Episodios

  • How to Choose a Trustworthy Tax Preparer This Season

    How to Choose a Trustworthy Tax Preparer This Season
    Feb 6 2026
    The holidays are behind us; you know what that means—it’s tax season! But before you start gathering your W-2s and receipts, there’s an important question: Do you know who will prepare your taxes this year?With a nationwide shortage of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax professionals, waiting too long to find a preparer could leave you scrambling—and vulnerable to scams. Here’s how to protect yourself and find a trusted tax preparer.Who Can Prepare Your Taxes?When hiring a tax professional, your preparer will likely fall into one of three categories:Certified Public Accountant (CPA): These professionals undergo rigorous education, exams, and licensing requirements. Many specialize in tax preparation and can also provide broader financial guidance.Enrolled Agent (EA): Licensed by the IRS, EAs are tax experts who can prepare and file returns, represent clients before the IRS, and provide tax planning services.Tax Attorney: These legal professionals specialize in tax law and are particularly useful for complex tax situations, audits, or disputes.Each of these professionals is highly qualified—but the problem is there aren’t enough of them.There is a growing shortage of CPAs and tax professionals, largely due to fewer young people entering the field. One of the major "Big Four" firms, KPMG, continues to offer high school students internships at $22 an hour to encourage them to become CPAs.What does this mean for you?Longer wait times to book a tax preparerHigher fees due to increased demandGreater risk of falling into the hands of fraudulent preparersWhen people are desperate to file their returns, they can become easy targets for scammers who fake credentials or engage in tax fraud.How to Avoid Tax Scams and Find a Qualified PreparerTo protect yourself, follow these IRS-recommended steps when choosing a tax preparer:1. Choose a Year-Round Tax PreparerA reputable preparer should be available year-round. You don’t want your tax preparer to disappear if you get audited.2. Verify Their IRS CredentialsAsk for the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). All paid tax return preparers must register with the IRS and enter their PTIN on every return they file.Check their status using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers at IRS.gov.3. Look for Professional CredentialsAsk if the preparer holds a credential such as:CPA (Check with the State Board of Accountancy)Enrolled Agent (Verify at IRS.gov under "Verify Enrolled Agent Status")Tax Attorney (Confirm with their State Bar Association)Additionally, inquire about continuing education, as tax laws change frequently; professionals should stay current.4. Be Cautious About FeesBeware of tax preparers who:Charge fees based on a percentage of your refundClaim they can get you a larger refund than competitorsA legitimate preparer should charge a flat or hourly rate based on the complexity of your return.5. Verify IRS E-File CapabilityMost tax preparers handling more than 10 clients must file electronically. If your preparer refuses to e-file, that’s a red flag.6. Ensure Proper DocumentationA trustworthy tax preparer will ask for the following:Your W-2 and 1099 forms (not just a pay stub)Records of deductions and creditsIf a preparer doesn’t ask for supporting documents, walk away. The IRS requires proper documentation to verify your return.7. Understand Representation RulesOnly CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax attorneys can represent you before the IRS if you're audited. Non-credentialed tax preparers—including your math-savvy cousin Bill—cannot represent you in an audit.8. Never Sign a Blank or Incomplete Tax ReturnPlease review your return carefully before signing. Ensure all information is accurate, and ask questions if anything appears incorrect.9. Your Refund Should Go to You—Not the PreparerCheck the routing and account number on your tax return to ensure your refund is deposited into your own account, not your preparer’s.Looking for a Faith-Based Financial Professional?If you want to work with a tax professional who aligns with biblical financial principles, consider finding a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or tax attorney with the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA®) designation. To find a trusted, faith-based tax professional, visit FindaCKA.com. With tax season here, choosing a reputable, qualified tax preparer is more important than ever. Don’t wait until the last minute—start your search today to avoid scams and ensure your taxes are filed accurately and ethically.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have long-term care insurance and want to know if it covers assisted living, and for how long. Also, how expensive are these policies—what’s the range?I’m 45 and looking to buy a house with a 30-year mortgage. Is that a wise move since I’d be nearing retirement by the time it’s paid off?I’m remodeling our bathroom for my husband, who has Parkinson’s, and it will cost about $25,000–$30,000...
