https://www1.cbn.com/rss-cbn-articles-finances.xml en https://www1.cbn.com/plan-purpose-tax-laws-shift As we enter this season of gratitude, we're mindful of God's blessings and the opportunities He gives us to use them for His glory. This is also a wise moment to look ahead, because tax laws are changing again soon. Several provisions affecting charitable giving are scheduled to shift between 2025 and 2026. Understanding these changes can help you make the most of your generosity and ensure your gifts continue to make an eternal impact. 5 Key Highlights to Keep in Mind Preserve full... Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 11:30am /plan-purpose-tax-laws-shift https://www1.cbn.com/full-bank-account-empty-heart Work hard and play hard was the mantra that Eric Pavlack lived by. For 17 years, he traveled across the country laying railroad tracks which paid well but triggered a habit of reckless spending. “Because I was selfish, money was very important. and I’m making all this big money and I wasn’t used to it. I was spending it right and left. Guns, hunting trips, motorcycles, weightlifting stuff, trucks, cars.” In order to afford his lavish lifestyle, Eric worked extra hours. “I bought stuff on a whim... Wednesday, December 28, 2022 - 3:30pm Shannon Woodland, Andrea Morris /full-bank-account-empty-heart https://www1.cbn.com/frank-nico-2020-year-end-giving Visit CBNLEGACY.org, call 1-800-333-2373 or email PlannedGiving@CBN.org     Year-End Ideas - Optimizing Charitable Giving  There are three focus areas when deciding on optimizing charitable giving while maximizing tax deductions: Appreciated Investments  Cash  Retirement Plans  Appreciated Investments Gifts of Stock Select a highly appreciated stock held for 1-year+ in a brokerage account. Donate stock shares by DTC wire transfer. Benefits Receive an itemized charitable tax deduction at... Monday, November 30, 2020 - 12:15pm Frank Nico, The 700 Club /frank-nico-2020-year-end-giving https://www1.cbn.com/dave-says-use-non-retirement-account-pay-debt Dear Dave, I have $11,000 in a mutual fund account that is not a retirement account. My wife has a retirement account through her job as a teacher, but I do not have one at all. We’re in Baby Step 2, so should we cash out the $11,000 in the investment account to help pay off debt? Chris Dear Chris, If this money is designated as non-retirement funds, I’d say go ahead and cash it out. Use the money to pay down debt, and continue to stay focused working the Baby Steps. Get that debt paid off,... Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - 5:00pm Dave Ramsey /dave-says-use-non-retirement-account-pay-debt https://www1.cbn.com/hand-blessing-young-military-family Chesapeake, VA Kyle says, “I knew that she was going to be great. She's very strong. She’s conquered a lot of things. She did great. So, very proud of her.”   Emily is a stay at home mom and homeschools all four kids. Managing the household on a sailor’s salary isn’t easy. In fact, the couple was often forced to buy food and other necessities on credit cards and personal loans. The monthly payments became too much to handle.  Emily says, “There's a lot of worry. A lot of how we're going to get... Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - 2:45pm Dory Nissen /hand-blessing-young-military-family https://www1.cbn.com/finance/how-to-land-your-dream-job During this way too long pandemic, thinking about your "dream job" may seem like a waste of time. "Forget about a dream job," you might think, "I just need a paycheck!" Whether you are job hunting or in work that you desperately want to escape, you may be tempted to take any job to get out of your current situation. While it's true that at times it makes sense to take a less-than-ideal job to bring in some money, you don't want to get stuck in a dead-end, poor fitting, soul-deadening job. The... Wednesday, September 9, 2020 - 1:00pm Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck /finance/how-to-land-your-dream-job https://www1.cbn.com/debt-and-despair-life-financial-freedom Rhonda Bell dreamt of a better financial future. She felt stuck working two jobs with irregular hours. “And I had to do both jobs even to have just enough. I remember one time when I out of work; I just dug around my house for change ended, and I up finding like, in change, $13.76. I was able to buy groceries; I had no food. I just really wanted a career. I wanted the Lord to bless me with something stable.” When friends encouraged Rhonda to go into healthcare, she prayed about it. She believed... Friday, September 11, 2020 - 1:00pm Cheryl Wilcox /debt-and-despair-life-financial-freedom https://www1.cbn.com/once-bankrupt-now-prosperous%25C2%25A0 Linda Beavert never thought she’d be able to enjoy retirement. “I've just sailed through it. I know because God's held my hand, you know.  