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- Today24 min
Finding Purpose in Retirement with Mitch Anthony
Retirement is often described as the finish line—the long-awaited season when work finally ends, and leisure begins. But what if that picture is incomplete? For believers, retirement does not mean purpose expires. It may simply mean that purpose takes on a new expression. We were created by God not merely to earn a paycheck, but to serve, contribute, create, encourage, and reflect His character in the world. That calling does not end when a career does. Mitch Anthony, bestselling author of The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams…at Any Age You Want, has spent decades helping people rethink retirement. He joins the show today to share a simple but deeply important message: retirement should not be the end of meaningful work. It should be a new season of purposeful living. Work as Worship One of the most powerful ways to rethink retirement begins with a biblical understanding of work itself. In Hebrew, the word avodah conveys both work and worship. That connection reminds us that work was never meant to be separate from our calling before God. Work, at its best, is not merely labor. It is an opportunity to bring value to others and meaning to our own lives. That may happen through a career, but also through volunteering, mentoring, serving in the church, caring for family, teaching, consulting, creating, or encouraging others. Mitch defines work as “an engagement that brings value to others and meaning to you.” That broader definition helps us see that meaningful work is not limited to employment. It includes any faithful contribution that blesses others and reflects the gifts God has given us. Retirement Is Not a “Use By” Date Our culture often treats retirement as though people reach a certain age and are no longer needed. But that idea does not reflect biblical wisdom. Human beings are not products with expiration dates. We are image-bearers of God, created with gifts, experience, wisdom, and calling. While the pace or form of our work may change with age, our purpose does not disappear. That does not mean everyone should work a traditional job until the end of life. Rest matters. Enjoyment matters. Slowing down may be wise and necessary. But the question is not simply, “When can I stop working?” A better question is, “How can I continue bringing value to others in this season of life?” The Problem With Leisure Alone Many people imagine retirement as a permanent vacation. After decades of work, they look forward to golf, travel, hobbies, and relaxation. Those can all be good gifts from God. But leisure alone cannot carry the weight of a meaningful life. Mitch points out that there are diminishing returns to leisure. When recreation becomes the whole purpose of life, it often loses its joy. What once felt refreshing can begin to feel repetitive. The goal is not to choose between vacation and vocation. The goal is a healthy rhythm of both. Rest gives energy to our calling, and meaningful contribution makes rest more enjoyable. The Non-Financial Challenges of Retirement Most retirement planning focuses on money: savings, income, investments, Social Security, taxes, and health care costs. Those are important. But they are not the whole story. Retirement also brings significant non-financial challenges. People may struggle with identity, routine, mental engagement, relationships, and a sense of usefulness. For someone who has spent decades in a profession, stepping away can raise painful questions: Who am I now? What do I do with my time? Where am I needed? Mitch also notes that intellectual challenge matters. When people stop engaging their minds, solving problems, learning, and contributing, they may begin to feel themselves slowing down. Staying mentally and relationally engaged is an important part of a healthy retirement. Created for Good Works For Christians, the conversation about retirement must include Ephesians 2:10, which says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” There is no retirement clause in that verse. God created His people for good works—not as a way to earn salvation, but as the fruit of His grace in our lives. Those good works may look different in each s
- Yesterday24 min
Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund?