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    25 m
  • What to Know About Faith-Based ETFs with Brian Mumbert

    What to Know About Faith-Based ETFs with Brian Mumbert
    Feb 5 2026
    Faith-based investing has expanded dramatically in recent decades. What began as a niche concept—often misunderstood or difficult to implement—has grown into a global movement driven by conviction, transparency, and a renewed understanding of stewardship. Today, new tools are opening fresh doors for Christians who want their investing to reflect biblical values.Among the most discussed innovations are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer investors greater flexibility and access. To explore the growing opportunity, we spoke with Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan and a long-time pioneer in Faith-Based Investing.From Idea to Movement: The Story Behind Timothy PlanBefore ETFs and portfolio screens were commonplace, Timothy Plan helped shape the language and frameworks believers use today to think about investing.“Back in the early 90s, Timothy Plan was really just an idea,” Mumbert recalls. “In 1994, that idea became a mutual fund aimed to serve non-denominational pastors. Our very first slogan asked, ‘How much is okay to invest in abortion or pornography?’ And the answer is simple—none.”The motivation wasn’t merely strategic—it was theological. It pushed Christians to wrestle with a deeper question: If God owns it all, how would He want us to invest what He has entrusted to us?Over time, what began as a single fund evolved into a broader conversation about alignment between faith, stewardship, and financial markets. Three decades later, Mumbert describes Faith-Based Investing not merely as a strategy, but as a movement—one that begins “with the heart” and calls believers to steward God’s resources rather than treat them as their own.What’s Driving the Momentum Today?While conviction hasn’t changed, the landscape around investing has. Mumbert points to one factor in particular: information.“When we started, it was incredibly hard to access meaningful information about companies—what they owned, where they profited, or whether their business practices aligned with biblical values,” he explains. Today, the opposite is true. Digital media, public disclosures, and social platforms constantly reveal what companies support and how they operate.That transparency has awakened discernment. Investors are asking new questions: What am I participating in? What am I profiting from? Is there a better alternative?With more options now available—across asset classes and risk profiles—momentum continues to build.ETFs Explained: Why They’re Attracting Faith-Based InvestorsAmong the fastest-growing vehicles in the investing world are ETFs—exchange-traded funds. For those less familiar, Mumbert offers a simple explanation:“ETFs hold a basket of investments and trade throughout the day like a stock. They generally offer lower fees, greater transparency, and the ability to buy or sell at any point during the trading day.”Mutual funds remain a valuable entry point for many investors, but ETFs introduce distinctive advantages:Lower average costsPassive, rules-based strategiesReal-time liquidityFull disclosure of holdingsEase of access across platformsAnd most importantly for Faith-Based Investing, greater transparency reinforces values alignment.What Sets Timothy Plan’s ETFs Apart?While the vehicle may be new, the convictions behind Timothy Plan’s offerings remain unchanged.“Every Timothy Plan product is pro-life and pro-family,” Mumbert emphasizes. “Our ETFs are screened and filtered the same way as our mutual funds. The convictions haven’t changed—just the investment vehicle.”Timothy Plan also employs volatility-weighted strategies designed to prevent oversized company exposure, helping reduce the impact of major market corrections.A Growing Opportunity for Purpose-Driven InvestorsThe rise of ETFs represents more than access—it represents maturation within Faith-Based Investing. With stronger tools, better research, and expanding product sets, Christians now have more opportunities than ever to align their portfolios with their values.For Mumbert, that alignment is not merely practical; it’s an expression of stewardship.“It’s really about how God would have us invest the money He’s entrusted to us.”As the ecosystem grows, so does the hope that more investors will embrace that vision—not out of obligation, but out of conviction shaped by faith.If you're exploring how to bring greater alignment between your financial decisions and your values as a follower of Christ, Faith-Based Investing continues to expand with new tools, new research, and more accessible investment vehicles. To learn more about faith-aligned investment strategies, visit TimothyPlan.com to explore their ETFs, mutual funds, and educational resources.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m 60 and living off mutual funds with no income. My expenses are about $2,024 a month, so my savings will run out in about two years. I have health challenges and can...
