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They say that crisis reveals character, and for a brief moment, the pandemic revealed surprising financial resilience.

Many Americans experienced a rare financial reset during that season, as savings rose and debt declined. But five years later, much of that progress has unraveled. Dr. Shane Enete joins us to unpack what changed—and how believers can respond faithfully in a culture gripped by renewed financial anxiety.

Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and founded the Biola Center for Financial Planning. He is also the author of the book Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill, something surprising happened with our money. Instead of overspending, many Americans buckled down.

Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the U.S. Government Accountability Office showed that people used pandemic stimulus checks to reduce credit card balances and cut spending. Simultaneously, emergency fund levels rose to 20-year highs.

With fewer opportunities to spend and greater economic vulnerability, people embraced margin, paid down debt, and began saving like never before. It was a rare moment of collective financial wisdom.

But that moment didn’t last.

Fast-forward to today, and the picture looks far less encouraging. Credit card debt has now surpassed $1 trillion, and six in ten Americans are uncomfortable with their emergency savings, up from just 37% before the pandemic.

The decline in financial well-being is measurable. According to the CFPB’s 2024 Making Ends Meet survey, the average financial well-being score dropped from 55 to 49. This score reflects how confident households feel about meeting basic expenses, like paying bills and putting food on the table.

Even more concerning: over one in three Americans now carry more credit card debt than they have saved. And 42% say they couldn’t go even one month without income before falling behind.

So, what’s going on? Why the backslide? The answer lies not just in behavior but also in belief.

Fear takes over when Jesus isn’t present in our financial decisions. We start believing that we have to carry the full weight of financial responsibility. But Scripture reminds us that we have a good Father and a faithful Shepherd who provides for His children.

As believers, we’re called to live differently—to manage God’s resources with wisdom, margin, and generosity. This begins with a mindset shift from ownership to stewardship.

Many people dread the word “budget”, but we should really see thi

Many of us have seen a trailer for a movie and it looked pretty good. Then after seeing the movie itself, we thought the trailer was better than the movie! It’s all about expectations versus reality. Well today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie shows us what to expect about heaven. And it will surpass our wildest dreams. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” A revealing study is coming!

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.

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Visit the Radio Ministry online to find the photos Joni mentioned in today’s program.

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

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In this emotionally resonant and deeply insightful episode of FamilyLife Today, hosts Dave and Ann Wilson continue a heartfelt discussion with Jennifer and Allen Parr, focusing on marriage dynamics, spiritual leadership, and the power of softness—particularly from wives toward their husbands. This episode explores the layered meanings of what it means for a wife to approach her husband in a “soft” manner, not as a form of weakness or subservience, but as an intentional act of humility, encouragement, and grace.

Jennifer reflects on her personal growth in communication, having learned the transformative power of open-ended questions like "Are you open to this?" instead of using rigid language like "you should" or "you need to." The Parrs discuss how this subtle shift has positively impacted their marriage and can open the door for honest conversations in others.

The conversation then pivots to one of the most common marital tensions: the desire for a husband to be the spiritual leader of the home, especially when he either lacks interest or simply doesn't know how. Allen offers practical insight into the nuances between unwillingness and inexperience. He advises wives to approach their husbands with grace and patience, emphasizing curiosity over criticism.

Dave and Ann echo these sentiments by sharing their own experiences with unmet expectations and communication pitfalls, including a powerful moment when Ann praised Dave for praying with their kids—an act that motivated him more than any criticism ever had.

The discussion also dives deep into childhood trauma, particularly the lasting impact of growing up in a fatherless home. Allen vulnerably shares how the absence of his dad from age six left him feeling inadequate as a husband and father—despite his current devotion to his family and ministry. This leads to a broader conversation about compassion, empathy, and healing through understanding a partner's personal history.

The episode wraps with an acknowledgment of the strength in softness: how humility, grace, and genuine encouragement can transform marriages. The Wilsons and the Parrs agree that this kind of softness is not passivity, but rather a powerful way to cultivate connection, spiritual leadership, and long-term relational growth.

Show Notes and Resources

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As Christians, many of us long for something “more” in our relationship with God. We get fired up during worship on Sundays, but the rest of the week, it feels like something is missing. Dr. Robert Jeffress discusses how to find contentment in both our spiritual walk—and all areas of life.

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

Popular marriage coaches Dave and Ashley Willis will help couples increase connection and reduce conflict by identifying what stage of life they’re in and how it impacts the intimate side of their relationship. These stages can include the fun honeymoon period, the sleepless season of having babies, the times when life is incredibly busy, and times when health issues might create barriers to intimacy.

Receive the book The Counterfeit Climax plus a free audio download of “The Four Seasons of Intimacy in Marriage.” Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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Today on Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe, we’re examining something extraordinary happening across our nation and around the world that you may have missed amidst all the headlines. While much of the media focuses on division, conflict, and cultural decline, there’s actually an incredible movement of God happening right under our noses. Young people—particularly young men—are turning to Christ in remarkable numbers.  After decades of studies showing Christianity in decline, we’re witnessing what looks like the start of a spiritual resurgence.  We’re going to explore what that means for all of us. It’s a powerful discussion about God’s work in the next generation.

Bold Steps Gift: LIES GIRLS BELIEVE: AND THE TRUTH THAT SETS THEM FREE

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Sometimes it seems that evil keeps winning—not only around us but also nationally. Some ask: “Is God still in control?” In this message, Pastor Lutzer shows us seven examples of sins that God will hold a country accountable for. There will be a day of reckoning for both humanity and the nations.

This month’s special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

The post “If I see God directly, will I die?” appeared first on Key Life.