Yearly Archives: 2023

174 – Pioneering Faith Based Investing: The Timothy Plan Story

Click below to listen to Episode 174 – Pioneering Faith Based Investing: The Timothy Plan Story https://media.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/content.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/174-PODCAST.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | RSS | More Pioneering Faith Based Investing: The Timothy Plan Story Learn about the history of The…

173 – Is Retirement Biblical

Join financial advisors, Bob Barber and Shawn Peters, as they discuss the Biblical view on retirement. Drawing from Numbers 8:23-26, the only passage in the Bible explicitly mentioning retirement, they note that the Bible’s context of retirement doesn’t perfectly align with typical Western ideas. The Bible actually heavily emphasizes the importance of work, viewing it as a blessing, not a curse.

Retirement for Christians should not mean disengaging from life to pursue leisure but should instead be a phase to serve others. It can be a time to focus on ‘marketplace ministry,’ using your skills and extra time to volunteer. While they’re not against leisure activities like golf, they caution that an obsession with such activities in retirement can lead to depression and a lack of fulfillment. Proper planning—both financial and spiritual—is essential for a meaningful, Biblically-aligned retirement.

172 – Does God Really Care What I Invest In

Join Bob and Shawn as they delve into the topic of Biblically responsible investing, questioning if God really cares where Christians invest their money. Drawing on various scriptures, they argue that Christians should invest in a manner that aligns with their faith and values. There’s a difference between merely doing business with companies and actually profiting from them. Thus, ownership implies a greater level of responsibility.

They also address a common question about whether one can both invest responsibly according to Christian values and have a diversified portfolio. The answer is a resounding yes, noting that there are over 2,500 Biblically responsible companies and a variety of corresponding ETFs and mutual funds. Overall, this episode serves as a guide for Christians who seek to align their financial decisions with their faith.

171 – Debunking Financial Doom And Gloom: A Biblical Approach

Professional financial fear mongering is something many have seen or been affected by. Bob and Shawn address the tactics used by individuals and groups to deliberately spread fear or alarm about financial issues. Highlighting examples like claims of the stock market crashing or the need to rely on gold coins for transactions, it is important to question the credibility of such messages.

Listeners are warned to be cautious of such fear-inducing narratives, especially on platforms like social media. Instead, Bob and Shawn stress the importance of discernment, considering the motivations behind these messages, and aligning financial decisions with Christian values and wisdom.

170 – Picking The Right Investment Choice For Your Work Retirement Plan

This episode is great for anyone who has or wants to contribute to a work retirement plan, which is most of us! Using the analogy of a dismantled car, Bob and Shawn suggest that many people feel overwhelmed when it comes to deciding how to invest their retirement funds. They highlight common types of retirement plans like 401k, 403b, and SEP, while unpacking the differences (spoiler alert – there’s really not that many!).

As always, listeners are warned about the risks of making uninformed decisions and emphasize the importance of understanding the associated risks and rewards, which is why it’s so important to have a fiduciary based financial advisor. So, listen in and discover more about investing towards your retirement funds!

169 – Financially Handling The Loss Of A Spouse

Bob and Shawn discuss the often-difficult topic of managing finances after the loss of a spouse, either through death or divorce. With compassion, they explain the necessity of understanding your financial picture, such as incoming and outgoing monthly expenses and overall assets and liabilities. As always, they highlight the importance of working with a fiduciary financial advisor who can provide impartial advice, free from conflicts of interest.

The importance of keeping personal finances confidential to avoid potential exploitation by distant relatives or friends is also mentioned. Throughout the episode, they share relevant biblical scriptures to provide comfort and guidance.

168 – Unlock The Optimal Time For Claiming Social Security

Bob and Shawn delve into the complexities of deciding when to take Social Security. They discuss factors to consider when taking Social Security such as your current age, anticipated lifespan based on family history, potential income sources, and whether you’re still working. Bob emphasizes the importance of calculating the breakeven point for starting Social Security benefits early versus later, factoring in the time value of money.

They also touch on political implications and uncertainties surrounding the future of Social Security. As always, Bob and Shawn reference Biblical scriptures, tying financial decisions to faith-based values.

