Money Made Faithful With John Putnam

Today we're talking about how many so of us grapple with modern-day financial traps that can hinder our journey toward true joy and wise stewardship, just like in the story of the wealthy ruler from the book of Mark. 

Join me as we focus on three trendy traps that are way too easy for us to fall into. Once we’ve uncovered them, we’ll explore some strategies rooted in biblical wisdom that will pave the way for a more peaceful, empowered, and aligned financial journey.

 

In this episode, John discusses: 

• How financial traps hinder financial freedom

• Balancing money, wealth and spiritual fulfillment in modern life

• Wise financial stewardship in today's consumer-driven society

• Embracing truth, stability, and God's bigger plan 

 

Key Takeaways:

• The story of the wealthy ruler in Mark's gospel reveals a timeless tension between worldly possessions and sacrificial love. It echoes today's tension between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment.

• Trendy traps like lifestyle inflation, instant gratification, and social comparison are tempting. To combat them, we must embrace the biblical principles of contentment, self-discipline, and identity anchored in Christ to navigate financial decisions wisely.

• By cultivating authentic relationships, embracing the values of stewardship, and sharing financial wisdom grounded in faith, we can experience personal fulfillment and become powerful testimonies of God's provision and faithfulness. 

 

“When you can stay out of these traps, you are going to experience a kind of financial freedom, peace, and fulfillment in a way that you likely have never experienced before.”  

 

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In this episode, we're diving into the practicality of finding hidden opportunities within your finances. Join us as we uncover how those opportunities in your budget may improve your financial journey and how a fresh perspective can reveal hidden blessings. 

I’ve developed a FREE tool I call 'The 3D Budget'. I’ll share how it can help you gain better control of your finances and impact your decisions, while aligning with biblical principles for wise stewardship. 

Stay tuned for more actionable steps to enhance your budgeting journey and seize the opportunities that lie within.

 

In this episode, John discusses: 

• Identifying hidden financial obstacles

• Executing financial plans effectively

• Embracing 'The 3D Budget' tool

• Seizing opportunities for wise financial stewardship 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Identifying and addressing hidden expenses, like small daily treats or overlooked regular bills, can significantly impact financial freedom.

• A faithful financial journey involves both planning and diligent execution. Even seemingly minor expenses can hinder progress toward larger goals.

• Utilizing tools like 'The 3D Budget' approach helps you break away from a dollars-in, dollars-out mentality so you can see new opportunities.

• Biblical wisdom and practical strategies, aligns financial choices and paves the way for greater stewardship and kingdom impact while navigating financial challenges with faith and diligence. 

 

“Your budget is designed to be a blessing, not a burden.”  

 

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In this episode, we're diving into a topic that touches nearly every American's financial life: tax refunds. 

Yes, that's right, we're talking about cash—hundreds of billions worth of it, to be exact!

But here's the twist: we're exploring why your tax refund might not be as smart to receive as you think.

Listen in as we uncover truths about applying our money resources wisely and how our approach to our taxes reflects and impacts our approach to faithful stewardship. 

 

In this episode, John discusses: 

• Exploring the impact of tax refunds on your finances and your faith journey

• Making the most of your tax refund

• The three pillars of tax refund management

• How tax refunds reflect financial priorities 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Overpaying taxes knowing you’ll get a refund means you’re giving the government an interest-free loan, reducing your cash flow, and hindering your day-to-day expenses and financial stability. These practices don't align with the wise stewardship.

• Relying on tax refunds for major financial decisions reflects poor financial planning. On the other hand, accurately estimating tax liabilities throughout the year and avoiding overpayment ensures better preparation and financial foresight.

• Opting for tax efficiency through proper adjustments in tax withholdings and allocations maximizes your take-home pay and utilizes your resources more productively. 

• Despite the allure of receiving a tax refund, if you do receive one, it's crucial to resist impulse spending and to prioritize directing refunds towards any of your significant financial needs such as savings, debt repayment, or investments, alongside updating your tax withholding to maintain a balanced approach between avoiding overpayment and underpayment of taxes. 

 

“I love the way the Bible stresses the importance in the scripture I just shared about honoring civic responsibilities, and that includes paying taxes as a part of wise and faithful financial stewardship.”  

 

Resources Mentioned:

• CNBC Story on How Americans plan to spend tax refunds: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/06/how-americans-plan-to-spend-tax-refunds

• IRS Tax Withholding Estimator: https://apps.irs.gov/app/tax-withholding-estimator

 

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In last week's episode, we talked about the importance of setting meaningful financial goals while staying present on the journey toward them. 

Today, we're taking it one step further and talking about a crucial question: When does a financial goal become an idol? 

Just like the Israelites in Exodus who crafted a golden calf as their idol, we can elevate our goals to a level of idolatry. If a goal is dominating our thoughts and actions, it’s likley becoming an idol.

Join me as we explore the four ways goals can begin to dominate our thinking and actions, pulling us away from what’s truly important.

But there is an answer!

