1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,850
Ralph: Do you ever feel like your finances are out of control?

2
00:00:03,449 --> 00:00:07,680
What if you could take back the reins and steward your money in a way that honors God.

3
00:00:08,340 --> 00:00:09,360
That's the goal of today's show.

4
00:00:09,390 --> 00:00:10,440
So stay tuned.

5
00:00:40,577 --> 00:00:42,527
Welcome to our motivational Monday show.

6
00:00:42,557 --> 00:00:44,237
I am so glad you chose to join us.

7
00:00:44,567 --> 00:00:47,087
I just want to thank you for listening and supporting the program.

8
00:00:47,327 --> 00:00:51,227
And if you know someone that can benefit from the program, please share it with them.

9
00:00:51,647 --> 00:00:55,577
I'm coming to you this morning from the Estep Farm at the Saggio Accounting studio.

10
00:00:55,577 --> 00:01:04,037
And like I say, I'm going to put my podcaster hat on, put down those overalls and push that, adding machine to the side and let's get into some financial wisdom.

11
00:01:04,457 --> 00:01:06,017
From a Christian perspective.

12
00:01:06,557 --> 00:01:10,037
Today, we're diving into the idea of stewarding your Benjamins.

13
00:01:10,487 --> 00:01:17,777
In other words, taking intentional control of your finances as a faithful manager of what God has given you.

14
00:01:18,647 --> 00:01:22,937
The truth is I know from talking to many of you that it's easy to feel enslaved to debt.

15
00:01:23,507 --> 00:01:25,037
Anxious about retirement.

16
00:01:25,367 --> 00:01:27,617
Or just overwhelmed by expenses.

17
00:01:27,647 --> 00:01:29,537
Trust me, I've been there.

18
00:01:29,957 --> 00:01:31,907
But God has so much more for you.

19
00:01:32,117 --> 00:01:37,307
As his children were called the steward, the resources he blesses us with not become slaves to money.

20
00:01:37,667 --> 00:01:39,617
So let's talk about how we can do that today.

21
00:01:40,097 --> 00:01:43,037
Now don't forget to subscribe to the show and join our email list.

22
00:01:43,277 --> 00:01:46,847
You do that at askralphpodcast.com . So you don't miss tomorrow's show.

23
00:01:47,237 --> 00:01:51,767
Tomorrow's technology Tuesday and we're going to be discussing how to create an online account.

24
00:01:52,127 --> 00:01:54,767
With the IRS using their new ID me method.

25
00:01:54,827 --> 00:01:57,047
It's something I definitely recommend you should do.

26
00:01:57,897 --> 00:02:02,547
Our scripture today comes from Matthew chapter six, verse 24 Jesus says this.

27
00:02:02,967 --> 00:02:04,737
No one can serve two masters.

28
00:02:05,217 --> 00:02:07,287
Either you'll hate the one and love the other.

29
00:02:07,707 --> 00:02:10,287
Or you'll be devoted to the one and despise the other.

30
00:02:10,827 --> 00:02:12,807
You can't serve both God and money.

31
00:02:13,527 --> 00:02:15,357
When we let money and possessions rule us.

32
00:02:15,777 --> 00:02:17,997
It gets in the way of living for God.

33
00:02:18,520 --> 00:02:23,217
So today we're going to explore some practical ways you can go from being managed by your money.

34
00:02:23,607 --> 00:02:27,657
To managing it wisely as the steward God made you to be.

35
00:02:27,657 --> 00:02:29,127
And he's given you the tools.

36
00:02:29,487 --> 00:02:32,427
So get ready to give those Benjamin some tough love this morning.

37
00:02:33,427 --> 00:02:37,807
The first thing you've got to ultimately do is assess where you stand right now.

38
00:02:38,497 --> 00:02:41,377
You got to take an honest look at your full financial picture.

39
00:02:41,737 --> 00:02:47,887
You've got to look at your income, your expenses, your savings, your debt, your giving, and your investments.

40
00:02:48,397 --> 00:02:49,507
Whenever I meet with clients.

41
00:02:49,507 --> 00:02:50,557
This is where I start.

42
00:02:50,977 --> 00:02:53,497
This helps you see where adjustments need to be made.

43
00:02:54,217 --> 00:02:59,407
For me personally, this meant tracking every penny spent for a month to see where my money was actually going.

44
00:03:00,407 --> 00:03:04,217
I wasn't a latte person, but there was a lot of habits that I had to control.

45
00:03:04,667 --> 00:03:09,197
And that's one of the reasons I wrote my book and I don't like to push it too much, but I will push you in that direction.

46
00:03:09,227 --> 00:03:09,497
Right now.

47
00:03:09,497 --> 00:03:11,477
I wrote a book called mastering your finances.

