__Give. Get rid of debt. Save for future needs. Invest.__

__These financial moves can benefit your financial future. But there are some non-financial moves that can also help.__

But on our stewardship journey, we often overlook the importance of non-financial decisions that can significantly impact our financial well-being. As stewards of God's resources, it's crucial to recognize the value of caring for bodies and the impact it could have on our future financial health.

On your stewardship journey, consider these four non-financial moves that may benefit your financial future:

__1. Get enough sleep.__

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to sacrifice sleep in pursuit of worldly success. However, the Bible emphasizes the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Psalm 127:2 (NIV) reminds us, *"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."* God designed our bodies to need rest, and adequate sleep is essential for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

By prioritizing restful sleep, we honor God's design for our bodies and equip ourselves to make wise financial decisions with clarity and discernment. Adequate rest also reduces potential health issues in the future, reducing the amount we spend on medical care.

__2. Eat healthy.__

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, entrusted to us by God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Just as we wouldn't defile a church, we should strive to nourish our bodies with healthy foods. Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV) advises, *"Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."*

By practicing moderation and consuming nutritious foods, we honor God's gift of health and vitality. A well-nourished body will likely lead to better health than a body that has been fueled by junk for several years. The result is a healthier and less costly body to maintain in future years.

__3. Exercise regularly.__

Physical exercise not only benefits our bodies but also our minds. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV), *"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."* Regular exercise helps us maintain good health and vitality, enabling us to fulfill our God-given responsibilities with energy and enthusiasm. Moreover, physical activity can help reduce the likelihood of future heart issues.

__4. Reduce stress.__

Stress is a common adversary in today's fast-paced world, but as followers of Christ, we are called to cast our burdens upon Him (Psalm 55:22). Jesus assures us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), *"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."*

By praying to God and meditating on His Word, we can experience His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7) and navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence. Exercise and setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships can also help manage stress levels.

Our financial health is connected to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. By prioritizing rest, nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction, we honor God's design for our bodies and potentially benefit our future financial health. Let us steward well all that God has provided us, including our bodies.

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/3b1d46-8fac-b431-380-0a6aa3f83712_1.jpg) used with permission.*

You were meant for more. Your money was meant for more. You and your money are meant for an exciting, adventurous, and satisfying purpose. You were designed to live and give generously. And deep inside you know this and want this.

Christian Money Solutions

The More Than Money Podcast helps listeners get financially healthy for the sake of giving and living generously. In each episode, Art Rainer provides fun, practical, biblically-based financial advice through interviews and listener questions. Our goal with this podcast is for you to understand God's design for you and your money as you learn to give generously, save wisely, and live appropriately.

More than Money

Consider these four non-financial moves that may benefit your financial future.

4 Non-Financial Moves That Can Benefit Your Financial Future

__On a Boy Scout canoeing trip years ago, my companions and I encountered a strong early Spring headwind on Lake Allatoona in Northwestern Georgia. Progress was slow and arduous, though we paddled as hard as possible.__

It was exhausting. We longed for that headwind to die down — or, even better, to reverse course and give us some help!

That memory came to mind as I thought about recent stock market performance. For most of 2022/2023, the market (setting aside the performance of the ["Magnificient Seven"](https://www.investopedia.com/magnificent-seven-stocks-8402262)) struggled against the headwinds of interest rate hikes, slowing economic data, and recessionary concerns.

On that difficult day at Lake Allatoona, we weary Boy Scouts didn't get what we wanted. 🙁 But for the U.S. stock market, the '23/'23 headwinds appear to have given way to a reliable tailwind.

__The Fed's dovish turn__

The market's tailwind began to blow at the December Fed meeting. As Reuters [reported](https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/investors-cheer-feds-dovish-pivot-focus-shifts-2024-risks-2023-12-14/), the Fed "signaled in new economic projections that the historic tightening of U.S. monetary policy engineered over the last two years is at an end and lower borrowing costs are coming in 2024."

Fed data released in December hinted at three rate reductions for this year. Not surprisingly, markets overreacted and predicted six(!) cuts in '24, based on the idea that a recession was still likely. But as the weeks passed and economic data came in stronger than many expected, undercutting recession expectations, it became apparent that six cuts were unlikely.

Investors gradually started pricing those rate cuts out of the market. Heading into last week's Fed meeting, there was a reasonable question as to whether expecting even three rate reductions this year was now a stretch.

After all, if the purpose of rate-cutting is (in large part) to stimulate economic growth but the economy is already growing, why would the Fed cut at all? Especially with inflation still posting increases well above the Fed's target?

Good questions.

But even as market watchers grew concerned that the Fed might back off its rate-cut projection for this year, the Fed board reinforced that projection last week. Market analyst Charlie Bilello (and many others) concluded that the Fed has definitely turned dovish. [View his X social media post](https://twitter.com/charliebilello/status/1770527465259086139) .

__Things are changing__

So far this year, the S&P 500 is up almost 10%, the 15th-best start to a year since 1928. And that performance is no longer being driven solely by the tech-oriented Magnificent Seven.

Three of those seven have struggled so far in 2024, despite the market's overall upbeat view on artificial intelligence. Two of the seven have posted a middling performance. Only Nvidia and Meta have continued to strongly outperform.

![](https://soundmindinvesting.com/assets/articles/blooomberg-mag7-thru-mar19-2024.jpeg)

Instead, we're finally seeing the long-anticipated broadening out of the market rally. The S&P 500 "equal weight" index — which gives equal weight to each stock, thus neutralizing the distorting performance effect of the largest companies — is up more than 6% for the year (and has actually beat the market weight index over the past month). The "extended market" of small and midsize U.S. stocks is up about 5% YTD (as measured by Vanguard's VXF fund) and has also been particularly strong lately.

