__When I was growing up, one of the worst things that could be said about you was that you were a quitter. But being a quitter has gotten a bad rap. I’m here to speak up for quitters everywhere, letting you know that quitting can be a good thing.__

After all, it’s good to quit doing bad things, right? And it’s only bad when you quit doing good things. That seems clear. Where it gets murky is discerning which things are good and which are bad. This can also be a challenge in the area of investing. Fortunately, I’m here to save you from hopeless confusion. Here are a half dozen things that are definitely in the “bad” camp. If you haven’t already, you can immediately:

__Quit standing on the sidelines.__

Compound interest is a powerful engine of growth, and it runs on the fuel of time. You want all the time on your side you can possibly get. Of course, you also want good returns. Based on 100+ years of history, we know the best returns come from owning well-managed, growing businesses. For the average person who wants to grow his or her surplus capital at a rate that’s faster than inflation, stocks are their best option. Regardless of whether you think you don’t know enough about investing (that’s what we’re here for), it’s time to become a part-owner of corporate America.

__Quit waiting for a low-risk entry point.__

It’s doubtful you’re going to recognize a “low-risk” entry point when one arrives because *capital risk is low when emotional risk is high*. When the economic news is worrisome, stock prices are lower. And buying at lower prices reduces your capital risk. Actually, every day offers a low-risk entry if you’re committed to at least a five-year holding period — since World War II, a diversified stock-fund portfolio (50% large companies, 50% small companies) has lost money only 5% of the time. Over a 10-year period, it’s even more rare to post a loss. On the positive side, about one of every six of those five-year periods saw gains of 20%+ *per year*.

__Quit looking for a reason to sell.__

Ignore the gloom-and-doom scenarios from the pundits. Even in the best of times, there are always economic and market negatives. The biggest risk to your future financial security isn’t a bear market. It’s inflation that eats away the buying power of your dollar. And the way to beat inflation is to make a significant long-term commitment to common stocks. Since 1926, stock prices have gone up in seven years of every 10. When you pull money out of your stock funds in anticipation of a bear market, you’re going against a powerful long-term economic uptrend.

__Quit making things needlessly complicated.__

You don’t need to read economic forecasts, technical analysis, or annual reports. As an SMI subscriber, you have access to our Just-the-Basics strategy, designed for simplicity and ease of implementation. Our Upgrading strategy is only slightly more advanced. [Dynamic Asset Allocation](https://soundmindinvesting.com/strategies/dynamic-asset-allocation) (available to SMI Premium-level members) is also easy to understand and offers less market risk. Just pick one of these and follow theroad map we give you. There’s always more you can do, but you don’t *have* to do more to get inflation-beating long-term results.

__Quit obsessing over your short-term results.__

Frankly, you’re better off if you don’t even know what your short-term results are. Tracking your holdings on your computer or smartphone so you can get updates on your portfolio’s value is a *terrible* idea. It breeds impatience, leads to temporary emotional highs and lows, and stimulates a desire to trade more than you should. In short, it makes it much harder to stay with your long-term plan. Look at it this way. If you received constant feedback on your home — what it was worth, how its value changes monthly in relation to market trends, and detailed reports on how it compares to your neighbors’ homes — eventually you would become disenchanted with your home. The reason you don’t need to know these things is that you consider your home to be a long-term investment. You should view your portfolio with the same healthy perspective.In short, then — stop procrastinating, get in the game, stay in the game, keep things simple, and think long-term. And here’s number six:

__Quit worrying.__

After all, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” ([2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV](https://ref.ly/2%20Tim%201.7;nkjv?t=biblia)). So, honor God, apply His principles, trust His sufficiency, give generously, and rest in His peace.

__[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/go-ahead-be-a-quitter)__ used  with permission

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

Sound Mind Investing

Faith and Finance

I’m here to speak up for quitters everywhere, letting you know that quitting can be a good thing.

Go Ahead, Be a Quitter

*__“And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house...” - Deuteronomy 26:11__*

For years, I’ve worked with individuals, churches, and advisors with one key purpose in mind: to help people use their resources to further God’s Kingdom through generosity. One of the greatest joys I’ve experienced is witnessing those “Aha!” moments when others realize that generosity is born from gratitude—gratitude for the time, talents, and treasures God has given us.

Gratitude begins with recognizing that we are made in God's image. As His image bearers, we are hardwired with certain traits, and generosity is one of them. However, generosity becomes challenging when we aren’t grateful. First, we must be thankful for life itself, for our families and friends, and for the resources God has entrusted to us. Most importantly, we must be deeply grateful for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life so we could live with Him for eternity.

__Practical Ways to Grow in Gratitude__

There are many practical ways to nurture gratitude. Start by expressing it to God in prayer. A personal practice that helped me during tough times was keeping a gratitude journal. Every night, I wrote down three things I was thankful for. It wasn’t always easy, but it was a healing process that allowed me to see God’s blessings more clearly.

I found encouragement in 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

*“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”*

This verse helped me see that even in difficult times, gratitude can shift my perspective. When I recognize that everything I have comes from God, I can live open-handedly, trusting that He will provide.

__Gratitude Fuels Generosity__

Gratitude not only changes our perspective but also opens the door to generosity in ways beyond financial giving. For instance, when we’re thankful for our homes, we may feel more inclined to practice hospitality. When we appreciate the skills God has given us, we become more willing to use them to serve others. Gratitude helps us see that generosity encompasses much more than money.

