Christmas is meant to be a season of joy—but for many of us, it becomes a whirlwind of overspending, overcommitting, and feeling overwhelmed. The good news? It doesn’t have to be that way. With a bit of planning and the right perspective, you can slow down, simplify, and savor what truly matters.

Today, Crystal Payne—creator of MoneySavingMom.com—shared practical ways to simplify Christmas while keeping your heart centered on Christ. Here’s a look at her best advice for making this season more peaceful, meaningful, and budget-friendly.

Rediscover the Meaning of Christmas

Before diving into logistics or budgeting, Crystal encourages families to anchor the season in what matters most.

1. Practice Daily Advent Reflections

Her family uses Ann Voskamp’s Advent book, complete with ornaments and daily devotionals. The readings are short, kid-friendly, and a gentle, daily reminder of the story at the heart of Christmas.

2. Create a Family Giving Project

Every December, Crystal’s children choose a giving project—something meaningful to them—and the whole family contributes. The kids even make donation boxes and help gather change throughout the month. It’s a hands-on way to practice generosity and keep the focus on others.

Simplify Your Gift List

For many people, gift-giving is the biggest stressor in December.

Crystal recommends asking yourself:

• Who do I feel I should buy for?
• Who do I want to buy for?
• What budget do I realistically have?

If your list and budget don’t match, consider simplifying:

• Family gifts instead of individual gifts
• Experience gifts rather than items
• Homemade or low-cost gifts, especially for people who “have everything”

Crystal’s free Christmas guide at MoneySavingMom.com includes 15 simple DIY gift ideas—from movie-night boxes to Sharpie-designed mugs to homemade baked goods.

Keep Spending in Check

Overspending is easy at Christmas—but planning helps.

Save Throughout the Year

It’s too late for this season, but Crystal encourages starting a Christmas sinking fund in January. A little each month makes December much lighter.

Use Gift Cards as Your Budget

If you shop online, buying prepaid gift cards (or using ones earned through surveys or reward apps) helps you avoid overspending. When the card is empty, the shopping is done.

If money is tight this year, you still have wonderful options:

• Homemade food gifts: cookie dough, loaves of bread, granola, sweet breads
• Experience gifts: monthly treats, babysitting, laundry help, home-cooked meals
• Sentimental gifts: photo books, recipe collections, handwritten letters

These gifts often mean more than store-bought items because they’re personal, thoughtful, and memorable.

Make Holiday Cooking Easier

Food prep can dominate December, but Crystal suggests planning ahead:

• Make a list of everything you hope to cook
• Shop ahead of time
• Prep and freeze items like cookie dough, rolls, sweet breads, or desserts
• Take shortcuts when needed—premade dough or bread can be inexpensive and time-saving

A few hours of prep can give you more space for the moments that matter.

Plan Meaningful Family Time (Without Overfilling Your Calendar)

Crystal offers several delightful ideas to create memories without adding stress.

1. Make a December Bucket List

Each family member chooses one or two special activities. That’s it. This keeps the schedule joyful rather than jam-packed—and ensures you’re doing what everyone actually values.

2. Wrap and Read Christmas Books

Wrap books you already own and open one each day in December. Kids love the anticipation, and it becomes a shared daily moment.

3. Celebrate Early as a Family

Because they travel to visit extended family, Crystal’s family sets aside a full “Christmas Day” together the week before. It allows them to savor time at home without rushing through traditions.

Stay Organized and Reduce Stress

Crystal’s top principle: Ask, “How can I make this easier?”

A few of her go-to strategies:

• Write everything down – brain dump into Google Calendar so it’s not “living in your head.”
• Time-block your to-dos – small chunks of planned tasks prevent last-minute chaos.
• Share the workload – say “yes” when someone offers help. Ask guests to bring a dish. Let kids take part in preparations.

Simplifying isn’t just about doing less—it’s about doing what matters most with more peace.

Crystal’s brand-new resource includes:

• 15 DIY gift ideas
• Food gifts, homemade gifts, and simple creative options
• Ideas to simplify and save money this Christmas

You can download it for free at MoneySavingMom.com.

A Final Word

Crystal’s wisdom reminds us that Christmas doesn’t need to be hectic or expensive to be meaningful. With planning, intention, and a focus on Christ, you can give joyfully—not regretfully.

And if you’re looking for help managing your Christmas budget—or planning for any financial season—the FaithFi App can be a tremendous toolkit. It’s designed not just to track your spending, but to help you align every financial decision with biblical wisdom.

Download the FaithFi app at FaithFi.com or search FaithFi in your app store.

May your Christmas be simple, joyful, and centered on what matters most.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I recently learned that Illinois has an estate tax threshold of $4 million, and my estate is already above that and growing. What kind of planning should I be doing now to prepare for it?
• What is the quickest and most affordable way to set up a durable power of attorney for financial, legal, and healthcare decisions?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• MoneySavingMom.com
• The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most by Crystal Paine
• Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

Faith shapes every part of life—not only what we believe, but how we spend, save, invest, and give. Every financial decision reveals something about what we value, trust, and treasure most. That’s why conversations about money are never just about budgets or balances; they’re deeply spiritual.

Today, Afton Phillips, our Head of Content at FaithFi, joins the show to talk about how our faith reshapes the way we steward God’s resources. This conversation grew out of our upcoming 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, and the themes behind it.

The Heart Behind the New Devotional

Afton has been shaping this project from its earliest concept to its final pages. She shared that when she first joined FaithFi, she longed for a place where people could revisit core biblical principles—not simply hear them once, but reflect on them deeply.

“Money isn’t just about math,” Afton said. “It’s really about our hearts.”

The devotional walks readers through foundational truths:

• God owns it all.
• Money issues are heart issues.
• Our financial lives are deeply connected to our spiritual formation.

If that’s true, then what we need isn’t a formula—it’s space with God. Scripture. Prayer. Reflection. This devotional is designed to help readers slow down long enough to allow God to reshape how they see and handle money.

Redefining Success: What We Surrender, Not What We Store

One of the early themes in Our Ultimate Treasure is the truth that God doesn’t measure success by what we store up, but by what we surrender.

We’re all tempted to believe that just a little more—more savings, more security, more achievement—will finally bring peace. But no amount of accumulation ever delivers the rest our souls crave.

True biblical success is about formation more than finances.