__The way the wind is blowing__

To be sure, market advances can be wiped out by market reversals. But, given the Fed's pronouncement last week, it appears that the headwinds of 2022 and 2023 have died down at last and that a "Fed tailwind" will blow for a while.

That said, even as you hope for the best, it's wise to be ready for the worst by having [a long-term plan you can stick with](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/6-principles-for-a-solid-investing-plan). Enjoy the sunshine while you can, but keep an umbrella handy.

__And, to return to my initial metaphor, in investing as in canoeing, it's helpful to be realistic about which way the wind is blowing!__

*[Images](https://soundmindinvesting.com/img/asset/Y2xvdWQvY2Fub2UtOTY5ODAzMzkyLmpwZw==?fit=crop-3-63-1&w=1660&h=896&s=019add3440a2e8e7ec9353153e72c33c) used with permission.*

Since 1990, do-it-yourself Christian investors have relied on SMI for proven strategies and trustworthy guidance.

Sound Mind Investing

Investing

it appears that the headwinds of 2022 and 2023 have died down at last and that a "Fed tailwind" will blow for a while.

The Fed Tailwind

__This year, I have been reflecting on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, more specifically verses 14 through 16. It reads:__

*You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.* Matthew 5: 14-16, NIV

__Reflecting deeply on what this means has caused me to realize a couple of things.__

1. First, one of the purposes of light is to make other things visible. One rarely walks into a room and focuses on the light coming from light sources. Or we rarely ever gaze at the sun. Instead, the source of light, wherever we are, serves a purpose to illuminate things around us. In addition, light democratizes visibility for everyone and to everything in the room. Rich, poor, big, small, tall, short, regardless of who you are, light provides equal access. Light exposes the good and the bad. Light does not discriminate.
2. Second, I have never seen a person shine a flashlight in broad daylight or in a room that is well lit. Think about it. We would never, in broad daylight, walk outside our homes or offices, and proceed to  shine a torch as we walk to the bus or train station. Light adds value only in darkness. In a place where there’s light, adding more light has no value.

The more I thought about these realizations, the more I wondered: where am I shining light? If light only makes sense in places of darkness, doesn’t it mean I should go to, be drawn by, and immerse myself in places of darkness?

In Psalm 16:2, David notes,

*I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” In essence, everything good about David, about me, and about you comes from the Lord. He wants us to let our light shine before others, that they may see this good that comes from him in order to glorify Him.*

Practically speaking, as an investor or entrepreneur, what does it mean to let my light shine? The beauty about Jesus, the Gospel, and Christianity is that God meets us where we are but he never leaves us as we are. This means, the answer to that question will look differently, depending on where you are and how fast you choose to move. But here’s one way we can shine some light in the world for faith driven investors and entrepreneurs: Investing and creating markets to tackle poverty and increase human flourishing.

Globally, fewer than 7% of people live on more than $50 a day ($18,250 a year). In Africa and South Asia, the percentages are 0.3% and 0.1% respectively. This means that everyday billions of people wake up and struggle immensely to feed their families, educate their children, and manage their ailments. In addition, in many poor countries governments struggle to provide social services to their citizens and overt corruption is rife.

The lack of infrastructures, institutions, and the presence of corruption–not to mention the poverty rates–are reasons enough for capital not to flow to these countries. And so, capital flows increasingly to wealthy countries where governments provide services, infrastructures work, and institutions generally serve people. It’s simply “safer” and more “sensible”.

From the standpoint of development and prosperity, what does darkness look like? It looks like poverty, corruption, and weak or struggling institutions. As a faith driven investor or entrepreneur, shining light would look like working to create inclusive prosperity in the regions of the world where there is immense lack. To be clear, this is different from charitable donations to help the poor. This is more about investing to fundamentally change the systems in a region.

__The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty__

In that book I was fortunate to co-author with the late Harvard Business School professor, Clayton Christensen, we wrote about a particular type of innovation called, market-creating innovations. These innovations create new markets by transforming complicated and expensive products into simple and affordable ones thereby making them more accessible to the population. When this happens, jobs are created, taxes are generated, and culture is changed. Consider the impact of the Model T in the United States. What would it look like if faith driven investors and entrepreneurs accelerated prosperity in poor countries by investing intelligently in market-creating innovations?

Practically speaking, it would look like assessing where we invest our capital and where we choose to build businesses designed to serve people. It would mean allocating capital to places where most people, especially nonChristians, would question your decision. It would mean bringing a high level of integrity to the way you do business to regions in the world where integrity is simply an utopian ideal. From an investing and entrepreneurship standpoint, this would shine our light so bright that the world will see and glorify our Father in heaven.

__We do not turn on a flashlight where there’s light. As Christ-followers, let’s seek out the darkness in the world and let our light shine. For light only matters where there’s darkness.__

*[Image](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5c755f8a7eb88c63adc29a19/ce754fd5-5732-4344-878b-12f2a2d43935/Efosa+Ojomo.jpeg?format=1500w) used with permission.*

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Faith Driven Investor

Articles

We do not turn on a flashlight where there’s light. As Christ-followers, let’s make our light shine.

Investing to Be the Light in the World

*__Proverbs 27:12 reads, “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”__*

The word “insurance” isn’t in the Bible, but God’s Word does say that it’s wise to protect your financial holdings and insurance is one of the best ways to do that. Unless you have tens of millions of dollars spread across dozens of investments, you’re going to need insurance for several things. So what insurance do you need?

Some types of insurance leave you little choice in the matter. Auto insurance, for example, is usually required by law, if you own and drive a car. Homeowners insurance is also required if you have a mortgage and it would be foolish not to have it even if you *don’t* have a mortgage.