As gratitude grows, so does humility. When we live with a grateful heart, we become more aware of the needs around us and are moved to help. Humility and gratitude go hand in hand, allowing us to put others’ needs before our own and live more generously.

__Thanksgiving: An Opportunity for Gratitude and Generosity__

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we have a perfect opportunity to focus on gratitude and express it through generosity. Here are some practical ways to make this Thanksgiving genuinely thankful:

- __Family Gratitude Discussions__: Make a habit of having family discussions where everyone shares what they are thankful for—not just on Thanksgiving but throughout the year.
- __Thanksgiving Placemat Activity__: Create construction paper placemats for each family member with their name at the top. During the meal, have everyone write why they are grateful for each person on their placemat.
- __Extend Generosity__: Consider inviting a single parent and their children to your Thanksgiving meal or bring a turkey dinner to a neighbor in need. These small acts of kindness turn gratitude into action.

#### __A Heart of Thankfulness__

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s remember that true gratitude leads to generosity.

Whether through family traditions or acts of kindness, we can show our thankfulness by blessing others. Let Ephesians 5:20 guide your heart this season:

*“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”*

__Let’s make this Thanksgiving a time of genuine thankfulness and generous giving.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Grateful%20Living%20with%20Sharon%20Epps&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

FaithFi

Articles

One of the greatest joys is witnessing those “Aha!” moments when others realize that generosity is born out of gratitude

Embracing Gratitude: The Key to Generosity

__What should you do if you are notified that your social security number has been stolen and is possessed by malicious actors? While this can certainly be a distressing situation, there are several steps you can take to further safeguard your identity and credit.__

__Step 1: Understand what ID protection means.__

There is a lot of jargon in the cybersecurity space, and many services claim to offer identity protection. While you might think that paying a monthly service fee protects your information from being stolen, all the service can do is notify you that your data has been stolen and offer assistance for dealing with those consequences. While that may not seem as ironclad as protecting your identity from thieves, there is value in having these services actively troll the dark streets of the internet and alert you if something is found.

__Step 2: Report the theft to the Social Security Office and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).__

If you have received a notification that your social security number has been stolen and used to re-create your identity, it is important to report the theft to the Social Security Office and the FTC. You can easily file your report online, and they will ask about the timing and nature of the theft. The more details you can provide, the better they can assist you.

__Step 3: Freeze all your credit reports.__

It's important to freeze all your credit reports regardless of being notified of stolen identity. Even though a credit freeze is different from a credit report "lock," it is effective in preventing unauthorized use of your personal information to open a credit card. For most States, the credit freeze is free of charge.  You can find the links to each of the credit reporting agencies below.

__Step 4: Never share your personal or account information.__

The easiest way to exploit someone's stolen identity is to obtain a few extra pieces of information. For example, if a thief already has your address, phone number, and social security number, they can do much damage with an account number or a PIN code. You might receive a text message indicating that a utility bill has not been paid and will be shut off if you don’t follow their instructions. Thieves will also use an urgent email to mimic a legitimate business or financial institution. The best course of action is to delete the messages and not engage. If you receive a message you believe could be legitimate, do not interact with the text message or email – simply call their customer support and talk to someone about your issue.

__Step 5: Continue to monitor your accounts.__

The best course of action when you discover that your personal information has been stolen is to continue to monitor your accounts closely. Financial institutions greatly appreciate prompt reporting of fraudulent charges and will take swift action to close the compromised account and prevent additional losses. They should also reimburse you for any confirmed fraudulent charges.

__Step 6: Consider identity theft insurance.__

ID theft insurance does not prevent your identity from being stolen or exploited. However, since dealing with stolen or exploited identity can be expensive, the insurance company offers a product to help cover the costs of restoring your identity or helping you re-create your digital identity, usually up to $1,000,000 of coverage. But before you buy an ID theft protection policy, check with your insurance company to determine if you are already covered. You might be surprised to find out that it is already included as part of your homeowner's insurance coverage.

__Identity theft is a complex and frightening issue. Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of theft and exploitation. However, having additional insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have financial support in the event of significant identity theft costs. Take the time to educate yourself about identity theft and how to prevent malicious individuals from compromising your identity.__

__MasterCard ID Theft Protection__
[https://mastercardus.idprotectiononline.com/](https://mastercardus.idprotectiononline.com/)
__Social Security Office__
[https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/report-stolen-number](https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/report-stolen-number)
__Experian Credit Freeze__
[https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html](https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html)
__TransUnion Credit Freeze__
[https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze](https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze)
__Equifax Credit Freeze__
[https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/](https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/credit-freeze/)
__Identity Theft Insurance__
LifeLock - [https://lifelock.norton.com/](https://lifelock.norton.com/)
Zander Insurance - [https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection](https://www.zanderins.com/identity-theft-protection)
Geico - [https://www.geico.com/identity-protection/](https://www.geico.com/identity-protection/)

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/your-social-security-number-is-stolen-now-what)__ 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

What should you do if you are notified that your SS number has been stolen and is possessed by malicious actors?

Your Social Security Number Is Stolen, Now What?

__Employment scams increased by nearly 120% last year. As scammers become more sophisticated, it’s important to ask yourself: Would you be able to spot one?__

__The Rise of Employment Scams__

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handles thousands of complaints about employment scams each year. But with the rise of technology, online thieves have found new and easier ways to con job seekers. These scams have become so widespread that it’s difficult for many to distinguish between legitimate job opportunities and scams.