• Are we growing in Christlikeness?
• Are the fruits of the Spirit becoming more evident in our lives?
• Are we learning to let go of fear, control, and comfort so God can shape us?

When surrender becomes the lens, money stops being a monument to ourselves and becomes a tool for becoming more like Jesus.

Restoring Purpose in Our Work

Another key section of the devotional explores a truth we often forget: work is not a curse—it’s a calling.

From the very beginning, God designed work as something good. Not something we merely do to earn or survive, but something through which we participate in His redemptive mission.

Your desk, job site, classroom, or kitchen table isn’t just a workplace—it’s holy ground. Your work is one of the primary arenas where God shapes your character and blesses others through you.

Why Margin Matters for Faithful Stewardship

Margin is one of the most important threads running through the entire devotional.

Afton put it simply:

“Margin creates space for God to move.”

When we max out:

• our money
• our time
• our energy

We leave no room to listen, pause, or respond to God’s leading.

Margin isn’t restrictive. It’s freeing. It enables generosity, rest, trust, and wise decision-making. It’s one of the clearest marks of faithful stewardship.

The Power of Wise Counsel

Money can feel personal—sometimes even private. But Scripture is clear: we’re not meant to navigate finances alone.

Every day, callers to our program remind us how many people long for guidance, encouragement, and clarity. That’s why we devoted an entire day in the devotional to seeking wise counsel.

Afton shared:

“When we invite wise counsel into our lives, we begin to see things we might have missed.”

That’s also why Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKA) exist—to help believers apply biblical principles to their real-life financial situations. You can find one at FindaCKA.com.

Generosity Rooted in Grace, Not Guilt

If there’s a single thread that runs through the whole devotional, it’s generosity.

But not guilt-driven generosity. Grace-driven generosity.

We give because God has first given to us—lavishly, sacrificially, joyfully. When we understand His grace, generosity becomes something we get to do, not something we feel pressured into.

Every act of giving becomes an act of worship.

A Devotional Designed for Reflection, Beauty, and Formation

One of the most unique aspects of Our Ultimate Treasure is its built-in rhythm of reflection.

Each day includes:

• Scripture
• A devotional
• Guided reflection questions
• A written prayer
• Beautiful, thoughtful imagery

The artwork itself invites contemplation. Everyday images—like a simple desk—are visually transformed to reflect biblical truth, reminding readers that God reshapes the way we see everything, even our work and money.

This devotional was designed not just to be read, but to be experienced.

Finishing with What Truly Lasts: Eternal Rewards

The final day draws us back to what matters most: our ultimate treasure is Christ Himself.

Earthly wealth fades. Opportunities change. Seasons shift. But our life in Christ—His presence, His love, His Kingdom—endures forever. Afton summed it up beautifully:

“What are we investing in that will matter in a thousand years? That’s eternal treasure.”

Experience Our Ultimate Treasure

If you’d like to journey through this 21-day devotional yourself, we would love to send it to you as part of the FaithFi Partner Program.

With a monthly gift of $35 or a one-time gift of $400, you’ll receive year-long benefits, including early access to studies, devotionals, and our Faithful Steward magazine.

You can learn more at FaithFi.com/Partner.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I have Roth and traditional IRAs, plus taxable investments with large capital gains. My advisor suggested direct indexing last year, so I opened a small-cap account. It’s up slightly overall but includes about a 19% loss I could use to offset gains. I also give appreciated stock to charity, but I need some funds for living expenses. My question is: Is direct indexing a biblically sound strategy, or is it problematic in any way? And how do you tell the brokerage which companies you don’t want to own? Do you specify which types of businesses to exclude?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• National Christian Foundation (NCF)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

As the year winds down, most of us feel the crunch of holiday travel, family gatherings, and a calendar that fills up faster than we expect. But this season also offers something incredibly valuable: a natural pause. A moment to look back, look ahead, and make sure our financial lives still reflect the things—and the people—we care about most.

To help us think through this year-end reset, we sat down with Cole Pearson, President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, a family of companies committed to helping believers invest in alignment with biblical values. Cole shares practical, hope-filled steps to set your finances on a firm footing as you head into a new year.

Start With What Matters Most: Your Values

Before crunching numbers or updating accounts, Cole suggests beginning with the why behind your financial decisions.

“As the year winds down,” he says, “it’s the perfect time to pause and make sure our financial life still reflects our actual life—our goals and values.”

This is the heart of wise stewardship. Money isn’t the goal; it’s a tool. And when our tools aren’t aligned with what matters most, our decisions can drift.

Cole encourages families to sit down—whether with a spouse, children, or even a financial advisor—and ask a simple but powerful question:

“What is most important for us to reflect through our financial life?”

These conversations reconnect us with the things God has entrusted to us: people, opportunities, relationships, and resources. When your values are clear, your financial decisions begin to tell a consistent story.

The Three Lenses for a Year-End Checkup

To help families gain clarity, OneAscent uses three helpful “lenses” that offer a holistic view of stewardship. Each one enables you to assess where you are and where God may be inviting you to grow.

1. Perspectives: How You Think and Feel About Money

Every financial decision begins with a mindset. Do you naturally want to give? Save? Spend? Invest?

None of these instincts is wrong—money is simply a tool. But understanding how God has wired you helps you use that tool intentionally rather than reactively.

2. Priorities: What Matters Most to Your Family

Once your perspectives are clear, it’s time to identify your priorities.

• Is this season about legacy?
• Providing stability for your family?
• Creating margin for relationships?
• Leaning more fully into generosity?

“When you know your top priorities,” Cole says, “you can give every dollar a job. It brings focus and direction to your plan.”

3. Milestones: What’s Changing in Your Life?

The end of the year is a great time to reflect on transitions:

• A new job
• A retirement
• A new child or grandchild
• A loss in the family
• A health change

Life transitions always put money in motion. Recognizing them early allows you to adjust your financial plan before drifting off course.

Together, perspectives, priorities, and milestones provide a complete picture of your financial health—and help ensure your plans align with your values.

Preparing for the Year Ahead Through Intentional Generosity

For many families, generosity naturally comes up during year-end reflections. The holidays remind us that giving is both worship and witness—an expression of God’s grace through us.

Cole encourages families to approach generosity as intentionally as investing.

“Whether you’re investing or giving,” he says, “we think of both as investing God’s resources. We want all of it moving in the same direction—reflecting the same values.”

