In Mark 10:7, Jesus tells us, *“A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”* But does *“becoming one”* extend to the checkbook? Should husbands and wives have joint or separate bank accounts? Let’s explore this question and see if the Bible says anything about it.

__What Does the Bible Say About Joint Finances?__

The Bible doesn’t specifically address joint or separate bank accounts, as their banking looked much different than our modern system today. However, Scripture provides timeless principles that guide financial unity in marriage:

__1. Marriage Is About Oneness__

In Mark 10, Jesus emphasizes that marriage involves two becoming one. While spouses remain individuals, marriage is a partnership requiring trust, openness, and communication—qualities that are essential for managing finances together.

__2. Promote Transparency and Trust__

Joint accounts can foster financial transparency and eliminate the temptation for hidden spending. They encourage couples to avoid a “mine” and “yours” mentality, aligning with the biblical principle of unity.

__3. Avoid Division in Financial Management__

Separate accounts can complicate money management. For example, you might face cash flow issues if one account is short while the other has surplus funds. Joint accounts simplify tracking expenses and meeting obligations, reducing potential stress.

__Why Financial Unity Matters__

Some couples argue that one spouse might handle the grocery budget while the other manages larger financial decisions through separate accounts. However, this approach can lead to problems:

- __Lack of Awareness:__ One spouse may remain uninformed about the family’s overall financial health, creating difficulties if something happens to the other.
- __Missed Communication Opportunities:__ Regular money conversations build mutual understanding and accountability, ensuring both spouses are on the same page.

Scripture underscores the importance of unity in decision-making. Amos 3:3 asks, *“Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”* Financial unity reflects God’s design for marriage as a partnership built on trust and shared goals.
#### 
__Practical Steps for Financial Unity__

If you’re transitioning to joint accounts or considering how to manage money as a couple better, here are some tips:

__1. Start a Monthly Money Date__

Set aside time to review your budget, discuss goals, and address concerns. These “money dates” keep communication open and help you align your priorities.

__2. Build an Emergency Fund Together__

A shared emergency fund protects your family from financial shocks and reinforces your commitment to mutual goals. Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses.

__3. Use Tools to Simplify Budgeting__

Tools like the [FaithFi App](https://www.faithfi.com/manage) can help couples manage finances collaboratively, offering transparency and clarity about income, spending, and saving.

__Biblical Wisdom for Financial Oneness__

God’s Word offers timeless wisdom for every aspect of marriage, including finances. Ephesians 5:21 instructs, *“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”* This mutual submission applies to all areas of marriage, including how you manage God’s resources.

By embracing financial unity, couples reflect the oneness God intends for marriage. Whether through joint accounts, frequent money conversations, or shared goals, striving for unity in finances strengthens both your marriage and your walk with Christ.

__As you consider whether to have joint or separate bank accounts, remember that the goal is unity—not just in finances but in every area of your marriage. Take time to pray, communicate openly, and align your financial decisions with biblical principles. Together, you can honor God and steward His resources wisely.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Separate%20Bank%20Accounts?&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to a related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

Articles

Does “becoming one” extend to the checkbook? Let’s explore this question and see if the Bible says anything about it.

Should Christian Couples Have Joint or Separate Bank Accounts?

__If the Bible were written today and judged by what it says about money and possessions, it would never be published. If it were published, it would be mercilessly panned by its reviewers and not see a second printing.__

When it comes to money and possessions, the Bible is sometimes redundant, often extreme, and occasionally shocking. It turns many readers away, making it a hard sell in today’s marketplace. It interferes with our lives and commits the unpardonable sin—it makes us feel guilty. If we want to avoid guilt feelings, it forces us to invent fancy interpretations to get around its plain meanings.

We come to the Bible for comfort, not financial instruction. If we want to know about money, we’re more apt to read the *Wall Street Journal*, *Fortune*, *Forbes*, or *Money*. Let God talk about love and grace and brotherhood, thank you. Let the rest of us talk about money and possessions—and do whatever we want with them.

