Episodes

  • A Tribute to Faithful Mothers on Mother’s Day

    A Tribute to Faithful Mothers on Mother’s Day
    May 8 2026
    “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” - 2 Timothy 1:5 As Mother’s Day approaches, that verse offers a beautiful reminder: the influence of a faithful mother often reaches farther than we can see. Through daily acts of love, sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance, mothers shape hearts, homes, and generations. Their work is not always loud or publicly celebrated, but it is deeply significant. Many of the values we carry, the lessons we live by, and even our understanding of God’s care have been formed through the steady presence of a mother or mother figure in our lives. The Hidden Work Mothers Carry Most of the time, when we think about the contribution of mothers, we think of things money could never measure—love, compassion, wisdom, patience, and strength. Still, it can be eye-opening to consider the sheer amount of work mothers carry each day. According to Salary.com’s annual survey, working moms put in an average of 54 hours each week managing their households on top of their professional responsibilities. For stay-at-home moms, the workload can resemble 15-hour days, seven days a week. That work often includes serving as chef, teacher, nurse, counselor, scheduler, chauffeur, financial manager, and conflict negotiator—sometimes all before lunch. Salary.com estimated that if a mother were paid for all the roles she fills, the annual base salary would exceed $200,000. When bonuses, overtime, and other “premium pay” are added, the total could rise above $250,000. Those numbers may catch our attention, but they still do not tell the full story. Her Worth Cannot Be Measured Even the highest estimate falls short of what mothers truly provide. Why? Because the most meaningful things a mother offers cannot be bought. She gives comfort in moments of fear, wisdom in seasons of confusion, encouragement when confidence is low, and love that remains steady through every stage of life. For many, a mother’s care becomes one of the clearest early reflections of God’s tenderness and faithfulness. That is why Scripture calls us not merely to acknowledge mothers, but to honor them. Honor with Words Proverbs 31:28 paints a beautiful picture of gratitude in action: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Notice that this family does not simply feel thankful—they express it. One of the simplest and most powerful ways to honor your mother is to tell her what she means to you. Thank her for the sacrifices she made, the prayers she prayed, and the ways she loved and served, even when no one else noticed. Words of gratitude can become a gift that lingers long after Mother’s Day has passed. Honor with Care As mothers grow older, honoring them often takes on a new form. It becomes practical, intentional care. That may mean helping financially, assisting with daily needs, offering emotional support, or simply giving the gift of your time and presence. Jesus addressed this in Mark 7:10–13 when He rebuked those who used religious excuses to avoid caring for their parents. Their outward devotion masked inward selfishness. Christ made it clear that genuine love for God is never separated from love for people—especially those within our own families. Honoring a mother is not confined to a holiday. It is a lifestyle of gratitude, responsibility, and love. A Legacy That Lasts Forever This Mother’s Day, take time to celebrate the women who have shaped your life—your mother, your wife, your grandmother, or perhaps a spiritual mother who has walked beside you in faith. Let her know she is seen. Let her know she is loved. Let her know her work matters. Because when a mother faithfully serves her family, prays for her children, and passes on her faith, she is doing more than building a home. She is shaping eternity. Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for one of God’s gifts—the faithful influence of mothers. So this week, don’t let the moment pass by. Offer your praise. Share your gratitude. Show your love. And wherever possible, serve the mothers in your life with joy. In doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ and fulfill one of Scripture’s most foundational commands: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both 70, retired school teachers, and I’m also retired military. Most of our retirement income comes from fixed pensions, and we’ve invested heavily in agriculture and farm property. We still want to invest. At our age and with our income setup, how should we approach investing now?I need help finding affordable health insurance on a limited income. I’ve had major health issues in the past, and I’m worried that could affect my options. My husband is retired, our resources are ...