Talking about generosity as a family:

• Fosters unity
• Clarifies your shared purpose
• Creates a legacy of open-handed living

This is a season when many families give. But it’s also the perfect time to ask: 

“How can our giving reflect what we believe most deeply?”

Considering Faith-Based Investing in 2026

Some listeners may be feeling a nudge toward Faith-Based Investing in the coming year. If so, Cole suggests an easy first step: screen your current portfolio.

“Start by asking what you’re invested in that may not align with your faith,” he says. Screening helps identify areas where your dollars are unintentionally supporting companies or causes that conflict with biblical values.

From there, you can begin redirecting your investments toward companies that create blessing, contribute to human flourishing, and reflect God’s heart.

This simple exercise can lead to a powerful sense of alignment between your faith and your finances.

Explore Values-Aligned Investing With OneAscent

OneAscent exists to help believers invest with clarity and conviction—directing capital toward companies that make a positive impact and reflect biblical values. To learn more or begin screening your own portfolio, visit: OneAscent.com/FaithFi.

It’s a great next step as you prepare to start a new year with purpose, unity, and renewed stewardship.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’ve been offered a small settlement after several years of litigation. My attorney recommends taking it rather than dragging things out, but I’m unsure whether to accept or keep fighting. What’s your advice?
• I started collecting Social Security at 65, but I keep getting emails saying Donald Trump will end Social Security and raise the retirement age to 70. Even Social Security couldn’t confirm anything. I’m worried—what should I do if those benefits disappear?
• I’m almost 62 and considering taking Social Security early at $1,800 instead of waiting until 67 for $2,400. I’ve heard the break-even point means waiting may not pay off. If I keep working and invest the benefits, how does that affect things? Should I take it now or hold off?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• OneAscent
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

New tax laws are on the horizon—and they could significantly influence the way you give. The recently passed One Big, Beautiful Bill Act (often shortened to the OBBBA) introduces several changes that affect charitable givers today and in the years to come. 

To help unpack these shifts, we sat down with Bruce McKee, attorney and Senior Vice President of Complex Gifts at the National Christian Foundation (NCF).

What the OBBBA Actually Does

Despite its cheerful name, the OBBBA carries serious implications for donors. Bruce explains that the bill makes permanent many provisions that were originally scheduled to expire at the end of 2025 under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Key extensions include:

• Higher standard deductions
• Higher estate tax exclusions
• New deduction floors for charitable gifts
• A new limit on itemized deductions
• Extended business deductions
• Updated rules for university endowment taxes

These changes will affect different givers differently, but nearly everyone will feel the impact of the new standard deduction.

The Standard Deduction Gets Bigger—Again

This update alone affects roughly 90% of taxpayers.

The OBBBA permanently extends the increased standard deduction and even boosts it for the 2025 tax year:

• Individuals: $15,750
• Married couples filing jointly: $31,500

Because the standard deduction is now higher, fewer people will itemize. And when giving is lumped under the standard deduction, charitable gifts are no longer deductible.

But there’s a powerful workaround.

If you want to maximize your tax benefits while maintaining your giving rhythms, “bunching” can help. Bunching means:

1. Grouping several years’ worth of charitable gifts into a single tax year
2. Itemizing in that year, instead of taking the standard deduction
3. Using a donor-advised fund (DAF)—such as an NCF Giving Fund—to distribute gifts gradually over future years

A giving fund works like a charitable checking account—a powerful tool for strategic, tax-efficient generosity. Bunching is especially impactful when paired with gifts of appreciated assets.

New Charitable Deduction Floors Coming in 2026

Beginning in 2026, charitable deductions will include a “floor”—a small portion of giving that won’t be deductible at all.

For Individuals

Only the amount of charitable giving above 0.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) will be deductible. Here’s an example:

AGI = $200,000
0.5% floor = $1,000

Whether you give $20,000 or $40,000, the first $1,000 is not deductible.

For Corporations

A similar rule applies, but the floor is 1% of taxable income.

Why This Matters

This floor means that givers with large AGIs—especially in high-income years—should consider giving earlier, before 2026 arrives. Strategic timing will matter more than ever.

Even high-capacity donors who itemize may benefit from bunching in alternating years.

New Limits on Itemized Deductions

The OBBBA also introduces a “haircut” affecting all itemized deductions—not just charitable ones.

Because the highest tax bracket (37%) is now permanent, itemized deductions typically reduce income taxed at that rate. But beginning in 2026:

• Deductions in the highest bracket will be valued at 35 cents per dollar, not 37.

It’s a relatively small shift, but it slightly increases tax liability and adds another layer of planning complexity. Once again, Bruce recommends intentionally reviewing giving strategies before the 2025 year closes.

Estate and Gift Tax Exclusions: Higher and More Stable

The OBBBA also stabilizes estate planning by raising the estate and gift tax exemption to:

• $15 million per individual
• $30 million for married couples

These thresholds—once set to sunset back to near half—are now permanent (as permanent as tax law can be). This gives families greater clarity as they plan inheritances and consider charitable tools like trusts or family foundations.

When people settle their estate planning, it often helps them focus their hearts on where God is calling them to give—what Ron Blue usually describes as “giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going.”

Good News for Non-Itemizers: The Above-the-Line Charitable Deduction Returns

Beginning soon, non-itemizers will be able to deduct modest charitable amounts:

• $1,000 for individuals
• $2,000 for married couples filing jointly

This applies to cash gifts made to churches and public charities. It’s a welcome incentive for households that rely on the standard deduction.

Navigating Change with Wisdom

The tax landscape may shift, but God’s call to generosity never does. Thoughtful planning ensures you can give joyfully, efficiently, and impactfully.

If you want to steward God's resources with greater intentionality, a Giving Fund through the National Christian Foundation can help you:

• Maximize tax benefits
• Simplify your giving
• Support ministries you love
• Invest funds for future generosity

You can open one in just a few minutes at FaithFi.com/NCF.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My husband and I are turning 68 and need to move from our two-story home into a one-story house. We’re considering new construction, but we’d either need a small mortgage or withdraw $50–60,000 from our 401(k). Our income is stable—he gets $3,000 from Social Security, and I make about $2,000. We manage fine month to month. Which option makes more sense?
• I’m 73, single, living on Social Security with excellent credit and no debt besides a small monthly charge card. I’m looking into either a HELOC or another home-equity option so I can access some of my home’s value to help others before I pass away. What’s the best way to proceed?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• The National Christian Foundation (NCF) 
• Movement Mortgage
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

When hope is tied only to a desired outcome, disappointment becomes inevitable. Katherine Wolf knows this truth more personally than most. At just 26, with a newborn in her arms and a lifetime ahead of her, she suffered a massive and unexpected stroke that changed everything.