How could the Bible’s Author and Editor justify devoting twice as many verses to money (about 2,350 of them) than to faith and prayer combined? How could Jesus say more about money than about both Heaven and Hell? Didn’t He know what was really important?

When I was a pastor, I planned a three-week sermon series on money. I began by compiling a cross section of Bible passages. Every passage led to another and another. I quickly became convinced that God cares a great deal about our money—a great deal more than most of us imagine.

The sheer enormity of Scripture’s teaching on this subject screams for our attention. And the haunting question is, “Why?” Considering everything else He could have told us that we really want to know, why did the Savior of the world spend 15 percent of His recorded words on this one subject? What did He know about money and possessions that we don’t?

__Hitting Close to Home__

And what are we to think of all the current teaching on money and possessions that emphasizes what does not apply to us? Confident voices assure us that the Old Testament practice of tithing doesn’t apply to us, that the New Testament practice of sacrificial giving by liquidating assets and giving to the poor doesn’t apply to us, that the biblical prohibitions of interest and the restriction of debt don’t apply to us, that the commands not to hoard and stockpile assets don’t apply to us, and so on. It’s time to ask, “What does apply to us?”

Can we put Christ before all, deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him ([Matthew 10:38](https://ref.ly/Matt%2010.38;esv?t=biblia); [Mark 8:34](https://ref.ly/Mark%208.34;esv?t=biblia); [Luke 14:27](https://ref.ly/Luke%2014.27;esv?t=biblia)), with no apparent effect on what we do with our money and possessions?

Sometimes more can be learned from the passages of Scripture we ignore than those we underline. No wonder C. S. Lewis called God “The Transcendental Interferer.” God has this annoying habit of stepping into our lives even when we’ve pulled in the welcome mat and bolted the door. The more we allow ourselves to grapple with these unsettling passages, the more we are pierced. Jesus wounds us with His words about money. Then, just when we think we’re healed, we run into another sharp passage, and God’s Word pierces us again. Our only options, it seems, are to let Jesus wound us until He accomplishes what He wishes, or to avoid His words and His gaze altogether by staying away from His Word. The latter option is easier in the short run. But no true disciple can be content with it.

You may be thinking, I’d rather not deal with these issues; I’m content with what I’m doing. But are you really content? I, for one, hate to live with that nagging feeling deep inside that when Jesus called people to follow Him He had more in mind than I am experiencing.

The fear of dealing with what God expects me to do with my money is exceeded by the fear of not dealing with it. I don’t want to stand before Him one day and try to give an answer for how I could call myself a disciple without ever coming to grips with money and possessions. Not when even a cursory reading of the New Testament shows this issue to be right at the heart of discipleship.

I must quickly add that for me the process of discovering God’s will about money and possessions has been exciting and liberating. My growth in financial stewardship has closely paralleled my overall spiritual growth. In fact, it has propelled it. I have learned more about faith, trust, grace, commitment, and God’s provision in this area than in any other.

I have also learned why Paul said, “God loves a cheerful giver” ([2 Corinthians 9:7](https://ref.ly/2%20Cor%209.7;esv?t=biblia)). I have found that cheerful givers love God and love Him more deeply each time they give. To me, one of the few experiences comparable to the joy of leading someone to Christ is the joy of making wise and generous choices with my money and possessions. Both are supreme acts of worship. Both are exhilarating. Both are what we were made for.

__What we do with our money will—and I choose these words deliberately—influence the very course of eternity.__

My study of this subject has reinforced the reality that we were made for only one person and one place. Jesus is the person and Heaven is the place. Our purpose should pervade our approach to money. If it does, the door will be unlocked to exhilarating Christian discipleship, where “following Christ” is not merely a comforting but meaningless cliché; instead it is an electrifying, life-changing reality.

I believe that most of the financial matters we typically discuss are on the fringes of what’s important, light years away from the core of the issue. We tend to focus on things that belong at the tail end of stewardship discussions, not the beginning. In effect we’re trying to install the gutters before we’ve laid the foundation and started the framing. We must realize that many of the things our society considers to be at the heart of financial planning (such things as insurance, the stock market, and retirement, for instance) never existed before the modern era and still don’t exist in much of the world. That doesn’t mean they’re wrong—only that they are secondary.

