26]

• We would love you to join us for the next episode of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, when our theme will be 'Negative Money', covering topics such as Debt, Loans, Credit Cards, Overdrafts, Mortgages and Buy Now Pay Later. [26:58]

In the fourth episode of Season 1 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, Simon and Bex consider the key topic of Foundations of Faithful Finance, first of all from an individual point of view, and then by looking at five foundations that everyone can use when managing their finances.

Key points that are covered in this episode include the following:

• In response to a question from Bex, Simon identifies three elements that are at the heart of his endeavours to be faithful to God in the way that he deals with his finances: faith, family and philanthropy. [00:53]

• He goes on to explain what he means by ‘philanthropy’. [01:36] (NB Despite describing his core values as the three ‘F’s, Simon does know how to spell ‘philanthropy’. 😉)

• Simon observes that while the composition of the foundations of faithful finance are likely to differ from person to person, the faith aspect – our relationship with God – should always come first. He uses the following Bible verses to illustrate that point: “To obey is better than sacrifice” 1 Samuel 15.22; “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter, without neglecting the former.” Matthew 23.23 [03:16]

• Simon provides thoughts on the relationship between faith and finance, which can be very challenging in this day and age when money is given such prominence. [07:06]

• Simon goes on to speak about the challenge of giving family its rightful place as one of his priorities when it can be so easy to persuade yourself that establishing financial security for your family is the best way of achieving that goal. [08:20]

• It is acknowledged that not everyone will have philanthropy as one of their personal, faith-related, financial priorities, with Simon explaining that he regards it as a specific and particular ‘gift’ entrusted to him by God, along the lines outlined in Roman 12.6-8: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” [10:55]

• Simon lists five foundations of faithful finance that are applicable to everyone and will be explored in future episodes: Budgeting [14:08]; An Emergency Fund [15:48]; Compound Interest [16:47]; Protection [18:33]; Pensions [20:20]

• Four more topics will be covered during this first season: Giving; Negative Money; Life Stages in Financial Planning; and Investment Strategy. These themes will also be developed in future episodes, with Season 2 concentrating on the Life Stages strand. [22:34]

• The priority, however, continues to be to provide content that is genuinely useful to our listeners, so please contact us at [email protected] with any feedback, requests, queries or suggestions. [24:00]

• You are warmly invited to join us for the next episode of ‘Where Your Treasure Is...’, which will focus on Giving. [25:26]