Faith & Finance Minute

When it comes to investing, don’t neglect common sense. Rob West shares some common sense rules of investing from blogger Ben Carlson.

If you are living paycheck to paycheck, Rob West points out that it isn't just about inflation. Both people that make $250,000 and those who make $50,000 have been found to spend all they bring in. The answer? Get on a budget and break the paycheck to paycheck cycle.

Is there ever a time when co-signing is a good thing to do? Rob West reminds us that the Bible tells us to care for our family and neighbors to help those who can’t help themselves. But when it comes to cosigning the Bible draws a clear line.

Is is possible to save too much? Rob West shares that although it is not a problem for most, there are some who are so concerned about the future that they over-save.

When a loved one dies, are you responsible for his or her debts? Rob West says the answer is, it depends.

In investing, there are two critical factors: money and time. Rob West points out the longer your investing time frame, the better you’re likely to do.

There’s a saying, “Careful what you wish for you just might get it.” Rob West shares too often, the joy of material possessions has a short life. Once obtained the excitement goes away. Instead of earthly possessions lay up for yourself treasures in heaven.

No one wants to face a financial crisis. Rob West shares the best way to avoid such a crisis... savings! Make savings a priority, the day will come when you’ll be glad you did.

Having money may turn us away from God, and a lack of it may cause our trust in Him to fail. Rob West shares a prayer from Proverbs 30 to help our focus be right where it needs to be no matter how much we have -- on God and trusting in Him to provide.

You can’t go back and change the past, but according to Rob West the good news is you can change the future. And the key to making changes in your future -- make them!

Is there such a thing as a saving gene? Rob West says no, in fact most savers had to learn. Maybe it took a few tries but they didn't quit. Don't give up, getting into the saving habit might be hard at first, but soon it’ll be like it’s part of your DNA.

To make the most of your money, replace a bad habit with a good one. Rob West shares two examples of good habits that, over time, can make a big difference in your finances.

To make progress in saving, use more than one bank account. Rob West shares how to keep money allocated for saving from getting mixed in with your other funds. Then you can actually make progress toward your financial goals.

Giving gift cards can seem to be a good idea. However, Rob West warns gift cards do have some downsides and shares those downsides so you can give in a way that benefits and protects the recipient.

Is it possible to create a budget in 60 seconds? Rob West attempts to but concludes It takes time, intentionality, and practice. Ask God for wisdom and provision, He’s faithful to guide you, even when the numbers don’t add up.

If you’re over 70½, you can make a charitable donation directly from an IRA. But Rob West warns be careful not to get caught in a tax trap. There are a few traps to look out for, but being generous is a great thing to be and do.

On average, you can expect an annual return of about 10 percent in the stock market. Rob West warns the problem is, there’s rarely such a thing as an “average” year so persevere and be patient.

Have you ever been jealous of those richer than you? Rob West warns in the end, riches aren’t important. What is important is being “rich toward God,” counting Him as greater riches than anything on the earth.

Wills and trusts, what’s really the difference? Rob West gives a quick primer so you can decide which you need to ensure your assets go where you want when you go home to the Lord.

The “easy way out” often leads to trouble down the road. Rob West shares how one of those "easy ways" (debt consolidation) which cures the symptom, but doesn’t address the underlying problem. Try debt management instead.

An increasing number of Americans are getting stressed out about money. So, how can you reduce money-related stress? Rob West suggests three things from financial author Art Rainer that can ease a lot of the stress you may be facing.

Do you need a raise? Rob West shares it may not be an issue of having enough money or not. Live within your means and become prayerful, faithful, wise stewards of all God provides for us.

What do the wealthy know that others might not? Rob West shares five concepts the wealthy understand and that we would benefit from as well. As Proverbs 1:5 teaches, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”

Have you ever made a financial error? Rob West shares a story of a simple error that cost millions! So always double check your figures, dates, and account numbers when making a transaction and keep errors to a minimum.

Some decisions in life are harder than others. Rob West says we ought to determine to make wise choices when it comes to earning, spending, giving, saving and investing. Because just deciding not to make bad decisions is already a good one.

In light of the Ten Commandments admonition, “You shall not steal” Rob West suggests we not only respect what belongs to others, but be open-handed with what you have and give to others.

Everybody complains about the weather but nobody does anything about it. Rob West suggests the same can be said for the financial climate. Think of it as preparing for a storm—not out of fear, but out of wisdom.

Real estate can be a smart investment. Rob West suggests It can give you an income stream through renting and almost always appreciates in value. But if you don’t feel like being a landlord, you can buy shares in a REIT.

When making a decision about a major purchase, Rob West says do the math. When you run the numbers, it may become clear that you need to wait, or perhaps seek other options.

Before going into debt to buy something, Rob West has a few questions to ask yourself. Rob quotes from Randy Alcorn who's point is that you should think and pray before taking on debt. Never make more debt your first choice.

A hundred years from now, no one is going to remember how many possessions you had. Rob West suggests God wants us to enjoy life,.but someday this life will be over. Let's invest our time and resources in things that have eternal value.

Contentment, in the biblical sense, is about trusting God for everything you need. Rob West shares that contentment is something we all need to learn, as the Apostle Paul did.

Do you own a lot or only a little? Rob West explains this trick question and encourages us to be faithful stewards over what belongs to God.

Often Rob West is asked, “How do I cancel my credit card?" Well it is not difficult if you follow the three steps Rob shares.

You’re setting yourself up for financial danger and suffering if you make any of the three big money mistakes. Rob West shares what they are so you can be like the prudent: "(he) sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.” Proverbs 22:3

People who are serious followers of Jesus Christ want to do God’s will. Rob West tells us what God’s will is for our financial life... don’t put your hope in wealth but in God, and use what He’s given you to do good and be generous

Jesus tells us to treat other people the way we’d like to be treated. Rob West suggests we think about that in relation to your job. You may be surprised at the difference it makes in your workplace and the lives of the people around you.

Do you feel knocked down financially? Rob West encourages us even though we are knocked down and have hardships and trouble, and bad things happen, we ought to get up like Solomon. Those that seek the Lord first will find the encouragement to get back up and keep going!

1 Chronicles 16 says, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name, bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” Rob West points out from this verse that giving is indeed a form of worship!

The story of The Widow’s Oil shows how God can provide in miraculous ways. Rob West shares some lessons from this story that we can apply to our financial lives.