Advice about how to accomplish our financial goals is valuable only if the goals we set are biblically based and Christ-centered. It’s not only important to know how to get the canoe down the river, it’s also essential to know where the river is taking you.

Before we learn the fine art of building a sturdy boat or the skill of staying in the boat as we head down the rapids, we should make certain that our desired destination is really downstream rather than upstream. Because if it’s upstream, we would do better to get off the river altogether, forget the boat, and plot our course by land. It may be a harder trip, but isn’t the whole point to arrive at the correct destination?

__“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” ([Romans 12:2](https://ref.ly/Rom%2012.2;esv?t=biblia)). If we prefer to think as the world thinks about money and possessions, we needn’t change a thing. Conformity is as natural as swimming downstream. But if we’re committed to thinking about money and possessions as God does, it’s a different matter. We need to set aside the bookshelves and magazine racks filled with advice on how to make, spend, and invest our money and blow the dust off our Bibles. The Bible is the only book worthy of the title chosen by a popular financial counselor for his own book: The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need.__

__[Image](https://www.epm.org/resources/2024/Oct/23/how-view-money-matter/)__ used with permission

Eternal Perspective Ministries, founded and directed by author Randy Alcorn, is focused on investing in what lasts for eternity, and helping others to do the same.

Eternal Perspective Ministries

If the Bible were written today and judged by what it says about money and possessions, it would never be published.

Why Does How We View Money Matter?

When it comes to paying for healthcare, many people assume health insurance is the only option. While health insurance can certainly be beneficial, is it always the best way to manage your healthcare costs? Let’s take a moment to think outside the box and consider some key questions about health insurance.

#### __Does Your Health Insurance Meet Your Needs?__

Here are a few important questions to ask yourself about your current health insurance:

- __Do you have the freedom to choose your own providers?__ You may have a preferred doctor or specialist that isn’t in your network, making it difficult or expensive to see them.
- __Is your plan affordable?__ High monthly premiums and deductibles can be overwhelming, especially if you struggle to meet those costs.
- __Does the company’s policies align with your Christian values?__ You may find yourself questioning whether your provider’s practices reflect your beliefs.

These are essential factors to consider when evaluating whether your current health insurance plan truly meets your needs.
#### 
#### __Healthcare with More Freedom and Flexibility__

Wouldn’t it be great to avoid the hassle of pre-approvals or worrying about whether a facility is in your network, especially in an emergency? Imagine if healthcare decisions were made solely between you and your doctor, without interference from an insurance company.

Wouldn’t it also be helpful to have control over your healthcare costs? Many people wish they could negotiate rates directly with their healthcare providers, benefiting both parties.

And what about health plan mobility? If you change jobs or even start your own business, wouldn’t it be ideal to keep your healthcare plan with you?

#### __Christian Medical Cost Sharing__

This type of healthcare freedom exists. It’s called medical cost sharing, and specifically, __Christian medical cost sharing__ is an excellent option for those looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance.

__[Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)](https://chministries.org/info-pack/?hsCtaTracking=a1d865ee-68d9-42ca-af69-b1d362723b82%7Caea8c871-b92e-4d02-a4fd-f8deb79957c4&utm_campaign=spsr_faithfi&utm_source=faithfi&utm_medium=faithfi_partner_landing_page_info_pack_button_chm_info_pack&utm_content=info_pack)__ is a pioneer in this space, having offered medical cost-sharing plans since 1981. Over the years, CHM members have shared more than $11 billion in medical expenses, making it a reliable and affordable alternative to health insurance.

#### __Benefits of Christian Medical Cost-Sharing__

Here’s what makes Christian medical cost-sharing so appealing:

- __Substantial Provider Discounts:__ CHM members often receive significant discounts by being “self-pay” patients, eliminating the need for insurance paperwork. In 2023 alone, CHM members benefited from over $670 million in discounts.
- __Affordable Alternative:__ Many members find CHM’s medical cost-sharing plans are much more affordable than typical health insurance premiums and deductibles.
- __Christian Foundation:__ Most importantly, CHM is founded on Christian principles, with Galatians 6:2 at the heart of its mission: *“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”* Prayer is a significant part of the CHM experience, with members and staff praying for one another during calls and through shared healthcare journeys.

