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Faith & Finance

Faith & Finance

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Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry of FaithFi, hosted by Rob West, CEO of Kingdom Advisors. At FaithFi, we help you integrate your faith and financial decisions for the glory of God. Our vision is that every Christian would see God as their ultimate treasure. Join Rob and expert guests as they give biblical wisdom for your financial journey and provide practical answers to your pressing financial questions. From budgeting and debt management to investing and stewardship, Faith & Finance equips listeners with insights to handle money wisely and live generously for God's Kingdom. Listen now or ask your question live by calling 800-525-7000 each weekday from 10-11 a.m. ET on American Family Radio and 4-5 p.m. ET on Moody Radio. You can learn more at FaithFi.com.Copyright 2023-2025 FaithFi: Faith & Finance Cristianismo Economía Espiritualidad Finanzas Personales Ministerio y Evangelismo
Episodios
  • Financial Ethics Series: Sports Betting and Gambling with Dr. David W. Jones

    Financial Ethics Series: Sports Betting and Gambling with Dr. David W. Jones
    Jul 16 2025
    “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” - Hebrews 13:5Sports betting is more popular—and more accepted—than ever, even among Christians. But is it just harmless fun, or something more? Dr. David W. Jones returns to our financial ethics series to help us examine what Scripture says about gambling and how believers should approach it.Dr. David W. Jones is Senior Professor of Christian Ethics at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He holds a Ph.D. in Christian Financial Ethics and is the author of Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.What Does Scripture Say About Gambling?Proverbs 13:11 reminds us that:“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”Gambling, which includes sports betting, bypasses God’s designed rhythm of work and reward. 1 Timothy 6:9 warns that the desire to get rich quickly leads people into “ruin and destruction.” These verses challenge the notion that a fast win is simply a blessing—it may erode character.Is it always wrong to bet on a game with friends? Not necessarily. A one-time bracket pool during March Madness may not signal a deep moral compromise. But we must ask: Is this behavior occasional and harmless, or has it become habitual and idolatrous?The difference lies in the heart. It’s not that gambling created the idolatry of money or sports—it revealed it. And perhaps in God’s grace, it’s giving us an opportunity to examine what we truly worship.The Stewardship QuestionEvery financial decision we make is a stewardship decision. Psalm 24:1 reminds us:“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”So before we spend God’s money—even on entertainment—we must ask: Is this wise? Does this reflect my faith? Does it honor the Lord?We must start to think through whether our spending on gambling—even recreationally—glorifies God. That doesn’t mean all entertainment is wrong. But we are called to be faithful managers of what belongs to God, and some forms of entertainment carry higher risks than others.Beyond personal stewardship, Christians must consider what they're supporting. The gambling industry is responsible for significant harm. Studies show that 1 in 5 gambling addicts attempt suicide, and addiction is rising fastest among young adults, according to the American Psychological Association.For those in the church, we must acknowledge this cultural shift and lovingly walk alongside people through it, offering them truth, grace, and accountability.Idolatry, Discontentment, and the Way BackSports betting may be legal, but legality is not the same as morality, and morality isn’t always wisdom. If your habits reflect discontentment or a misplaced trust in money, that’s a red flag.But there's hope. These things are not the unpardonable sin. 1 John 1:9 reminds us: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us... God is always ready to receive us.”Isaiah 26:3 also says:“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”If you're struggling with a gambling habit or questioning your motivations, seek accountability at your local church. And if addiction is involved, please pursue professional help. Freedom is possible—and peace is found not in the thrill of a win, but in keeping your eyes on Christ.Remember: just because it’s permissible doesn’t mean it’s wise. True freedom is found not in betting on uncertain outcomes, but in trusting the God who holds the future.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I’m trying to understand where tax-free municipal bonds might fit into my overall investment strategy. How can they be used effectively for tax efficiency and generating income, and when would it make sense to include them in a portfolio?I have $19,000 sitting in an old 401(k) account, and I’m considering transferring it into a fixed annuity. I’m not retired yet and plan to return to work in the school system. One option offers lifetime income starting at age 74, but I’m not sure if that’s the best use of my funds. What should I consider before making this decision?I’m in the process of updating my will now that I’ve moved to Texas. I’m wondering if it would be more in line with God’s will to allocate a percentage of my estate to the three nonprofit ministries I support, rather than dividing everything evenly among my three children. How should I think through this decision from a biblical perspective?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians by Dr. David W. JonesSplitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteWisdom Over ...
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    25 m
  • Do Your Finances Need Scam-Proofing?