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    25 m
  • Navigating the 2026 Housing Market with Dale Vermillion

    Navigating the 2026 Housing Market with Dale Vermillion
    Feb 4 2026
    Many Americans are wondering whether the housing market has finally begun turning a corner—or if uncertainty is still here to stay. After years of elevated mortgage rates, stubbornly low inventory, and affordability concerns, the question feels more relevant than ever.Today, mortgage expert Dale Vermillion, author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home, joined the show to weigh in on what the 2026 housing landscape may look like and how today’s buyers and sellers can navigate it with wisdom.A More “Normal” Market ReturnsAccording to Vermillion, the extreme swings of recent years may finally be behind us.“It isn’t the market of 2020–2021 when rates were in the twos, threes, and fours,” Vermillion explains. “But it’s also certainly not 2008. This is a very normal market.”He noted that although many think of today’s mortgage rates as high, they are actually below the 30-year average. Inventory is rising, sales are stabilizing, and government attention on housing has increased. Together, these factors point toward a gradual shift into a buyer’s market—a welcome change for those who’ve spent the last few years watching listings disappear before they could schedule a tour.A common frustration remains: if rates have risen, why haven’t prices fallen faster?The answer is complex. While price increases largely flattened this year (+0.7%), Vermillion notes that the market remains regional rather than national. Certain areas have softened, but not enough to drive a nationwide price reset.A major reason: the “lock-in effect.” Millions of homeowners refinanced below 3% in 2020–21 and weren’t willing to trade those rates for a higher one. But as Vermillion observes, that dynamic is fading. For the first time in years, more loans now exist above 6% than below 3%, allowing inventory to loosen.Why Fed Rate Cuts Don’t Equal Lower Mortgage RatesEven though the Federal Reserve has been cutting rates, mortgage rates haven’t always followed. That’s because mortgage rates are tied more closely to the bond market, inflation data, and job reports—not directly to the Fed’s benchmark rate.Another overlooked factor: mortgage-backed securities (MBS). When the government increases MBS purchases, mortgage rates often decline more reliably than when the Fed cuts consumer rates.The emotional side of the housing market can’t be ignored. The bidding wars of 2020–21 left many would-be buyers discouraged. But Vermillion believes attitudes are shifting:“Inventory is up from roughly 450,000 units nationally early last year to over a million now. So from a buyer standpoint, it’s time to be encouraged again.”With more sellers re-entering the market, buyers have choice again—and choice increases leverage.Vermillion stressed that affordability challenges today are driven as much by property taxes and insurance costs as by mortgage rates. Homeowners in several states have seen insurance premiums and assessments climb dramatically—sometimes outpacing wage growth.For aspiring first-time buyers, budgeting remains the first step. Vermillion’s advice: determine what you can afford before visiting a lender, rather than letting a lender tell you what qualifies on paper.For First-Time Buyers: Get Pre-Approved, Not Pre-QualifiedA true pre-approval involves:A full applicationCredit checkIncome verificationDocumentation of debts and assetsThis makes offers more competitive and prevents buyers from shopping at unrealistic price points.During the pandemic boom, paying $20,000–$50,000 above asking price became the norm in many markets. Vermillion notes that this period has largely ended:“Homes today are selling around 94–97% of the listing price in most areas. We’re not seeing bidding wars like before.”For buyers, that’s stabilizing. For sellers, it simply resets expectations toward reality.Move-Up Buyers: Timing May Be Better Than You ThinkFor homeowners considering a move—whether for space, schools, or lifestyle—Vermillion’s advice mirrors that given to first-time buyers: set a realistic budget and lean on wise counsel.Sellers should also invest in preparing their homes to show well, as presentation still drives both speed and price.Vermillion believes 2026 may be a strategic window:“I think this is the year to do it. Rates may come down a little more, but not dramatically. Buyers and sellers who plan well and manage expectations can succeed in this environment.”From a stewardship standpoint, the takeaway is simple: markets change, rates fluctuate, and headlines swing. But Christians are invited to place their confidence not in economic cycles but in the Lord, “who establishes our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).A wise plan, a realistic budget, and sound counsel can go a long way—especially in a year where the housing market is finally beginning to level out.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m looking for a ...