Today, through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit ministry Hope Heals, Katherine invites others into a deeper, sturdier hope—one that can withstand even the darkest valleys.

On today’s show, she joins us to share her journey: how suffering reshaped her faith, her understanding of God’s goodness, and even her family’s finances.

A Life Forever Changed

In 2008, without warning or symptoms, Katherine experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke caused by a congenital condition she never knew she had—an arterial venous malformation (AVM). Overnight, she went from fully able-bodied to fighting for her life.

A 16-hour surgery saved her, but her new reality included significant impairments. Today, she uses a wheelchair, has facial paralysis, reduced function in her right hand, and additional physical limitations. Still, she radiates joy and purpose.

“I did live—and I’m doing great,” she says with her trademark resilience.

Katherine describes the stroke as the moment “the pebble hit the metal”—a collision between everything she had learned about Jesus and the hardest chapter of her life.

Years of Scripture, sermons, prayer, and discipleship prepared her for a moment she never imagined. “This is no longer a drill,” she remembers telling herself. Her long walk with Christ, though imperfect, had built a foundation strong enough to stand when everything else fell apart.

In her memoir Hope Heals, she writes that suffering is not the end of the story—but the beginning of a new one. Christian hope does not deny pain; it declares that pain will not have the final word.

Katherine’s more recent book, Treasures in the Dark, draws from Isaiah 45:3—God’s promise to give “hidden treasure” in the shadows of our lives so we might know Him more deeply.

“If we must walk through darkness—and we all do at some point—why not gather the treasure God has placed there?” she asks. In other words, don’t waste your pain. Let God use it to form you, deepen you, and show you His faithfulness in ways comfort never could.

Hope Heals: A Ministry Born from Suffering

One of the greatest treasures to emerge from Katherine’s hardship is Hope Heals, the nonprofit she and her husband, Jay, founded.

Hope Heals Camp

Their flagship outreach is a fully scholarship-supported summer camp for families affected by disability. Guests experience rest, community, and the love of Christ through what Katherine calls “inter-ability community”—people with and without disabilities sharing life together.

Volunteers and families leave forever changed. The joy is contagious.

Mend Coffee Shop

In Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, Hope Heals also operates Mend, a universally accessible coffee shop that employs people with disabilities and creates a space where everyone belongs.

Katherine describes both initiatives as “glorious,” a word she uses often—and always with delight.

The Financial Realities of Suffering

Medical crises don’t just affect the body; they often reshape a family’s finances. Katherine knows this firsthand.

When disability or sudden illness enters a story, she notes, “the finances can be ravaged.” Many families drain savings, take on debt, or scramble to fund treatments and therapies.

But Katherine also speaks about “invisible wheelchairs”—the unseen burdens that hold people back. Financial instability, she says, can be one of the most crippling.

Her encouragement? Everyone carries some kind of hardship. You are not alone. God gives us community and wisdom so we don’t walk these valleys in isolation.

For Katherine, surrender has become a central theme of her spiritual life, including how she views money.

“Surrender is relief,” she says. “It’s not God binding us up—it’s letting Him take the wheel.”

This posture doesn’t magically erase financial challenges, but it reframes them. It anchors us in trust rather than fear. And it reminds us that provision comes from God, not our own strength.

Hope for Anyone Facing Uncertainty

Katherine’s story speaks to those walking through overwhelming medical challenges—but her final encouragement reaches everyone, regardless of circumstances.

Trusting God means you don’t have to live afraid of what may happen next.
Your circumstances may feel anything but okay, but when Christ lives in you, the deepest good in your life is already secure.

“The good things of God,” she says, “are not external—they’re inside of you when you know Him.”

That truth allows us to face uncertainty with confidence, surrender our financial fears, and discover a hope that holds—no matter the storm.

Learn More

To explore Katherine’s ministry or support her work, visit HopeHeals.com.

If you're near Atlanta, stop by Mend coffee shop in Buckhead—a place of belonging, beauty, and community. 

Katherine will also be speaking at the upcoming Kingdom Advisors Conference, where thousands of financial professionals gather to grow in biblical wisdom and stewardship. Learn more at RedeemingMoney.com.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I invested based on the advice of a family friend who said it was guaranteed, but I lost $15,000. I’m single, I don’t have much, and I was expecting this investment to return about $25,000. Now I’m just praying I’ll have enough for rent next month. I’m calling to ask how I can recover from something like this.
• I have some real estate properties I want to leave to my children, and I’ve heard that putting them in a trust can help avoid capital gains. Do I need a trust for that? And should I also have a will?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Hope Heals | Hope Heals Camp | Mend Coffee & Goods
• Hope Heals: 
A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine and Jay Wolf
• Treasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf with Alex Wolf
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

We check the markets often—but how often do we check our hearts? Most of us approach investing with calculators, not character. Yet Scripture calls us to a deeper way. What if investing isn’t just a financial activity but a spiritual practice—one that shapes who we’re becoming?

Tim McCready, Head of Global Advisory at BrightLight (part of the Eversource Wealth Advisors team), has been helping both Kingdom Advisors and FaithFi develop a theological framework for investing that aligns our portfolios—and our hearts—with God’s purposes. His recent work explores how timeless spiritual disciplines can transform how believers think about investing.

Why Investing Requires a Spiritual Lens

Tim begins with Jesus’ words in Matthew 6: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” That’s not just a warning—it’s an insight into spiritual formation.

“Our investment decisions aren’t just a reflection of faithfulness,” Tim says. “They’re shaping who we’re becoming as we seek to be like Jesus.”

When we invite God into our investment decisions, investing becomes more than strategy—it becomes worship. It becomes one more place where we ask God to form us into faithful stewards.

The Ignatian Prayer of Examen—For Investors

One of the most compelling ideas Tim introduces is applying the historic Ignatian prayer of examen to our portfolios.

For centuries, believers have ended their day with this reflective practice—examining God’s presence, confessing sin, noticing grace, and preparing for tomorrow.

Tim suggests: What if investors practiced something similar?

Rather than viewing portfolios strictly through analysis or performance, the examen helps us approach them with discernment, surrender, and spiritual attentiveness.

Step One: Gratitude

Gratitude quiets the noise and recenters us on God’s generosity. Before looking at performance or market movements, Tim encourages investors to pause and thank God for His provision.

It might sound something like:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts You’ve entrusted to me—including my investment portfolio. Speak to me about my stewardship, challenge me, and remind me of Your faithfulness as I draw near to You.”

Gratitude reframes everything. It reminds us that portfolios are gifts to steward—not trophies to admire nor securities to cling to.

Step Two: Review

Just as the daily examen invites believers to review their day, the investing examen invites us to review each line of our portfolio with prayerful reflection.

This simple discipline lifts our eyes beyond numbers to the impact our investments have on people, communities, and the world.

As Tim notes, “We may find both joy and conviction—joy where God is pleased, and invitation where He’s calling us to change.”

Step Three: Repentance and Renewal

This is where the examen moves from reflection to transformation.

Perhaps we discover that we’ve placed too much security in our portfolio. Perhaps a certain investment feels misaligned with God’s desires. Perhaps God prompts us toward greater generosity.

Repentance helps us acknowledge these areas honestly—and renewal invites us to receive God’s forgiveness and step forward in faith.

A simple prayer might be:

“Gracious Provider, rule over every part of my life, including my investments. Forgive me for trusting wealth over You. Give me courage to act where You lead, and joy in following Your plan for my life.”

This step reorients our trust away from the market and back toward the One who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalm 50:10)

Step Four: Community and Accountability

Though investing can feel private, it was never meant to be isolated.

We grow best in community. Sharing a budget or portfolio with a trusted friend or mentor is humbling—but powerful. Accountability exposes blind spots, clarifies values, and encourages faithfulness.

Whether through a small group, a stewardship class, or a community like the FaithFi app, transparency invites God’s wisdom through God’s people.

Step Five: Fasting from Market Noise

We live in an era of constant market updates, by the day, hour, and minute. Tim points out that this flood of data gives the illusion of control while feeding anxiety.

A spiritual practice of “fasting” from market noise—checking less often, turning off notifications, stepping back from constant updates—helps us rest in God’s provision instead of reacting to every market swing.

Jesus’ question echoes here: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27) Or, as Tim puts it, “add a single cent to your portfolio?”

Step Six: Service

Spiritually formed investors naturally turn outward. Financial experience is a gift meant to serve others—whether through mentoring, teaching budgeting, serving on a church finance committee, or helping younger believers develop healthy habits.

Service transforms stewardship from something we manage to something we multiply.

A Holistic Vision of Faithful Investing

When we bring together gratitude, review, repentance, community, fasting, and service, we begin to see investing not as a sterile financial exercise but as a rhythm of worship.

“Investing is faithfulness,” Tim reminds us. “It forms us. It shapes us as disciples. A biblical approach to investing isn’t measured only by returns, but by spiritual formation.”

In other words, investing becomes a way to follow Jesus. A biblical worldview of investing doesn’t start with performance—it begins with the heart. When we invite God into our investing, He uses even financial decisions to form us into the likeness of Christ.

May our portfolios—and our hearts—reflect the One who has entrusted everything to us.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I worked hard to raise my credit score to about 730, but a miscommunication with my student loan led to a late payment and brought it down to 548. The issue is fixed, and the account is current, but my score is still low. How long will it take to recover if I keep making on-time payments?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

When two faith-based financial institutions come together, the goal isn’t simply to grow in size—it’s to grow in Kingdom impact. That’s precisely what’s taking place with the launch of AdelFi Christian Banking, a newly unified identity shaped by a shared mission to honor Christ and serve His people.

Recently, we sat down with Aaron Caid, Chief Marketing Officer at AdelFi Christian Banking, to talk about how this merger came together, why the new name matters, and what it means for Christians who want their finances to reflect their faith.

A New Identity Rooted in Scripture

According to Caid, the new name is much more than rebranding—it’s a declaration of purpose.

“Our new name and identity are a visual representation of what we desire to accomplish with the merger,” he explains. The name AdelFi is derived from the Greek word adelphos, which is used more than 300 times in the New Testament to describe brothers and sisters in Christ.

“That’s who we are,” Caid says. “Staff, members, and ministries—coming together as a family of believers to build a financial institution centered on Christ and dedicated to advancing God’s Kingdom.”

The addition of the phrase “Christian Banking” is equally intentional—a bold statement about who they serve and the mission that drives them.

The merger was completed on December 1, and throughout 2026, AdelFi Christian Banking will progressively roll out its new brand identity. Milestones include a new website in Q2 and an enhanced digital banking experience in Q3.

Combining Strengths for Greater Kingdom Impact

What happens when two long-standing Christian credit unions combine their gifts and experience? Caid says the result is far more powerful than the sum of its parts.

Both AdelFi and Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) bring decades of ministry-focused service—over 125 years combined. Each also carries a unique tradition of generosity:

• AdelFi tithes 10% of its earnings to Christian ministries and mission-sending organizations.
• CCCU donates a portion of every debit and credit card swipe to Christian causes—over $6.5 million given to date.

“Together, we will amplify our giving,” Caid notes. “And with our union, we will form the nation’s largest Christian credit union, creating a digital-forward banking experience that honors God and meets members wherever they are.”

The merger also expands lending capacity for churches, ministries, and Christian businesses—allowing more Kingdom-minded projects to flourish.

Strengthening the Christian Banking Movement

Christian banking is still a small, often overlooked sector. But Caid believes this merger marks a turning point.

“Most Americans don’t even know a Christian banking option exists,” he says. “By merging, we’re aligning resources to create more awareness, more growth, and more impact.”

With AdelFi Christian Banking emerging as the clear leader in this space, Caid hopes believers increasingly see banking as an area of stewardship—not just convenience.

“Our desire is to be the go-to financial solution for Christ followers who seek to align their finances with their faith,” he says. “We want to help steward God’s resources to His glory.”

Why Christian Banking Is Countercultural—and Needed

Caid acknowledges that choosing a Christian financial institution is, in many ways, a countercultural move.

“We’ve seen a major shift among Christians who are fed up with secular banks using their funds for causes that don’t align with their values,” he explains.

Believers want their money—God’s money—to be managed with integrity and used to advance gospel-centered work.