48
00:03:11,807 --> 00:03:16,037
You can find that at askralphpodcast.com/store.

49
00:03:16,697 --> 00:03:20,897
So once you assess where you are, the next thing you've got to do, folks.

50
00:03:21,227 --> 00:03:22,577
Is create a budget.

51
00:03:23,297 --> 00:03:26,237
A, budget aligns your spending with your priorities and values.

52
00:03:26,267 --> 00:03:28,877
If you don't have one, you're going to struggle.

53
00:03:29,357 --> 00:03:31,757
It gives every dollar a purpose.

54
00:03:32,147 --> 00:03:38,807
Now, truth is there are great apps out there that make it easy, whether it be a simple spreadsheet or written budget, either one works.

55
00:03:39,347 --> 00:03:50,747
And this is where you're going to identify your needs versus your wants and cut where it's necessary, but it really starts with an assessment of where you are and then creating that budget to get to where you want to be.

56
00:03:51,137 --> 00:03:55,517
And one of the things we have to absolutely build into this is an emergency savings fund.

57
00:03:56,087 --> 00:03:57,077
What am I talking about?

58
00:03:57,077 --> 00:03:58,217
Well, here's what I'm talking about.

59
00:03:58,427 --> 00:04:01,067
You've got to have three to six months of expenses saved.

60
00:04:01,577 --> 00:04:07,667
It prevents you from running up that credit card debt when emergencies strike listen folks, even $25 a month.

61
00:04:08,017 --> 00:04:15,167
will start to build your rainy day fund when extra cash comes in, save it before, spending it on wants, focus on those needs.

62
00:04:15,167 --> 00:04:16,277
And trust me, I've been here.

63
00:04:16,277 --> 00:04:17,747
I remember when my kids were young.

64
00:04:18,227 --> 00:04:19,637
They're 23 and 26.

65
00:04:19,637 --> 00:04:22,097
Now I didn't have that emergency fund.

66
00:04:22,307 --> 00:04:25,907
And my wife and I really struggled when we had big expenses coming in.

67
00:04:26,537 --> 00:04:28,397
Which leads me to the next thing you've got to.

68
00:04:28,397 --> 00:04:28,997
Absolutely do.

69
00:04:28,997 --> 00:04:32,267
If you're going to steward your Benjamin's well, and it's tackle toxic debt.

70
00:04:32,777 --> 00:04:40,517
Things like car loans, student loans, credit cards, this toxic debt keeps you stuck in the paycheck to paycheck cycle.

71
00:04:40,847 --> 00:04:42,917
I know so many people that are there.

72
00:04:43,457 --> 00:04:46,967
Only way to break out of that is you've got to make a debt payoff plan.

73
00:04:47,207 --> 00:04:49,667
I've talked about this in many episodes.

74
00:04:49,667 --> 00:04:57,707
One of the ways you can do that is the debt snowball method I've used that personally and you relentlessly chip away at balances with focused payments.

75
00:04:58,127 --> 00:05:02,927
Now, one of the things you don't want to overlook is giving generously and yes, you heard me, right?

76
00:05:02,927 --> 00:05:06,677
You might be thinking, wait a minute, Ralph, you just said, you need to measure where your money goes.

77
00:05:06,887 --> 00:05:07,907
You need to track where it is.

78
00:05:07,907 --> 00:05:08,777
You need to have a budget.

79
00:05:08,807 --> 00:05:09,227
That's right.

80
00:05:09,227 --> 00:05:13,877
But you also have to give generously, this is what God's calling us to do a stewards.

81
00:05:14,267 --> 00:05:17,777
We should joyfully give a percentage of income, to kingdom work.

82
00:05:18,107 --> 00:05:20,687
To our local church to missions or non-profits.

83
00:05:21,227 --> 00:05:23,267
God will bless this generosity.

84
00:05:23,747 --> 00:05:26,087
I have seen it happen in my own life.

85
00:05:26,417 --> 00:05:33,077
When I've increased my giving, even when finances were tight and God provided in absolutely amazing ways.

86
00:05:33,587 --> 00:05:37,427
So one of the ways that you can find money to do that is to limit new debt.

87
00:05:37,877 --> 00:05:40,247
Scripture says the borrower is slave to the lender.

88
00:05:40,247 --> 00:05:43,547
You've probably heard that a million times on my show, but it is so true.

89
00:05:43,937 --> 00:05:48,737
I see so many people stuck in that cycle of debt.

90
00:05:48,917 --> 00:05:50,657
They become a slave to the lender.

91
00:05:51,227 --> 00:05:54,317
Yet debt is easy to tap into, especially with credit cards.