As believers, we are reminded that we live in a hostile world. Jesus said in Matthew 10:16:

*"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”*

We are called to practice discernment and wisdom while doing no harm, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves.

There’s a saying we should always keep in mind: *“If something looks too good to be true, it usually is.”* Remembering this can save you from falling for many employment scams.

One of the most concerning trends is the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) now plays in employment scams. According to the [Identity Theft Resource Center](https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/2023-trends-in-identity-report-118-percent-job-scam-increase/), AI advancements allow scammers to generate job listings and recruitment messages that seem highly legitimate. AI helps refine language and cultural nuances, making these scams harder to spot. As a result, victims of employment scams now typically lose nearly $2,000 per incident.

__Common Employment Scams to Watch Out For__

Scammers are becoming more creative with their tactics. Here are some of the most common types of employment scams:

- __Work-from-home scams:__ Scammers prey on the increasing demand for remote work opportunities.
- __Repackaging, reselling, and reshipping merchandise scams:__ These scams lure victims with the promise of easy work from home but are just a way to steal money.
- __Virtual personal assistant scams:__ Often advertised as legitimate positions, these are a common type of scam.
- __Mystery shopper scams:__ These are fraudulent positions designed to steal your money or personal information.
- __Job placement scams:__ Scammers charge fees for job placements that don’t exist.
- __Government and postal job scams:__ These scams promise government jobs in exchange for upfront payments.

Typically, scammers will pose as recruiters, posting fake job listings on reputable websites like LinkedIn and Indeed. Once job seekers respond, scammers may steal personal information during the “interview” process.

The rise of remote work since the pandemic has also contributed to the increase in employment scams. Many people, particularly recent college graduates, immigrants, or older individuals re-entering the workforce, may think digital-only hiring processes are the new normal. Scammers exploit this comfort, making digital-only interactions seem legitimate.

However, in reality, legitimate companies still follow traditional hiring practices that include in-person or video interviews.

__How to Protect Yourself from Employment Scams__

To safeguard yourself from falling victim to employment scams, here are some important steps to take, according to the FTC:

1. __Don’t rely solely on job search platforms.__ Even well-known platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed may host fake listings.
2. __Verify the company independently.__ Make sure the company exists and is actually hiring before you accept any offers.
3. __Be cautious of unsolicited job offers.__ If you didn’t initiate contact, reach out to the company directly using legitimate contact information to verify the offer.
4. __Watch out for red flags.__ Scammers may ask for personal information too quickly or offer high pay for little work.
5. __Beware of fake check scams.__ Honest employers won’t send you checks to buy supplies or ask you to return leftover money.
6. __Trust your instincts.__ If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

__Reporting Employment Scams__

If you encounter any suspicious job offers, it’s important to report them. You can file a report with the FTC at[ ReportFraud.FTC.gov](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) or the [FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center](https://www.ic3.gov/). Additionally, if you find a scam listing on a reputable platform, make sure to report it directly to the site to help protect other job seekers.

__By staying vigilant and practicing discernment, you can protect yourself from falling victim to employment scams. As Jesus commanded, always remember to be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves and protect yourself in this digital age.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=How%20To%20Spot%20An%20Employment%20Scam&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

As scammers become more sophisticated, it’s important to ask yourself: Would you be able to spot one?

How To Spot An Employment Scam

__“Don’t fight the Fed” has become the cardinal rule of many investors over the past 30 years. The idea is that when the Federal Reserve is raising rates, it slows the economy and investors should be bearish (cautious) on stocks. On the other hand, when the Fed is cutting rates, it stimulates the economy, and investors should be bullish (optimistic) on stocks.__

Belief in this market mantra reached its zenith during the 2010s, as the Fed went beyond simply cutting rates and keeping them low in what was widely interpreted as an effort to support asset prices. Despite a litany of concerns over the course of the decade, those who “didn’t fight the Fed” found themselves repeatedly on the right side of the market’s impressive gains.

__Great...when it works__

That said, following the Fed isn’t always a guarantee of success for investors. One of the reasons for the intense focus on the Fed cutting interest rates for the first time in 4.5 years this September was that the last few rate-cutting cycles have corresponded with nasty bear markets. That’s not how the mantra is supposed to work!

In 2001, then again in 2007, the Fed embarked on significant rate-cutting cycles right into the teeth of bear market recessions that resulted in -50% losses for stock investors. (The 2019 rate-cutting cycle was less clear cut, as stocks initially rose before running into the COVID bear market four months after the third and final cut of that cycle.) With economic growth slowing in recent months, many are eyeing the 2001 and 2007 experiences as instructive of what may lie ahead.

__The recession path vs. the non-recession path__

Investors understandably want to know what “normally” happens when certain events occur, like the first rate cut of a cycle. But this is one case where the averages are highly misleading.

What one finds upon examining the data is that there are two distinct paths when the Fed embarks on a rate-cutting cycle: the recession path and the non-recession path. The outcomes have been starkly different since the Fed started announcing their target rate in 1980.


![](https://soundmindinvesting.com/assets/articles/l3-chart-1-1727275370.png)

When the economy is heading toward (or already in) a recession, rate cuts are not helpful to the stock market, as can be seen in the table at right. Ignoring the opaque 2019 example, we find three such examples of this among the six rate-cutting cycles (following five or more increases) since 1980. The table shows the S&P 500’s *maximum declines* during the 12 months following the first rate cut.