“That’s why we’re boldly stating there is a quality alternative,” Caid says. “A place where your finances are stewarded in ways that reflect biblical priorities, not worldly ones.”

The creation of AdelFi Christian Banking reflects a unified vision, a strengthened mission, and a renewed commitment to serving Christ’s people well. For those seeking to align their financial lives with their faith, this merger offers a meaningful way forward.

To learn more about AdelFi Christian Banking or explore opening an account, visit: FaithFi.com/Banking.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I was offered a $45,000 loan at 8.675% for 20 years. I could use it to pay off two loans—one at 10.44% and one at 9.84%—and still have $15,000 left over. If I then put an extra $300 a month toward the new loan, is this a good deal?
• I’m 65 with a little over $1 million in a traditional IRA. Should I start converting some of it to a Roth before I have to take RMDs at 73?
• I budgeted $25,000 for a remodel. The contractor offered 0% financing for 72 months, bringing the cost to $21,000 with a $3,000 down payment—or I could pay cash and get an extra 5% discount by putting $6,000 down. Should I take the 0% option to keep more cash on hand? And will it affect my credit score?
• We owe $56,000 on our mortgage. I could pull from my retirement to pay it off, but that would nearly drain the account. Would it be wise to do that and then redirect the mortgage payment into investing?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• AdelFi Christian Banking
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

Are you living at your best—or simply getting by? For many believers, chronic exhaustion has become a quiet norm. Yet Scripture reminds us that burnout isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a warning light. When life feels out of balance, it may be a sign we’re pushing beyond the limits God lovingly designed for our good.

Today, we sat down with Carey Nieuwhof—pastor, bestselling author of At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor, leadership expert, and host of the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast, as well as the founding pastor of Connexus Church—to talk about how Christians can pursue biblical rest and renewed purpose. Carey’s insights come not from theory, but from the deepest valley of personal experience.

When Success Masks Exhaustion

Carey’s story began two decades ago, during a season of explosive ministry growth. His church was thriving, opportunities were multiplying, and by every outward measure, life was “on top.” But amid this success, his inner world was collapsing.

After returning from a high-profile speaking event, Carey hit a wall:

“It was like I fell off a cliff. I lost motivation, passion, and energy. I met all the symptoms of clinical depression. My body declared a finish line I had refused to acknowledge.”

People around him saw the signs. He didn’t. And that’s often the story behind burnout—others notice the warning lights long before we do.

Carey describes burnout as “the gap between what you’re capable of and what you’re carrying.” Early in ministry, he assumed that increasing responsibility meant increasing hours. It was an unsustainable equation.

Yet today, two decades later, he leads a much larger platform with far more influence—without living exhausted. Why? Because he restructured his life around a biblical rhythm of rest, limits, and intentional focus.

Managing Energy, Not Just Time

Many Christians feel that better time management will fix their overload. But as Carey points out, time is a fixed asset—everyone gets the same 24 hours. Energy, however, rises and falls.

Every person has what Carey calls a “green zone”—a few hours each day when they are at their best mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. For him, it’s morning. For others, it might be midday or evening.

His challenge is simple: Do what you’re best at when you’re at your best.

When he writes in his green zone, he gets exponential results. When he tries the same work in his “red zone,” productivity crashes. This principle applies to everyone—from CEOs to parents, pastors, and business owners.

Stewarding energy also requires boundaries. That means saying no—not out of selfishness, but out of faithfulness.

Carey explains:

• Saying yes to every request eventually forces you to say no to the people who matter most.
• Delegation is a spiritual discipline.
• Some opportunities, even good ones, don’t align with God’s call in a particular season.

By categorizing his decisions—like eliminating breakfast meetings that compete with his green zone—Carey reclaimed the margin he had been missing for years.

Rest Is Not a Reward—It’s Design

For many Christians, rest feels like something we “earn” after working ourselves to the edge. But biblically, rest is part of our calling.

Carey describes Sabbath not just as rehab after exhaustion, but prehab—something that prepares and strengthens us for faithful work. He points to the way elite athletes build rhythms of sleep, diet, and intentional recovery before they step onto the court.

Even God modeled this for us—delighting in His creation and resting not from exhaustion but from joyful completeness.

For Carey, the principles of rest and margin extend well beyond the calendar.

A free Saturday protects family time. A healthy emergency fund protects the home from crisis. Limits are not restrictions—they are blessings that allow us to flourish.

Margin creates room to love well, give freely, and listen to God’s direction.

Living at Your Best

Carey’s journey from burnout to renewal is a grace-filled reminder: God never asked us to outrun His design.

He calls us to work diligently, rest faithfully, and live within the good limits He created for our flourishing. Carey’s whole story—and the principles he teaches in his book At Your Best—offer a roadmap for anyone seeking balance, health, and spiritual renewal.

For more wisdom from Carey Nieuwhof, explore his book At Your Best and visit the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. And if you’re an advisor, he’ll be joining us at Redeeming Money, our conference for financial professionals, in February.

May you learn to live—not at your limit—but at your best, in the freedom and rest God provides.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• Can you explain the pros and cons of taking Social Security at 62 versus waiting until full retirement age? By 62, I’ll be mostly debt-free, and since longevity doesn’t run in my family, I’m wondering if it makes sense to claim early while my quality of life is higher and still work within the income limits.
• When should someone update their will? I’m 58, debt-free, still working, and have a solid 401(k). Should I consider setting up a trust, and how do I know when that becomes the wise choice, especially since it costs more?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• At Your Best: How to Get Time, Energy, and Priorities Working in Your Favor by Carey Nieuwhof
• Didn't See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences by Carey Nieuwhof
• The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
• Redeeming Money 2026: A Kingdom Advisors Conference
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

Giving Tuesday has become a global moment to celebrate generosity. But for believers, it can be much more than a once-a-year opportunity to give. It can become a catalyst to cultivate a lifestyle of intentional, joy-filled stewardship all year long.

Today, we explore how to give with both heart and wisdom—so that our generosity reflects God’s purposes, not merely the moment. Joining the conversation is Al Mueller, founder and CEO of Excellence in Giving and former executive with Morgan Stanley and UBS.

Beyond the Moment: What Giving Tuesday Really Represents

For Al Mueller, Giving Tuesday is more than a charitable trend—it’s an invitation.