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    25 mins
  • Supporting Adult Children Without Holding Them Back

    Supporting Adult Children Without Holding Them Back
    May 7 2026
    Is it possible to help your adult children in a way that actually keeps them from growing? It’s a difficult question, but an important one. Many parents want to support their children well, especially when their children face setbacks, financial stress, or uncertain times. Yet the way we offer help can shape not only their circumstances, but also their character. The goal isn’t simply to make life easier. It’s to help in ways that strengthen them rather than sideline them. When Love Needs Wisdom For many parents, this is a tender place to stand. You love your children deeply. You want to see them flourish. And when they struggle, every instinct says, Step in and fix it. That instinct often comes from a good place. But even good instincts need wisdom. Consider a baby bird hatching from its shell. It may seem compassionate to help it break free, but if you intervene too soon, the bird may not survive. The struggle of pushing through the shell is essential. It develops the strength and coordination needed for life outside the egg. The struggle isn’t the problem. It’s part of the preparation. In the same way, when we remove every difficulty from our children’s lives, we may step in at the very moment when growth is meant to happen. When Support Slowly Becomes Dependence Most parental help begins with simple acts of care: Covering an unexpected billHelping with a car repairLetting them move back homeOffering temporary financial support None of these is inherently wrong. In many cases, they are loving and appropriate responses. But over time, those moments can accumulate. And eventually the question changes from How can I help? to Is this actually helping? Are you helping them move forward—or delaying lessons they need to learn? Are you offering support—or carrying responsibilities that now belong to them? That tension is real, and one of the hardest parts of parenting adult children is knowing when to step back. Support in Ways That Move Them Forward Healthy support should encourage progress, not prolong immaturity. This is an act of stewardship—not only of your resources, but of their formation. The goal is not to eliminate every hardship. Often, maturity takes root in the soil of challenge. Consider tying support to clear next steps, such as: Progress toward employmentPursuing education or trainingContributing to household responsibilitiesTaking increasing ownership of personal expensesWorking toward specific financial goals Support like this doesn’t replace responsibility. It reinforces it. An adult child living at home is not automatically a sign of failure. Throughout history, including biblical times, multigenerational living was common and remains normal in many cultures today. The better question is not Where are they living? But are they growing in responsibility? Are they contributing? Learning? Planning? Taking steps toward independence? Those are the indicators that matter most. Burdens and Loads: Knowing the Difference Scripture offers a helpful framework for discerning when to step in and when to step back. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens.” Yet Galatians 6:5 says, “For each will have to bear his own load.” So which is it? The answer is both. A burden is something too heavy to carry alone—a crisis, deep hardship, or overwhelming circumstance. A load is the ordinary responsibility each person is meant to carry—daily choices, obligations, and personal stewardship. This distinction is helpfully explained in Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. They note that healthy relationships require clarity about what belongs to us and what belongs to someone else. Wisdom is knowing the difference. When parents consistently carry what belongs to their adult children, they may relieve pressure in the moment—but unintentionally prevent the growth that responsibility can produce. Protect Your Marriage and Financial Foundation Before offering significant financial help, it’s wise to pause and talk with your spouse. Pray together. Discuss what you can realistically give, what you cannot sustain, and what patterns you want to avoid. Unity matters. So does financial stability. Just as flight attendants remind passengers to secure their own oxygen mask first, you need to protect your own financial foundation if you hope to help others well. Helping your children should not come at the expense of wise stewardship or unnecessary strain in your marriage. Trust God With Their Story Supporting adult children isn’t about getting every decision perfectly right. It’s about faithfully stewarding your role in this season—with wisdom, grace, and trust. God is at work in their lives even more than you are. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is help. Sometimes it is to wait. Sometimes it is to say no. And often, the greatest gift you can offer is not rescue—but the opportunity to grow through responsibility, perseverance, and dependence on the Lord. ...