An emergency fund can be the difference between a financial setback and a financial crisis—but only if it’s built the right way. Most people know they should have money set aside for emergencies. But many aren’t sure how much to save, what actually counts as an emergency, or where to keep that money. Those are important questions, because an emergency fund is not just another savings goal. It is a key part of wise financial stewardship. What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is money set aside for unexpected, significant financial disruptions. Those two words matter: unexpected and significant. This is not money for routine expenses, planned purchases, or occasional wants. It is reserved for the kinds of situations that can suddenly shake your financial life—job loss, a major medical need, a significant car repair, an urgent home repair, or another event that interrupts your income or requires a large amount of cash. In that sense, an emergency fund acts like a financial shock absorber. When something unexpected happens, it helps keep a difficult situation from turning into debt, panic, or financial chaos. Without an emergency fund, many people are forced to rely on credit cards or loans during hard times. But with one in place, you create stability and breathing room when uncertainty comes. How Much Should You Save? A helpful rule of thumb is to keep three to six months of living expenses in your emergency fund. That means enough to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, utilities, insurance, transportation, and other necessary costs. For example, if your household needs $5,000 per month to cover basic expenses, a fully funded emergency fund would typically range from $15,000 to $30,000. Where you land in that range depends on your situation. If your income is stable and predictable, three months may be enough. But if your income fluctuates, if you’re self-employed, or if you simply want additional peace of mind, six months—or even a little more—may be appropriate. The goal is not perfection. The goal is preparedness. Is Saving for Emergencies a Lack of Faith? Some Christians may wonder whether saving for emergencies reflects a lack of trust in God. But Scripture encourages wise preparation. Proverbs 6:6–8 says, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” The ant is not anxiously trying to control the future. It is wisely preparing for what may come. That is the posture we want to take with our finances. An emergency fund is not about pretending we can control tomorrow. It is about stewarding today’s resources wisely so that when tomorrow brings challenges, we are not forced into panic or unnecessary debt. Planning and trusting God are not opposites. In many cases, wise planning is an expression of faithful stewardship. Where Should You Keep Your Emergency Fund? Once you decide how much to save, the next question is where to keep it. This is where many people get tripped up. While an emergency fund should grow over time, it is not meant to be invested like a retirement account. Why? Because investments such as stocks and mutual funds fluctuate. If the market drops at the exact moment you need the money, your safety net may suddenly be smaller than you expected. Likewise, locking emergency funds in a certificate of deposit can limit your access. If you need to withdraw early, you may face penalties or lose interest. An emergency fund has two primary goals: safety and accessibility. You want the money protected and accessible quickly when a real need arises. That’s why many financial advisors recommend keeping emergency funds in accounts such as high-yield savings accounts or money market accounts. These allow your money to earn a competitive rate while remaining liquid and accessible. They are also typically insured, helping protect your savings while they earn a modest return without taking unnecessary risk. A Banking Option Worth Considering This is where our friends at Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) come in. They recently merged with AdelFi to form AdelFi Christian Banking, creating even more opportunities for believers to align their banking with their faith. Right now, AdelFi offers a high-yield money market account that may be a good fit for an emergency fund. With this account, you can earn around 4% on balances up to $100,000, giving you both strong returns and the liquidity you need if an emergency
- 4 days ago24 min
5 Smart Tips for a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation with Crystal Paine
Summer is not that far off, and for many families, the kids are already dreaming about vacation. But parents may be asking a different question: How can we make great family memories without breaking the budget? A family vacation can be a wonderful gift, but it doesn’t have to create financial pressure that follows you home. With a little planning, creativity, and communication, you can enjoy meaningful time together while staying within your means. Crystal Paine, creator of MoneySavingMom.com, joined us on today’s show to share practical ways families can plan a memorable, budget-friendly vacation. Start Planning Early The first step is to plan ahead. The earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have for lodging, travel, and activities. Crystal recommends considering destinations that are a little off the beaten path. These places often have fewer crowds and lower prices while still offering plenty of opportunities for rest and fun. If you’re flying, she suggests