“Giving Tuesday is a great opportunity to begin acting on generosity,” he says, “but it’s also a moment to pause and align with God’s purposes.” Al reminds us of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart… for God loves a cheerful giver.”

In other words, generosity is more than an impulse. It is an act of worship. Giving Tuesday can be a spark, but intentional stewardship is the flame that keeps burning throughout the year.

Al summarizes biblical giving with a simple idea: “God gave us both a head and a heart—He didn’t say pick one.”

Wise stewardship holds both together:

• The heart expresses compassion, joy, and worship.
• The head evaluates impact, effectiveness, and alignment with God’s purposes.

Stewardship looks at the Kingdom outcomes we long to see and asks how we can best contribute to them. Some giving is planned, some spontaneous—but all of it can be intentional.

Helping Donors Give With Excellence

At Excellence in Giving, Al and his team equip high-capacity givers—often those giving $1 million or more annually—to make well-informed, impactful decisions. They offer research, due diligence, and accountability that help donors shift from reactive to proactive giving.

But these principles, Al emphasizes, are not reserved for the ultra-wealthy.

“Everyone can do their own homework,” he says. “Everyone can ask good questions. Everyone can give intentionally.”

Whether you’re giving $50 or $50,000, evaluating ministries wisely matters. Al recommends starting with three core questions:

1. What problem is the ministry trying to solve?
2. What do they believe is the root cause of that problem?
3. What measurable results have they seen?

Healthy ministries provide clear reporting, measurable outcomes, and transparent leadership. They welcome questions and view accountability as part of discipleship.

Key indicators to review include:

• Leadership stability
• Donor and staff retention
• Clear communication
• Transparent financial practices
• Evidence of life change

Strong ministries don’t hide their results—they celebrate them.

Red Flags: When to Think Twice

Just as there are markers of strong ministries, there are warning signs that should prompt caution:

• Vague vision without a clear plan
• Emotional pressure or over-spiritualizing results
• Lack of reporting or unwillingness to share outcomes
• Over-dependence on a single donor
• Repeated urgent appeals for funds

Al calls vague visions “ministry hallucinations”—dreams without blueprints. Just as you wouldn’t build a house without plans, you shouldn’t fund ministry without clarity.

A Growing Trend: Collaborative Giving

One of the most exciting developments in philanthropy today is collaborative giving—donors pooling resources to make a larger, more strategic impact.

Pooling resources:

• Helps ministries secure larger grants
• Reduces duplication
• Saves ministries' valuable time
• Strengthens unity within the body of Christ

“This model lets donors and ministries accomplish something bigger together,” Al explains.

No donor wants to micromanage, and no ministry seeks to be controlled. But accountability doesn’t mean control—it means clarity.

Al puts it this way: “Accountability is information given, not control taken.”

Trust grows when ministries offer clear plans, measurable results, and honest reporting—what Al calls “a form of blessing” to donors.

The Next Generation of Givers

Younger donors give differently than their parents do. They are:

• More global in perspective
• More results-oriented
• More experiential—they want site visits and direct engagement
• Motivated by conviction rather than obligation
• Passionate about transparency and impact

Al believes this next generation will reshape Christian generosity—mainly as significant wealth transfers occur in the coming decades.

Al concludes with a powerful insight: there is a meaningful difference between being generous and being a steward.

In the first century, a steward managed the household, finances, and fields on behalf of the master. The steward’s job was simple: to know the heart of the master and act accordingly.

Stewardship today means:

• Recognizing God owns it all
• Seeking His desires for His resources
• Giving with discernment
• Aiming to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Generosity is beautiful—but stewardship is a calling.

Growing in Intentional Generosity

Whether you’re giving on Giving Tuesday or cultivating lifelong generosity, the call is the same: give with joy, wisdom, and purpose.

If you want to explore tools to help you give more strategically, you can learn more at ExcellenceInGiving.com. And if you’d like to partner with the mission of FaithFi, visit FaithFi.com/Partner to join us in helping believers integrate faith and financial decisions for the glory of God.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• What are your thoughts on annuities for someone approaching age 70?
• My wife and I are senior citizens and now have custody of our 10-year-old granddaughter—her father passed away, and her mother isn’t involved. We want guidance on setting up a trust for her future. What’s the best way to approach this?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Excellence in Giving
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

The holidays are meant to be a season of joy, generosity, and gratitude. Yet for many families, the celebrations come with a heavy dose of financial stress—stress that lingers long after the decorations are packed away. Our desire to bless others often leads to spending more than we planned. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Recently, we sat down with Neile Simon, Certified Credit Counselor and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christian Credit Counselors, to talk about how families can give meaningfully, stay within their means, and refocus on what Christmas is truly about.

Creating a Realistic Holiday Plan

Most people enter the holiday season with the best of intentions. We want to show love, bless others, and create special memories. But somewhere along the way, those intentions can derail.

Neile explains that a mix of cultural pressures makes overspending almost effortless: holiday sales, credit card offers at checkout, “buy now, pay later” deals, and social media’s endless highlight reels. Before long, the drive to be generous morphs into the belief that we must spend more to prove how much we care.

And the consequences last far beyond December—financial stress, increased debt, and a January filled with regret rather than joy. The good news: overspending isn’t inevitable. Neile suggests starting early and planning intentionally.

1. Decide what you can truly afford. Account for all holiday expenses—gifts, food, travel, entertainment, and even small traditions that add up.

2. Set a total spending limit. Let this number guide every decision throughout the season.

3. Use cash or debit when possible. “When the money’s gone, you’re done—and that’s okay,” Neile says. This simple boundary protects you from impulse spending.

4. If using credit cards, treat them as tools—not the enemy. Used wisely, they can help you track your spending. The key is to stay disciplined and avoid taking on debt you can’t comfortably repay.

Ultimately, a budget is not a restriction—it’s a path to freedom. It helps you enjoy the season without dreading the bill that arrives in January.

Meaningful Giving Without Overspending

Generosity isn’t measured by price tags. In fact, the most meaningful gifts are often the simplest.

Neile encourages families to focus on personal, relational giving:

• Handwritten notes
• Homemade treats
• Shared experiences
• Thoughtful, small gifts with clear intention

Her own family keeps gift-giving fun by setting spending limits and doing a white-elephant exchange. “It takes the pressure off,” she says, “and turns gift-giving into shared laughter and memory-making.”

When togetherness becomes the priority over possessions, Christmas becomes both more joyful and more affordable.