92
00:05:54,347 --> 00:05:59,657
It is so easy to get that new credit card to call them and get that increase in the credit limit.

93
00:05:59,957 --> 00:06:02,207
So you've got to commit to avoiding new debt.

94
00:06:02,507 --> 00:06:04,697
Except for plan purchases like a home.

95
00:06:05,327 --> 00:06:07,547
If you have to cut up your credit cards.

96
00:06:08,417 --> 00:06:11,327
Another thing I really want you to do to.

97
00:06:11,867 --> 00:06:16,487
Manage your Benjamin's better or to steward your Benjamin's better is invest intentionally.

98
00:06:17,117 --> 00:06:23,267
Letting money sit and low interest accounts loses value to inflation, especially in these times, things are going up in price every day.

99
00:06:23,837 --> 00:06:28,997
Investing helps it grow and you don't have to be a multimillion dollar investor.

100
00:06:29,327 --> 00:06:32,387
You can start small with an S and P index fund.

101
00:06:33,197 --> 00:06:35,507
Take the time and learn about asset allocation.

102
00:06:35,927 --> 00:06:38,777
I would highly recommend you seek advisors for guidance.

103
00:06:39,137 --> 00:06:40,907
And don't invest out of greed.

104
00:06:41,327 --> 00:06:43,667
Now here's one of the main things I want to talk about.

105
00:06:44,207 --> 00:06:47,297
If you want to steward your Benjamins, you got to work diligently.

106
00:06:47,807 --> 00:06:49,817
Scripture upholds diligent work.

107
00:06:50,267 --> 00:06:53,087
See your work as a calling, not a paycheck.

108
00:06:53,507 --> 00:06:54,917
Allow it to provide meaning.

109
00:06:55,547 --> 00:06:57,557
I mentioned this to clients all the time.

110
00:06:58,067 --> 00:07:01,247
Your job should be your calling.

111
00:07:01,757 --> 00:07:04,607
You should put as much effort in as you can.

112
00:07:04,607 --> 00:07:05,987
You got to work diligently.

113
00:07:06,497 --> 00:07:09,497
God rewards, diligence and prudent effort.

114
00:07:09,887 --> 00:07:13,727
And these wise decisions produce fruit that enables generosity.

115
00:07:14,537 --> 00:07:15,707
Now if you're like me.

116
00:07:16,397 --> 00:07:17,927
You not going to do this on your own.

117
00:07:17,927 --> 00:07:25,877
So the next thing I'm going to say is you got to seek accountability, have spouse or trusted friends, keep you accountable in your financial goals and stewardship.

118
00:07:26,237 --> 00:07:34,517
This is a great place where a husband and wife can strongly build their relationship, have these accountability discussions about where the money is going.

119
00:07:34,877 --> 00:07:36,767
I know one of the things I did when I was paying off debt.

120
00:07:36,767 --> 00:07:39,797
My small group kept me motivated on track week to week.

121
00:07:40,037 --> 00:07:42,617
We'd actually talk about how is it going, Ralph?

122
00:07:42,767 --> 00:07:45,527
How are things going with your debt repayment plan?

123
00:07:45,857 --> 00:07:47,117
And here's the thing, folks.

124
00:07:47,657 --> 00:07:50,267
Ultimately, you've got to trust God's provision.

125
00:07:50,747 --> 00:07:53,267
God promises to provide everything we need.

126
00:07:53,507 --> 00:07:54,337
And the truth is folks.

127
00:07:54,337 --> 00:07:55,547
He owns it all anyway.

128
00:07:56,357 --> 00:07:59,057
Despite worries, his provision has never failed.

129
00:07:59,447 --> 00:08:01,787
He is faithful when we walk in his ways.

130
00:08:01,817 --> 00:08:09,047
I know when I first started my business back in 2004, I literally started at my dining room table.

131
00:08:09,827 --> 00:08:13,937
And it was tough at first we wondered where was the money going to come from?

132
00:08:14,447 --> 00:08:16,157
How are we going to pay these bills?

133
00:08:16,157 --> 00:08:17,627
I was jumping out on my own.

134
00:08:18,317 --> 00:08:19,847
But God did it.

135
00:08:20,327 --> 00:08:22,667
God promised me that he would do it and he, did it.

136
00:08:22,997 --> 00:08:23,837
Did I work hard?

137
00:08:23,837 --> 00:08:24,227
Yes.

138
00:08:24,257 --> 00:08:25,157
Did I have a plan?

139
00:08:25,157 --> 00:08:25,577
Yes.

140
00:08:25,817 --> 00:08:27,407
Did I do all the things to be.

141
00:08:27,827 --> 00:08:29,007
A good steward.

142
00:08:29,027 --> 00:08:29,837
Absolutely.

