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Sometimes the most powerful “yes” to God begins with a courageous “no” to the world.

We all want the best for our kids, but knowing what’s truly best isn’t always easy.

You’ve probably heard it—or said it yourself: “I just want my kids to have what I didn’t.” It sounds noble, but it can sometimes lead to financial trouble. Today, we’ll talk with Dr. Art Rainer about how that mindset can push parents into debt.

Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is a regular contributor here at Faith & Finance and the author of Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.

Raising kids is one of the most joyful and rewarding callings in life, but it can also be financially challenging. As parents, we want to give our children the best: opportunities, experiences, and resources that help them flourish. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we can fall into financial traps that lead to debt.

Here are six common ways loving parents may unintentionally sabotage their finances—and how to avoid them.

It’s a familiar struggle: your neighbor buys designer clothes for their kids or sends them to an elite private school, and suddenly you feel the need to do the same. But appearances can be deceiving—many people fund their lifestyle with debt. Chasing someone else’s standard is a never-ending race, and the finish line keeps moving. Be cautious of modeling your spending after others who may not be living within their means.

Social media only shows the highlight reel. Perfect family vacations, overachieving kids, and pristine homes can tempt you to measure your life against a filtered illusion. These comparisons can spark discontentment and drive unnecessary purchases just to keep up appearances or ease the guilt of not "measuring up." Be mindful of how much your scrolling influences your spending.

From travel teams to private lessons and elite camps, extracurricular activities have become a costly arms race. While these opportunities can be beneficial, they shouldn't come at the expense of your financial health. Don’t believe the lie that your child will fall behind if they don’t do everything. It’s okay to say no, for the sake of your budget and your family’s peace.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting your children to succeed in school and in life, but academic or career accomplishments should never come at the cost of neglecting their hearts. Investing in your child’s character, through time, guidance, and godly instruction, often requires less money but more intentional effort. And in the end, it matters far more.

If you lacked certain things growing up, it’s natural to want your kids to have more. Whether it was a nicer bike, newer clothes, or a first car, those memories can shape how you respond as a parent. But giving in to every request—even on credit—can backfire. Love doesn’t always mean saying “yes.” Sometimes it means exercising the wisdom to say “not right now.”</

Have you ever wondered why certain activities in life come naturally to you, while others feel like a struggle? The answer might lie in understanding your unique spiritual gift! Dr. Robert Jeffress examines the seven spiritual gifts outlined in Romans chapter 12 and helps identify which gift God has given to you.

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

Walker Hayes used to be an atheist and Craig Cooper was a pastor, and somehow God bonded these men and their families into an unlikely friendship of 20+ years. And as a result, Walker eventually became a follower of Jesus!

Receive the book Glad You’re Here and an audio download of "The Life-Changing Power of Faithful Friendships" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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See behind the scenes of Joni's portrait of depression here.

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Most pilots follow an unwritten rule: if they flip a certain switch and the plane suddenly starts going crazy, they switch it back. Pretty basic. Well, spiritually, if we think a certain path we’ve chosen is God’s will for our lives but then our lives suddenly fall apart, maybe it’s worth reconsidering. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings helpful insights on following God’s will for our lives. It’s practical help for those of us who are unsure about God’s direction.

Listen on harvest.org

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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.

Support the show: https://harvest.org/support

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Want to do relationships differently? Authors Sean Perron and Spencer Harmon point you in the right direction for dating, engagement, or marriage with purpose and depth.

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