![](https://soundmindinvesting.com/assets/articles/l3-chart-2-1727275499.png)

On the other hand, when the economy avoids recession, rate cuts have provided the tailwind investors expect. The second table shows the *maximum gains* during the 12 months following the first rate cut in the non-recessionary cases.

Seeing those big moves — either up or down, with no middle ground — makes clear that recession is the key variable. Each of the three big losers lined up with a recession.

__Are we on the recession path now?__

Given the importance of this question to asset prices, it’s no surprise that there are many strong opinions circulating as to whether the economy is on a recessionary trajectory. It’s clear that the rate of economic growth has been *slowing* in recent months. But that’s different from the economy itself being *slow*.

One major challenge today is discerning which signals are evidence of a change in the economic cycle, versus what is simply normalization following the massive COVID economic stimulus.

Employment is a great illustration. After COVID, the labor market was incredibly tight, with extremely low levels of unemployment and job openings vastly outnumbering candidates. That is no longer the case today and, in fact, the unemployment rate has increased over the past 18 months from a low of 3.4% to 4.2%.

Those in the recession camp will point out that historically, there are very few cases when the unemployment rate has started to rise and not continued much higher as a recession ensued. But those in the non-recession camp counter that 4.2% is still a very low level historically, given the long-run average is 5.7%. Additionally, most of the increase in unemployment has been due to growth in the labor force (a positive sign) as opposed to layoffs.

In these respects, unemployment is *potentially* joining a list of other historically reliable recession signals (such as the Leading Economic Indicators and inverted yield curve that SMI has highlighted) that have *failed as recession predictors for the first time* in the current cycle. And that could be because this isn’t a normal economic cycle at all — it’s a normalization from an extraordinary economic experiment that is still reverting to equilibrium.

__The Fed has shifted its focus__

One thing that is clear is the Fed has shifted its primary focus away from inflation and toward supporting employment and the broader economy. That’s the only plausible conclusion for cutting the Fed Funds rate by 0.50% in September, despite economic growth (GDP) of 3.0%, with unemployment at just 4.2% and asset prices at all-time highs.

The asymmetry of Fed policy is striking. The Fed waited until March 2022 to raise interest rates 0.25%, when CPI was already running 8.5% annually. Yet today, with annual inflation still above their 2% target at 2.5%, they cut rates by 0.50%. Clearly, the Fed no longer fears inflation and has shifted its focus to warding off potential economic weakness.

That’s not necessarily inappropriate, as the Fed has a dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices. But it does shift the risks somewhat for investors, as getting this decision wrong by cutting too much too soon opens the door for a resurgence in inflation.

__Conclusion: Staying data dependent__

The Fed likes to say that it is data-dependent. As their recent policy asymmetry shows, that’s debatable. But it’s a worthy goal and one that SMI actually practices through adherence to our trend-following and momentum-driven strategies.

At this point, there’s little concrete evidence to indicate the economy is at serious risk of slipping into recession. That doesn’t mean it won’t; it just means that the data isn’t yet indicating it is on that path. As was the case at the end of last year when many were calling for a recession, we’re inclined to think the economy will remain resilient for a while longer.

Most indicators still show a growing economy with few layoffs and low unemployment, so it makes sense to not fight the Fed as they purposely attempt to stimulate what appears to already be a reasonably healthy economy. There’s no question that high interest rates have suppressed some financing of homes, autos, and other durable purchases in recent years. So there’s potential for an improvement in the affordability of credit to potentially extend the current economic expansion.

But of course, the data could shift and reveal more economic weakness at any point as well. Rather than make a prediction on how this will all turn out, we’ll continue to monitor the data and make adjustments as economic conditions impact the market prices that drive SMI’s investing strategies.

__Rate-cutting cycles represent big potential shifts in both the economic and market landscapes. As such, they’re worth monitoring for clues as to whether the future holds recession or inflation and whether the next 20% move in stocks will be higher or lower. Fortunately, we have tools to assist with that without having to predict in advance how an unpredictable economy will react months in advance.__

__[image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/the-fed-is-cutting-interest-rates-what-does-it-mean-for-investors)__ used with permission

Investing

Rate-cutting cycles represent big potential shifts in both the economic and market landscapes.

The Fed Is Cutting Interest Rates: What Does it Mean for Investors?

(Originally published on the Christian Community Credit Union Blog)

If you’re like most people, transportation is one of your three  largest expenses. The other two are housing and food. The larger the  expense category, the more important it is to make good decisions in  managing the category well.

#### Just the facts

Buying a car can be a very emotional decision. Even if you’re not “a  car person,” there’s a lot of cultural pressure around cars. For one  thing, doesn’t it look like just about *everyone* is driving a  newer car? The older your car gets, the more left behind you may feel.  Planned obsolescence only increases the temptation to buy. Car  manufacturers make frequent stylistic changes to their products, wanting  to spur sales by making older models look outdated. When it comes to  buying a car, what’s a well-meaning, stewardship-minded Christian to do?  More specifically, is it okay to take out a car loan?

__Let’s try to answer that question by considering three others.__

#### 1. Why do you want to buy?

Do you actually *need*  to buy a car? If you’re a recent  college grad with a new job that requires you to have a car to get to  work, maybe you do. Or, maybe your car is so old or in such bad shape  that it’s dangerous to drive. Of course, those aren’t the only “valid”  reasons to buy a new or newer used car. But there may be some *less-than-good* reasons  to buy, such as just being bored with your current car, even though  it’s still in good shape, or feeling the pressure to keep up with what  your friends or co-workers are driving. So, the starting point is  determining whether you actually *need*to buy a car.