using Google Flights to search flexible destinations. You can enter your travel dates and explore lower-cost flight options across the country. Just as important, set a clear budget for the entire trip before you go. Decide what matters most to your family. Maybe staying near the beach is a priority, but eating out every meal is not. Knowing those priorities ahead of time helps you spend intentionally rather than react in the moment. Take Advantage of Free Activities Some of the best vacation memories don’t cost anything. Crystal encourages families to search for free things to do in their destination. Try looking up phrases like “best free things to do” along with the name of the city or area you’ll be visiting. You may find hiking trails, local parks, self-guided walking tours, free museums, art exhibits, festivals, or concerts. These activities are often overlooked, but they can become the hidden gems of a trip. And they remind us that meaningful experiences don’t always require a high price tag. Get the Whole Family Involved A vacation is more enjoyable when everyone feels included. Ask your children what they would enjoy doing. You may not be able to do everything, but letting each person choose one activity can help the trip reflect the whole family’s interests. Crystal also suggests giving each family member a set budget and allowing them to plan a few hours of the vacation within that amount. This can be a fun way to teach kids practical money skills. They learn how much things cost, how to make tradeoffs, and how to enjoy the responsibility of planning. Be Strategic About Meals Food can quickly become one of the most expensive parts of a trip, especially if you eat out for every meal. One way to save is to stay somewhere that offers free breakfast. Then, bring snacks or simple meal items from home. If you’re flying and can’t pack much food, visit a grocery store when you arrive. A loaf of bread, peanut butter and jelly, fruit, carrots, chips, or sandwich supplies can cost far less than several restaurant meals. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a special meal out. Part of a vacation can be the fun of eating at a memorable place. The key is to be strategic. Choose the meals you want to splurge on, and save on the rest. Set a Daily Spending Limit Before the trip begins, decide how much you can spend each day. Then, make it a family challenge to stay under that amount. This can turn budgeting into a game rather than a burden. It helps children think carefully about purchases and gives everyone a shared goal. Instead of saying yes to everything in the moment, your family can work together to decide what is truly worth the cost. Come Home With Memories, Not Debt The best vacation is not the one with the biggest price tag. It’s the one that gives your family time together, creates lasting memories, and allows you to come home without financial regret. A budget-friendly vacation doesn’t mean settling for less. It means choosing what matters most, planning wisely, and remembering that joy is not found in how much we spend, but in the people we share life with. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I’m 66, recently retired from the Air Force, and considering taking Social Security before full retirement age. What income counts toward the earnings limit—just wages, or also pension income and IRA withdrawals? And how does a lump-sum vacation payout affect that? I’m 60 and plan to work until 67. I have traditional and Roth IRAs. Should I continue doing small Roth conversions each year, as my CPA suggested, or wait until retirement? What’s the advantage of converting now? I’m 72, turning 73 soon. Can I use a donor-advised fund to satisfy my RMDs, an
- 5 days ago24 min
Rising Healthcare Costs: Is There Another Way? with Lauren Gajdek
What do you do when the cost of staying healthy begins to strain the family budget? For many households, health care has become one of the biggest financial pressures they face. Groceries, utilities, and everyday expenses are already stretching families thin. But medical costs often feel like they are in a category of their own. Even when traditional coverage feels out of reach, families are not without options. That’s why Lauren Gajdek, Senior Director of External Affairs at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), joined the show today to discuss medical cost sharing, how it works, and why more families are taking a closer look. The Pressure Families Are Feeling Many families are still dealing with the effects of higher prices across the board. While inflation may have cooled in some areas, that does not mean prices have returned to their previous levels. Groceries, utilities, housing, and other essentials still cost more than they did before, leaving many households with less room in their monthly budgets. Health care adds another layer of pressure. Employer-sponsored family health insurance can now cost thousands of dollars each year when accounting for both employer and employee contributions. Marketplace plans can also be expensive, especially for those who do not qualify for subsidies. Behind those rising premiums are the increasing costs of hospitals, medications, and other medical services. For families trying to manage their resources wisely, those numbers can feel overwhelming. What Options Are Available? When traditional health insurance becomes too expensive, families may begin looking for alternatives. One option is COBRA, which allows someone who has lost employer-sponsored coverage