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    25 m
  • The Hidden Cost of Sports Betting with Kyle Worley

    The Hidden Cost of Sports Betting with Kyle Worley
    Feb 3 2026
    Sports betting is exploding across the country. With online platforms, mobile apps, and aggressive marketing, it’s never been easier to gamble — or easier to hide it. What many view as harmless entertainment may actually be reshaping how we think about money, community, and even discipleship.Pastor and author Kyle Worley—Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and author of Home with God: Our Union with Christ—recently wrote on this growing trend for Faithful Steward magazine. Today, he joins the show to explain why the rise of sports gambling deserves more careful thought from believers.A Different Kind of GamblingSports gambling carries a unique appeal. Unlike casinos or the lottery, it taps into nostalgia, play, and community.“Sports connect to childhood memories and communal experiences,” Worley notes. “That nostalgia makes sports betting feel natural, even harmless.”The danger lies in how subtly wagering attaches itself to something already meaningful—games shared with friends, family, or childhood heroes—making it easier to dismiss spiritual risks.What Does Scripture Actually Say?The Bible does not explicitly outlaw gambling. But it repeatedly warns against the desire for quick, hasty gain. Worley points to 1 Timothy 6:9–10, noting that it speaks directly to the temptations and destruction tied to wealth pursued rapidly and without wisdom. Gambling fits that pattern.Scripture’s concern is not merely financial but formational. Gambling trains us to view wealth through the lens of chance, speed, and self-interest—the opposite of stewardship, patience, and contentment.The spiritual stakes aren’t just internal. They are profoundly communal. Worley cites Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke:“The righteous disadvantage themselves for the sake of the community; the unrighteous advantage themselves at the expense of the community.”Modern betting apps are built on asymmetric outcomes—they profit only because others lose. And statistically, those losses fall disproportionately on the vulnerable.Many platforms use predatory models:Winners face worse odds or even shuttered accountsConsistent losers are enticed with better odds and larger limitsWorley compares it to handing a chainsaw to a child—unjust simply because not everyone absorbs the harm equally.Normalization and Cultural FormationSports gambling has moved from taboo to mainstream with startling speed. Betting lines now appear on ESPN, broadcasts, and social media—even during youth-oriented sports programming.The result: a generation being formed to see gambling as normal and morally neutral.Worley warns that where gambling proliferates, other forms of exploitation follow — including human trafficking during major sporting events. While the Bible may speak indirectly about gambling, it speaks directly about exploitation.Some point to the biblical practice of casting lots as justification for gambling. Worley draws a sharp distinction:Casting lots was a religious act of trust—not a wager. It carried no profit motive and served no entertainment purpose. Reframing it as support for modern gambling misunderstands its role entirely.How Churches Can Disciple BetterFor pastors and ministry leaders, Worley offers three recommendations:Talk More About Money - Many Christians lack a positive theology of wealth. That vacuum leaves them vulnerable to cultural narratives.Address “Respectable” Vices - Gambling isn’t the only fun, socially accepted vice that harms stewardship. Churches must disciple beyond obvious sins.Create Healthy Avenues for Play and Connection - Sports betting offers counterfeit community, especially for men. Churches should provide better alternatives.The Wisdom Required TodayIn the end, debates about whether gambling is technically permissible miss the deeper biblical question: Does this help me love God and neighbor well?Worley’s counsel is simple: navigate these decisions in community, under Scripture, with wisdom. Quick profit is never neutral—it forms us. And it shapes the people around us.As sports betting continues to surge, Christians will need more than opinions. They will need conviction, clarity, and a vision of stewardship that honors God and protects the vulnerable.———————————————————————————————————————Kyle Worley’s full article, “The Real Stakes of Sports Betting,” appears in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine. When you become a FaithFi Partner with a monthly gift of $35 (or $400 annually), you’ll receive Faithful Steward magazine and other exclusive resources to help you grow as a faithful steward. Visit FaithFi.com/Partner to learn more.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’ll be 63 this year, and I’ve been earning more than usual. I want to make sure I’m not going over the Medicare IRMAA income limits.My ...