    Do Your Finances Need Scam-Proofing?
    Jul 15 2025
    “The simple believe everything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” — Proverbs 14:15In an age where scams are becoming more sophisticated by the day, Scripture reminds us that discernment isn’t optional—it’s essential. As believers, protecting the resources God has entrusted to us is more than a practical concern—it’s an act of stewardship. Here’s how you can guard your finances with wisdom, not fear.Scams Are Everywhere—But So Is WisdomFraudsters use every channel available: phone calls, text messages, emails, and even impersonations of people you trust. But as followers of Christ, we’re not called to panic. We’re called to walk in wisdom (Ephesians 5:15). That begins with slowing down and thinking critically.Pause before you respond. Scammers rely on urgency. If someone pressures you to act immediately—whether claiming your account is locked or your money is at risk—take a step back. Hang up. Verify the source independently. Urgency is often a red flag. Avoid untraceable payments. No legitimate organization will ask for payment via wire transfer or gift cards. These are the preferred tools of scammers because they’re nearly impossible to recover.Practical Steps for Digital ProtectionFinancial stewardship now includes digital awareness. Here are practical ways to protect yourself and your family:Use credit cards, not debit cards, for online purchases. Credit cards usually come with stronger fraud protection. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your financial accounts. Even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t access your account without a second form of verification. Don’t reuse passwords. Use a secure password manager, such as Bitwarden or NordPass, to create and store strong, unique passwords. Set up account alerts. Most banks allow you to monitor activity in real-time, giving you a heads-up if something unusual occurs. Freeze your credit. It’s free to do and offers one of the best defenses against identity theft. You can always unfreeze it temporarily when needed. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions. Wait until you're on a secure network or at home to check your bank accounts or make purchases. Limit what you share on social media. Personal details, such as birthdays or family names, can be used to guess passwords or security questions. Adjust your privacy settings and post wisely. Shred sensitive documents before discarding them. Even in the digital age, identity thieves still dig through trash. Don’t click on unfamiliar links, even if they appear to come from someone you know. When in doubt, contact the person or organization directly for clarification.Stewarding Wisdom in CommunityScammers often target the vulnerable, particularly older adults and teenagers. So make this a shared effort. Discuss online fraud with your family. Equip them with knowledge. If you receive a letter or email about identity protection following a data breach, verify it by contacting the company directly, rather than through the provided link or number.Financial faithfulness today includes digital vigilance. But there’s no need for fear. By taking these simple steps, you can walk confidently, knowing you’re stewarding God’s resources with care.A Tool for Wise Stewardship: The FaithFi AppLooking for a practical way to manage your money with wisdom and peace of mind? The FaithFi app is a secure tool that helps you track your spending, plan your giving, and align your finances with biblical values. With 256-bit encryption, your data is protected, and your login credentials are never stored. FaithFi Pro users also receive exclusive articles, digital devotionals, and daily encouragement.Visit FaithFi.com and click “App” or search “FaithFi” in your app store to get started today.Steward your finances wisely. Protect what God has entrusted to you. And walk in peace, not panic.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My 14-year-old son just started his first full-time summer job, working around 37 to 40 hours a week. I’d like to help him get started with investing and am considering opening a Roth IRA in his name. What’s the best way to set that up, and where should we go to open the account?We’re debt-free and recently bought a home. Our current vehicle is paid off, but we’re thinking about adding a second car with a monthly payment of around $500. I’m a little uneasy about the added expense. How can we determine if this is a wise financial move for us at this time?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Money Challenge for Teens: Prepare for College, Run from Debt, and Live Generously by Dr. Art RainerThe Finish Line PledgeSchwab Intelligent Portfolios | BettermentBitwarden | NordPassWisdom 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 ...
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    25 m
  • The Blue Temperament with Kathleen Edelman and Andrew Stanley