If you’re ready to take control of your healthcare decisions with an organization that reflects your Christian values, consider exploring [Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)](https://chministries.org/info-pack/?hsCtaTracking=a1d865ee-68d9-42ca-af69-b1d362723b82%7Caea8c871-b92e-4d02-a4fd-f8deb79957c4&utm_campaign=spsr_faithfi&utm_source=faithfi&utm_medium=faithfi_partner_landing_page_info_pack_button_chm_info_pack&utm_content=info_pack). It’s a trusted, affordable, and faith-based solution to managing healthcare costs.

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Take%20Charge%20of%20Your%20Healthcare%20With%20Lauren%20Gajdek&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

When it comes to paying for healthcare, many people assume health insurance is the only option.

Is Christian Medical Cost Sharing Right For Me?

__What should you do if you are notified that your social security number has been stolen and is possessed by malicious actors? While this can certainly be a distressing situation, there are several steps you can take to further safeguard your identity and credit.__

__Step 1: Understand what ID protection means.__

There is a lot of jargon in the cybersecurity space, and many services claim to offer identity protection. While you might think that paying a monthly service fee protects your information from being stolen, all the service can do is notify you that your data has been stolen and offer assistance for dealing with those consequences. While that may not seem as ironclad as protecting your identity from thieves, there is value in having these services actively troll the dark streets of the internet and alert you if something is found.

__Step 2: Report the theft to the Social Security Office and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).__

If you have received a notification that your social security number has been stolen and used to re-create your identity, it is important to report the theft to the Social Security Office and the FTC. You can easily file your report online, and they will ask about the timing and nature of the theft. The more details you can provide, the better they can assist you.

__Step 3: Freeze all your credit reports.__

It's important to freeze all your credit reports regardless of being notified of stolen identity. Even though a credit freeze is different from a credit report "lock," it is effective in preventing unauthorized use of your personal information to open a credit card. For most States, the credit freeze is free of charge.  You can find the links to each of the credit reporting agencies below.

__Step 4: Never share your personal or account information.__

The easiest way to exploit someone's stolen identity is to obtain a few extra pieces of information. For example, if a thief already has your address, phone number, and social security number, they can do much damage with an account number or a PIN code. You might receive a text message indicating that a utility bill has not been paid and will be shut off if you don’t follow their instructions. Thieves will also use an urgent email to mimic a legitimate business or financial institution. The best course of action is to delete the messages and not engage. If you receive a message you believe could be legitimate, do not interact with the text message or email – simply call their customer support and talk to someone about your issue.

__Step 5: Continue to monitor your accounts.__

The best course of action when you discover that your personal information has been stolen is to continue to monitor your accounts closely. Financial institutions greatly appreciate prompt reporting of fraudulent charges and will take swift action to close the compromised account and prevent additional losses. They should also reimburse you for any confirmed fraudulent charges.

__Step 6: Consider identity theft insurance.__

ID theft insurance does not prevent your identity from being stolen or exploited. However, since dealing with stolen or exploited identity can be expensive, the insurance company offers a product to help cover the costs of restoring your identity or helping you re-create your digital identity, usually up to $1,000,000 of coverage. But before you buy an ID theft protection policy, check with your insurance company to determine if you are already covered. You might be surprised to find out that it is already included as part of your homeowner's insurance coverage.