143
00:08:30,437 --> 00:08:32,777
And here's one of the things you absolutely must do as well.

144
00:08:33,077 --> 00:08:34,877
You've got to review and adjust.

145
00:08:35,357 --> 00:08:37,937
Stewardship is not a set it and forget it thing.

146
00:08:37,997 --> 00:08:39,737
It's an ongoing process.

147
00:08:40,037 --> 00:08:43,907
You've got to review your budget often and adjust based on life changes.

148
00:08:44,357 --> 00:08:45,827
Maybe you switch jobs.

149
00:08:46,337 --> 00:08:51,377
You gotta look at your budget and your financial goals and don't get discouraged by setbacks.

150
00:08:51,767 --> 00:08:54,767
Budgets aren't meant to be created and cast in stone.

151
00:08:55,217 --> 00:08:58,307
You may need to make adjustments as you go through the process.

152
00:08:58,817 --> 00:09:06,647
So here's what I say in summary stewarding your finances is about aligning your priority with God's generously giving.

153
00:09:07,247 --> 00:09:11,957
Avoiding debt working diligently, trusting his provision.

154
00:09:11,987 --> 00:09:14,027
It leads to incredible freedom.

155
00:09:14,297 --> 00:09:16,547
You can break away from that bondage.

156
00:09:16,637 --> 00:09:18,827
That's holding you back in your financial life.

157
00:09:19,397 --> 00:09:21,407
And of course, this looks different for everyone.

158
00:09:21,947 --> 00:09:24,197
Maybe you need to reign in spending first.

159
00:09:24,597 --> 00:09:28,817
or focus on wiping out debt, perhaps investing is your next step towards better stewardship.

160
00:09:29,237 --> 00:09:34,547
You've got to seek God for the specifics actions he is calling you to do.

161
00:09:35,177 --> 00:09:39,047
Even small steps of obedience, make a big impact over time.

162
00:09:39,497 --> 00:09:43,307
Now, before we wrap up, I want to remind all of our listeners to visit our podcast page.

163
00:09:43,607 --> 00:09:50,867
You do that at askralphpodcast.com . There you can leave us a review, share your thoughts, or even send a message with questions for future episodes.

164
00:09:51,227 --> 00:09:55,817
As you know, I've mentioned the last few days, we are building out our after tax season calendar.

165
00:09:56,087 --> 00:09:58,967
And I want to know what you'd like me to talk about on the show.

166
00:09:59,267 --> 00:09:59,777
While you're there.

167
00:09:59,777 --> 00:10:03,677
Join our email list so we can send you our daily email with what's going on on the show.

168
00:10:04,227 --> 00:10:08,547
You can also schedule consultation with me to discuss your specific circumstances.

169
00:10:09,117 --> 00:10:10,737
And here's a special ask.

170
00:10:11,157 --> 00:10:14,817
If you know, someone who needs guidance in stewarding their resources.

171
00:10:15,057 --> 00:10:18,207
Please share this program and share this episode with them.

172
00:10:18,777 --> 00:10:28,617
My goal is to share this with as many people as I can so that I can impact people's ability to make themselves feel better about their financial lives.

173
00:10:29,217 --> 00:10:33,597
So share the program with them, send them specific episodes that you think that would help them.

174
00:10:33,957 --> 00:10:40,047
Well, friends that gives you a blueprint for taking control of your finances and stewarding those Benjamins wisely.

175
00:10:40,557 --> 00:10:43,647
I hope these practical steps encourage you to assess your situation.

176
00:10:44,067 --> 00:10:47,637
And more importantly, make needed changes without action.

177
00:10:47,637 --> 00:10:48,897
This isn't going to do much.

178
00:10:49,137 --> 00:10:55,317
So again, visit askralphpodcast.com  to find more resources on biblical financial stewardship.

179
00:10:55,617 --> 00:10:56,757
And remember this.

180
00:10:57,237 --> 00:11:00,357
God cares deeply about this area of our lives.

181
00:11:01,017 --> 00:11:05,127
He wants us to thrive financially so we can fully serve his purposes.

182
00:11:05,607 --> 00:11:09,567
Let him transform how you view and manage the resources he has given you.

183
00:11:10,107 --> 00:11:13,197
It changed everything for me when I let go and let him do it.

184
00:11:13,977 --> 00:11:15,987
I'm praying Proverbs three, nine over you today.

185
00:11:15,987 --> 00:11:16,797
And it says this.

186
00:11:17,277 --> 00:11:21,747
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all you produce.

187
00:11:22,017 --> 00:11:25,887
So stay financially savvy, my friends and key pursuing God's best.

188
00:11:26,307 --> 00:11:28,217
And God bless you Have a great day.