    The Blue Temperament with Kathleen Edelman and Andrew Stanley
    Jul 14 2025
    “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” - 1 Corinthians 14:33We’re continuing our series on temperaments—how our God-given wiring shapes the way we communicate, relate to others, and make financial decisions. Kathleen Edelman is back with us, joined by Andrew Stanley, as we take a closer look at the Blue temperament and its influence on our approach to money.Kathleen Edelman is the author of I Said This, You Heard That: How Your Wiring Colors Your Communication. She is certified in Biblical Studies and Christian Counseling Psychology and has spent over 30 years coaching clients in the art of effective communication.Andrew Stanley is a nationally touring stand-up comedian who’s been performing across the country since 2016. You can learn more at AndrewStanleyComedy.com. In this episode, he also joins us as our representative for the Blue Temperament.The Four Temperaments in a NutshellBefore diving into blue specifically, Kathleen offers a quick primer on all four temperaments:Yellow (Sanguine) – Extroverted and people-oriented, they speak the language of fun and relationships.Red (Choleric) – Task-oriented extroverts who value power and control.Blue (Melancholic) – Introverted and task-focused, they speak the language of perfection and order.Green (Phlegmatic) – Introverted but people-oriented, seeking peace and harmony.Each temperament influences not just relationships, but also how people handle money, make decisions, and respond under pressure.Blues and the Search for SafetyFor those with a blue temperament, safety isn’t just a preference—it’s a core emotional need. Blues thrive in environments where things are predictable, orderly, and well-organized. They naturally seek clarity, structure, and control to feel secure. When it comes to money, this often means creating detailed budgets, developing long-term plans, and being cautious when making financial decisions without having all the necessary information. Blues may prefer to save rather than spend, not because they’re stingy, but because a growing bank account feels like a safety net against life’s uncertainties. They can struggle with risk and may delay action if they feel unsure, even if the opportunity is wise or time-sensitive.In relationships, this drive for safety shows up in how blues communicate and connect with others. They crave understanding and support but may not always express those needs clearly. Because they process deeply and thoroughly, they often require space and time before responding, especially in moments of conflict or when making big decisions. If rushed or misunderstood, they may withdraw, using silence as a way to regain control or avoid making a mistake. However, when their need for emotional safety is honored through patience, empathy, and clear communication, they can be deeply loyal, thoughtful, and intentional partners. Understanding this temperament helps others engage them with compassion and build stronger, more harmonious relationships.Advice for and About BluesIf you have a blue temperament, give yourself permission to take the time you need to process decisions, especially those involving finances. Your thoughtful, analytical nature is a gift, but it can also lead to overthinking or decision paralysis. Don’t let the desire for perfection keep you from making progress. Instead, set realistic deadlines, seek wise counsel, and remember that not every choice has to be airtight before it’s made. Lean into your strengths—planning, order, and foresight—while also allowing space for joy, spontaneity, and relational connection. A budget isn’t just a safety tool; it can also be a pathway to shared experiences and generous living.For those in a relationship with a blue—whether in marriage, friendship, or at work—understand that their quiet moments are rarely a sign of apathy. Blues often feel deeply but express slowly. They value being understood and respected, especially when making important decisions. Don’t rush them. Instead, provide information clearly and give them time to reflect. Be patient if they seem hesitant or cautious. Underneath that careful exterior is someone who longs for peace, harmony, and purpose. When you honor their need for safety and support, you’ll discover a loyal, wise, and dependable partner who brings depth and stability to any relationship.On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I are carrying about $8,500 in credit card debt, plus a car loan. I’ve been considering opening a new credit card with an introductory 0% interest rate to help us pay it down more quickly. My wife’s grandmother also mentioned a credit card relief program, but I’m worried it might hurt our credit. What’s the best way for us to tackle this debt?Thank you for the financial advice you share on the program. It’s helped me organize my finances, set up separate accounts, and ...
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    25 m
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