You can usually save money by bundling auto and homeowners insurance. While you’re at it, look into the option of an [umbrella policy](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/040115/how-umbrella-insurance-works.asp). Premiums usually start at around $200 a year and may give as much as $1 million in coverage. An umbrella policy will protect your assets in case you’re sued and the settlement exceeds limits set by your auto or homeowners policies, which is easy to do these days.

By the way, if you’re a renter, you need to have renter’s insurance. It’s a bargain that can be a life saver. A renters insurance policy will cost around $15 a month. It not only protects your property inside the rental unit, but also covers you if you’re sued by your landlord or someone else for negligence.

Obviously, another “must have” is health insurance. If you think it’s too expensive, consider *not* having it. The average cash cost of a doctor visit is [$100 to $150](https://cost.sidecarhealth.com/c/doctor-visit-cost). Paying cash for an emergency room visit will cost you around $2500, and a one-day stay in the hospital without insurance can set you back around [$9300](https://www.mdchealthcare.org/understanding-the-cost-of-in-home-care-and-the-cost-of-a-hospital-stay/#:~:text=How%20Much%20Is%20the%20Cost,with%20Medicare%20hovering%20around%20%2413%2C600.).

We get a lot of calls from folks asking if they need life insurance. You don’t need it unless someone depends on your income. When the kids are grown and out of the house, you may not need it at all or perhaps you can downsize your policy to provide for your spouse only. Always get a term life insurance policy, not whole life. You don’t want to mix insurance with investing.

Once you reach your 50s, you need to look into long-term care insurance. If you don’t think you need it, consider that 70% of 65-year olds will need some type of long term care, according to the[ latest data](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/long-term-care-insurance) from the Department of Health and Human Services. Women typically need this care for 3.7 years; men for 2.2 years. At an average cost of [$8,000](https://health.usnews.com/best-nursing-homes/articles/how-to-pay-for-nursing-home-costs) a month, that’s plenty of time to wipe out all or much of your assets before Medicaid takes over paying for your care.

Long term care insurance is generally expensive, but again, consider the cost of not having it. Most people purchase it between ages 55 and 65. Start looking at policies in your early 50s and select one with the longest term you can find.

Another form of insurance you really should have is long-term disability insurance. If you are incapacitated due to an accident or illness, you could be without a paycheck long enough to wipe out your emergency savings.

A long term disability policy will cover you in that event. Plan on it costing between one and three percent of your annual salary. Premium amounts are tied to how much you make, so the higher the salary, the higher the premium.

Some types of insurance you probably don’t need include title “theft” insurance. Unlike the commercials imply, these policies don’t really “lock” your title. However, if someone files a false deed and takes out loans on your property, you [can’t be foreclosed on](https://www.forbes.com/sites/lawrencelight/2021/09/11/the-home-title-theft-baloney/?sh=762880c7242d) because it won’t hold up in court. Also, you can sign up for free monitoring now with most county deed offices.

By the way, don’t confuse title *theft* insurance with regular title insurance, which you really do need to get when you purchase a house. That protects you in case there’s a legitimate challenge to your ownership of the property and in many cases will even protect you from a fraudulent claim.

Finally, there’s identity theft insurance, which we’ll put in the “maybe” category. It’s another type of policy that claims to “lock” your credit, but you can freeze your credit all on your own for free with the three credit bureaus, Experian, Transunion and Equifax, which you really should.

You can freeze and unfreeze your credit any time you want. Once you freeze your credit, identity thieves won’t be able to open accounts in your name because lenders can’t check your credit if it’s frozen.

Still, credit *monitoring* services can be valuable. Many times when there’s a data breach somewhere and you have to get a new credit card number, for example, you’ll be offered free credit monitoring, perhaps for a year. Always sign up for that. It will alert you if someone tries to open an account in your name.

You can also sign up for free credit monitoring** services at [Credit Karma](https://clark.com/go/money-credit/credit-karma/) and [Credit Sesame](https://clark.com/go/security/credit-sesame/). There’s no need to pay hundreds of dollars a year if you can get it for free, and your credit is frozen.

__Of course, paid services that offer to repair your credit in the event of identity theft sound great, but if thieves can’t do it in the first place, do you really need that coverage? Probably not.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=All%20The%20Insurance%20You%20Need&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

God’s Word says that it’s wise to protect your financial holdings, and insurance is one of the best ways to do that.

All The Insurance You Need

__Retirement is the moment when we stop working for income. Sometimes, this is planned and desired. Other times, it is forced on us by our employer or health.__

As Christians, we view our retirement years differently than most. The Great Commission doesn’t stop when retirement starts. While some rest is good and biblical, our retirement years are not to be characterized by years of leisure but by Kingdom advancement. Saving wisely for retirement allows us greater freedom to serve and minister to others during our retirement years.

One of retirees' most significant challenges is determining how much they can withdraw from their savings without risking outliving their assets. The 4% withdrawal rule has become a popular guide among the available strategies. Let's explore this rule and how it can assist with retirement planning.

__What is the 4% rule?__

The 4% rule is a guideline used to determine a sustainable withdrawal rate from a retirement portfolio. Coined by financial planner William Bengen in the early 1990s, this rule suggests that retirees can withdraw 4% of their initial retirement portfolio balance annually, adjusted for inflation, over a 30-year retirement period without exhausting their savings. The 4% rule is grounded in historical market data and statistical analysis.

__So, how does the 4% rule work?__

__First, determine the initial withdrawal.__ The first step in applying the 4% rule is calculating 4% of the total value of your retirement savings at the time of retirement. For example, if you have $1 million saved, the initial withdrawal would be $40,000.