#### 2. Can you afford to buy?

(Proverbs 22:7)If you’re intent on buying but it’ll require a loan, there are no  biblical prohibitions against borrowing. However, there is this  cautionary note: “The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Take an objective look at whether a car payment will fit on your cash  flow plan (a.k.a., “budget”). The ideal place to begin in drafting a  cash flow plan is with generosity because the Bible teaches us to make  generosity our financial starting point (Proverbs 3:9). It also says  it’s wise to build a reserve of savings (Proverbs 21:20). Ideally, you  would allocate at least ten percent of your monthly gross income to  generosity and ten percent to saving/investing.

After making provision for those priorities, enter all of your  essential expenses (such as your mortgage or rent, food, utilities, and  insurance), and then your discretionary expenses (i.e., entertainment,  vacations, clothing, and gifts). Is there any room for a car payment? If  so, how much of a monthly payment could you afford?

#### 3. What are the best terms?

If you decide to finance a car, be intentional about the details.  There may be some especially long loans available to you, such as loans  that stretch out to seventy-two or even eighty-four months. While  signing up for such a loan will make the monthly payments lower than a  shorter-term loan, you will, of course, have the loan for a longer  period of time. Plus, you’ll end up spending more on interest over the  life of the loan.

From a strictly objective financial perspective, it is best to borrow  no more and for no longer than necessary. That may mean holding off on  your car purchase for a while, if possible, to save for a larger down  payment. Or, it may mean opting for a less expensive car.

#### Make the decision with care.

Remember, the process of buying a car can be fraught with emotional  landmines. “Everyone else” seems to be driving a newer car, and the  latest models can make your car look outdated. So, before heading to the  showroom, pray about the decision and run some numbers. If you decide  to finance a purchase, carefully consider the terms of the loan.

__[Image](https://www.mycccu.com/resource-center/blogs/matt-bell-is-it-biblical-to-borrow-to-buy-a-car/)__ used with permission

If you’re like most people, transportation is one of your three largest expenses. The other two are housing and food.

Is It Biblical to Borrow to Buy a Car?

__Investors increasingly desire to see their investments align with their values. They want to know that their investments are making a difference in the world by supporting the causes they care about.__

But as Christians, we hold a higher standard than just personal values. We are called to __stewardship.__

*So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will trust you with what is genuine?* Luke 16:11 (CSB)

We know that our financial resources are gifts from God, and how we use them in this life has eternal consequences. We don’t want to use our God-given wealth to build a secure financial future while compromising our integrity through investing in companies and organizations that don’t align with biblical values.

Our faith guides how we live, so it should also guide how we invest. That’s why more and more Christian investors are turning to __faith-based investing.__

When most Christians think about faith-based investing, the first thing that usually crosses their minds is Christian values screening or excluding investments in companies and organizations that don’t align with biblical principles.

But a robust faith-based investment strategy is about more than simply avoiding these companies. It’s also about making the Christian voice heard in the marketplace. That’s where proxy voting comes in.

__What is proxy voting?__

When you buy stock in a company, you’re buying a piece of ownership in that company, and owners get a say in how their company does business.

Corporations hold shareholder meetings, usually at least once a year, in which all of their “owners” can gather, receive an update on the company and vote on matters of corporate policy.

Shareholders can’t always attend these meetings in person. However, they can delegate their right to vote to another individual or a firm, known as a proxy, who votes on their behalf and according to their instructions.

__Proxy voting can make the Christian voice heard.__

No corporation is perfect. Even the quality companies that pass a Christian values screening process could have policies or business lines that may not align with every Christian’s personal convictions.

At GuideStone®, we engage with the companies we’re invested in to encourage more God-honoring business practices through proxy voting. This allows us to share our faith and make an impact for God’s Kingdom. We strive to use our voting rights as a Kingdom voice in the marketplace.

Before 2023, we had delegated proxy voting responsibilities to our mutual fund sub-advisers. However, we felt led to find a better way to make our voice heard.

In July of last year, we brought proxy voting in-house by __developing proprietary voting guidelines__ and __working with a leading proxy advisory firm.__ We now stand in a better position to exercise our shareholder voting power in accordance with our Christian values and the values of our investors.

For example, it’s no secret that in recent years, many companies have become heavily politicized, enabling ideological and religious discrimination to work their way into corporate cultures. Many employees (especially evangelical Christians) are reluctant to share their perspectives and ideas at work if they differ from their company’s predominant ideological bent out of fear of hurting their careers.

Thankfully, this proxy season saw many proposals on a wide range of companies’ ballots asking for reports on __viewpoint discrimination,__ which GuideStone enthusiastically supported. We stood up on behalf of other Christians by making our voice heard.

GuideStone has also demonstrated the Christian commitment to defending the __sanctity of life.__ Some companies collect a lot of personal data in the course of their business. Sometimes, law enforcement agencies need access to this information when investigating illegal activity.

We recently voted against a proposal that we believed encouraged certain companies to not comply with law enforcement if they were seeking data related to illegal abortion activities.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls Christians the *“light of the world”* and tells us that we should let our light shine before others so that they can see our good works and give glory to the Father. Making the Christian voice heard through proxy voting is a vital part of a faith-based investing program and serves as a way of letting the Christian light shine and making a difference in the world.

__Our calling is to serve Christ in all we do.__

GuideStone has been helping Christian investors align their faith with their finances for over 50 years. We can put your dollars to work in a way that honors the Lord and helps you achieve your financial goals.

