Faith & Finance

By: Faith & Finance
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  • Summary

  • Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry of FaithFi, hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents, and resources.
    Copyright 2023 FaithFi: Faith & Finance
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Episodes
  • Insuring Your Deposits with Aaron Caid

    Insuring Your Deposits with Aaron Caid
    Aug 30 2024
    Thanks to insurance, we don’t very often have bank, savings and loans, or credit union “runs” anymore. Aaron Caid is with us today to discuss how that came about.Aaron Caid is the Chief Marketing Officer at Christian Community Credit Union, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. The Role of FDIC in Banking StabilityWhen we think about bank runs, we often think of the Great Depression. Thankfully, such events are rare today, primarily due to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) 's creation through the Banking Act of 1933. The FDIC now insures bank deposits up to $250,000 per customer, providing peace of mind for depositors across the United States.But what about other financial institutions like savings and loans (also known as thrifts) and credit unions? Most of these institutions are also insured by the FDIC, while many credit unions are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), established in 1970. Like the FDIC, the NCUA insures deposits up to $250,000 per customer (or tax ID).Private Deposit Insurance: A Closer LookInterestingly, some credit unions opt for private insurance rather than federal insurance. Christian Community Credit Union is insured by American Share Insurance (ASI), a private insurer celebrating its 50th anniversary. ASI covers deposits up to $250,000 per account, offering a unique advantage over federal insurance, which insures per tax ID.No holder of an ASI-insured account has ever lost a dime, a testament to its reliability. One of the main reasons CCCU members chose private insurance is the flexibility it provides, particularly in lending to churches and ministries—an essential aspect of CCCU’s mission. Additionally, ASI requires its member credit unions to maintain a 30% higher deposit ratio, ensuring greater resources and liquidity during challenging times.For those who might be hesitant about private deposit insurance, consider the fact that your home is likely insured by a private company, not the federal government. Private insurance companies have been around much longer than federal insurance corporations, with the first private insurers dating back to 1732.Why Choose Christian Community Credit Union?There are several compelling reasons to consider banking with CCCU:Conservative Biblical Stewardship: CCCU practices conservative financial management, aligning with biblical principles. The credit union carries zero debt, unlike many banks and credit unions that leverage their balance sheets to inflate returns.Strong Financial Stability: CCCU’s capitalization ratio is more than 80% higher than what the NCUA considers “well-capitalized,” and its net worth ratio places it in the top 10% of all credit unions. CCCU has been recognized as a “top 100” credit union nationwide for safety, stability, and growth by S&P Global.Christian Values and Giving: CCCU is unapologetically Christian and a member-owned not-for-profit. Profits are returned to members through better rates and lower fees, and the credit union actively supports Christian ministries, including Mission Aviation Fellowship and International Ministries.Top-Notch Financial Products: CCCU offers competitive financial products, such as high-yield checking and savings accounts, CDs, and the Cash Rewards Visa, which contributes to Christian charities with every swipe.For those interested in learning more about Christian Community Credit Union, Aaron encourages you to visit JoinChristianCommunity.com. Discover how you can benefit from a credit union that prioritizes safety, stability, and a commitment to Christian values.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are past full retirement age and haven't filed Social Security claims yet. We've been married 43 years, are in good health, and have no dependents or government pensions. My husband is still working and plans to file at 70. If I start Social Security now, I will receive $1,369 monthly, increasing slightly at 69 and 70. We're considering starting my benefits now for two years and then switching to a spousal benefit. What do you think?I used to sell tax shelter annuities and have experience, but occasionally, I hear financial guys knocking them, saying they are not a good investment. However, I think annuities are some of the best. What are your thoughts on annuities?I am turning 65 this January. I have been working full-time at the same job for 26 years, but I am still determining when I'll retire. My question is, do I need to sign up for Medicare within three months of my 60th birthday to avoid a lifetime late enrollment penalty? Or do I wait until I'm retired? I need clarification on the process.I used to work at a hospital and have a 401(k) there, but I've been unemployed for about 90 days. So I could use maybe $1,000 or $2,000 of those dollars. They told me that if I cash out the 401(k), I'll pay 35 or 40% in taxes. If I roll it over to another IRA, I will only pay taxes on what I borrow. Is...
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    25 mins
  • Counter-Cultural Finances

