Faith & Finance Minute

Watch out for the “overpayment scam.” Rob West warns of folks calling to “verify your banking information.” It may be for an overcharge they wish to credit you or an overdue bill you owe. Remember to stay alert and never share your banking information with someone you didn’t contact first.

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As a whole, Americans aren’t saving much—and that’s a growing problem. Rob West warns failing to save today often leads to financial stress tomorrow. So save as much as you realistically can. When the furnace breaks or retirement rolls around, you’ll be grateful you did.

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A good credit score has traditionally been the key to getting a credit card. But that’s starting to change. Rob West explains that banks are now offering credit cards to people with no credit score—folks they once considered too risky. Why? They now see them as an untapped market.

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If you’re going to use credit cards, Rob West has a few guidelines for you to consider from Art Rainer.Credit cards can be helpful for convenience, such as making online purchases or avoiding the need to carry cash. But they should never be used as a crutch.

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Buy Now, Pay Later services are everywhere, even allowing you to split fast food into four payments. Rob West warns it may sound harmless, but it’s reshaping our perspective on money and debt.

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Sometimes, the wisest move is to wait. Rob West shares a word of advice for high school graduates—and their parents. Don’t rush into college. Consider taking a “gap year” first.

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Is there a gap between what you think you spend and what you really spend? Rob West explains that inflation may cause that gap to increase because what we think something costs and what we actually pay for it is not the same. If you haven’t reviewed your spending plan lately, now’s the time.

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Being a wise money manager means tracking your income and spending. But according to Rob West it’s also important to track your giving. Because giving isn’t about what we lose, it’s about honoring God with what He’s entrusted to us and joining Him in blessing others.

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Not all protection plans are created equal. Rob West explains some of the differences and that insurance has its place, but in some cases, like home warranties, self-insuring through a healthy emergency fund may be the better and wiser option.

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The Bible urges us to flee temptation—including those tied to money. Rob West shares that some financial temptations are obvious, such as greed, dishonesty, or chasing wealth. But one that often hides in plain sight is the temptation to be stingy.

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Facts are stubborn things—but sometimes, myths are even more stubborn. Rob West shares some retirement planning myths, the truth about those situations, and a main truth to consider - start saving now, and plan wisely—because in retirement, planning beats guessing every time.

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What are the two components of managing money well? Rob West reminds us that they are first, put God first. And second, live with a plan. That includes saving consistently, spending wisely, and being intentional with every dollar. So seek God, make a plan, and trust Him to provide.

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Does it seem like your money just flies away like an eagle? Rob West reminds us that God is faithful. He will never leave us or forsake us. Even when our savings shrink or seem to fly away His faithfulness remains.

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How much is enough to retire? Rob West encourages us to save diligently and invest wisely but resist the fear that tells you that you’ll never have enough. Contentment not comparison is what leads to lasting peace and freedom.

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We’re surrounded by messages promising that more money, more stuff, or more success will finally bring peace and fulfillment. Rob West reminds us that the abundant life isn’t found in a bank account, it’s found in Christ. And when He’s our treasure, we’re truly rich.

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Do you have any sinking funds? Rob West clarifies this is not about loosing in the stock market, but a simple, intentional way to save for upcoming expenses. Save and then spend for Christmas, vacations, car repairs, insurance premiums, or any non-monthly expense that tends to sneak up on you.

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Want to put thousands of extra dollars in your pocket? Rob West shares a not so secret approach to do just that - paying off your mortgage early! It won't be quick but the potential payoff for getting rid of your mortgage early is huge, so make it a priority in your financial planning.

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Charles Dickens wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Rob West says that still applies to folks today! Wherever you are today, spend intentionally, save wisely, give joyfully, and trust fully in His provision. Because those who follow God's ways are never without hope.

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Thinking about asking for a raise? Rob West suggests some things you shouldn't say to your supervisor and a few things you should that with preparation, humility, and prayer, you’ll be far more likely to hear “yes.”