If You’re Already in Debt, There’s Hope

For families already carrying debt, Christmas can feel like a tug-of-war between generosity and financial reality. Neile offers this encouragement: give within your means—even if it means scaling back.

Why? Because responsible giving protects your finances, your peace, and your future.

“Think of it this way,” Neile says. “A relaxed, stress-free January is far better than stressing out after overspending in December.”

Scaling back isn’t failure—it’s stewardship. And it models wisdom and faithfulness for your children.

Refocusing on the True Meaning of Christmas

Amid the lights, the gifts, and the traditions, it’s easy to lose sight of the heart of Christmas.

“Christmas is a celebration of Jesus—the greatest gift ever given,” Neile reminds us. When our hearts are centered on Him, love and grace become the focus. Giving within our means allows us to celebrate joyfully, gratefully, and peacefully.

And when we spend with purpose—anchored in Christ rather than consumerism—we experience a kind of joy that lasts long after the season ends.

Need Help With Debt?

If financial stress is weighing you down, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a nonprofit ministry, they specialize in debt management—not debt consolidation—working directly with your creditors to lower interest rates and help clear the path toward freedom.

Learn more at: ChristianCreditCounselors.org/Faith. 

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’m an 84-year-old retired veteran, and my wife is 81. We have a $375,000 mortgage on a $3.2–$3.4 million home, a $140,000 portfolio, a 529 with $55,000, about $100,000 in gold jewelry, $40,000 in Social Security benefits, and $15,000 in credit card debt. We’re running out of money and need to tap our home equity. The VA offered a $400,000 loan, but would a HELOC or a reverse mortgage be better? Who can help us make the right decision?
• We’re receiving a $60,000 inheritance and have $10,000 in credit card debt. Should we use some of the inheritance to pay it off, and what should we do with the rest? My husband is disabled, and we’re in our 60s—so is investing any of it in the stock market wise? And should we tithe on the inheritance?
• I’m 65, still working full-time as a caregiver, and have about $900,000 in my 401(k). When should I start Social Security—now or when I retire in May 2026? And how do I know if I have enough saved for retirement, since I’m debt-free and have fairly basic expenses?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Christian Credit Counselors
• Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement by Harlan J. Accola
• Movement Mortgage
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

Those six simple words form the foundation of all Christian generosity. Every act of love, every gift we offer, every step of obedience begins with what God has already given to us. We don’t start by giving—we start by receiving.

In this spirit, Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors, joined us for a meaningful conversation on the often-overlooked generosity of the women who financially supported Jesus. Their story, found in Luke 8, gives us a powerful picture of what grateful, gospel-shaped giving looks like.

Women Who Supported Jesus

Luke 8 opens with a glimpse into Jesus’ ministry on the move:

“Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God… and also some women… Mary called Magdalene… Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.”  — Luke 8:1–3

These women formed part of Jesus’ traveling ministry team, and Scripture highlights an astonishing truth: they provided for Jesus and His disciples out of their own resources.

Among them was Joanna, a woman of high social standing and significant wealth. As the wife of King Herod’s household manager, she lived with privilege—but Scripture also tells us she was once spiritually and physically broken. Jesus healed her, and her generosity flowed from that transformation.

Receiving Always Comes Before Giving

Before Joanna gave to Jesus, she received from Jesus.

Sharon points out that Luke intentionally includes this detail: these women had been healed—spiritually, emotionally, or physically—before they supported Jesus’ ministry. It reminds us that money alone can’t solve the deepest problems of the heart. We all begin our stewardship journey by receiving.

At the most basic level, every good thing in our lives is a gift from God:

• The breath in our lungs
• The abilities we develop
• The resources we hold
• The love we experience

As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:7, “What do you have that you did not receive?” The answer is nothing.

Giving, then, is designed to be a response—a natural overflow of gratitude.

Joanna’s Love for Jesus

Joanna’s story doesn’t end in Luke 8. We meet her again in Luke 24 at the empty tomb, heartbroken and confused, until the angels remind her of Jesus’ words. Joanna becomes one of the first witnesses of the resurrection, running with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, to tell the apostles.

Her pattern is clear: She received from Jesus. She loved Jesus. And she gave to honor Jesus. Her generosity was not transactional—it was relational. It was the fruit of a transformed life.

Generosity as a Journey

Sharon suggests that generosity is never a one-time event—it’s a journey. As our relationship with Christ deepens, our giving naturally grows. Joanna shows us what sacrificial generosity looks like when it springs from grateful love.

To make this practical, Sharon shared three questions she’s been asking herself—questions all of us can ask:

1. What do I need to recognize as a gift from Christ before I can give generously?

Do I see what’s in my hands as mine—or as His?

2. Is my giving safe or sacrificial?

Does my generosity reflect comfort… or love?

3. What does my current giving say about how well I’ve received?

Giving reveals the condition of the heart.

These questions invite us into deeper intimacy with Jesus, because generous living always begins with grateful receiving.

Becoming Conduits of Christ’s Love

Joanna’s life encourages us to see generosity not as a duty but as a joyful response to God’s grace. As Sharon put it, her prayer—and ours—is to “receive so well that we become conduits of Christ’s love through generosity.”

May we, like these remarkable women, offer our resources, time, and lives with open hands—recognizing that every gift we give begins with the gift we’ve already received in Christ.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• I’m considering taking 72(t) withdrawals from my 401(k) in a couple of years as I retire and begin consulting. Should I plan on withdrawing around 5% annually, and if so, should I keep the money invested in stocks to aim for the usual 9–11% returns?
• My husband and I need about $8,000 and are debating whether to pull it from my 403(b), use benefits from his part-time retirement job, or tap a small annuity worth $3,000–$4,000. We want to pay off some credit cards and finish a car loan with three months left. What’s the best source to use?
• We inherited enough money to either pay off our mortgage or cover about three-quarters of our daughter’s student loan. The amounts are similar, and our mortgage is mostly principal now. I’m 61. Which payoff makes the most sense?
• I started my Social Security retirement benefits at age 70 this June. My younger husband reaches full retirement age next July. Can he take a spousal benefit equal to half of mine until he reaches FRA and then switch to his own higher benefit?
• I’m getting remarried, but my fiancée would lose nearly $1,500 in Social Security benefits she currently receives. Is there any way to avoid losing that benefit once we marry?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find 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.

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