__Then, consider inflation adjustments for each year.__ The withdrawal amount is adjusted annually for inflation to maintain purchasing power over time. For instance, if inflation is 2%, the $40,000 withdrawal would increase to $40,800 in the second year. For year three, the amount would be $40,800 plus the inflation adjustment.

__Finally, monitor your portfolio.__ Throughout retirement, it's important to monitor the performance of your investment portfolio. In down years, it might be prudent to withdraw less to avoid depleting your savings prematurely.

__What are some other factors to consider?__

While the 4% rule offers a helpful starting point for retirement planning, it's important to recognize that individual circumstances may warrant adjustments. Here are some factors to consider:

__1. Life expectancy.__ If you anticipate a longer retirement or have a family history of longevity, you may need to adjust your withdrawal rate accordingly.

__2. Asset allocation.__ Your portfolio's allocation between stocks, bonds, and other assets can significantly impact its sustainability. A well-diversified portfolio may offer more stability during market downturns.

__3. Healthcare costs.__ Rising healthcare expenses in retirement can pose a significant financial burden. Determining your withdrawal rate is crucial to factoring in potential medical costs.

__4. Sequence of returns.__ The order in which investment returns are realized can influence portfolio longevity. Experiencing poor returns early in retirement can deplete savings more quickly than if those returns occurred later.

While the 4% rule has been widely adopted as a conservative retirement planning guideline, it has limitations. First, the historical data used to develop the rule may not accurately reflect future market conditions, particularly in an environment of low interest rates and high market volatility. Second, with increasing life expectancies, retirees may need to plan for longer retirement periods than the 30 years assumed by the rule. And finally, rigid adherence to a fixed withdrawal rate may not account for changes in financial needs or unexpected expenses during retirement.

Nonetheless, the 4% withdrawal rule serves as a helpful guide for retirement planning, providing retirees with a starting point for determining sustainable withdrawal rates from their savings. However, retirees should approach retirement planning holistically, considering individual circumstances, market conditions, and potential risks. If you feel like you cannot do this alone, consider getting a financial professional to help.

__Prepare well for your retirement years so that they can be some of the most Kingdom-advancing years of your life.__

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/fe24d71-3302-674a-ce1f-7283f27fdc_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Retirement

How do you determine how much you can withdraw from your savings without risking outliving your assets?

What is the 4% Rule?

__The economic and investing landscapes have been shifting rapidly, so I thought it might be helpful to walk through a few of the big recent events and show how everything is connected. This shouldn't cause you to run out and make a bunch of changes to your portfolio, but it will hopefully help you make sense of the recent moves and commentary you've been seeing from SMI.__

Let's start with the big picture and drill down from there.

__Recession expectations have rapidly receded__

SMI members will likely recall our January cover article, *[Uncomfortable Regime Shifts](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/uncomfortable-regime-shifts)*, in which we laid out our expectation that the U.S. economic data would bottom in January or February, but that we would avoid recession.

This was uncomfortable for a couple of reasons. First, we had spent the prior two years looking for a recession and it's always hard to change your mind on a big idea like that. But second, it was uncomfortable because it was clearly not what investors broadly were expecting as of late last year — the market was pricing in 6-7 rate cuts for 2024, clear evidence that recessionary expectations were still dominant.

Fast forward to the present and it seems pretty clear our interpretation was accurate. There are any number of statistics or charts we could turn to as examples of the brightening economic landscape, but we've had two big reports come out in just the past week, so I'll focus on those.

On Monday, the U.S. PMI for March was released, and it was much stronger than expected. PMI stands for "Purchasing Managers Index" and is a measure of the strength in the manufacturing economy. In the U.S., this is a smaller slice of the economy than the "Services" portion, but it's manufacturing that has been in such a deep slump for the past year and a half, both in the U.S. and abroad.

The following chart, from [Blueberry Markets](https://twitter.com/BlueberryMkts/status/1775109520752013644), shows the trend change well. The 50 level is the key to interpreting PMI values: anything over 50 indicates expansion, while anything under 50 signals contraction. U.S. PMI hadn't been above 50 for 17 months (November 2022), but unexpectedly surged over that level in March. More generally, the chart makes it easy to see the long slowdown and contraction in 2022-23, as well as the improvement back to above the 50 line last month.

![](https://soundmindinvesting.com/assets/articles/blueberry-pmi-b.png)

As I've written a few times lately, it's not just the U.S. economy that appears to be improving. Rather, there are signs that we are emerging out of a *global* recession. China, the #2 economy in the world, gave us a strong confirming signal of this at the end of March when its PMI also rose above 50 to hit its highest level in a year. Again, the point is simply to notice the general upswing in recent months (the far right of the chart).

![](https://soundmindinvesting.com/assets/articles/china-pmi-b.jpg)

The point of showing both of these charts is just to visually convey how the downward economic trends of the past 12-18 months appear to have bottomed out, both domestically and internationally, and are now showing improvement. That's not to say the economy is roaring or hot — it's not. But the trend has shifted from slowing/recessionary to improving/expansion and that's a big deal as far as markets are concerned. Simply put, the global economy is pulling out of a long period of contraction and showing signs of shifting back into growth mode.

__Focus turns back to inflation__

This economic improvement is definitely good news. However, as everyone is well aware, a global battle with inflation has been underway for the past few years. Even before the economy had started to improve, central bankers were struggling to meet their inflation targets.

The other reason why I focused specifically on the manufacturing part of the economy via PMI in the charts above is that it's the manufacturing economy that tends to use raw materials to produce tangible things. So as the manufacturing economy has started to show "green shoots" and early signs of growth, not surprisingly, we've seen a surge in commodity prices.

Bonds too are especially sensitive to both economic growth projections and inflation. As recession odds have diminished in 2024, the 6-7 rate cuts investors expected at the start of the year have gradually been priced back *out* of the market, resulting in higher interest rates.