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    25 mins
  • Surviving Financial Meltdown with Ron Blue

    Surviving Financial Meltdown with Ron Blue
    May 6 2026
    Economic headlines can rattle our confidence. Markets fluctuate, layoffs make news, and inflation or recession fears can create a sense of instability. When uncertainty rises, fear often follows—and fear can drive financial decisions we later regret. But while the economy changes, God’s wisdom does not. Scripture offers steady guidance that helps us respond with clarity instead of anxiety. In today’s conversation, financial teacher, author, and co-founder of Kingdom Advisors, Ron Blue, shared with us timeless principles for navigating uncertain times with confidence rooted in the Lord. Why Financial Uncertainty Creates Anxiety According to Ron Blue, much of our financial stress comes down to one word: uncertainty. When people feel like circumstances are outside their control, anxiety often increases. Daily headlines about markets, job losses, or global instability can make us feel like something urgent must be done immediately. That pressure can lead to emotional rather than wise decision-making. Rather than acting from fear, believers are invited to remember that while circumstances may shift, God remains faithful. As Scripture reminds us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) One of the greatest ways to reduce fear is to have a plan. Without a plan, every headline can push us into reaction mode. We may feel tempted to sell investments too quickly, take on debt to maintain our lifestyle, or abandon long-term goals because of short-term concerns. But when we follow wise, biblical principles, we gain perspective. We can step back, think clearly, and make decisions based on truth rather than emotion. A plan does not remove every challenge, but it provides direction when emotions run high. Four Timeless Financial Principles Ron Blue highlighted four foundational principles that remain effective in both strong economies and difficult ones. 1. Think Long Term Financial decisions should be guided by long-term goals, not short-term fear. Temporary headlines should not determine permanent strategies. Patience and perspective are essential parts of wise stewardship. 2. Spend Less Than You Earn This is one of the most foundational financial principles. Living below your means creates margin, flexibility, and peace. When income exceeds spending, you are better positioned to save, give, and prepare for future needs. 3. Build Emergency Savings Unexpected expenses are not a matter of if, but when. An emergency fund creates liquidity when life brings surprises. Even small, consistent savings can provide stability over time. 4. Minimize Debt Debt increases financial risk by committing future income to past decisions. It can reduce flexibility and add pressure during already stressful seasons. While not all debt is the same, reducing unnecessary debt is often a wise step toward greater freedom. A Practical Step You Can Take This Week If you feel unsettled financially, start with a simple financial checkup: Review what you earnReview what you spendDetermine whether you are living within your meansIdentify one area to reduce spendingBegin or grow an emergency fund Start small if needed. Small steps often create momentum, and momentum builds confidence. It’s similar to using a roadmap or GPS. When you know where you’re going and how you plan to get there, the journey feels less overwhelming. Every generation has faced seasons of fear and uncertainty. Economic downturns, wars, political unrest, and personal hardship have always been part of life in a fallen world. What changes are the circumstances. What remains constant is God’s truth. His Word is still trustworthy, still relevant, and still sufficient for the challenges we face today. Where Trust Ultimately Rests A biblical view of money does more than change what we do—it transforms how we think and ultimately who we trust. Financial security is never found merely in markets, savings accounts, or headlines. True security is found in the Lord, who is our provider and guide in every season. When uncertainty comes, wise stewardship matters. But even more than that, so does remembering that our hope has never rested in the economy. It has always rested in God. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 60 and planning to refinance my mortgage this summer. I’d like to honor God with my finances. Is there a biblically based or faith-aligned mortgage company I can refinance with, and how would I find one?My wife and I are both self-employed, but after taking on loans to grow her business, we’re overwhelmed with debt. Bills are piling up, my credit is suffering, and we’re trying to support seven kids at home. Should we consider bankruptcy, or is there a better path to stabilize our finances and get out of debt?My wife and I just lost our 26-year-old son, who lived with us. He didn’t have a will, and we’re waiting on corrected death certificates. He also had a life insurance policy naming my wife...
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    25 mins
  • The Surprising Power of Wanting Less with Bob Lotich

    The Surprising Power of Wanting Less with Bob Lotich
    May 5 2026