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  • 6 Money Dates for Married Couples with Dr. Shane Enete

    6 Money Dates for Married Couples with Dr. Shane Enete
    Feb 2 2026
    Money and marriage—two things God designed to bless us, but they can also be two of the greatest sources of stress. What if we turned financial conflict into connection? Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to share six creative ways couples can build stronger relationships by having intentional financial conversations—what he calls “money dates.”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.Why You Need to Talk About Money—IntentionallyMany couples avoid conversations about money out of fear. A study of 2,000 couples found that half of them were uncomfortable discussing money because they worried it would lead to conflict. The irony is that by avoiding those talks, the conflict only deepens.On average, couples argue about money 58 times a year. But what if, instead of waiting for issues to flare up, you set aside regular time to talk about your finances together—proactively and prayerfully?That’s the heart behind the idea of money dates. You might have to rip off the bandage at first, but we want to help couples make these conversations not just necessary—but enjoyable.Turning Financial Talks Into DatesThese aren’t meant for finger-pointing but for course correction—a time to realign your financial goals with your values.But also, why not make it a date? Dating can be a lot of fun if you’re intentional. So why not combine something enjoyable with something that’s often uncomfortable? When you connect in a fun environment, even money talk becomes more meaningful.The key is consistency. Whether it’s over dinner, coffee, or a quiet walk, having a regular rhythm of financial connection helps you stay on the same page as a couple—and deepens your trust.Money Date #1: Share Your Money StoryEvery person brings a financial backstory into marriage—habits, fears, and attitudes shaped by family and early experiences.Think of it as your money autobiography. Reflect on what you learned about money growing up, what messages you received from your parents, and how those experiences influence your decisions today.Take your spouse out for dinner and share those stories. You’ll gain empathy and understanding for each other’s perspectives. When you know your partner’s money story, their spending or saving habits make a lot more sense.Try this: Ask each other, “What’s your earliest memory of money?” The answers may surprise you—and bring you closer.Money Date #2: Give TogetherGenerosity is one of the most unifying acts a couple can experience. Here are a few ways to make generosity a shared journey:Set a giving goal. Track your family's progress and celebrate milestones together.Join a giving circle. Partner with friends or your small group to pool resources for a cause you all care about.Create a stretch goal. As your income grows, commit to increasing your giving percentage over time.These conversations shift the focus from money as a source of stress to money as a means of Kingdom impact.Money Date #3: Cook the BooksThis one’s both literal and figurative! Instead of going out, stay home and cook a meal together—or grab takeout for a picnic. Use the relaxed environment to talk about your budget rhythm:Who tracks expenses?What budgeting tools or apps will you use?How often will you review spending?The FaithFi app can help simplify this process. It lets couples track giving, spending, and saving all in one place—while keeping biblical wisdom at the center.Money Date #4: Check Your Credit (at the Spa!)Debt can carry emotional weight, so create a peaceful setting for this conversation. A spa day is perfect. It’s relaxing—and you can often find affordable day passes.While you unwind, discuss:How much debt do you currently carry?How did your family handle debt growing up?What boundaries would you like to establish regarding credit use?This isn’t about blame. It’s about caring for each other and agreeing on a plan that both of you believe in.Money Date #5: Number Your DaysThis one takes its inspiration from Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”Couples should view estate planning as an act of love and care. When you prepare a will, name a guardian, or establish a power of attorney, you’re doing something deeply selfless—caring for others even after you’re gone.Spend a date identifying:Who will serve as executor or guardian for your children?How do you want your assets used to bless others?What legacy of faith and generosity do you want to leave behind?Growing Together Through Financial StewardshipMoney dates are about far more than numbers. They’re about connection, empathy, and shared purpose. When couples talk about money in ways that honor God and each other, they grow in wisdom—and unity.When you come together around money with ...