For the most part, investors have largely shrugged off these rising 2024 interest rates. That began to change this week though. With the breakout PMI report on Monday, investors have gotten nervous about stock prices, causing a bit of a pullback. This isn't surprising, as it was rising rates that were directly responsible for the bear market in stocks that unfolded over the first 10 months of 2022, and again caused a sharp correction from August-October of 2023.

__One significant difference__

Investors are right to be nervous about rising rates potentially throwing a speed bump in front of a stock market that has gone virtually straight up over the past five months, particularly given its already rich valuations. However, there is one huge difference between conditions today vs. when those earlier rate-induced selloffs occurred in 2022 and 2023.

Simply put, higher rates *in the context* *of an expected imminent recession* — as was the case in 2022 and 2023 — is a completely different situation than today. Investors today no longer expect a recession to begin soon.

This could be misguided, but there are actually good reasons for investors to be thinking this way. For starters, the Fed has been openly looking for an excuse to cut interest rates since December, the opposite of their hiking posture during the prior rate-induced stock market selloffs. If the markets stumble to even a minor degree, they're going to cut rates, which should be supportive of asset prices. Historically, rate cuts that occur during *non-recessionary soft landings* tend to be very good for markets.

Second, it's pretty easy to make the argument that much of the globe, along with the U.S. manufacturing part of the economy, *have already experienced a recent recession.* That's not to say we couldn't roll over into a broader recession, or a credit crisis couldn't unfold that causes a lot of pain. There are always risks lurking.

But to summarize, when rates were rising in 2022 and 2023, there were very good reasons to expect those rate hikes were going to turn into an imminent recession. Given that likely outcome, investors were right to be fearful (even though it didn't end up happening).

__Today, rates are rising again and stocks have wobbled a bit this week in response. But with the threat of imminent recession vastly reduced (which the data is clearly confirming), it's not nearly as scary a proposition.__

*[Images](https://soundmindinvesting.com/img/asset/Y2xvdWQvaXN0b2NrLTQ3MzEyMDgyMC1tb2RpZmllZC1wcm9qZWN0aW9uLWNoYXJ0LmpwZw==?fit=crop-28-50-1&w=1660&h=896&s=a82244d02c87bd90aa4496f928878d71) used with permission.*

The economic and investing landscapes have been shifting rapidly, so  let's show how everything is connected.

Connecting the Economic & Market Dots

Church leaders talk about financial matters all the time, and it is not uncommon for these conversations to be focused primarily on the progress toward your giving goals. For an effective financial stewardship strategy that starts at the top, expand your financial discussions to include the topics that affect your givers.

__Giving Conversation #1:__

__The Need for Transparency and Accountability About Church Spending Decisions__

More and more people have a heightened sensitivity to excess and fraud in charitable organizations. So, the church’s annual report should cover income, expenses and assets in an easily accessible format for members.

It’s also a good idea to:

- Host regular open meetings (with access to minutes for those who can’t attend) so members can ask questions and learn details on the church’s activities and decisions
- Appoint independent auditors to review financial records
- Issue background checks on staff and volunteers annually
- Use secure giving software with an audit trail feature to prevent fraud
- Have a policy in place to allow concerns to be reported without fear of retribution

__Giving Conversation #2:__

__The Health of Giving Trends__

In the 2023 Annual Stewardship Survey, 59% of small and 76% of large churches report being on track to meet or exceed their annual giving goals. While these numbers are encouraging, progress toward the annual giving goal alone is not a good indicator of healthy giving. A few metrics that better determine “health” include:

- __Percentage of households giving__- Focus on household over individual metrics; it is a more reliable measure of giving trends.
- __Frequency of household giving__- Categorized across irregular, regular, recurring, etc., frequency is a better measure of overall giving trends than giving amount.
- __Age of household members__- If most of your consistent givers are older, plan ahead as they will eventually age out.
- __Percentage of top donors__- 10% is a healthy percentage of top-giver contributions.

![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b28b3e945776e86f5212567/ae493012-9df5-4c93-982c-d5e23635ea4d/10%25+is+healthy+amount+of+top+givers.png?format=1500w)

Be sure to measure your digital attendees as well. In the post-Covid world of declining in-person attendance, overlooking digital attendees can result in overlooking essential trends.

__Giving Conversation #3:__

__The Role of Technology in Giving__

It’s great that more and more churches recognize the need to make giving convenient and accessible for church members via online giving, mobile giving apps and text-to-give. Unfortunately, most platforms fail to demonstrate impact or engage givers with their “payment” based experience.

Consider that 64% of people say they would give more if they knew the impact of their gifts *(Source: Fidelity Charity)*. This stat, plus the fact that religion’s overall share of giving is declining while it is increasing across non-profit sectors points to the importance of demonstrating the impact of generosity even during the act of giving (something most non-profits do very well).

![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b28b3e945776e86f5212567/00c2f99c-6f62-4e7d-8df7-91d0aaba3f7e/Thumbnails2+%2822%29.png?format=1500w)

For every gift given – at the moment of giving and through your acknowledgment – be sure your giving platform demonstrates the excellent work your church is doing for your members, community, and world.

__For Further Reading__

[Stewarding Your Calling and Purpose](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/stewarding-your-calling-and-purpose-6477)

[Capital Campaigns and Biblical Stewardship](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/capital-campaigns-and-biblical-stewardship-6379)

[How to Use “Thank You” as a Powerful Opportunity to Connect with Givers](https://www.christianstewardshipnetwork.com/blog/2023/10/31/use-thank-you-to-connect-with-givers)

[When God Provides a Surplus, it’s Always for a Purpose](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/when-god-provides-a-surplus-its-always-with-a-purpose-6102)

[Marriage and Money](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/marriage-and-money-5967)

[Engaging Givers from First Gift to Lapsed or Legacy](https://www.faithfi.com/christian-stewardship-network/engaging-givers-from-first-gift-to-lapsed-or-legacy-5966)


. . .