167 – A Secular VS A Christian Worldview Of Finances

How do you view your finances? Is it through a secular or a Biblical lens? Find out by listening to Bob and Shawn discuss the stark differences between a secular and Christian worldview of finances. They share 14 fundamental contrasts, tackling concepts like ownership, control, contentment, decision-making, needs, generosity, fair wages, honesty, and investment choices.

Drawing from Biblical teachings, this episode challenges the self-centeredness of the worldly view, advocating instead for an outlook that recognizes God as the ultimate provider and owner of all wealth. Bob and Shawn encourage listeners to align their financial practices with their Christian values, hopefully turning wealth management into a spiritually enriching endeavor.

166 – Navigating The Minefields Of Sudden Wealth Part 2

Welcome to part 2 of our series on Sudden Wealth, where Bob and Shawn continue their discussion on “Navigating the Minefields of Sudden Wealth”. They dive into the dangers associated with sudden wealth, and how to manage it wisely with topics like entitlement, arrogance, and becoming a target for manipulation due to newfound wealth.

While sudden wealth is a blessing, there are also many pitfalls that may surround it. Therefore, Bob and Shawn emphasize the importance of Biblical teachings in handling wealth responsibly. The episode also touches on the idea of testing inheritors with a ‘pre-inheritance’ to gauge their financial responsibility.

165 – Navigating The Minefields Of Sudden Wealth Part 1

In part 1 of our 2 part series on Sudden Wealth, Bob and Shawn discuss the complex issues around sudden wealth, common sources, and frequent pitfalls. Exploring this from a Biblical perspective, they emphasize stewardship and wise decision-making. Some common sudden wealth sources, including inheritances, property value increase, oil and gas discovery, and divorce settlements are discussed.

They outline common mistakes such as failure to pre-plan for taxes, misunderstanding how quickly money can be spent, and impulsively buying depreciable assets. They strongly advocate for careful planning, caution, and seeking advice to successfully navigate this tricky financial terrain.

164 – 10 Bible Verses To Guide Your Investment Decisions

In this episode of Christian Financial Perspectives, hosts Bob Barber and Shawn Peters discuss the integration of Christian values into financial strategies by exploring ten Bible verses that have to do with finances and stewardship. They highlight the importance of Biblically responsible investing and avoiding companies involved in unethical practices.

The episode emphasizes slow and methodical wealth-building, the significance of diversification, and the perils of borrowing to invest. It also encourages seeking wise counsel in financial matters and making prayerful choices, because for a Christian, financial decisions should also be spiritual decisions.

163 – Declaring Your Own Financial Independence Day

On July 4, 1776, our American forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence to officially declare the United States’ intentions of being independent from Great Britain. In this episode, hosts Bob Barber and Shawn Peters discuss the concept of ‘Financial Independence’ and explore this theme in light of Independence Day, drawing a connection between the holiday’s historical roots and one’s financial liberation.

The conversation is framed within the context of biblical teachings, particularly Philippians 4:11-13. They present two sides of financial independence: the spiritual aspect, emphasizing contentment and independence from materialism and social influence, and the physical aspect, which includes saving, becoming debt-free, and downsizing.

162 – Using Emotions As An Investment Strategy

When we hear descriptions from news outlets about the stock market, newscasters love using big words that play on our emotions. Words such as skyrocketing and plummeting are often in their vocabulary. However, instead of playing on the emotions that words like this evoke, what if we used that information to help understand the stock market better?

Bob and Shawn discuss our much talked about “Cycle Of Market Emotions” chart. By understanding the rollercoaster cycle of emotions when it comes to the stock market, only then can we better anticipate and control our decisions because they are based on information gathered instead of emotions felt.

161 – What’s Your Financial Personality

What type of financial personality are you? You can find out in this episode where Bob and Shawn cover the different types of financial personalities out there. They have divided them into four financial categories that seem to cover most types of people. You might be a…

1. Saver
2. Spender
3. Giver
4. Investor

For most people, one category is usually more dominant. Once you figure out which category you dominate, then you can better understand how to spread your finances out a little more over all of these financial areas and not just one.

160 – Avoid These Financial Mistakes

Buckle up for this great episode on avoiding some of the top financial mistakes that are commonly seen by Bob and Shawn. They have pulled from their past experiences and from the experiences of clients to create a list that can help you avoid these costly financial mistakes in the future.