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  • A Look Inside the New & Improved FaithFi App with Chad Clark

    A Look Inside the New & Improved FaithFi App with Chad Clark
    Jan 30 2026
    Are you looking for tools that clarify, simplify, and anchor faithful stewardship in biblical wisdom? That question has shaped our vision for the newly updated FaithFi app—a discipleship tool designed to help you build financial rhythms that bring peace, clarity, and Christ-centered focus to your money decisions.To help unpack what’s new, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at Kingdom Advisors and FaithFi. Chad has led the development of the FaithFi app since day one, shaping it into a tool that serves real families seeking to honor God with His resources.When the app first launched, the goal was straightforward: build a biblical stewardship tool that was both practical and accessible. Early versions focused primarily on budgeting and cash-flow management. Over time, the app expanded to include a robust content library of articles, podcasts, and videos, along with a community discussion board—features that helped users learn and encourage one another.This latest update is the biggest we’ve ever released, and Chad explains what guided the development:“One of the most important questions we can ask when building technology is: How do we make it simpler for the user? Money can be complex. Budgeting software shouldn’t make it harder.”To solve that problem, the update introduces:Secure bank connections for importing balances and transactionsNew simplified budgeting tools that make setup easyImproved automated categorization to reduce manual workThese upgrades are designed to help users spend less time tinkering with tools and more time reflecting on the why behind their financial decisions.One of the standout features in the new update is something we’re calling Rhythms—structured daily, weekly, and monthly check-ins that help users slow down, reflect, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.Daily rhythms pair brief transaction reviews with short devotionals and reflection questions. Weekly and monthly rhythms zoom out, helping users observe habits, cash-flow patterns, and financial goals—all with suggested adjustments and heart-level reflection prompts.Chad notes that these rhythms are especially powerful for couples who want to cultivate greater unity and shared stewardship. With a simple weekly or monthly check-in, couples can talk, plan, pray, and adjust together.The update also brings FaithFi content directly into the app in a more seamless and beautiful way. Faithful Steward magazine articles will now have a mobile expression, and studies and devotionals will soon follow. It’s one more way the app is becoming a true financial discipleship environment rather than just a budgeting tool.The app now includes optional AI features—but with intentional guardrails. All AI is opt-in, self-hosted, and never sent to third-party models. The goal isn’t novelty or complexity; it’s simply to automate tedious workflows and simplify budgeting so users can focus not merely on what they’re doing with money, but why.“The goal,” Chad says, “is to help people be attentive and obedient to what God is calling them to do with what He’s entrusted to them.”Stewardship grows when we slow down, pay attention, and invite God into the decisions we make with His resources. The updated FaithFi app was built to help you do exactly that—establishing rhythms that encourage wisdom, gratitude, reflection, unity, and greater participation in God’s Kingdom work.The new version is available now. Just search FaithFi in your app store, or visit FaithFi.com and click App.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have an annuity that will mature in a year or two. It originally came from an IRA. What are my options once it matures—should I roll it into another annuity or back into an IRA?If I have a Medigap supplemental policy, do I need both Medicare Part A and Part B, or just one of them?I don’t understand why prices keep going up instead of stabilizing. Why does inflation happen in simple terms?You mentioned recently that students can now get on the Certified Kingdom Advisor track. How could a university start offering that program?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Kingdom Advisors University PartnershipsOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information ...
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  • Where Clean Water Meets Living Water with Aaron Griggs

    Where Clean Water Meets Living Water with Aaron Griggs
    Jan 29 2026
    For most of us, water is rarely something we think about. It’s as close as the kitchen sink, the refrigerator door, or the bottle beside us at work. But for millions of people around the world, clean water remains out of reach—and the consequences stretch far beyond thirst.Jesus once said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones… that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, Aaron Griggs of Cross International shows us just how literal—and transformative—that cup of water can be.Globally, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. In places like Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda, the crisis is especially severe. Women and children often walk long distances every day to gather water from open pits shared with animals. The water is contaminated, illness is common, and the time lost reinforces generational poverty. Girls miss school, mothers miss work, and entire communities struggle to flourish.This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Cross International, a Christ-centered humanitarian ministry working alongside local churches and Christian leaders to meet urgent needs and create sustainable change. Their work in Sub-Saharan Africa is showing what can happen when clean water meets the living water of the gospel.After a well is installed in a village, physical health improves quickly—but the long-term effects are even more remarkable. Hours once spent fetching water are freed for school, work, farming, and small business. Women gain economic opportunity. Children gain education. And through Cross International’s ministry partners, families are introduced to Jesus, often receiving their first