__Identity theft is a complex and frightening issue. Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of theft and exploitation. However, having additional insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have financial support in the event of significant identity theft costs. Take the time to educate yourself about identity theft and how to prevent malicious individuals from compromising your identity.__

__MasterCard ID Theft Protection__
[https://mastercardus.idprotectiononline.com/](https://mastercardus.idprotectiononline.com/)
__Social Security Office__
[https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/report-stolen-number](https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/report-stolen-number)
__Experian Credit Freeze__
[https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html](https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html)
__TransUnion Credit Freeze__
[https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze](https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze)
__Equifax Credit Freeze__
[https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/](https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/)
__Identity Theft Insurance__
LifeLock - [https://lifelock.norton.com/](https://lifelock.norton.com/)
Zander Insurance - [https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection](https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection)
Geico - [https://www.geico.com/identity-protection/](https://www.geico.com/identity-protection/)

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/your-social-security-number-is-stolen-now-what)__ used with permission

You were meant for more. Your money was meant for more. You and your money are meant for an exciting, adventurous, and satisfying purpose. You were designed to live and give generously. And deep inside you know this and want this.

Christian Money Solutions

The More Than Money Podcast helps listeners get financially healthy for the sake of giving and living generously. In each episode, Art Rainer provides fun, practical, biblically-based financial advice through interviews and listener questions. Our goal with this podcast is for you to understand God's design for you and your money as you learn to give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately.

More than Money

What should you do if you are notified that your SS number has been stolen and is possessed by malicious actors?

Your Social Security Number Is Stolen, Now What?

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in Luke 12:16-21, the Parable of the Rich Fool. While most of us don’t have barns today, Jesus’ warning about storing up earthly treasures is just as relevant now as it was then. So, what does it mean to be “rich toward God,” and why does it matter? Let’s dive into this powerful lesson.The parable begins with a wealthy man who has a problem many might envy—his land has produced so much that his barns aren’t big enough to store it all. His solution? Tear down the old barns and build bigger ones. He says to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19).At first glance, this sounds practical, even responsible. But Jesus reveals the man’s tragic mistake. God calls him a “fool” because his life will end that very night, and all his possessions will be left behind. Jesus concludes with a warning: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).<h3>What Does It Mean to Be Rich Toward God?</h3>“Rich toward God” is a striking phrase, and while Scripture doesn’t define it explicitly, we can infer its meaning through contrast. The Rich Fool’s mistake wasn’t his wealth but his heart. He prioritized his possessions over God, finding his security and satisfaction in material abundance rather than in his Creator.Being rich toward God means:<ol><li>Acknowledge God as Your Source – Recognize that all you have belongs to Him.</li><li>Treasure God Above All – Count Him as your greatest riches, above money or possessions.</li><li>Use Wealth for God’s Glory – Invest in His Kingdom by giving generously to those in need.</li></ol>Had the Rich Fool done this, his wealth could have been a tool for eternal good instead of a trap for his soul.The story of the Rich Fool reminds me of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Like the Rich Fool, Ebenezer Scrooge was consumed by wealth and self-interest. But Scrooge was given a second chance to change—and so are we.Jesus teaches that the way we use money is evidence of our faith. While works don’t save us, they reflect our relationship with God. Holding onto wealth for ourselves reveals a heart that treasures possessions more than the Giver of all good things.