These financial mistakes include the error of taking financial and investment advice from anyone other than a financially successful individual or a financial advisor (which both Bob and Shawn have friends and clients to which this has happened), as well as more common ones like avoiding procrastination. Before these happen to you, listen in so you can try and avoid these top financial mistakes!

159 – Teaching Kids Good Money Habits

Teaching kids good money habits doesn’t have to begin when they are teenagers, it can start as young as 4 or 5! It all begins with educating your children on 3 simple areas when it comes to finances:

1) Give
2) Save
3) Spend

By breaking down finances into these 3 areas, it allows even the youngest of children to have a better idea of how to manage their money properly at a young age. Throughout this podcast episode, Bob and Shawn delve into the ways of incorporating good money habits into your kids’ lives. Not only are these basic concepts a great introduction for children to establish financial responsibility, but it can also be an excellent beginning point for those who have never incorporated good money habits into their lives before.

158 – Benefits Of Using A High-Tech Financial Advisory Firm

Just in the past 5 years, technology has changed immensely to allow Christian Financial Advisors to better serve clients all over the United States, not just locally. The Covid-19 pandemic really pushed the ability to serve individuals without having to meet face to face. Through Zoom and other video chatting platforms, Docusign and online document signing programs, and sharing important information all online through secure vaults, Christian Financial Advisors can serve clients no matter where they reside.

It’s so important in today’s day and age to have the ability to access paperwork, documents, and your financial advisor quickly and efficiently. All you need is internet access. Tune in to see how we are better able to serve our clients through the use of modern technology platforms AND why it’s so important to use a high tech financial advisory firm.

157 – Summer Vacation Financial Tips and Tricks

Bob and Shawn break out some of their favorite financial advice when it comes to traveling. Summer is right around the corner, which means a vacation is in the works for most of us. Vacations can end up stressful and take a huge toll on a wallet. However, if you plan ahead correctly, then it doesn’t have to be as heavy on your finances as you might have expected. From booking a place with a kitchen to staying local, Christian Financial Advisors provides some great and easy ways to help you save money on your next summer vacation – or just any vacation!

156 – Life’s 6 Financial Stages Part 2

In part two of two, Bob and Shawn discuss the last 3 of 6 financial life stages based on finances, lifestyle, and age. We have advice and recommendations for each stage of life, especially when it comes to financial planning during this time. Not everyone will fit exactly into these 6 financial life stages, but you will find common factors in most of them! From starting a new family to coming into retirement, there are key takeaways here for everyone.

All of our advice comes from decades of experience with clients at Christian Financial Advisors. For these last 3 life stages, this includes everything from having a trusted power of attorney to investing more conservatively in your older age. Listen in to discover which financial life stage you are currently in and how you can get a better handle on your finances!

155 – Life’s 6 Financial Stages Part 1

In part one of two, Bob and Shawn discuss the first 3 of 6 financial life stages based on age, finances, and lifestyle. Even though not everyone will fit into these 6 financial life stages, most of us will! Whether you are in the beginning stages of just graduating college or towards the middle with kids that are graduating college themselves, there is definitely something for everyone in this episode.

Within every life stage are key financial takeaways and recommendations that Christian Financial Advisors has been able to extract from each. Some of these include avoiding debt, saving for a new home, and even getting your life insurance in place. Listen in to discover which financial life stage you are currently in and how you can get a better handle on your finances!

154 – Life Events Requiring Financial Advice And Planning Part 2

Bob and Shawn discuss the second 6 of 12 major life events that require advanced financial advice and planning. Many of us have already gone through a huge life change, like the ones mentioned in this episode, and even more of us will be affected in the future by a giant financial life change. Therefore, being fiscally prepared by working with a financial advisor is a giant step towards being successful when one of the unexpected (or even planned) events occurs. You can’t predict the future in the case of a sudden illness or even death. However, you can prepare for these occurrences appropriately. Learn about the preparatory steps you can take for these 12 major life events by working with a financial planner and financial advisor.