to keep the same plan for a time. But COBRA is often very expensive because the individual is typically responsible for the full cost of the plan without employer assistance. Another option is the health insurance marketplace at Healthcare.gov. For those who qualify for subsidies, this may provide some relief. But without subsidies, marketplace plans may still be difficult to afford. A third option is medical cost-sharing through an organization such as Christian Healthcare Ministries. CHM is not insurance. Instead, it is a community of believers who voluntarily come together to help share one another’s eligible medical expenses. How Medical Cost-Sharing Works Most people are familiar with the traditional insurance model: premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and claims. Medical cost sharing operates differently. With Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), members receive medical care from their provider and then work with that provider to receive the bill directly. The member submits the bill to CHM, and eligible medical costs are shared or reimbursed in accordance with the program guidelines. CHM describes this as “assurance” rather than insurance. Members are supported not only financially but also spiritually by a community of believers committed to helping one another. Christian Healthcare Ministries has been serving members for more than 40 years and has shared more than $13 billion in medical costs. What Does It Cost? CHM offers several programs designed to fit different household needs and budgets. Their Gold program is $299 per unit per month. Silver is $169 per unit per month, Bronze is $115 per unit per month, and CHM also offers a senior program for $119 per unit per month. Costs are based on household size and the number of participating members. Dependent children can participate as one unit, and no family pays for more than three units. For some families, that structure may provide a more affordable way to manage health care costs while staying aligned with their values. A Values-Aligned Approach Health care decisions are both practical and personal. Families need to consider costs, coverage needs, medical history, risk tolerance, and how each option fits their overall financial plan. For those seeking an alternative to traditional insurance, medical cost sharing may be worth exploring. It offers believers a way to come together in community, helping one another carry the burden of medical expenses. <a href="https://info.chministries.org/faithfi?utm_campaign=9717081-pame_faithfi&utm_source=faithfi&utm_medium=faithfi_vanityurlredirect_march2025_faithfilandingpage&utm
- 6 days ago24 min
What is Faith-Based Investing? with Luke Bolton
A growing number of Christians are asking not just how to invest, but whether their investments reflect what they believe. For many believers, investing has often been treated as a purely financial activity—something focused on returns, risk, diversification, and retirement goals. But what if investing is also deeply connected to our faith and calling? Luke Bolton, Executive for Strategic Relationships at Kingdom Advisors and co-author of the upcoming book, The Theology of Investing: A Biblical Perspective for Contemporary Investors, joins us on the show today to say that this is ultimately about more than financial strategy. It is about theology—what we believe about God, money, stewardship, and the world He created. Why a Theology of Investing Matters Most Christians encounter investing at some point, whether through a workplace retirement plan, an IRA, a brokerage account, or a conversation with a financial advisor. But many have never paused to ask a deeper question: What does my faith have to say about this? For Bolton, the answer begins with the lordship of Christ. If we confess that Jesus is Lord, then He is Lord over everything—including our money, savings, and investments. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” That “everything” includes how we invest. This does not mean every Christian will make the exact same investing decisions. But it does mean investing should not be placed in a separate category outside discipleship. Our portfolios, like every other part of life, should be brought under the wisdom and purposes of God. Investing Begins in the Heart A biblical approach to investing starts with what is happening internally. Are we trusting God, or are we trusting the markets? Are we investing out of wisdom and stewardship, or anxiety and fear? Are we content and grateful, or driven by comparison and accumulation? Those heart-level questions matter because financial decisions are never purely financial. They reveal what we value, what we fear, and where we place our hope. Scripture repeatedly reminds us not to put our ultimate confidence in wealth, which is uncertain, but in God, who richly provides. That perspective changes the way we think about return, risk, security, and purpose. Investing Also Has an Outward Expression Faith-based investing is not only about the heart, though. It also shapes outward decisions. Bolton explained that over the last 20 to 30 years, a growing number of Christians have begun taking meaningful action through their investments in three key ways. Some seek to avoid investments that conflict with their faith. Others look for opportunities to use their influence as investors for good. Still others seek investments that actively align with God’s heart for human flourishing and the good of His world. In other words, faith-based