<h3>Money as a Tool, Not a Treasure</h3>It’s important to note that money itself isn’t bad. It’s a powerful tool that can be used for good or bad, depending on how we handle it.The danger lies in letting money take God’s place in our hearts. As Jesus warns in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The Rich Fool’s failure wasn’t his wealth but his attitude. Instead of viewing his abundance as a gift from God, he saw it as an opportunity for personal indulgence.Imagine if the Rich Fool had responded differently. What if, instead of building bigger barns, he prayed, “God, this is all Yours. You have made my fields prosper. Show me how to use this blessing to glorify You and help others”?He might have used his wealth to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, or support God’s work. He could have shared in the joy of giving and discovered that, as Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”<h3>Lessons for Us Today</h3>The Parable of the Rich Fool is a sobering reminder to examine our own hearts. Are we building bigger barns, accumulating wealth for our own comfort? Or are we using God’s blessings to invest in eternal treasures?Here’s how we can strive to be rich toward God:<ol><li>Trust in God’s Provision – Avoid placing your security in money.</li><li>Give Generously – Use your resources to bless others and advance God’s Kingdom.</li><li>Focus on Eternity – Remember that worldly wealth is temporary, but treasures in heaven last forever.</li></ol>The Rich Fool learned his lesson too late, but we don’t have to. Let’s choose today to prioritize God over possessions and live as wise stewards of His blessings.“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Let’s not just hear those words—let’s live them.<h3>Rich Toward God: FaithFi's Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</h3>If you’d like to combat pride in your life and grow closer to the Lord,<a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg"> purchase</a> our study guide entitled <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/shop/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a>. With the Lord's guidance, <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi</a> created it to expand our understanding of His amazing love for us and what it means to follow him with all our hearts. Get a copy for personal study or for everyone in your Bible study group to experience it together. Go to<a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg"> FaithFi.com/RTG </a>to learn more!<h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>I'm 35 years old, married but without kids, and have no significant assets. Is it still necessary for me to set up a will? And if so, what would I need to do to go about that?</li><li>I'm considering retiring at 65, even though my full retirement age for Social Security is 67. If I wait to claim Social Security until I am 67, will my benefit amount continue to grow during the two years I'm not working, or will my lack of income negatively impact the benefit?</li><li>I have a pretty nice house and a paid-off car, but I need to set up a will and a trust. I don't know where to start. Can you recommend a company or resource that provides godly estate planning services?</li><li>I have just over $50,000 in a CD that recently matured, and I want to move it somewhere where I have easier access to the funds. Should I look into a high-yield savings account? When I look at the options on Bankrate, I'm unsure how to decide which bank to go with. What should I be considering?</li><li>I've heard you mention a company when discussing reverse mortgages with other callers. You usually say that would be the one you prefer or advise checking with. What was the name of that company again?</li><li>With the recent political changes, I wonder about the outlook for T-bills versus CDs as we head into 2025. How do you see the rates and performance of these short-term investments, and how will they compare in the near future?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.mycccu.com/faithfi/">Christian Community Credit Union</a></li><li><a href="http://bankrate.com">Bankrate.com</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.