To learn more about our investing strategies, visit us at *[GuideStoneFunds.com*.](https://www.guidestonefunds.com/?utm_source=faithfi&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=proxy_voting&utm_id=1358250) You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Proxy%20Voting%20for%20the%20Kingdom%20with%20Brandon%20Pizzurro&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to a podcast related to this topic.

__Brandon Pizzurro__ leads the investment-related lines of business within GuideStone as Chief Investment Officer. In this capacity, he serves as president of GuideStone Capital Management, LLC, the investment adviser to GuideStone Funds and GuideStone Investment Services®, which provides investment advisory services to nonprofit institutions. He is also an Interested Director of the Board of Directors of GuideStone Funds.
Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Funds invested in accordance with the faith-based investment restrictions of GuideStone Financial Resources may not be able to take advantage of certain investment opportunities due to these restrictions, which may adversely affect investment performance.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
__*You should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the GuideStone Funds® before investing. For a copy of the prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call 1-888-GS-FUNDS (1-888-473-8637) or visit [GuideStoneFunds.com/Funds](https://www.guidestonefunds.com/Funds) to view or download a prospectus. You should readthe prospectus carefully before investing.*__
GuideStone Funds® shares are distributed by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, not an advisor affiliate. GuideStone Capital Management, LLC, an affiliate of GuideStone Financial Resources®, provides investment advisory services for the Funds.

Proxy voting can make the Christian voice heard

Making an Impact for the Kingdom Through Proxy Voting

__One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if?” Unfortunately, those “What if” questions lead right down the road to fear.__

The Bible reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. You don’t have to let the “What ifs” defeat you.

How many times have you worried about your finances, asking those scary “what if” questions such as,

- *“What if I lose my job?”*
- *“What if I don’t have enough money for retirement?”*
- *“What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?”*

The problem with this kind of thinking is that it focuses on events that haven’t happened yet or may never happen. We can’t control the future, but we certainly like to worry about it? God knows this about us, which is why Jesus reminded his disciples in Matthew 6,

*“… do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?*

We can’t control the future, but we can put our “What if” worries in the hands of the One who does. It doesn’t matter how mixed-up or complicated the circumstances are. God isn’t overwhelmed by them.

__When circumstances seem impossible, we have a choice: give in to that “what if” fear or trust God’s provision and help. We can change our “what if” mindset to an “even if” trust in God.__

Do you remember the story of Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego from Sunday School or VBS? The Book of Daniel tells the story of these three young Israelites, captives in Babylon, who demonstrated unwavering faith in the face of persecution.

They refused to worship the king’s idol despite the threat of death by fire. As the three men are led to the fiery furnace, they say to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:17-18:

*“If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”*

The three young men acknowledged God’s power to save and the importance of doing the right thing, no matter what. They accepted God’s sovereignty, even if it meant not being delivered from hardship. Their trust in God wasn’t conditional on the outcome but rooted in God’s character.

In moments of financial anxiety, you can embrace that same trust. In Christ, you can replace your *“What if”* mentality with an *“Even if”* trust in God. You can believe that the Lord will give you what you need when you need it, *even if* it doesn’t look exactly the way you planned.

__How does *“Even if”* change our worries?__

- “What if I lose my job?” becomes “Even if I lose my job, I will trust the Lord.”
- “What if I can’t afford retirement?” becomes, “Even if I can’t afford retirement, I will trust the Lord.”
- “What if something bad happens to me or my loved ones?” becomes, “Even if something bad happens, I will trust the Lord.”

Accepting that God’s plans don’t always match ours can be challenging. The Bible acknowledges that life will have its worries and troubles. However, faith means trusting God’s sovereignty, *even if* we struggle, knowing He works out all things for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

Your challenge is to make a list of the things you’re worried about. Write them out as “What if” questions, and then cross out “What if” and replace it with “Even if.” Submit these worries to the Lord, and He will begin to fill your heart with the *spirit of* *power, love, and self-control* that His Word promises.

Scripture is full of promises for believers who put their complete trust in the Lord, but Isaiah 41:10 is one you should memorize and meditate on whenever you worry about finances, or other cares of life:

*Fear not, for I am with you.  Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.*

__If you or someone you know struggles with financial anxiety and the “What ifs” that lead to fear, visit [Faithfi.com](https://www.faithfi.com/sparrows) and pick up a copy of our new 21-day devotional, *Look at the Sparrows*. This resource will reassure and strengthen you with biblical truth and daily spiritual encouragement.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=%E2%80%9CWhat%20If%E2%80%9D%20or%20%E2%80%9CEven%20If%E2%80%9D?&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

One of the enemy’s favorite tools for discouraging Christians is the question, “What if?” because it can lead to fear.

“What If” or “Even If”?

__Do  you feel like your generosity has turned stale? You give, but the act  seems robotic. You are just going through the motions. If you find  yourself in a place where generosity is cold and detached, consider  asking yourself these ten questions before the next time you give:__

__1. Do I know what God teaches about generosity?__

Soak your mind and heart in Scripture. Spend some time in God’s Word, reading what He says about giving generously.

__2. Have I sought out God in prayer about my generosity?__

Seek out God’s guidance with your generosity. Prayerfully ask God what He desires you to give.

__3. Have I considered what God has given me?__

Spend time thinking about the good gifts God has given you, including His one and only Son.

__4. Did I thank God for His generosity?__

After considering the  good gifts God have provided you, thank Him. Acknowledge that He is the  source for all things in your possession.