investing can move beyond simply asking, “What should I avoid?” It can also ask, “What good can my investments help accomplish?” Seeking the Welfare of the World Jeremiah 29:7 says, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you…for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Galatians 6:10 adds, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Those passages help frame investing as an opportunity. Capital can be deployed in ways that contribute to human flourishing, support productive work, and reflect God’s concern for the world He made. That does not remove the need for careful financial analysis. Investors still need wisdom, diversification, and sound counsel. But it does add another layer of due diligence: How might this investment reflect God’s character, purposes, and mission? Where to Begin For someone who wants to move in this direction, Bolton suggested a few simple first steps. Start by learning more about investing from a biblical worldview. Then take time to understand what you already own. Many investors do not know which companies or funds are represented in their portfolios. From there, seek wise counsel. This is not a conversation to navigate alone or simply by searching online. Proverbs reminds us that wisdom is often found in the presence of many counselors. A practical next step may be as simple as asking your advisor, “How might I better align my investments with my values?” Bolton noted that many advisors are waiting for clients to raise the question. In many cases, values-aligned investing conversations begin when investors ask. Your Portfolio Is an Opportunity The field of faith-based investing continues to grow. More investment solutions are becoming available for retirement plan
- 1 weeks ago24 min
The Rise of Faith-Based ETFs with Mike Schnackenberg
What if investing could be about more than performance? What if it could also be about purpose? For many believers, stewardship does not stop with earning, giving, saving, or spending. It also includes asking whether the companies we invest in reflect the values we profess. And as more Christians think carefully about their portfolios, faith-based investing tools are making that conversation more practical than ever. Mike Schnackenberg, Head of Distribution at Eventide Asset Management, joins the show today to discuss the rise of faith-based ETFs and how investors can align their portfolios with their convictions while honoring God and serving the common good. What Is an ETF? ETF stands for exchange-traded fund. Simply put, an ETF is an investment vehicle that can hold multiple stocks or bonds under one ticker symbol. That gives investors a convenient way to diversify. Instead of purchasing shares of dozens—or even hundreds—of individual companies, an investor can gain exposure to many holdings through a single investment. ETFs also trade on exchanges like stocks, which means they can be bought and sold throughout the trading day. Many also provide transparency, giving investors visibility into the companies or holdings inside the fund. For years, many people associated ETFs mainly with passive investing—funds that simply track a broad market index. But that has been changing. More active strategies are now being offered through ETFs as well, partly because of the accessibility, transparency, and tax efficiency the structure can provide. Is Passive Investing Really Neutral? One of the most important questions for Christian investors is whether passive investing is truly neutral. At first glance, it may seem that way. If an investor is simply tracking an index, it can feel like they are not making an active ethical choice. But from a biblical stewardship perspective, every investment decision carries moral weight because investing involves ownership. Even if someone owns only a small percentage of a large company, that investor still has a connection to the company’s products, practices, profits, and impact. If we benefit from a company’s success, then it is worth asking whether that success comes through work that contributes to human flourishing—or work that harms our neighbors. That is why faith-based investing begins with a deeper question: What kind of impact do I want my investments to have? Investing Is Ownership For believers, stewardship is not limited to giving, budgeting, or avoiding debt. It also includes investing. If God owns everything, then the money we invest is also entrusted to us by Him. That means our portfolios should not be disconnected from our discipleship. A broad market index may include companies involved in industries or practices many Christians would find troubling—areas connected to addiction, exploitation, the destruction of life, or other harms to human flourishing. Faith-based investing seeks to avoid those problematic areas while also identifying companies whose products and practices serve people well. The goal is not merely to avoid what is harmful. It is also to pursue what is good. The Awareness Gap One of the biggest challenges is that many Christians simply do not know that faith-based investing options are available. They may assume their only choices are traditional index funds, mutual funds, or ETFs that make no distinction between companies based on values or business practices. But the faith-based investing space has grown, giving investors more opportunities to pursue financial goals while also seeking values alignment. For many believers, the first step is simply awareness: learning what they currently own and understanding what