Faith & Finance is a daily radio ministry hosted by Rob West. The program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

Faith & Finance with Rob West

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in Luke 12:16-21, the Parable of the Rich Fool. While most of us don’t have barns today, Jesus’ warning about storing up earthly treasures is just as relevant now as it was then. So, what does it mean to be “rich toward God,” and why does it matter? Let’s dive into this powerful lesson.

How Big Are Your Barns?

Rob West shares some quotes worth re-quoting from the pen of financial writer Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money.

The Faith & Finance Minute is a great way to be reminded of God's financial principles with actionable items you can easily apply to your daily life.

Faith & Finance Minute

Rob West shares some quotes worth re-quoting from the pen of financial writer Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money.

Quotable Quotes

Christmastime often allows adult children to spend extended time with their parents. Rob West suggests you seize the opportunity to address critical financial issues, such as wills, retirement funds, and medical care.

Christmastime often allows adult children to spend extended time with their parents. Rob West suggests  you seize the opportunity to address critical financial issues, such as wills, retirement funds, and medical care.

Unwrapping the Family Finances at Christmas

As Christmas draws near, stories of generosity and the spirit of giving abound. Few stories, however, embody these virtues more powerfully than the life of Saint Nicholas. Behind the modern image of Santa Claus lies the legacy of a man whose life reflected the true meaning of Christmas—selfless love and sacrificial giving.Born around 280 A.D. in Patara, Turkey, Nicholas was raised in a wealthy Christian family. From an early age, he was taught to care for the poor and live out the teachings of Jesus. His parents modeled these values daily, planting seeds of faith and generosity in his heart.Tragedy struck early in Nicholas’ life when an epidemic claimed both of his parents. Left orphaned but with a significant inheritance, Nicholas could have chosen to live in comfort. Instead, he embraced his faith, seeing his wealth as a tool to serve others and spread the love of Christ.<h3>The Secret Acts of Kindness</h3>Nicholas became known for using his wealth to quietly help those in need. His most famous act of generosity involved a poor man with three daughters who were unable to marry due to their lack of dowries. Without this financial gift, the daughters faced the grim prospect of slavery.Moved by their plight, Nicholas secretly delivered a bag of gold to the family under the cover of night. He repeated this act twice more, ensuring all three daughters had a future free from poverty. When his identity was discovered, Nicholas humbly redirected the thanks to God, embodying Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”<h3>A Life of Service</h3>Nicholas later became the Bishop of Myra, a role that allowed him to extend his mission of compassion and justice. Known for his love for the poor and his courage in defending the innocent, he risked imprisonment during the persecution of Christians and stood firm for the gospel at the Council of Nicaea.His life was defined by Christlike love. Through his actions, he reminded people that true wealth is not found in material possessions but in a personal relationship with God. His kindness pointed others to the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ, who came to bring salvation and eternal life.After Nicholas’ death on December 6th, 343 A.D., stories of his generosity spread across centuries. He became a symbol of selfless giving and was honored as the protector of children and the patron of sailors. Over time, his legacy inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus.But beyond the red suit and cheerful laughter lies the heart of Saint Nicholas’ story—a life lived to glorify God through love and generosity.<h3>The True Meaning of Christmas</h3>The story of Saint Nicholas challenges us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. His life reminds us that the season isn’t about extravagant gifts or seeking recognition. It’s about embodying the love of Christ—a love that is sacrificial, humble, and freely given.As we exchange presents and celebrate with loved ones, let’s remember that the greatest gift has already been given. Like Saint Nicholas, we can share that gift with others through acts of kindness, generosity, and encouragement.This Christmas, may his story inspire us to give generously, love deeply, and reflect the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope. After all, as Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”Let’s celebrate this season by sharing the love that makes Christmas truly special.<h3>On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:</h3><ul><li>I'm a 26-year-old newlywed looking to invest, and I'm wondering about your perspective on cryptocurrency—where you think it's headed in the future and if you're optimistic or pessimistic about it as an investment.</li><li>My husband recently passed away, and I'm not 62 yet; I'm 61. Is there a negative side effect or penalty if I were to wait until I'm 62 to start collecting my own Social Security and then switch over to his survivor spousal benefit two to three years down the road?</li><li>I have a savings account in a credit union for my grandchildren. Should I put the money into individual CDs for each child or keep it in one savings account?</li><li>I have an old secured credit card from college that I've had for 9 years, but I can't get it unsecured. I'm considering closing it, but the banker said it would drop my credit score by 300 points. Is that accurate, and what kind of impact would I expect on my credit score from closing this older card?</li></ul><h3>Resources Mentioned:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows">Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/rtg">Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/find">Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.faithfi.com/manage">FaithFi App</a></li></ul>
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith &amp; Finance is also available on the <a href="https://www.moodyradio.org/programs/faith-and-finance/">Moody Radio Network </a>and <a href="https://afr.net/podcasts/faith-finance/">American Family Radio</a>. Visit our website at <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/">FaithFi.com </a>where you can join the FaithFi Community <a href="https://www.faithfi.com/give">and give </a>as we expand our outreach.

As Christmas draws near, stories of generosity and the spirit of giving abound. Few stories, however, embody these virtues more powerfully than the life of Saint Nicholas. Behind the modern image of Santa Claus lies the legacy of a man whose life reflected the true meaning of Christmas—selfless love and sacrificial giving.

The Generosity of Saint Nicholas

You must make plans now for minimizing your tax implications before you file them. Ron Blue shares his experience and advice on this timely topic.

The Ron Blue Institute seeks to be a thought leader with great influence committed to changing the way Christians think, act, and communicate about financial stewardship, empowering the church, and changing the world.

Ron Blue Institute

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You must make plans now for minimizing your tax implications before you file them.

What tax planning steps do I need to be taking?

Le and Sonny searched for the healthcare solution that would give them freedom of choice and check all their boxes. Joining CHM equipped them to pursue their God-given business dreams while sticking with the OBGYN they loved.

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We’re not insurance – We’re the better, biblical solution to taking care of your medical costs. If you don’t love how your health insurance works, maybe it’s time to leave traditional health insurance behind.

Christian Healthcare Ministries

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