153 – Life Events Requiring Financial Advice And Planning Part 1

Bob and Shawn discuss the first 6 of 12 major life events that require advanced financial advice and planning. Saving for the future is not just about retirement planning. There are an assortment of life changes and events for which you need to be financially prepared. Of course, it’s extremely important to start saving for retirement as early as possible, but what about when something unexpected occurs? You can’t predict the future in the case of a sudden illness or even death. However, you can prepare for these occurrences appropriately. Learn about the preparatory steps you can take for these 12 major life events.

152 – The Math Behind Roth IRAs

Bob and Shawn delve deep into the math behind putting money into a Roth IRA. This is a super informative episode for anyone wondering if they should be putting their retirement funds into a Roth IRA, go with a Traditional IRA, or even use a combination of both (or other saving means). As we at Christian Financial Advisors mention a lot, it’s just math! This includes the age at which you begin saving money, the age at which you pull money out, and your income at the time.

We highly recommend getting a pen and paper while listening to this episode to make it a little easier to comprehend. There are a lot of numbers and math that are mentioned, and following along while writing down what Bob and Shawn are saying will make this episode simpler to break down and understand.

151 – 7 Biblical Financial Guidelines

Bob and Shawn delve deep into some of their favorite Biblical principles when it comes to Christian stewardship and finances, all backed up by Biblical stewardship scriptures. These tips definitely go way beyond just the financial, and they also go into the emotional aspect of trying to live a financially successful life within Biblical guidelines. This includes suggestions like giving to causes greater than yourself – like a local food bank, animal shelter, or homeless shelter.

When we begin to see our money and finances as a tool from God to help others in His name, then the cycle of worry and selfishness can begin to diminish. We hope you enjoy this episode on Biblical financial guidelines as much as we enjoyed making it!

149 – 10 Traits of Christian Millionaires

Bob and Shawn discuss the 10 common traits that they often see in their Christian millionaire clients. These traits aren’t what you think! Surprisingly, only about 2-3 directly involve finance and investments. Most of the traits that we see here at Christian Financial Advisors involve deeper characteristics and traits, like consistency in their career and/or exemplify Godly values like integrity and honesty. Above all when it comes to financially successful Christians, Bob and Shawn have noticed that most believe that God owns it all. It is his money to begin with, and we are just His earthly stewards of these blessings.

148 – Integrative Financial Planning – How It’s Different Today

Integrative financial planning is a huge part of Christian Financial Advisors through primarily a tool called eMoney. We try to make your investment and financial planning as easy as possible through online tools that are easily accessible 24/7. So, what exactly makes eMoney so great? Bob and Shawn go step by step through an eMoney profile to break down exactly how the program is used and how Christian Financial Advisors uses this platform to create and show clients a financial plan.

Whether you are planning on saving college money for kids and grandkids, or you just need a place to start with creating retirement funds, integrative financial planning is a great place to start. We are here to help clear up any confusion or questions surrounding this process!

147 – Tools Needed In Your Financial Toolbox

Click below to listen to Episode 147 – Tools Needed In Your Financial Toolbox https://media.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/content.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/Episode_147-Final-Podcast.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | RSS | More Tools Needed In Your Financial Toolbox Learn about the essential tools you should have readily available…

146 – The Different Types Of Financial Advisors

Bob and Shawn discuss the many types of financial advisors that exist in our world today. Not all financial advisors are the same, just like not all doctors are the same. And just like with doctors, financial advisors can be all encompassing (like a general practitioner), or they can focus on one area like a podiatrist would (for example, financial planning). It is important to know the type of financial advisor you are working with, understanding their limitations, knowing their specialties, and finding one that hits all the checkboxes for your financial and investment needs.

Along with being all encompassing or having a more generalized focus, there are also different ways that financial advisors are paid. This is an important feature to consider when choosing an individual or firm that has your financial future in their hands. Bob and Shawn discuss all of the above by breaking it down into a way that is easy to understand.

145 – Biblically Responsible Investing Part 3

Part 3 of our three part series on Biblically Responsible Investing delves into the importance of investing with your values, especially as a Christian. Bob and Shawn present several Bible verses that go hand in hand with Faith Based Investing. If you wouldn’t outright support certain anti-Biblical agendas with your money, then why would you want to support them secondhand through your investments in certain companies?

After all, if you truly believe that “God owns it all”, then investing your money with your Christian values in mind is something that you probably want at the forefront. Using BRI as a way of investing helps make a difference in the marketplace, and it can give Christian investors a peace of mind in that they are supporting the good in the world while avoiding the negative.