__5. Does this gift represent my first and best?__

Proverbs 3:9 tells us that we are to give God our first fruits. For most of us, this represents our gross income.

__6. Is this gift proportional to what God has given me?__

Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of proportionally or percentage-based giving. We give according to what God has given us.

__7. Is this gift sacrificial or comfortable?__

Gifts that were  celebrated in Scripture were sacrificial, not comfortable. In God’s  economy, amount sacrificed always supersedes amount given.

__8. Have I talked and prayed with my spouse about this gift (if married)?__

If you are married, giving should be a unified act of worship.

__9. Have I talked to my children about our gift (if you have kids)?__

If you have children, make sure they know generosity is a priority. Teach generosity with words and actions.

__10. Did I ask God to use this in the way that brings Him the most glory?__

As you give, ask God to multiply the gift in ways you could never imagine and make an impact for all eternity.

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/10-questions-to-ask-before-you-give)__ used with permission

Generosity

Do you feel like your generosity has turned stale? You give, but the act seems robotic.

10 Questions to Ask Before You Give

The four gospels reveal that  Jesus regularly spoke on the topic of money and possessions. The Gospel  of Luke captures many of these teachings. As we read Luke and the money  lessons the book provides, we see that Jesus wasn’t concerned about our  relationship with money for the sake of financial well-being. He was  concerned about money because he was concerned about our hearts.

Here are three of the many money lessons that can be garnered from Luke. Feel free to use them in your personal study.

__1. Our response to God’s generosity is generosity (Luke 8:1-3).__

The beginning of Luke 8 tells of three  women—Mary, Joanna, and Susanna. According to Luke 8:2, Jesus performed a  miracle in the lives of these women, curing them from disease and evil  spirits. In response, the women followed Jesus and used their resources  to support his ministry. Jesus’s generosity changed their lives and, in  response, they also were generous. Our response to God’s generosity is  generosity.

__2. A heart committed to money hinders a heart committed to God (Luke 16:13-15).__

Jesus had just ended the Parable of the  Shrewd Master when he said these well-known words—“You cannot serve both  God and money.” Now, Jesus could have chosen anything that has the  potential to be an idol—"You cannot serve both God and sports.” But he  chose money.

Why?

First of all, Luke tells us that there were  Pharisees around Jesus who loved money and the admiration of people.  Certainly, Jesus was targeting them. And Jesus makes it clear that their  hearts, which were serving money instead of God, would be judged.

But Jesus also teaches that money has a  unique tie to our hearts, not just the Pharisees’ hearts. For all of us,  money management reflects heart management. And while money is meant to  be a means for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom, the  means can quickly become an end. We can easily find ourselves placing  our hope in money rather than God, and we will always find ourselves  serving whatever we identify as our hope. It will be either money or  God. It won’t be both. A heart committed to money hinders a heart  committed to God.

__3. In God’s economy, amount sacrificed supersedes amount given (Luke 21:1-4).__

Jesus and his disciples were watching the  rich bring their large gifts to the temple treasury. It is possible the  disciples were impressed by their giving. But Jesus pointed out someone  the disciples likely missed—a widow who gave only two coins. He said  that she gave more than anyone else because she gave all she had. The  point was that God is less concerned about what is placed in the  offering plate and more concerned about what is left in the bank  account. God is glorified in sacrifice, not necessarily the amount. In  God’s economy, amount sacrificed always supersedes amount given.

__As believers, we should take Luke’s money  lessons to heart. May we be sacrificially generous, fully committed  disciples of Christ.__

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/3-money-lessons-from-luke)__ used with permission

Here are three of the many money lessons that can be garnered from Luke. Feel free to use them in your personal study.

3 Money Lessons from Luke

__Are you worried about a recession? Some economists say there’s still a [35% chance](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/35-recession-probability-2024-why-150022657.html) it could happen in 2024.__

People often ask us, “Will we have a recession?” The answer, of course, is “Yes.” We’ll always have another recession. The real questions are, “When?” and “Are you prepared for it?” If you’re not, now’s the time to get started.

So far, economic growth is still in positive territory and the unemployment rate remains relatively low. That’s a blessing. But since more and more indicators suggest the economy is slowing, it’s time to “recession-proof” your finances. __How do you do that?__

1. __Check your credit score and get your credit reports.__ This will give you a base point and will allow you to accurately judge the effect of any late payments—if you’re forced to make any in the future. You can get a free credit report from each of the three bureaus, [Experian](http://experian.com/), [TransUnion](http://transunion.com/), and [Equifax](http://equifax.com/), at [AnnualCreditReport.com](http://annualcreditreport.com/).

With those reports in hand…you’ll be able to show creditors that you’ve made timely payments on your various accounts in the past. That could help you negotiate better terms if you find yourself temporarily out of work.
2. __Familiarize yourself with the [Mayday Budget](https://www.faithfi.com/moneywise/the-mayday-budget-1923). __It has only four categories. The first is food. You have to eat, but keep it simple and avoid eating out. The next Mayday budget category is housing. Make your mortgage or rent payment. Then comes utilities, and finally, transportation. So food, housing, utilities, and transportation come first in the Mayday budget. With anything left over, you can pay other bills.
3. __Look for other sources of help.__ If you lose your job, your unemployment benefits may run out, but other resources will probably be available. Check out non-profit organizations and local government agencies that may have assistance programs. You can call 2-1-1 to learn about services in your area or go online to [211.org](http://211.org/).
4. __Make a list of all your creditors and their contact information.__ Be ready to call them and explain in detail whatever financial situation you may be facing and then pray you don’t have to use it, but if you do, it’s ready. If you can’t pay a bill, call your creditor before it comes due. Run *toward* your creditors, not away__** __from them.