    Greek philosopher Epictetus once said, “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” That insight may be more relevant today than ever. We live in a world constantly urging us to want more, upgrade more, and pursue more. But what if that endless pursuit is costing us something far more valuable than money? What if wanting less is one of the most powerful financial decisions we can make? On today’s episode of Faith & Finance, financial coach and author Bob Lotich joined the show to discuss why contentment creates freedom—and how learning to want less can reshape our financial lives. A Better Financial Question Most people make spending decisions by asking one question: Can I afford this? That’s not a bad question—but it may not be the best one. Bob suggested a deeper question: Can I afford to want this? That shift matters because some things we own eventually begin to own us. A purchase may fit the budget, but still bring new pressures, obligations, and distractions. The issue isn’t always the price tag—it’s the grip that desire can have on our hearts. Bob shared the story of Roman general Manius Curius Dentatus. When enemies attempted to bribe him with gold and expensive gifts, they found him roasting turnips for dinner. Seeing his simple lifestyle, they realized a man content with so little could not be bought. The lesson is timeless: contentment removes leverage. When we need less, we are less vulnerable to manipulation, fear, and compromise. The fewer things we depend on for identity or security, the freer we become. How Desire Can Become a Chain Every unchecked desire can create a new chain. A larger lifestyle often requires a larger paycheck. More possessions usually mean more maintenance, more bills, and more commitments. Debt can magnify that burden even further. Scripture warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7). While that may not mean literal slavery today, the principle still stands: financial obligations can reduce flexibility and limit our ability to respond when God leads us in a new direction. Bob shared the story of someone who sensed a clear call into ministry but couldn’t accept the opportunity because debt payments made the lower salary impossible. That’s more than a budgeting issue—it’s a discipleship issue. Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). That warning is not only about greed. It is also about control. Financial obligations demand time, energy, and attention. When too many of them pile up, they begin directing our choices. As Bob put it, sometimes our possessions end up possessing us. Two Very Different Responses to Wealth The Gospels give us two striking examples. The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus because he could not release his wealth (Mark 10:17–22). Zacchaeus, on the other hand, responded to an encounter with Jesus by joyfully giving away half of his possessions and making restitution to those he had wronged (Luke 19:1–10). The difference wasn’t the amount of money involved. It was the hold that money had on their hearts. The Secret of Contentment The Apostle Paul wrote: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Paul had experienced abundance and need. Yet his joy wasn’t tied to either one. That kind of contentment is true freedom. It means we can live faithfully in seasons of plenty or scarcity because our confidence rests in God, not in circumstances. Wanting more often begins with comparing more. Social media can intensify this struggle by putting everyone else’s highlight reel in front of us every day. It becomes easy to feel behind, dissatisfied, or pressured to keep up. One practical step Bob shared was limiting social media use. Sometimes reducing the voices shaping our desires is one of the fastest paths to peace. How to Start Wanting Less If you long for greater freedom, begin here: 1. Evaluate Your Desires. Ask what you deeply want right now—and why. 2. Count the True Cost. Look beyond the purchase price. Consider the time, maintenance, stress, and financial commitments attached to it. 3. Be Careful With Lifestyle Upgrades. Every increase in lifestyle can quietly become a permanent monthly obligation. 4. Explore Simpler Alternatives. Sometimes renting, borrowing, waiting, or doing without can provide more joy than ownership. 5. Practice Gratitude. Contentment grows where gratitude is cultivated. True financial freedom is not measured by what we have, but by what no longer has a hold on us. When we learn to want less, we create more room to live generously, respond obediently, and walk closely with God. And that may be the richest life of all. Want to Go Deeper? You can read Bob’s full article in Faithful Steward Magazine called The Surprising Power of Wanting Less. When you become a FaithFi partner, you’ll receive helpful resources designed to equip you for faithful stewardship. Learn more at...
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    25 mins
  • Spending Reflects Our Values

    Spending Reflects Our Values
    May 4 2026
    Billy Graham once said, “A checkbook is a theological document. It tells you who and what you worship.” It’s a striking statement—but an important one. Most of us make financial decisions every day without thinking much about them. We buy groceries, renew subscriptions, grab coffee, replace something that broke, or make an impulse purchase that feels harmless in the moment. These choices can seem ordinary and disconnected from our spiritual lives. But Scripture invites us to look deeper. Our spending habits often reveal more about our hearts than we realize. They can uncover what we value, what we pursue, and where we place our trust. More Than Transactions A bank statement may look like a list of numbers and purchases, but over time, it tells a story. It reflects priorities. Where our money goes often shows what matters most to us. That’s why money is never just about math—it also has a spiritual dimension. Financial decisions can expose desires, fears, habits, and hopes that might otherwise remain hidden. The prophet Isaiah asked this searching question: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2) That’s not merely a budgeting question. It’s a heart question. God is asking His people why they keep investing themselves in things that can never truly satisfy. It’s a question worth asking today as well. Jesus adds another layer in Luke 16: “If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” (Luke 16:11) Jesus is not condemning money. He is reframing it. Money is temporary. It is a tool. But how we handle that tool reveals something deeper about our readiness to receive what truly matters. In that sense, money becomes a test of trust. Every purchase, every swipe of the card, every budgeting decision expresses something about what we love. And because of that, even everyday spending can become an opportunity for worship. Ownership vs. Stewardship The early church martyr Polycarp of Smyrna is often credited with this insight: “The world asks, What does a man own? Christ asks, How does he use it?” That gets to the heart of biblical stewardship. The question is not simply what we possess, but how we use what God has entrusted to us. Scripture consistently reminds us that everything belongs to the Lord, and we are called to manage His resources faithfully. That changes the way we think about spending. We are not merely consumers deciding what to do with “our money.” We are stewards seeking to honor God with what He has placed in our hands. A Warning from Haggai The book of Haggai gives us a vivid picture of what happens when priorities drift. After returning from exile in Babylon, the people of Israel came home to ruins. The temple—the center of worship and identity—had been destroyed. At first, they began rebuilding it. But as opposition grew and enthusiasm faded, their focus shifted. Instead of restoring God’s house, they concentrated on their own comfort, building paneled homes while the temple remained neglected. So God sent the prophet Haggai with a piercing message: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? … You have sown much, and harvested little… and he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.” (Haggai 1:4–6) Their spending reflected misplaced priorities. And the result was frustration, emptiness, and lack of satisfaction. The Same Tension Today That same dynamic can surface in our lives. When spending is driven more by comfort than conviction, we may find ourselves chasing more while enjoying less. The satisfaction we expected never quite arrives. Sometimes the issue is overspending. Other times, it’s an unwillingness to spend generously at all. If generosity feels difficult while personal indulgence comes easily, that tells a story too. If fear keeps us from open-handedness, it may reveal a struggle to trust God as our provider. Our spending always reflects something deeper. Grace and Realignment Here is the good news: God meets us with grace. No matter what our financial story has been, He invites us to realign our hearts with His. That process rarely happens all at once. It begins through simple, intentional steps. You might start by asking: What story does my recent spending tell?Do my financial habits reflect my deepest values?Am I giving first or only if there is something left over?Does this purchase align with eternal priorities? These questions are not meant to produce guilt. They are invitations to greater awareness and faithful stewardship. Spiritual Decisions in Everyday Life Ultimately, our spending reveals what—or whom—we love most. The goal is not perfection. It is alignment. It is learning that everything we have belongs to God and growing in the freedom of using it for His purposes. When that happens, our financial lives begin...
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    25 mins
  • Should You Change Your Financial Finish Line? with Cody Hobelmann

    Should You Change Your Financial Finish Line? with Cody Hobelmann
    May 1 2026
    “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 Life moves in seasons—and with each season often comes new challenges, new opportunities, and sometimes new financial finish lines. On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, we were joined by Cody Hobelmann, a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP), Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA), and co-founder of Finish Line Pledge, to discuss why adjusting your financial finish line is not only okay—it can be wise and faithful. What Is a Financial Finish Line? A financial finish line is simply an answer to the question: How much is enough? It helps separate what we intend to use for our own needs from what we can make available for Kingdom purposes. Rather than endlessly increasing lifestyle spending or accumulating wealth without direction, a finish line provides clarity and purpose. For many people, the idea of setting a finish line can feel intimidating. It may sound final or restrictive. But Cody emphasized that a finish line is not about perfection—it is about growth. Your first finish line does not have to be your last. Why Finish Lines Need to Be Revisited Just as a financial plan should be reviewed regularly, your finish line should be revisited as life changes. There are many reasons to adjust it: A new child or dependent enters your familySomeone is no longer financially dependent on youYou move to a region with a different cost of livingYour health changesMajor life transitions reshape your responsibilities These shifts may change the cost of maintaining the same lifestyle, making it wise to reassess your financial boundaries. At first glance, caps and limits can sound restrictive. But Cody shared that in practice, setting a finish line often creates freedom. Instead of constantly wondering if you need more, you begin to experience: ContentmentPeacePurpose That reflects a biblical pattern. God’s boundaries are not meant to diminish joy but to protect and deepen it. Financial limits can function the same way. Two Types of Finish Lines 1. A Lifestyle Finish Line This is the amount needed to support your current and future lifestyle. It helps determine the appropriate and sustainable level of spending. 2. A Net Worth Finish Line This is the amount of wealth you believe is wise to accumulate over your lifetime. Cody connected this idea to Luke 12 and the parable of the rich fool, who stored up more than he needed while missing the deeper purpose of his resources. The issue was not wealth itself, but accumulation without a Kingdom perspective. Three Questions to Help Define “Enough” Cody highlighted three key areas to prayerfully consider: Your Lifestyle Needs - What does it truly cost to live faithfully and responsibly in this season?Wealth Transfer - What resources would you like to pass on to heirs or future stewards?Conservative Margin - What reserve is wise for life’s uncertainties—without placing ultimate trust in money? These categories can help shape a thoughtful and prayerful plan. If You’re Beyond Your Finish Line If you realize you are accumulating more than needed, Cody suggested asking one important question: Why am I holding on to these