We can learn how to align our financial goals with God's greater purpose and dismantle the money idols that threaten our faithful stewardship journey. 

 

In this episode, John discusses: 

• The dangerous duo of time and money

• How financial resources can shift from tools to idols

• The pitfalls of rushing financial growth and long-term planning

• Avoiding the trap of self-centered ambitions 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Financial goals can become idols when they consume our time and distract us from the present, leading to restlessness and discontent.

• Just as the Israelites' abundance of resources contributed to their idolatry, our money can drive behavior and monopolize our focus, overshadowing our faith.

• In a world of instant gratification, impatience can lead us to prioritize short-term gains over long-term faithfulness, mirroring the Israelites' impatience.

• When our skills and talents are prioritized above our alignment with God's greater story, they too can become idols.

 

“My prayer is that we would all heed this warning (Exodus 20:23) and remain steadfast in our commitment to aligning our money and our money choices with God's greater story and his greater purpose, remembering that true wealth is found in our faithfulness.”  

 

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When does a financial goal become a distraction?
Have you ever found yourself overly fixated on future goals, so much so, that it was a distraction to other parts of your life? Or maybe you reached a goal and felt somewhat disappointed, or that it was anticlimactic?
Today, we're diving into the delicate balance between setting ambitious goals and remaining presentin your journey.
We'll explore how to keep your financial goals in perspective while embracing each moment so you can have a more fulfilling and faithful experience on your stewardship journey!

In this episode, John discusses:

• Reflecting on goals and making adjustments
• How "arrival fallacy" can overshadow present joys and opportunities
• The dangers of "When I" thinking
• The paradox of planning for the future while living in the present

Key Takeaways:

• Springtime is a time of renewal, making it the perfect moment to reflect on your goals.
• The illusion that reaching a goal will bring lasting happiness can lead to a constant chase for external objectives.
• The opportunity to find joy in everyday experiences.
• Be cautious of fixating on future achievements as solutions to present problems. This can hinder our ability to recognize alternative solutions and overlook the blessings that may be right in front of us.
• Practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and generosity cultivates contentment while we focus on the goals we’re working towards.

“Remember to balance out future goals while you're still capturing present opportunities and enjoyment, and to find fulfillment in the journey itself.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Arrival Fallacy: Will Reaching a Goal Make You Happy?: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-arrival-fallacy-6561079

Click on the links below to learn more about Money Made Faithful:

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In this spring refresh episode, we dive into a remarkably practical framework that can help lay a strong spiritual foundation for your journey ahead.
Join us as we explore how committing to The Five 5’s will bring you closer to God, build confidence, enhance gratitude, and foster peace - in your finances and every other facet of your life. Through consistent practice, you'll experience immediate transformative shifts that will set you on a path of greater alignment with God's financial wisdom and greater purpose.
Let's start this spring season with a firm foundation and accelerate our growth together!

In this episode, John discusses:

• Laying a strong spiritual foundation for your life journey
• Overcoming inconsistency when it comes to Bible and prayer
• The Five 5s: Dedicating five minutes a day to essential spiritual disciplines
• Spring, being the perfect time for fresh beginnings

Key Takeaways:

• Spring represents a time of fresh starts and renewal, making it the perfect moment to lay a strong spiritual foundation - crucial for navigating life's fiancnial challenges and opportunities.
• Implementing The Five 5's framework—devoting just five minutes a day to reading, praying, listening, and expressing gratitude—can bring profound transformations with your money and all life matters.
• By understanding the spiritual factors driving our choices and practicing daily habits like the The Five 5's we can align our decisions with God's wisdom, leading to greater peace, clarity, and alignment with His greater story.
• Consistently engaging in scripture and prayer deepens your spiritual connection and positively impacts your financial decisions, leading to greater alignment with God's will and blessings in your life.

“My prayer is that it will give you a firm foundation to launch off of, and guys, it's always easier when you're starting from a firm foundation.”

Additional resources:

American Bible Society's study: https://news.americanbible.org/blog/entry/corporate-blog/american-bible-societys-new-study-shows-urgent-ministry-opportunity

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Spring is getting closer as winter begins to fade and it’s time to freshen with a little spring cleaning!
But we're not just tidying up your home and yard; it’s the perfect time to spruce up your money, too!
In this episode, we're diving into three simple steps for your financial spring cleaning . Drawing wisdom from timeless scriptures and practical insights, we'll align our financial decisions with our faith, setting the stage for intentional stewardship and spiritual growth at this special time of year.
In this episode, John discusses:

• Embracing the transition to Spring
• A reflective journey from winter wear to spring renewal
• Three simple steps to achieve financial spring cleaning for a clearer financial path

Key Takeaways:

• As we approach spring, it's time to reflect on our surroundings, like the beloved screen porch at our house, reminding us that spring brings fresh renewal and care.
• Begin your financial spring cleaning by wiping away the accumulated dust of unnoticed expenses, those small yet significant payments that, like hidden particles on our porch, can accumulate and cloud your financial clarity over time.
• Just as we sweep up the dirt tracked onto our porch daily, look at your daily spending habits and options for improvement.
• Like attending to your herds, review your financial activities, asking crucial questions about what's working, what's not, and taking intentional action to maintain financial health and alignment with your values.

