Faith & Finance Minute

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.

Rob West issues a challenge... to be grateful! He shares a few ways to motivate that thankful feeling, but the may be things you probably never think about.

Many people are excited when they get a large income-tax refund. But Rob West suggests a big refund is usually a sign that a taxpayer had too much withheld from his or her paycheck.

There’s probably nothing in the world as important as motherhood. Rob West reminds us that when you find a home marked by wise money habits and open-handed generosity, you’ll often find a mother quietly shaping hearts behind the scenes. Thanks moms!

We think discipline limits our freedom but actually, it enhances it. Rob West shares how this paradox of discipline applies to our spending... practicing discipline with spending adds to our financial freedom.

Do you have recurring charges for subscriptions for services you rarely or never use? Rob West suggests you could save 10 to 100 dollars a month by simply canceling unneeded recurring charges. These days we have to save wherever we can!

As followers of Christ we have the calling from Jesus to share the good news wherever we go. According to Rob West, this includes the marketplace! Business people are in a unique position to share the gospel.

How can handling your budget be like a sink full of dishes? Rob West reminds us not to let our money management tasks “pile up.” Instead, keep up with them, as well as keeping the sink clear!

An emergency fund is good if one knows how to use it. Rob West shares some do's and not to do's when it comes to using your emergency fund to pay for this or that.

How often have you thought, If I just had a little more money it would solve this or that problem? Rob West shares the trouble with that thinking is more money rarely fixes the problem. Expecting money to make your life better is a recipe for disappointment.

God has provided for each of us in marvelous ways! And yet, as Rob West reminds us from an example in Genesis, like the Israelites we’re more apt to complain about our current situation than to trust.

It’s great to be generous, but don’t do so in an irresponsible way. Rob West warns against using debt in your giving.

It's springtime and many folks are hitting the AT for a long hike! Rob West compares preparing for a hike to planning ahead for life's hills and valleys, while believing that God promises to meet our needs.

Financial health and stability don’t necessarily require having more money. Rob West reminds us it's not only about how much your make, but how you manage the money you have.

If you have a savings account (and you should) be sure to use it sparingly. Rob West shares three questions you should ask yourself before tapping into your savings.

Rob West shares a "hilarious" joke (or maybe not so hilarious riddle) to bring up the topic of giving cheerfully or hilariously.

Christians live by faith, but when it comes to finances that faith can be tested. Rob West reminds us of what Jesus said to overcome that fear... “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”