Are you a pastor or church leader?

At Christian Stewardship Network, we are passionate about teaching the biblical perspective on finances so that you can teach your church with authority, confidence, and integrity. Our network is a group of passionate Christ-followers with a burden to teach and equip God's people in stewardship and generosity. Sign up for our mailing list to get new content directly to your inbox!

Become a member of our network to access our entire library of online courses, participate in monthly network calls, and more!

CSN is a a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Help us reach more churches with the message of stewardship and generosity, Support our mission through giving.

We teach church leaders the biblical perspective on finances.

Christian Stewardship Network

Blog

Church leaders talk about financial matters all the time, and it's about a church working together on giving goals.

3 Church Leadership Conversations on Giving

__Relationships are essential to life, including any professional relationships we may have. Throughout your life, you’ll likely build many relationships with professionals. This includes doctors, lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors.__

More money usually introduces more complexity to your financial situation. This is where finding a good financial advisor can be extraordinarily helpful. If you pick the right advisor, they can serve as your financial quarterback, helping to simplify the complex and keeping you on track to accomplish your goals. Conversely, a bad advisor relationship can quickly cause setbacks.

As such, due diligence is required on both ends of the relationship. You have responsibilities as a client, just as your advisor has responsibilities to work in your best interest.

So, here's how to ensure you will have a terrible financial advisor experience.

__1. Choose an advisor who doesn’t share your values.__

“If you don’t stop giving so much to your church, you’ll never be able to retire.” Those were words spoken to a member of my church by his financial advisor. Many of our closest friends share our faith, values, and worldview. I believe the same should be said of the person who helps you steward the resources entrusted to you by God.

__2. Don’t check your advisor’s background.__

Did you know it’s incredibly easy to see if your advisor has anything fishy in his or her background? Any complaints or suspensions are automatically reported to the SEC and FINRA. You can go to [https://brokercheck.finra.org/](https://brokercheck.finra.org/) or [https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/](https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/) to do a mini background check on any advisor or  firm.

__3. Don’t understand how your advisor gets paid.__

Advisors do not work for free. They are well-compensated for the services they provide to you. It’s important for you to understand how you pay for these services. Here are some of the more common fee structures in the financial industry:

- __Fee-only:__ With this fee structure, clients pay their advisors directly. This can be a percentage of the assets the advisor manages, a flat fee, an hourly fee, etc.
- __Commission:__ These advisors earn money based on the products they sell. This fee structure is common among advisors who sell insurance or annuities.
- __Fee-based:__ This is a hybrid of fee-only and commission. The advisor earns money from directly billing clients, but may also receive commission from selling certain products.

Each of these has conflicts of interest, though some have more conflicts than others. You can ask a potential advisor about their conflicts of interest.

__4. Choose an advisor who doesn’t keep your best interest in mind.__

Someone who has the legal requirement to act in your best interest is called a fiduciary. A simple way of looking at it is that a fiduciary must always do what is right for the client. Not all financial advisors are fiduciaries. It is worth noting that Registered Investment Advisor firms (RIAs) have a legal fiduciary requirement. These are independent firms that are not dually registered with broker-dealers. This is not to say an advisor who is also registered with a broker-dealer wouldn’t act in your best interest, but they would have no legal requirement to do so.

__5. Don’t take advantage of all their services.__

Advisory firms often offer a wide range of services, including investment management, financial planning, tax planning, retirement education, and more. Your advisor wants you to succeed, and they designed their services to help you do so. Not taking advantage of these services is truly a disservice to yourself.

__6. Don’t let your advisor see your full financial picture.__

When your advisor provides you with a financial plan, it’s based solely on the information you provide. The success of this plan hinges on openness and honesty on your part. Your advisor cannot help you plan properly if you hide things like debt, other assets, or even personal situations such as having to care for a relative or your plan to take an expensive vacation. Be open and honest and let your advisor help you.

__7. Never follow your advisor’s advice.__

The world is a crazy place. Wars will break out, bad legislation will pass, and new threats will emerge. You may balk when your advisor tells you to stick to the plan or to stay in the market. “You don’t understand. Nothing like this has ever happened before!” That’s true, nothing like it has happened before. But then nothing like COVID, 9/11, the Great Recession, or World War II had happened before, either. The markets proved to be incredibly resilient through each of those crises. Don’t let a news anchor who doesn’t know you be your advisor. Let your advisor be your advisor.

Be wise when choosing a financial advisor. James 1:5 says, *“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him”* (ESV).

Choosing an advisor begins with prayer, and then with diligence. Do not be afraid to ask a potential advisor questions, even very personal ones. Here are some questions you can ask:

- Could you tell me about your faith? How are you involved in your church and your community?
- How do you make money?
- What are your conflicts of interest?
- What is your business succession plan?
- What is your investment philosophy?
- What services do you provide?
- How often will we meet, and how will you communicate with me?
- What are your qualifications?

If you’re looking for an advisor, a good place to start would be with [Kingdom Advisors](https://www.faithfi.com/find). These men and  women align their faith with their work and will help you steward your resources for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

*About the author: __Jon Matlock__ serves as a financial planner at Beacon Wealth Consultants in Roanoke, Virginia. He is a CFP® candidate, a professional member of Kingdom Advisors, and a graduate of Southeastern Seminary. Before pursuing financial planning, Jon served overseas with the International Mission Board and also worked in their Church Success Center. In his free time, Jon enjoys serving his church, hiking in the beautiful Roanoke Valley, and spending time with his wife andson.*

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/476c2f-7e7e-eb7-72d3-bddeac84c178_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Due diligence is required on both ends of any professional relationship to ensure they're working in your best interest.