He answers, and he leads me and there's just no better peace, no better confidence.” For most of their thirty-seven-year marriage, Linda and her husband struggled financially, even though they both worked full-time. “I was never comfortable about our money situation. We didn't know about budgeting; we never budgeted, and we lived from hand to mouth, just... Wednesday, August 26, 2020 - 1:15pm Amy Reid /once-bankrupt-now-prosperous%C2%A0 https://www1.cbn.com/13-year-old-entrepreneur-tithes-joy Gaylord, MI Sofia Kunst had already developed a knitting hobby by the age of 12 after learning how to knit blankets from her grandmother. One day she ran into a “snag." She was running out of yarn. Reflecting on that moment, Sofia says, “I didn’t have enough money to buy more yarn, because the yarn I like to make blankets with is more expensive.” Sofia’s mom, Courtney, suggested she use the remaining yarn and weave a wall tapestry and sell it. They found a design online, and for three days... Monday, August 24, 2020 - 11:45am /13-year-old-entrepreneur-tithes-joy https://www1.cbn.com/finance/gods-principles-stewardship-life Chuck Bentley is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, the largest Christian financial ministry in the world, founded by the late Larry Burkett. He is the host of a daily radio broadcast, My MoneyLife, featured on more than 1,000 Christian Music and Talk stations in the U.S., and author of his most recent book, Money Problems, Marriage Solutions. I recently spoke with Chuck about his advice for managing our money during difficult financial times. Why is it important to follow God's principles for... Wednesday, August 19, 2020 - 3:00pm Lisa Webber /finance/gods-principles-stewardship-life https://www1.cbn.com/dave-says-saving-college Dear Dave, What percentage of our income should we save for our kids’ education? We know you recommend setting aside 15 percent for retirement, but do you have a similar rule that applies to paying for college? Andrew Dear Andrew, I don’t really have a rule, or percentage, for how much you should save toward a college fund. If you’re following the Baby Steps, I recommend getting 15 percent of your income going toward retirement before saving for college. After you’ve got your retirement savings... Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - 7:00pm Dave Ramsey /dave-says-saving-college https://www1.cbn.com/are-you-taking-enough-risks-your-career I recently read an article that asked the question, “Are you taking enough risks?”  This is an important question in our work life because without taking risks we will not grow.   While some people's personalities drive them toward taking risks, many people only take risks in their professional life when forced to do so. The layoffs and furloughs forced by COVID-19 have catapulted workers out of what felt like stable jobs into unexpected job searches. Millions of people found stability replaced... Monday, May 18, 2020 - 11:15am Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck /are-you-taking-enough-risks-your-career https://www1.cbn.com/what-god-calling-you-do-during-coronavirus-pandemic The coronavirus pandemic is causing the world to realize just how fragile life can be.  More than ever, people need to hear that God is good and offers us salvation through Jesus.  As Christians, we have a unique opportunity to glorify God as we serve our neighbors. Through the ages, amazing things have occurred during difficult times. The story of C.S. Lewis writing the classic book Mere Christianity is one of those.  In the book, C. S. Lewis at War - The Dramatic Story Behind Mere... Friday, March 12, 2021 - 12:00am Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck /what-god-calling-you-do-during-coronavirus-pandemic https://www1.cbn.com/how-protect-yourself-times-crisis If you’re feeling panicked about money in these uncertain times, I want you to hear me on this:  You are not alone. You will be okay. People all across the country are wanting to know how the COVID-19 virus will affect their finances. Here are some of the top questions I’m getting about how to handle money during this trying time. What should I do to protect myself and my family right now? Conserve your financial resources. This means cutting unnecessary spending, like cable television, eating... Monday, March 30, 2020 - 5:30pm Chris Hogan /how-protect-yourself-times-crisis https://www1.cbn.com/finance/dave-says-bridging-gap Dear Dave, In light of recent events, do you have suggestions for things people should think about and prepare for if they get laid off from their jobs? Sam Dear Sam, It’s no secret that things are shutting down all across the world. If your workplace has closed its doors and isn’t offering pay, then it’s time to regroup and get some things in order. The thought of being without a paycheck can be overwhelming, but a little thought and planning can help you get though times like these. Start ... Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - 5:00pm Dave Ramsey /finance/dave-says-bridging-gap https://www1.cbn.com/dave-says-playing-lottery-robs-you-your-future Dear Dave, I’ve been struggling financially for the past few months, so I’ve been playing the lottery once a week. To me, the chance to win millions is worth a few dollars a month, even if things are tight. Paula Dear Paula, You’ve told me you’re having money troubles, and at the same time you’re throwing money out the window every week? Honestly, the small amount you’re talking about doesn’t make a difference. Even if it’s just two or three bucks a week, that action represents a lot of... Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - 8:30am Dave Ramsey /dave-says-playing-lottery-robs-you-your-future https://www1.cbn.com/how-be-successful-woman The author of twelve books on personal development, an international speaker, life coach, and founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, Valorie Burton shares about her latest book Life Coaching for Successful Women and her free 8-module online course "How to Coach Yourself" (available with the purchase of her book from any bookstore). Her passion is for women to understand what holds them back and to learn how to break the negative cycle that is keeping them from fully... Tuesday, January 7, 2020 - 12:00pm Lisa Webber /how-be-successful-woman https://www1.cbn.com/2-habits-lead-successful-retirement What do you picture when you hear the word retirement?  