resources in the first place? That question can expose fear, habit, or misplaced trust—and open the door to greater generosity and purpose. Start Before You Feel Ready One of the most practical insights from the conversation was this: don’t wait until you “arrive” to become generous. Even if you have not reached your finish line, begin giving now. Build habits of generosity with what God has already entrusted to you. As Scripture reminds us, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (2 Corinthians 9:11). A Practical First Step Not sure where to begin? Try setting a finish line for the next 90 days. You do not need a lifelong blueprint today. You only need the next faithful step. Experiment, learn, pray, and refine along the way. Your finish line is not a rigid rule—it is a discipleship tool. It reminds you that everything belongs to God, and you are a steward of what He has entrusted to you. In every season, the goal is not simply to have more. The goal is to know what is enough, live with contentment, and be ready to participate in God’s Kingdom purposes with joy. If you’d like help prayerfully answering the question, How much is enough? FaithFi has created its very first FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money Is Enough? This practical, workbook-style resource is designed to help you define your finish line with biblical wisdom and sound financial principles. You can receive it when you become a FaithFi Partner by May 31, at $35 per month or $400 per year. Visit FaithFi.com/Give to learn more and become a partner today. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both 62. I’m still working, but with health concerns, should she start Social Security now and ...
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    25 mins
  • The Hidden Asset in Your Retirement Plan with Harlan Accola

    The Hidden Asset in Your Retirement Plan with Harlan Accola
    Apr 30 2026
    For many retirees, their home is their largest asset. Yet in countless financial plans, that asset is treated as if it barely exists. Retirement conversations often focus on Social Security, pensions, IRAs, and investment accounts while overlooking the value built up in a home over decades. On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Harlan Accola of Movement Mortgage joins to discuss why home equity may deserve a more thoughtful place in retirement planning—and how a reverse mortgage, when used wisely, can become one tool among many. The Overlooked Asset in Many Retirement Plans According to Harlan, many planning tools display home equity on paper but treat it as untouchable. In practice, that means one of a retiree’s largest resources is often ignored. Why does this happen? Sometimes, advisors are not trained to incorporate home equity strategically. Other times, people assume reverse mortgages are only for emergencies or financial distress. But that perspective may miss an important opportunity. Harlan describes home equity as a potential third bucket alongside income sources and investment accounts. Instead of relying only on withdrawals from retirement savings, some retirees may be able to use home equity strategically to reduce pressure on their portfolio. That can be especially helpful during market downturns or in years when withdrawing from investments would be less advantageous. The idea is not to replace investments or income, but to strengthen the overall plan by considering every available resource. More Than Monthly Cash Flow When people hear “reverse mortgage,” they often think only about immediate cash needs. But strategic planning can involve much more than that. Harlan noted that incorporating home equity may create flexibility in several areas, including: Timing withdrawals from retirement accountsManaging taxable income in retirementDeciding when to begin Social SecurityPlanning for long-term care needsPreserving investment assets longer These decisions can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes. What About Leaving an Inheritance? One common concern is whether using home equity will leave nothing to pass on. Harlan explained that many families are surprised to learn that this is not always the case. Depending on appreciation, spending patterns, and the overall plan, some home equity may remain. In some scenarios, overall net worth may even improve because other assets were preserved. Of course, every situation is different, which is why personalized analysis matters. A Biblical Perspective on Stewardship Scripture reminds us, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Faithful stewardship means wisely managing everything God has entrusted to us—including assets we may be tempted to ignore. A home is more than shelter. It can also be a financial resource that, when handled prudently, helps provide stability, reduce burdens on loved ones, and create greater freedom for generosity. That does not mean a reverse mortgage is right for everyone. But it does mean it may be worth understanding before dismissing it. Consider the Whole Picture Wise planning begins by asking better questions. Instead of assuming home equity should remain untouched, consider whether it has a role in your broader financial strategy. If you’d like to explore how reverse mortgages fit into retirement planning, learn more from our trusted partners at Movement Mortgage at FaithFi.com/Movement. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Is there any truth to ‘Sell in May and go away’? When is a good time to sell a winning stock, and should I still add to precious metals at current prices?I heard you mention a gold ETF. What is it, and do you recommend one for someone new to investing?Our HSA was supposed to transfer to a new bank, but the funds still aren’t available, and my medical bill is increasing. What should we do?My dad is retiring with home equity but significant credit card debt. Would a reverse mortgage be a wise way to pay it off? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Movement MortgageSound Mind Investing (SMI)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom 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 ...