companies or industries may already be represented in their portfolio. That discovery process can be eye-opening. Many investors find that familiar funds or indexes include exposure to businesses they would not knowingly support. What Should Investors Look For? Those who want their investments to align more closely with their convictions should begin by examining what their current investments contain. Some screening tools allow investors or advisors to enter a ticker symbol and review exposure to areas many Christians consider problematic, such as alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography, and abortion-related businesses. Some faith-based investment firms screen across many additional ethical categories. This kind of review is not meant to stir up guilt. It is meant to bring clarity. Once investors understand what they own, they can make more intentional decisions about where their money is invested and which kinds of companies they want to support.</
- 1 weeks ago24 min
Faithful with Much: Stewarding a Financial Windfall
Unexpected wealth can feel like a blessing, but without wisdom, it can quickly become a burden. A sudden financial gain, a large inheritance, a life insurance payout, or the sale of a business can change your circumstances overnight. But what you do next matters far more than what you’ve received. When a financial windfall comes into our lives, it rarely arrives in a vacuum. Often, it is tied to loss. A loved one has passed away, leaving behind assets along with grief. Or it may come after years of effort, when a business finally sells, or an investment pays off. In those moments, emotions can run high. There may be gratitude, relief, and even excitement. But there may also be uncertainty, pressure, and fear. That’s why the first step is not financial at all. It is spiritual. Remember Who Owns It All In 1 Chronicles 29:14, David prays, “For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” That is a simple but powerful reminder: whatever we receive ultimately belongs to God. That truth changes everything. Receiving a windfall may feel deeply personal, but it is ultimately part of God’s provision and His purposes. And when that wealth represents the life’s work of someone else, it should lead us to humility. So the first step is simple, but not always easy: pause. Before making major decisions, take time to pray, reflect, and remember that this is not merely money to manage. It is a stewardship entrusted to you by God. Guard Your Heart Sudden wealth can subtly reshape our hearts if we are not paying attention. It can shift our sense of security, our priorities, and even our identity. What once felt like dependence on God can slowly drift toward self-reliance if we are not anchored in truth. That is why this moment matters spiritually. Ecclesiastes 7:11 says, “Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.” Notice that inheritance and wisdom are meant to go together. Wealth without wisdom is dangerous. But wealth guided by wisdom can become a powerful tool for good. Give yourself time to think, pray, and seek counsel before making any major moves. Understand What You Have Received From there, the next step is to understand what you have actually received, because not all wealth is the same. If you received a life insurance payout, it may have come during a season of grief, which makes wise decision-making even more important. Those funds are often income-tax-free, but that does not mean the decisions are simple. It can be tempting to act quickly in an emotional moment, but this is a time to slow down and prayerfully consider how those resources can provide stability, meet immediate needs, and reflect the values of the one who provided them. If you inherited a retirement account, such as an IRA, there are often specific rules to follow. In many cases, the account must be retitled as an inherited IRA, and the funds may need to be distributed within a certain timeframe, often within 10 years, depending on your situation and your relationship to the original account holder. If you sold a business, what was once tied up in years of hard work may now be sitting in cash. That can feel both freeing and overwhelming. A sale like this may trigger significant capital gains taxes, so it is important to understand what you owe and when. Beyond that, this is a moment to think carefully about what comes next. You do not have to rush into new investments or big decisions. Take time to evaluate your long-term needs and consider how this transition can align your resources and your next season of life with God’s purposes. And if you inherited property, there may be an opportunity, but also complexity. In many cases, the tax basis is adjusted to the property’s value at the time you inherit it, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate capital gains if you sell relatively soon. But the right decision depends on your full financial picture, your goals, and your family's needs. The form of wealth may differ—cash, investments, retirement accounts, business proceeds, or property—but the need for wisdom remains the same. Seek Wise Counsel One of the most important steps you can take is to surround yourself with wise, godly counsel. Proverbs 24:3 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Understanding comes before wise action. That means asking good questions, getting clear on the details, and inviting trusted voices into the process before you make decisions that may shape your future for years to come. This is especially important when taxes, estate issues, investment decisions, family dynamics, or charitable giving are involved. A financial windfall can create opportunities, but it can also create pressure. Wise counsel can help