144 – Biblically Responsible Investing Part 2

We are on to Part 2 of our three part series on Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) where we discuss screening technologies. BRI is a subset of Values Based Investing that caters to Christian and Biblical beliefs in an investment portfolio. It allows Christians, or whoever is interested, to invest in companies that do not go against Biblical values. It is also known as Faith Based Investing.

So, how is such a unique way of investing completed? Bob and Shawn go over just how a BRI investment portfolio is created through using modern screening technologies. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creating a well diversified BRI (or Faith Based Investment) portfolio.

143 – Biblically Responsible Investing Part 1

In Part 1 of 3 about Biblically Responsible Investing, Bob and Shawn delve into what exactly Biblically Responsible Investing – BRI – encompasses, how it works, and some of the companies that Christian Financial Advisors works with. What exactly is BRI? Well, Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) falls under the realm of types of Values Based Investing. BRI is the short term phrase for it, and it is something that is the core of Christian Financial Advisors and our investing methodology.

BRI is a great choice of investing for Christian investors, or even regular investors, who want their financial portfolio, mutual funds, and ETFs involved with companies that are supporting the good and filtering out the bad. Learn about how it got started and what makes it different from other values based investing choices.

142 – Budgeting Without Numbers

Budgeting is a topic that commonly arises, and it is hard for most people to commit to it as budgeting can feel like bondage, not freedom. However, it is the lack of debt and ability to stick to a budget that brings so many of us financial freedom. Nobody likes debt or wants to be in debt. Even if you have the financial ability to buy anything you want, it isn’t always beneficial to you.

There are many ways that you can save on money (and/or decrease your purchases) that don’t have to directly deal with numbers. It just means having the right mindset. Some of the areas that Bob and Shawn cover include waiting before large purchases and methods to keep your emotions at bay when considering purchases.

141 – Should I Still Wait To Build Or Buy A Home

We’re back to the topic of “building or buying a house” that we covered last year around this time, but we are coming at it from today’s ever-changing housing market. Buying or building a home is something that probably 100% of those listening have done, thought of, or plan to do. However, in today’s economy and right at this moment, is this something that should even be considered?

Should you STILL wait to build or buy a home? Bob and Shawn delve into the math of this topic with statistics on financing percentages, past trends, and exceptions to the rule. So, if you were thinking about building or buying a house in the near future, this episode is definitely for you!

140 – Diversification 101: Part 3 – Building Models

You’ve made it to the end of our three part series on Diversification! We’ve already talked about charts and sectors, and in this episode Bob and Shawn discuss putting everything together to build a properly diversified investment model. There’s a lot that goes into being properly diversified, and it is not something that just happens over a day or two of learning. It takes time, education, and lots and LOTS of research.

If a properly diversified investment portfolio is truly something that you are wanting to achieve as a do-it-yourself investor, then these episodes are a great place to start. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything that goes into diversification within investments. Are you ready to get started on your own or find a fiduciary based financial advisor to help you along the way? This episode may just help you come to a decision.

139 – Diversification 101: Part 2 – Sectors

In this second part of our three part series on diversification, Bob and Shawn discuss the different sectors and industries in which one can invest. Not only are there several areas of financial industries and sectors, but each of these are divided further, and those are divided smaller as well. A well diversified financial portfolio should include many of these sectors and their subsets.

However, how exactly is this accomplished when there are so many across so many different industries? Find out how and delve into the process of properly diversifying your investment portfolio across the different sectors in this episode on Diversification 101.

138 – Diversification 101: Part 1 – Style Charts

Click below to listen to Episode 138 – Diversification 101: Part 1 – Style Charts https://media.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/content.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/Episode_138-Final.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | RSS | More Diversification 101: Part 1 – Style Charts Learn how to properly not put all of…

137 – New Year’s Resolutions: How To Make Sure They Stick

Click below to listen to Episode 137 – New Year’s Resolutions: How To Make Sure They Stick https://media.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/content.blubrry.com/christianfinancialperspectives/Episode_137-Final.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Stitcher | RSS | More New Year’s Resolutions: How To Make Sure They Stick Check out these techniques…