You might have a vague plan of traveling around the country visiting grandkids. Or maybe you long for the day when you’ve saved up enough money to quit a job you hate. Some of you might feel anxious because you’re not prepared. Now, hear me out: It’s never too late to start saving for retirement. And if you feel behind, don’t panic! Getting ready for retirement will take planning and sacrifice, but you can do it.   To get you started, here... Wednesday, October 16, 2019 - 12:00am Chris Hogan /2-habits-lead-successful-retirement https://www1.cbn.com/which-church-jobs-and-ministry-opportunities-best-fit-your-personality If you are a Christian, then you are called to use your gifts at church in a volunteer role or perhaps professionally. Choosing the roles that best fit your personality and interests can lead to serving God and the church more effectively. Your job satisfaction will also increase as you serve people out of your strengths.  John Holland created a theory that can help you to have more job and ministry success and satisfaction. Holland identified six personality themes: Realistic, Investigative,... Monday, September 30, 2019 - 12:00am Kevin and Kay Marie Brennfleck /which-church-jobs-and-ministry-opportunities-best-fit-your-personality https://www1.cbn.com/prayer-business-idea-leads-financial-breakthrough It’s said some cooks are born, not made, and Anne Grimes agrees.  “I think I was born with a pan and a spoon in my hand, ” laughs Anne. “By the time I was nine, I was baking cakes for neighbors and had a business going.”   Anne’s love of cooking continued after she married. She and her husband started a local bakery. But after a few years, jobs in her town were scarce, and the people there moved out. “All of a sudden, the town just dried up. And so, there was very little business there. So, we... Monday, August 26, 2019 - 12:00am Amy Reid /prayer-business-idea-leads-financial-breakthrough https://www1.cbn.com/finance/5-essential-business-principles-bible The Bible is full of advice on how to handle money. Every business owner can (and should) build their business on these essential principles straight from the Word of God. As you read through these Bible verses and associated principles, ask yourself where you see room for improvement in your own business dealings. 1. CONDUCT YOUR BUSINESS WITH HUMILITY. Be realistic about your human nature. Everyone makes mistakes, and I’d venture to guess you’ve made a few. Humility causes us to listen to our... Wednesday, August 7, 2019 - 12:00am Bob Lotich /finance/5-essential-business-principles-bible https://www1.cbn.com/finance/job-loss-survival-tips God promises to help us in our financial lives—even when we don’t know where our provision is going to come from. Jesus told the masses in His day (many of whom were unemployed), “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matt. 6:34 MSG). Comforting words…but how does it work when we are out of a job? And what are we to do with the... Thursday, July 25, 2019 - 12:00am Ed Gungor /finance/job-loss-survival-tips https://www1.cbn.com/finance/when-success-feels-like-failure What does success in your job look like? Is it advancing in your career to higher positions? Is it earning more money? Is it making a difference in the world? Would God ever call you to something knowing that your efforts would fail? I’ve often found these questions to be interesting thoughts to ponder. God called Moses to stand up to Pharaoh, but then hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he wouldn’t give in until enduring the various plagues. Ultimately, I think most of us would consider Moses’ “... Friday, July 19, 2019 - 12:00am Belinda Elliott /finance/when-success-feels-like-failure https://www1.cbn.com/finance/giving-generously-while-debt When Karen and Scott got married, Karen had nearly $50,000 of non-mortgage debt. Scott, who was a Chicago firefighter at the time, jokingly referred to it as "a reverse dowry." Several years before meeting Scott, Karen had been through the breakup of a relationship she thought was headed toward marriage. "I decided that if I'm not getting married, at least I'm going to have a nice apartment. I can remember standing at the counter of a furniture store unrepentantly handing over my credit card. I... Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - 12:00am Sound Mind Investing /finance/giving-generously-while-debt https://www1.cbn.com/3-simple-ways-boost-your-savings Have you ever stopped to consider the potential "future value" of the money you spend today? If you were to save it rather than spend it, what would it be worth in, say, 20 years? For example, let's say you spend $8 each workday for lunch on the job. What if you decided to fast just once a week and save that $8 rather than spend it? Over 20 years, you would accumulate about $8,300. Not bad. But if you were to invest that $8 a week in a Roth IRA earning 6%, your small weekly investment would... Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 12:00am Austin Pryor /3-simple-ways-boost-your-savings