- 1 weeks ago24 min
A Tribute to Faithful Mothers on Mother’s Day
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” - 2 Timothy 1:5 As Mother’s Day approaches, that verse offers a beautiful reminder: the influence of a faithful mother often reaches farther than we can see. Through daily acts of love, sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance, mothers shape hearts, homes, and generations. Their work is not always loud or publicly celebrated, but it is deeply significant. Many of the values we carry, the lessons we live by, and even our understanding of God’s care have been formed through the steady presence of a mother or mother figure in our lives. The Hidden Work Mothers Carry Most of the time, when we think about the contribution of mothers, we think of things money could never measure—love, compassion, wisdom, patience, and strength. Still, it can be eye-opening to consider the sheer amount of work mothers carry each day. According to Salary.com’s annual survey, working moms put in an average of 54 hours each week managing their households on top of their professional responsibilities. For stay-at-home moms, the workload can resemble 15-hour days, seven days a week. That work often includes serving as chef, teacher, nurse, counselor, scheduler, chauffeur, financial manager, and conflict negotiator—sometimes all before lunch. Salary.com estimated that if a mother were paid for all the roles she fills, the annual base salary would exceed $200,000. When bonuses, overtime, and other “premium pay” are added, the total could rise above $250,000. Those numbers may catch our attention, but they still do not tell the full story. Her Worth Cannot Be Measured Even the highest estimate falls short of what mothers truly provide. Why? Because the most meaningful things a mother offers cannot be bought. She gives comfort in moments of fear, wisdom in seasons of confusion, encouragement when confidence is low, and love that remains steady through every stage of life. For many, a mother’s care becomes one of the clearest early reflections of God’s tenderness and faithfulness. That is why Scripture calls us not merely to acknowledge mothers, but to honor them. Honor with Words Proverbs 31:28 paints a beautiful picture of gratitude in action: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Notice that this family does not simply feel thankful—they express it. One of the simplest and most powerful ways to honor your mother is to tell her what she means to you. Thank her for the sacrifices she made, the prayers she prayed, and the ways she loved and served, even when no one else noticed. Words of gratitude can become a gift that lingers long after Mother’s Day has passed. Honor with Care As mothers grow older, honoring them often takes on a new form. It becomes practical, intentional care. That may mean helping financially, assisting with daily needs, offering emotional support, or simply giving the gift of your time and presence. Jesus addressed this in Mark 7:10–13 when He rebuked those who used religious excuses to avoid caring for their parents. Their outward devotion masked inward selfishness. Christ made it clear that genuine love for God is never separated from love for people—especially those within our own families. Honoring a mother is not confined to a holiday. It is a lifestyle of gratitude, responsibility, and love. A Legacy That Lasts Forever This Mother’s Day, take time to celebrate the women who have shaped your life—your mother, your wife, your grandmother, or perhaps a spiritual mother who has walked beside you in faith. Let her know she is seen. Let her know she is loved. Let her know her work matters. Because when a mother faithfully serves her family, prays for her children, and passes on her faith, she is doing more than building a home. She is shaping eternity. Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for one of God’s gifts—the faithful influence of mothers. So this week, don’t let the moment pass by. Offer your praise. Share your gratitude. Show your love. And wherever possible, serve the mothers in your life with joy. In doing so, you reflect the heart of Christ and fulfill one of Scripture’s most foundational commands: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12). On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are both 70, retired school teachers, and I’m also retired military. Most of our retirement income comes from fixed pensions, and we’ve invested heavily in agriculture and farm property. We still want to invest. At our age and with
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About Faith & Finance
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Faith & Finance daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Faith & Finance as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Faith & Finance podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Faith & Finance product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Faith & Finance.
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What topics does Faith & Finance cover?
Faith & Finance covers topics including Education, Business, Investing, Religion & Spirituality, Spirituality, Christianity. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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