How to Have a Terrible Financial Advisor Experience

__As if you don’t have enough to do, May is here!  With it come the graduations, sports playoffs, and end-of-school events that keep you hopping.__

We all treasure these important life events and the memories they create. What we don’t enjoy is the stress. We live in a noisy culture. We’re bombarded with messages about how to live, what to think, and what to buy.

May seems to be one of the noisiest times of the year, especially if you’ve got school-age youngsters.  At this time of year, the pressure to fill up the schedule, buy the right stuff, and meet expectations is very high.

Here’s the problem: In times of stress, we’re tempted to take our eyes off the Lord and become entangled in worldly attitudes. We buy into busyness, and it becomes a way of life—not very peaceful.

Colossians 2:8 warns against the futile thinking behind all this stress: *“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”*

__Much of the hollow thinking we fall for today is *materialistic and self-serving*.  Here are a few examples of the lies we tell ourselves:__

- The future will be secure if I accumulate a lot of possessions.
- My family will love me more if I buy more things and experiences for them.
- Everyone should get what they want.
- All I need is a positive attitude, and everything will work out.
- Being busy is the best way to love my friends and family.

The Bible calls these ideas “hollow and deceptive” because they are *lies* - glorifying material possessions and selfish desires.  The result of this worldview is just more chaos and less peace.

__So, how do we avoid being fooled by the world’s noise?  Well, we can focus on *God’s* truth instead.  Here are a few examples:__

- In John 14:6, Jesus says, *“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”* Abundant life, peace, hope, and a sure future are found only in Christ.
- Proverbs 23:5 says, “*Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.”* Possessions can’t satisfy you.
- *“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain”*, according to Psalm 31. Lasting success comes from serving the Lord, not chasing after personal fulfillment.
- Finally, Proverbs 3:5-6 offers lasting reassurance: *“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”*

We can put our priorities in order when we listen to God’s truth instead of the world’s noise.  We follow Christ first, allowing him to fill us with his Holy Spirit so we can love and serve the people around us, without stress!

Jesus knows the pressures you face, whether they’re a result of money issues, relationships, a busy schedule, or all of the above! Our Lord addressed the same issues with his disciples, who fussed about everything from where to go, to where their next meal would come from.

The point Jesus makes with them, and us, is that we don’t ever have to fuss and worry when we follow Him. Here’s what He says at the end of Matthew 6:

*“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”*

__When you find yourself overwhelmed, irritable, or depressed amid the May madness, don’t buy into the busyness. Pause a bit and get your priorities back in order. Talk to the Lord, read his Word, and remind yourself what’s true!__

__That will help you focus on what’s most important today!__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Are%20You%20Buying%20into%20Busyness?&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ the related podcast on this topic.

May is here! Amidst the fun and busyness, how do we avoid being overwhelmed or fooled by the world’s noise?

Are You Buying into Busyness?

On tax day every year, most of those who owe money to the IRS need to make their payments, even if filing for an extension on the paperwork. If you’re among the two in three taxpayers who are owed a refund, you can check on its status [online](https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund).

__Tax facts__

According to the [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/09/7-facts-about-americans-and-taxes/):

- Personal income taxes are, by far, the U.S. government’s largest source of revenue, estimated to bring in some $2.5 trillion in fiscal 2024, or 49% of its revenue (see infographic below).
- Most of the government’s tax revenue (66%) goes toward social services, such as Social Security, Medicare, other health-related programs, and others.
- About 60% of Americans think corporations and wealthy people don’t pay their fair share of taxes, with a notable divide down party lines. More than 75% of Democrats think large businesses and the affluent should pay more vs. less than 50% of Republicans.


__It’s *not* deductible__

Due to relatively high standard deduction amounts, only 10% of filers itemize their deductions. But within that narrow band of taxpayers, some have made fairly aggressive attempts at passing off questionable expenses as deductible. Among them:

- In a failed attempt at claiming an insurance settlement, one struggling business owner hired an arsonist to burn down his building, and then he tried to write off the arsonist’s fee as a business expense. Denied.
- Owning a pet can be expensive, which is why several pet owners over the years have tried to claim their fury friends as dependents. Denied.
- After a woman was advised by her doctor to get more exercise, she tried to write off the cost of a water aerobics class as a medical expense. Denied.
- Similarly, a diabetic tried to write off the cost of artificial sweeteners and low-sodium foods as medical expenses. Denied.
- After hosting an expensive wedding for his daughter, one man tried to write it off as an entertainment expense for his business, reasoning that many of his clients were invited guests. Denied.

__Odd taxes__

While April 15th is all about *income* taxes, there are all sorts of other taxes various people have to pay, and at the state level, things can get kind of strange. Consider the following:

- Maryland has a “flush tax.” No, the state doesn’t put a meter on every toilet, but it does add an annual tax to people’s sewage bill, which helps pay for the modernization of the state’s sewage treatment plants.
- In Kansas, hot air balloon riders are advised to pull up the stake. That’s because if you ride in a balloon that’s tethered to the ground, you’ll be hit with an amusement tax, whereas if it’s not tethered, it’s considered transportation, which is tax-free.
- Growing old in New Mexico comes with financial benefits. Turn 100 there, and you’ll become exempt from state income taxes.
- All couples headed to the altar will benefit from premarital counseling, but especially in South Carolina where completing a premarital preparation course within 12 months of obtaining a marriage license qualifies couples for a $50 tax credit.
- If you aspire to raise sheep, you may want to avoid Virginia, which charges a tax of 50 cents for every sheep sold.