“As you embark on this, remember it's an ongoing process. You don't have to wait until spring to do it. This could be something you do every ninety days.”
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I'm excited to have my friend, Ron Blue, joining me in this episode as we delve into five timeless money principles.
Ron has 50+ years experience and financial wisdom rooted in scripture and is the author of over seventeen books and the founder of various financial companies and ministries, including the Ron Blue Institute, and he continues to be active and impactful.
With decades of experience, Ron emphasizes the spiritual aspect of managing money for God's purposes. So, let's explore these foundational habits that remain transcendent and crucial, shaping a prosperous and purpose-driven financial journey.
In this episode, John and Ron discuss:

• The five timeless money principles that never go out of style
• The challenges of money management
• Planning for a secure financial future
• Breaking the grip of materialism

Key Takeaways:

• Living within your means is not just about financial prudence, but also a reflection of stewardship over what you've been entrusted with by God.
• Maintaining liquidity through savings provides flexibility for handling emergencies and unexpected expenses, contributing to financial security and peace of mind.
• Understanding the types of debt and adhering to principles like not presuming upon the future and counting the cost helps make wise financial decisions and avoid unnecessary obligations.
• Planning for the future involves not just spending less but also setting specific, achievable goals, ensuring financial decisions align with those objectives, and providing a roadmap for financial independence.
• Generosity isn't just about giving money; it's about breaking the power of money over your life and recognizing that true wealth is found in a spirit of giving and service.

“Have some accountability in your life when it comes to money because it's difficult to stay the course when you have so many things pulling at you.” — Ron Blue
CONNECT WITH RON:

• Website: https://ronblueinstitute.com/
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Ron-Blue/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARon+Blue

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In this episode, we're diving into a unique perspective on being prepared for the financial battles you will face as we explore the connection between spiritual battles and wise financial stewardship, empowering ourselves to honor God in every financial choice we make.
Just as athletes prepare meticulously before a big game, we too can equip ourselves for our financial challenges as we draw from the powerful description of spiritual armor outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18 and how it fortifies and prepares us in the face of financial challenges, temptations and trials.
Let's 'armor up' and face our battles with confidence, knowing that with God's armor, we are equipped for victory!
In this episode, John discusses:

• Equipping for financial battles inspired
• Unveiling the spiritual armor in financial battles
• Six steps to financial preparedness and victory
• Putting on the spiritual armor for financial well-being

Key Takeaways:

• In financial battles, preparation is key, drawing parallels with the meticulous pre-game routines of professional athletes
• The spiritual armor, as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18, includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit.
• Wise financial choices are rooted in spiritual choices, and utilizing the spiritual armor and embracing these truths can help you navigate and win spiritual financial battles.
• Just as football players wouldn't enter a game without their gear, we shouldn't face daily spiritual and financial battles without putting on the Armor of God for protection and guidance.

“When we can put on all the armor of God and use it in our financial choices, we not only safeguard our financial well-being, but we also deeply honor God, bringing Him glory in the process through our choices.”
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I recently came upon a thought-provoking Wall Street Journal article discussing the opinion of why Americans are losing faith in the value of higher education, and it got me thinking. Considering the financial stewardship around post-high school education, it's essential to be wise and intentional when it comes to college and career planning and pursuits. Joining me today is my friend, Lisa Marker-Robbins, with over 25 years of experience and impacting over 4,000 students, helps us navigate the crucial decisions surrounding post-high school education.
In this episode, John and Lisa discuss:

• Is there an erosion of confidence?
• Post-high school education decisions
• The importance of early career clarity
• Parental support in college applications

Key Takeaways:

• The complex higher education landscape prompts an examination of educational pathways and career objectives.
• The importance of discussions, intentionality and pursuing paths that align with personal fulfillment and unique aspirations.
• Understanding the critical role of early career exploration can significantly impact a student's college journey
• Parents play a pivotal role in helping their teens make informed decisions by providing support, initiating open conversations

“There are a lot of benefits to going to college. It shows that you can do hard things; you build your adulting skills while living in a dorm or apartment. But the end goal is a career where your kid will flourish.” — Lisa Marker-Robbins
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE - "Why Americans Have Lost Faith in the Value of College:" https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/why-americans-have-lost-faith-in-the-value-of-college-b6b635f2?st=enissi47waduz79&reflink=article_imessage_share
LISA'S COMPLIMENTARY ON-DEMAND VIDEO:

• How to guide your teen to choose the right major, college, & career (...without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret): https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/course

CONNECT WITH LISA:

• Website: http://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-marker-robbins/ & https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
• College & Career Clarity podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/college-and-career-clarity/id1605221043?i=1000547915852 & https://open.spotify.com/show/4AXJMim6LPwmgnoS2WbyBQ?si=yF5QrGFGQ5-yc1a1ey-_kQ

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