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God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts. That includes our skills, our schedules, and our resources. Rob West reminds us when you use your gifts to serve others (in whatever form that may be) you reflect the grace of the Giver Himself.

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As you get older and presumably wealthier new avenues open up for ways to give. Rob West reviews the benefits of giving appreciated stock or making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA, or even a donor-advised fund. Honor God and give faithfully!

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As our kids grow into young adults, it’s vital that they carry key financial lessons rooted in God’s truth. Rob West shares four of those lessons that if they take to heart they’ll be prepared not just for financial success, but for a life of faithful stewardship.

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Have you been treated unfairly? Rob West reminds us that money can stir strong emotions when we’re wronged, especially if we’ve been underpaid or defrauded. It’s right to pursue justice, but we’re called to do so with humility and grace, not vengeance.

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Sacrificially generous people share several traits. Rob West quotes Art Rainer who says generous people are content, they are open-handed, and they tend to be incredibly joyful! They’ve learned that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive.

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People often say, “Out with the old and in with the new.” But some truths never expire. Rob West focuses our attention and an eternal truth from Scripture when Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters…You cannot serve God and money”.

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Looking for practical ways to grow in stewardship? Well you've come to the right place! Rob West offers three simple challenges that can strengthen your finances and your faith along the way.

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When it comes to investing, wisdom often begins from the inside out. Rob West quotes from Austin Pryor that biblical stewardship isn’t driven by hype. It’s guided by clarity, purpose, and long-term faithfulness. Instead of reacting to outside noise, start with your own situation.

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It’s hard to name the most painful financial decision, but for many, co-signing a loan ranks near the top. Rob West reminds us while the Bible doesn’t forbid co-signing, it does urge caution. So if you are considering co-signing a loan, pause, praying, and proceed with caution.

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Early retirement may seem attractive, but it has its dangers. Rob West shares retirement itself isn’t the problem, but how we view it matters deeply. If you view retirement as a new season of volunteering, care giving or mentoring it becomes a life-giving extension of our calling.

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Many people put a lot of time and energy into becoming “financially independent.” Is that an appropriate goal for a Christian? Rob West quotes from Taylor Standridge who shares it comes down to why someone wants to be financially independent.

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Want a simple way to build savings without the stress? Rob West suggests setting up recurring transfers from checking to savings in order to remove the pressure to remember and make saving a consistent, low-stress habit. Call it "self-driving savings"!

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Insurance can be a wise way to prepare for the unexpected. Rob West warns though that not all insurance is worth it. He shares some warnings to consider when looking at home warranties. At $300 to $600 a year, you’re often better off setting that money aside.

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Do you have control over the economy or the stock market? What about inflation? The answer, of course, is “no.” Rob West reminds us of a few things we can do though in order to be faithful with what God’s entrusted to us.

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Materialism exerts a strong pull on each of us, but we can fight back. Rob West equips us with a way to do just that... generous giving! As Randy Alcorn says, “God prospers us not to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving.”

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A custodial account is a great way to give your kids or grandkids a financial jumpstart in life. Rob West shares a number of reasons to consider opening a custodial account for your child.

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Over time, good habits yield great results. Bad habits have results too. Rob West shares the benefits of spending less than you earn over a long period of time and saving and investing the rest. It will yield remarkable results in the long run.

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“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19. Rob West shares what this verse really means... and what is doesn't.

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“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” - Jesus. Rob West comments on this wisdom from the Lord, that counting the cost is crucial to following through and finishing well.

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Just like when your car makes noises to warn you of a problem, your budget can give you signals as well. Rob West encourages us that if we know something's wrong but can't put a finger on it, ask for help. Faith and Finance is here to help! 800-525-7000.

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We've got too much stuff! Rob West challenges us to clean out our storage units and put that monthly rent into savings, or maybe give it away. If we don't need it, let's get rid of it! There’s no need to spend money on storing things we don’t need.

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