Bibles in their own language.One woman in Zambia described this transformation with simple gratitude:“I never knew that I would be where I am now. My family is healthier, and my children are in school. God has blessed us.”Another woman, Grace, shared how access to water restored not only her family but also her church. For years, her congregation met under a tree because there wasn’t enough water for construction. After a new well was installed, the church was rebuilt, children joined their parents in worship, and an entire community experienced renewed dignity and hope. Her favorite Scripture says it best:“Whoever believes in me… rivers of living water will flow from within them.” — John 7:38Cross International’s work meets physical needs, but always in the name of Christ. Water is a doorway—opening opportunities for flourishing today and pointing to eternal life in Him. That’s why FaithFi is partnering with Cross International this quarter to serve 250 children across Malawi, Zambia, and Uganda, providing not only clean water but also food, education, and the hope of the gospel.For just $62, one child receives these essential resources for a year. Every gift supports not just a child, but often an entire family and community, moving them toward long-term stability and lasting hope.Clean water changes everything—it restores dignity, strengthens families, and reflects the life-giving love of Christ.To learn more or to join us in this effort, visit: FaithFi.com/Cross.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a question about the ‘Trump Accounts’ for newborns. What dates are they eligible for, and are there any pros or cons?I just turned 65, and I’m still working with employer health coverage. Do I need to enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B now, or can I wait?While stationed at Fort Polk and Fort Hood, I bought insurance policies that would pay off my houses if something happened to me. I can’t find the paperwork anymore. How do I track down which insurers those policies were with?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Cross InternationalNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)TrumpAccounts.govOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    25 m
  • Seeking Wise Counsel with Sharon Epps

    Seeking Wise Counsel with Sharon Epps
    Jan 28 2026
    Money has a way of making life feel complicated. Whether we’re facing major financial crossroads or simply trying to steward everyday expenses with wisdom, many of us default to figuring things out on our own. But Scripture reminds us that navigating life in isolation isn’t a sign of strength—it's often a barrier to wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 teaches that “where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Wise counsel, especially when rooted in biblical truth, protects us from blind spots, emotional decision-making, and unnecessary regret.On this episode of Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps—President of Kingdom Advisors and a familiar voice to FaithFi listeners—joins us to explore why seeking counsel is an essential part of faithful stewardship. Sharon explains that while Scripture is our ultimate authority, God often uses people to speak wisdom into our lives. Advisors, mentors, and trustworthy peers help us see what we might otherwise miss, and their influence can redirect us toward obedience, humility, and clarity.Yet many believers hesitate to ask for help. Sharon acknowledges that reluctance often stems from pride—the subtle belief that we should be able to manage life independently. But asking for help is an act of faith, not weakness. It invites others to use the gifts God has given them and prevents us from making decisions based solely on fear, impulse, or confirmation bias.Drawing from the story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12, Sharon highlights the danger of listening only to voices that tell us what we want to hear. Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of seasoned counselors in favor of peers who affirmed his own desires—and the outcome was disastrous. The lesson is clear: godly counsel may not always feel comfortable, but it aligns us with God’s purposes and challenges us to pursue stewardship that honors Him.Sharon then offers practical guidance for how believers can seek wise counsel today. At times, this involves working with trained financial professionals—such as Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKA)—who integrate biblical wisdom with planning, investing, and long-term financial strategy. In other seasons, we need mentors who have walked ahead of us and can offer perspective, or peer friendships that speak truth with honesty and grace. Sometimes the right conversation happens over coffee; other times it requires prayer, pastoral guidance, and spiritual discernment.For those currently overwhelmed by a financial decision, Sharon’s simple encouragement is: don’t go it alone. Isolation amplifies anxiety, while community brings clarity. Invite trusted voices into the process, seek the Lord in prayer, and remember James 1:5—God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.Listeners interested in working with a financial professional trained to offer biblically faithful and practically sound counsel can connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) at FindACKA.com.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I aren’t always on the same page when it comes to money. We moved last year and kept our old house as a rental, which would cover both mortgages. He wants to pay off the rental, but the rental rate is under 4%, and the new house rate is almost 7%. Which mortgage should we pay down first, and how can we better approach our finances together?I’m 57 and retired. I want to invest something for my six-year-old grandson’s future—not just for college, but for when he’s older—and I want to make sure it can’t be accessed until then. What are my options?My 26-year-old son wants to buy his first home and doesn’t always take my advice. I want to guide him wisely without pushing too hard. What’s the best way to help him think about down payments, inspections, and timing as a young buyer?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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