When you call and speak to a representative, have your latest paystubs handy so you can show how your income has been reduced. Tell that person how much you have available to pay on the debt for the time being.

Ask if you can temporarily stop payments…or make partial ones. Let them know how long you expect to be in your current situation. You may not know for sure, but try to give a reasonable estimate of how long it will take for you to begin making full payments on time again.

Make sure you get the person’s name and keep a record of what you talked about and any agreement you may have reached. Also, ask to have a copy of the agreement sent to you in writing. Creditors will usually do this anyway…but ask for it just to be sure…and hang on to that email or letter when it arrives.

Sadly, you also need to be on the alert for scam artists who will use tough times like a recession to victimize folks already in dire financial circumstances. Do not respond to emails or give out information to anyone who calls you claiming to represent one of your creditors. Contact your creditors directly.
5. __Get professional non-profit help for managing credit card debt.__ Contact our friends at [Christian Credit Counselors](http://christiancreditcounselors.org/) if you start to fall behind in payments or expect you’re about to. They have arrangements with many creditors to lower your interest rates.

You’ll make one payment that covers several creditors, making things much simpler. It’s not debt consolidation, but debt *management. *It will help you pay off your creditors entirely up to 80% faster.

Also, if you’re laid off and lose your health insurance, check out [Christian Healthcare Ministries](http://chministries.org/). They offer a medical cost-sharing alternative to expensive health insurance, almost always at a much lower cost.
6. __Save as much as possible now.__ We always tell you to have three to six months' worth of living expenses in your emergency fund for times like a recession. There’s no better way to recession-proof your finances than having money in the bank, so start saving today.
7. __Finally, *pray.* __Pray that God will provide wisdom for managing your finances in difficult times. James 1:5 assures us, *“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”*

__So those are the steps to recession-proof your finances. They’ll help you weather whatever economic storms come your way.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=Recession%20Proof%20Your%20Finances%20&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

Raising interest rates can be a recipe for a recession. Are you prepared for it? If not, now’s the time to get started.

7 Steps To Recession-Proof Your Finances

__There are plenty of Christian retirement plans out there, but is retirement itself actually biblical? The answer depends on your definition of retirement and for Christians, that should be quite different from the world’s.__

The world has plenty of expressions for retirement, such as the “golden years,” “hanging up the cleats,” and “getting the gold watch.”

The world’s idea of retirement is saving as much as you can so that someday you can simply *stop* working. The world sees work as a negative thing, toiling for years under a mean boss so that one day you have enough cash to kiss work good-bye.

But that is not a biblical view of work or retirement. God is our true boss. Colossians 3:24-25 tells us, *“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”*

Work predated the Fall. The Lord put Adam to work in the Garden of Eden and nowhere does the Bible say we can quit our service to Him when we have enough money saved up to live a life of leisure.

Further, God Himself is a worker. In John 5:17, Jesus says, *“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”*

Interestingly, the Bible actually does address retirement one time, but in a very narrow circumstance. Regarding the Levitical priests, Numbers 8:24-25 reads, *“From twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting. But at the age of fifty years they shall retire and not work anymore.”*

God’s Word doesn’t tell us *why* they were to stop their labors, but one thing we can be pretty sure of is that that passage doesn’t apply to *us*. How then should Christians today think about retirement? It’s helpful to realize that the world’s view of retirement—ceasing all work—is a fairly modern concept.

Before the 20th century people generally worked as long as they could. Then came Social Security and pensions. Retiring at age 65 came to be seen as an entitlement.

For Christians, however, our service to the *Lord* never ends. The Apostle John was still writing and preaching in his 90s. Second-century pastor Polycarp testified that he had served the Lord “eighty and six years” as he was being martyred. Those are two excellent role models for how we should view retirement.

You may be thinking, “Why are we saving all this money then, if we’re not supposed to retire? The simple answer is, because it’s prudent and a wise use of God’s resources.

People are living longer now than in previous generations. Many of us will reach a point where we are physically unable to work or to work as many hours as we could when younger. We have to prepare for that. Proverbs 21:20 says, *“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it*.”

Of course, that’s prudent for everyone, believer and non-believer. But as Christians, ideally we want to save for the day when we can *increase* our service to God. Think of it as retiring *to* something and not just *from* something.

A good example might be a business person who “retires” and enters the mission field or finds another calling to serve God. Or perhaps your lifelong investing gives you resources later in life to give more generously. The more you have saved from the resources God has entrusted to you, the more time and treasure you can give back to further His Kingdom.

Here at FaithFi, when we use the word “retirement,”we’re definitely *not* talking about ceasing all work. Our goal is to help people be faithful stewards of God’s money, so they can one day serve Him more fully.

__The bottom line is that it’s prudent and entirely biblical to save for the day when you can no longer work as diligently as you do now, but knowing that in some capacity, you want to serve the Lord as long as you can.__

You can also __[listen](https://www.faithfi.com/search?q=The%20Christian%20View%20of%20Retirement&videos=true&articles=true&podcasts=true&posts=true&groups=true&events=true&support=true)__ to the related podcast on this topic.

There are plenty of Christian retirement plans out there, but is retirement itself actually biblical? It depends.

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