    Counter-Cultural Finances
    Aug 29 2024
    1 John 2:15 contains a command and a warning for Christians: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”You have a choice—to be worldly or Kingdom-minded with your finances. But beware—God’s way is definitely counter-cultural.What Does Your Money Say About Your Values?In today’s world, many people are inclined to fit in, follow the crowd, and keep up with the Joneses. But as Christians, we are called to live by a different set of values—values that often stand in stark contrast to the norms of society. This counter-cultural way of thinking was exemplified by Jesus throughout His ministry and applies to every aspect of our lives, including how we handle money.The critical question we must ask ourselves is this: Do our actions and attitudes around money reflect the world’s values or God’s? To explore this, let’s imagine a simple exercise. Picture a piece of paper divided down the middle. On one side, we list the world’s messages about money and possessions; on the other, we record what God’s Word says about these same issues. The differences are like night and day.Worldly Messages vs. God’s TruthWorldly Message: God is irrelevant, and nothing—including your financial decisions—truly matters. God’s Truth: Our God is living, loving, and intimately involved in our lives (Matthew 16:16, 1 John 4:16). What we do, including how we manage our money, matters deeply (Ephesians 2:10). Worldly Message: Keeping things brings blessing. God’s Truth: Generosity brings true blessing (Proverbs 22:9, Acts 20:35). Worldly Message: You’re on your own—do it yourself, with no accountability. God’s Truth: The Creator is always with us, our best source of help (Psalm 23:4, Psalm 121:2). Worldly Message: The goal of life is to accumulate more—more wealth, influence, and security. God’s Truth: Earthly things will fade away, but knowing and loving God has eternal value (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Seek God first, and everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33). Worldly Message: Wealth and success justify pride. God’s Truth: Pride leads to destruction, while humility brings victory (Proverbs 16:18, 1 Peter 5:5). Worldly Message: If someone wrongs you, it’s okay to seek revenge. God’s Truth: We are called to repay evil with blessing, inheriting a blessing ourselves in the process (1 Peter 3:9). Worldly Message: You can own things without consequence. God’s Truth: Possessions often end up owning you. True freedom is found in knowing Christ (John 8:32).The Clash of WorldviewsThe divide between secular and Christian worldviews is vast, especially when it comes to money. One of the most significant clashes is over the love of money. The world might say it’s acceptable, even for Christians, to love money. But Jesus makes it clear that it’s impossible to serve both God and money simultaneously (Matthew 6:24).As Christians, we’re meant to stand out because we serve a different Lord. James 4:4 reminds us that “friendship with the world is enmity with God.” But does this mean we should isolate ourselves from the world? Not at all.Jesus showed us a different way to live—serving others, loving deeply, and challenging cultural norms about relationships and possessions. He was a revolutionary, not just in His time but for all time. As His followers, we’re called to do the same: replace greed with generosity, exchange disrespect for love, and be counter-cultural in how we give our time, care, and resources.Your Financial Choices MatterYour financial decisions are more than just personal—they’re a reflection of your heart and an example to others. When you handle money with honesty, faithfulness, and generosity, people notice, and the blessings that follow are evident.The apostle Peter calls us “sojourners and exiles” (1 Peter 2:11) because this world is not our ultimate home. Yet, while we’re here, we have a mission: to love and serve others in a way that stands out, giving glory to God. In our financial choices and in all aspects of our lives, let’s choose to live differently, as Christ did.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm curious if there's a specific time frame when you should consider paying a financial advisor to manage your IRAs or if you should just let someone who isn't paying much attention to them look at them.I have about $400,000 in CDs and money market accounts. Is there something better than CDs in which I should put my money? I know CDs are pretty safe, but I'm wondering if there are better options.I'm 58, and I earn $98,000 a year. I'm currently renting, but it's costly. I want to buy a home but wonder if I'm too old. What do you think? I want to make a biblically sound decision.My wife and I have roughly 300,000 sets up, and we are thinking about buying the property at the beach to enjoy life with what we saved up with our grandkids. I wonder if...
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    25 mins
  • The 5 D's of a Financial Reset with Sharon Epps