__Are there any odd taxes where you live?__

__[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/taxing-matters)__ used with permission

Personal Finance

Due to relatively high standard deduction amounts, only 10% of filers itemize their deductions.

Taxing Matters

__*“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”* Psalm 50:10-11.__

That passage and many others in the Bible remind us that God owns everything and we’re only stewards of what He gives us and that only for a time, but is there a deeper meaning in these verses?

To be sure, the message that God owns everything— *and we don’t*— is something we need to hear over and over again. That’s probably why the Bible repeats this teaching several times.

- Job needed reminding. Job 38:1-5 reads, *“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: ‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know!’”*
- Psalm 24:1-2 tells us, *“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.*
- Colossians 1:16 reads, *“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”*

This is a message that we need to hear all the time. It frees us from getting too attached to our money and possessions, because they’re *not* our money and possessions— they belong to God.

You may have heard the story about the believer who really took this to heart. He’d saved and saved to buy a new car, but soon after taking possession, he got into a fender bender. He was not upset, however. He just shrugged it off and thought, “I wonder why God wanted *His* car to get into an accident?”

Having that attitude is easier to do if you think of yourself only as a steward and not an owner. That covers stewardship, but what about a possible *deeper meaning* in those verses?

For that, we need to consider the larger passage** of Psalm 50:10-15:

*“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”*

The psalmist is really warning Israel that they’ve become *legalistic* with their sacrifices. They had come to put value on the actual sacrifices, and by extension, themselves.

__God already owns the beasts of the forest and the cattle on a thousand hills— indeed all the cattle on *all* the hills. He owns all creatures wild and tamed, the fowls in the mountains and beasts of the fields.__

That said, how could He possibly be impressed with the burnt offerings of the Israelites? They were just giving him back a tiny bit of what He already owned— and then patting themselves on the back for it.

Nonetheless, God did require Israel to make those sacrifices to temporarily cover sin, but also something else. Note verse 14 again, *“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High.”*

This gives us the context we need to put things in perspective. That verse and others like it are really about giving and the attitude of our hearts. They’re not about legalism and checking boxes.

Galatians 2:16 reads, *“Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.”*

When we give purely out of gratitude, expecting nothing, taking no pride in it, and certainly not to earn our way into heaven, only then are we giving Him the loyalty of our hearts.

God is a spiritual being. What use does He have for earthly things? None, of course. He wants our *hearts*. He wants us to worship him in spirit and truth.

Our tithing and gifts must only be tributes of our *gratitude* for what He has already given us, not just material things, but the priceless gift of His Son Jesus Christ for our eternal salvation.

We must search our hearts to make sure we give for the right reason because He is the God most High. He sees right through us and takes no pleasure in giving that isn’t joyful and done out of gratitude.

__2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches, *“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”*__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=It%E2%80%99s%20Not%20About%20The%20Money&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

To be sure, the message that God owns everything—and we don’t—is something we need to hear over and over again.

It’s Not About The Money

__In today's economic climate, where inflation is driving up the prices of everyday essentials, families are feeling the squeeze on their budgets. What is a family to do? Here are ten practical tips to reduce food costs.__

__1. Create a budget.__

First and foremost, creating a budget is essential. Planning meals for the week ahead and crafting a corresponding shopping list is a powerful tool to combat impulse purchases. By sticking strictly to a list, you avoid unnecessary splurges that can quickly add up at the checkout.

__2. Shop with coupons and discounts.__

Embrace the world of coupons and discounts. Before heading to the store, diligently scour online coupon sites and store apps for savings opportunities. Many grocery stores also offer loyalty programs that provide a valuable avenue for additional discounts and rewards.

__3. Buy generic brands.__

Opting for generic brands over name brands is another effective strategy. Often, store brands offer comparable quality at a lower price point, helping to stretch your grocery dollars further.

__4. Buy in bulk.__

Buying in bulk is a tactic that pays off, especially for non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and toiletries. By purchasing larger quantities, you take advantage of lower unit prices. However, remain mindful of storage space and expiration dates to avoid wastage.

__5. Compare prices__.

Comparing prices is a smart habit to cultivate. Meticulously examine shelf tags to determine the cost per ounce or unit, ensuring you are getting the best value for your money. Sometimes, buying a larger quantity proves more cost-effective, but you should remain discerning in your purchasing decisions.

__6. Shop seasonal produce.__

When it comes to fresh produce, prioritize seasonal items. Not only are seasonal fruits and vegetables fresher and tastier, but they also tend to be more affordable. You can also visit local farmers' markets for even better deals on farm-fresh produce.

__7. Limit convenience food.__

Limiting convenience foods is another area where you can make significant strides. Preferring whole foods that you can prepare at home not only saves money but also promotes healthier eating habits.

__8. Join a rewards program.__

Take advantage of rewards programs offered by grocery stores. These programs provide discounts, cashback, or other incentives based on your spending habits, allowing you to maximize your savings over time.

__9. Plan meals around sales__.

Make planning meals around sales a regular practice. By reviewing weekly specials and promotions, tailor your meal plans to incorporate discounted items, effectively reducing your overall grocery bill.

__10. Avoid shopping hungry.__

Lastly, learn the importance of not shopping hungry. A trip to the grocery store on an empty stomach often leads to impulse buying and unnecessary spending. By eating before you shop, you are better equipped to stick to your list and resist temptation.

__Incorporating these ten strategies into your grocery shopping routine enables you to make more informed and budget-friendly choices. By embracing a combination of planning, savvy shopping, and smart decision-making, you can successfully trim your food costs without sacrificing the quality of your meals. So, whether you're a family of five or a household of one, these tips can help you navigate the challenges of rising food prices while keeping your budget in check.__

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/5a6c446-33a-0f3-ccc6-85bb207fb0d5_1.jpg) used with permission.*

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