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    25 mins
  • Finding Freedom by Defining Enough

    Finding Freedom by Defining Enough
    Apr 29 2026
    How much is enough—and why does it always seem just beyond our grasp? Many people assume the answer is a number: a savings goal, a retirement target, or an income level that will finally bring peace. But Scripture offers a different perspective. What if “enough” isn’t something you reach, but something you define? That question matters more than we may realize, because how we answer it shapes our contentment, our decisions, and our generosity. The Question of Enough Begins in the Heart When we turn to God’s Word, we discover that the question of enough doesn’t begin with math. It begins with the heart. As we often say, money issues are heart issues. They’re tied to our fears, our desire for control, and ultimately where we place our trust. That’s why Hebrews 13:5 says: “Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Notice the connection: contentment is not rooted in what we have, but in who we have. True peace isn’t found in reaching a financial milestone. It’s found in the presence and faithfulness of God. Enough Is About Trust If enough is not about accumulation, then what is it about? First, it is about trust. Physician Keelan Hobelman and his wife recognized this early as his income began to rise. They knew that without intentionality, their lifestyle could quickly expand alongside their earnings. So they chose to create boundaries before the increase arrived. Their goal was simple: to avoid letting higher income automatically lead to higher spending. That kind of decision reflects wisdom. It acknowledges that more income does not automatically create more peace. Sometimes it simply creates more appetite. Trust says, “God is my provider, not my paycheck.” Enough Is About Stewardship Second, enough is about stewardship. If God owns it all, then we are not owners—we are managers. And managers ask a different question. Instead of asking, “How much can I keep?” they ask, “How does the Owner want this used?” That shift changes everything. Now, enough is no longer about protecting a lifestyle. It becomes about aligning our lives with God’s purposes. Our money becomes a resource to steward rather than a treasure to hoard. Enough Is About Contentment Third, enough is about contentment. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:6–7: “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” That is a powerful reminder. We entered this world with nothing. We will leave it with nothing. So, enough cannot ultimately be defined by what we accumulate in between. It must be defined by something deeper and more lasting. Contentment is not complacency. It is the settled confidence that God is enough; therefore, we can live with open hands. Why Defining Enough Matters If you never define enough, your lifestyle will slowly expand to consume everything you earn. But when you define it, you create margin: Margin for generosityMargin for wise decisionsMargin for Kingdom impactMargin for peace One practical way to do this is by setting a financial finish line—a level of spending you choose not to exceed, even if your income grows. This is not about limiting joy. It is about protecting it. Once that line is established, everything beyond it can be directed with greater purpose and intentionality. The Freedom of a Generosity Mindset Helen Schmidt, founder of My Strategy Mentor, experienced this firsthand when her family made a decision that lowered their income but increased their dependence on God. Though their giving dollars initially decreased, they found that God continued to provide in unexpected ways. What looked like a step backward by the world’s standards became a step forward in trust, faith, and freedom. That is the deeper shift. Enough stops being about what you need to feel secure and starts becoming a tool for how you live on mission. Instead of asking, “How much more do I need?” you begin asking, “What has God already entrusted to me, and how can I use it for His purposes?” That is not restriction. That is freedom. A Resource to Help You Answer the Question That is the heart behind the new FaithFi Field Guide, How Much Money Is Enough? This practical resource is designed to help you prayerfully work through this question—not just in theory, but in everyday life. Combining the technical expertise of trusted financial advisors with the biblical insight of theologians, it will help you align your finances with God’s purposes so your money becomes a tool for impact, not just accumulation. We’d love to send you a copy when you support this ministry by becoming a FaithFi Partner by May 31 at $35 a month or $400 a year. Visit FaithFi.com/Partner to learn more. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: Would it be better to claim Social Security at 62 and invest it while drawing from my ...
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    25 mins