    The 5 D's of a Financial Reset with Sharon Epps
    Aug 28 2024
    The world is becoming more complex every day. Technology solves problems and creates new ones. How do you keep up?Among so many other things today, maybe you’ve noticed that managing your finances is increasingly complicated and involves more than balancing a checkbook. Sharon Epps joins us today with some much-needed advice—the 5 Ds of a Financial Reset.Sharon Epps is the president of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.1. Define Your Financial VisionThe first step in a financial reset is to Define your standard of living. This goes beyond just wanting financial health; it’s about understanding your deeper motivations. What is your “why”? The Bible reminds us in John 10:10 that Jesus came so that we might have life and have it abundantly. This abundant life isn’t about wealth but about living a life full of peace and purpose. Define what that means for you and let it guide your financial decisions.2. Declutter Your Life and FinancesNext, it’s time to Declutter—and not just your finances but your physical space as well. Spend a weekend going through your home, room by room, asking yourself if each item is still useful. If you haven’t used something in the last year, consider selling it or giving it away. Decluttering your home can go a long way toward decluttering your life, making space for what truly matters.3. Delay Impulse PurchasesThe third step is to Delay your impulse purchases. Create a list of things you want to buy and note the date next to each item. Commit to waiting 30 days before making any purchase. More often than not, you’ll find that you didn’t really need or want the item after all. This simple habit can help you make more intentional spending decisions.4. Detect Spending HabitsThe fourth “D” is Detect. For 30 days, track all your spending and review your expenses. With today’s technology, this process is easier than ever since most of us rarely use cash. You can quickly review your bank and credit card statements online. As you do this, ask yourself what you would change. The FaithFi app is a great tool for this. It allows you to combine all your accounts in one place and helps you and your spouse stay on the same page regarding your finances.5. Decide on Your Spending and Giving PlansFinally, it’s time to Decide on your financial future. Overhaul your budget, check your priorities, and decide where your money will go. Make “giving” an essential part of your budget. Consider where you can cut expenses to be more generous, whether to your church or a ministry you’re passionate about. This step is about re-establishing your priorities and returning to the basics—financially and spiritually.The “5 Ds of a Financial Reset” offers a practical and spiritual approach to managing your finances in today’s complex world. By defining your financial vision, decluttering your life, delaying impulse purchases, detecting spending habits, and deciding on your budget, you can regain control of your finances and realign them with your spiritual values. Remember, tools like the FaithFi app can make this process even easier, helping you stay organized and focused on what truly matters.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I plan to retire in a couple of years and work with two different financial advisors. One advisor suggested that I defer my Social Security until age 67 to get a higher monthly benefit. The other advisor says I should start taking Social Security right away so I don't have to withdraw as much from my 401(k), which has over $1 million. I'm trying to decide which approach is better for my situation. What are your thoughts on whether I should delay Social Security or start taking it earlier?I recently got a letter from the IRS stating that I have a retirement fund in another state that I completely forgot about. I've lived in several states and tried to reach out to the previous employer, but they keep giving me different numbers to call, and no one is able to help me locate this account. Should I be concerned about this? Will the IRS handle it for me since they received the 1099 form?My wife and I are both retired - I'm 65, and she's 66. We bought a condo for $280,000 about four months ago and financed $80,000. We plan to stay there forever, and our kids are not interested in the condo when we're done with it. I wonder if getting a reverse mortgage on that $80,000 would be a smart idea for us. We don't have a tremendous amount saved for retirement, but we should be able to get by on our Social Security. Would a reverse mortgage make sense in our situation?I recently inherited some money from my mother, who passed away last fall. I'm looking for the best place to invest that money to get the best CD rates. What would be the best way for me to find the ...
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    25 mins
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