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

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

Sound Mind Investing

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.

FaithFi

Articles

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.*

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

Marriage and Family

Families are feeling the squeeze on their budgets. What is a family to do?

10 Tips for Reducing Your Grocery Expenses

__Tax season is here, and many of you will receive a refund. Statistics indicate that many people receive their refund and rush straight to a car dealer to make a down payment on a new or used car.  But before any decisions are made with this additional income, let’s remember God’s claim on all financial resources in Haggai 2:8, *“The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts.”* So even with these funds that are not ordinary income, we must prayerfully consider how God would have us manage His resources.__

Here are a few ideas to consider before heading to the car lot that may help us to steward our finances better:

__1. Give.__

Consider viewing these additional funds as an opportunity to give toward a short-term mission trip at your church, your church’s debt-retirement fund, or other ministries, however the Lord may direct you. This will help develop the discipline of always giving God the firstfruits of our income and will also be a great encouragement to your church or student going on a short-term trip.

__2. Establish or strengthen your savings.__

If you haven’t established your $1,500 minor emergency fund (Money Milestone 2) or fully funded your 3-6 month major emergency fund (Money Milestone 5), now is a great time to accomplish this goal. The peace of mind from knowing you are prepared to cover unexpected expenses is priceless.

__3. Pay toward existing debt.__

Tax refunds are a great way to make progress in the debt snowball by paying off credit cards or making large payments toward existing car loans or student loans. If all of these are paid off, make an extra mortgage payment. Making one additional payment can knock off several months from a 30-year mortgage. Most mortgage companies make an amortization schedule available on your account, so run one before and after the payment to see the benefit.

__4. Make additional IRA contributions.__

If you struggle to contribute 15% of your income to your retirement with your normal income, use all or part of your tax refund to help you reach that goal.  Make sure to check your annual IRA contribution limits based on your age and income.

__5. Start a sinking fund.__

Do you have older appliances, car insurance coming due soon, or college tuition to plan for?  Use this opportunity to get a jump start on these funds so you don’t have to pull from savings when the expense arrives. These can crush your budget if you are not prepared for them.

__6. Add to your car fund.__

Guess who else knows you have a tax refund?  Car dealers. Car dealers raise prices accordingly during tax season.  Save your refund and add to it over the next couple of months.  When prices come down this summer, pay for a better car with cash.

Finally, remember that receiving a large refund may indicate having too much tax withheld from your regular paycheck. Consider adjusting your payroll deductions so that you receive less of a refund. Yes, you will not have a large amount to spend once a year, but you will have more money to budget each pay period, which will help you to develop better budgeting discipline. This will also allow your money to be working for you throughout the year instead of for the government.

__Hopefully, you are already making progress with the 8 Money Milestones, so many of these ideas will be familiar to you. But if we’re honest, we must admit that having a little “extra” can tempt us to splurge on something outside of our plan. That one decision can set us back several months if we do not remain disciplined. Wisely using a tax refund can give us the extra push to meet one or more Money Milestone and the satisfaction of meeting a financial goal.__

*About the author: __Jeff Gordon__ serves as the Executive and Discipleship Pastor at Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. He also served as a missionary in Bangkok, Thailand for seven years. Prior to entering vocational ministry, Jeff worked in the banking world as an investment counselor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Liberty University, and M.Div and D.Min degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jeff and his wife, Jessica, have four children: Jackson, Sophia, Caroline, and Benjamin. *

*[Image ](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/c8a7027-d5d3-7ff0-7348-76b1ed341_1.jpg)used with permission.*

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

Before any decisions are made with this additional income, let’s remember God’s claim on all financial resources.

6 Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refund

__Financial goal-setting is a powerful tool that helps individuals and couples get financially healthy and live more generously. Whether you're an individual or a couple, setting and pursuing financial goals can be a transformative tool, steering you towards a healthier financial life and providing the means to participate more generously in the Great Commission. Let’s dive into the significance of financial goal-setting.__

__1. Clarity and focus.__

At the heart of financial goal-setting is the ability to attain clarity and focus in your financial journey. By establishing clear financial goals, individuals can create a roadmap that delineates their priorities. Whether the focus is on generosity, debt repayment, or saving for significant future expenses like education or retirement, having well-defined objectives helps avoid impulsive and regrettable financial decisions. Clarity enables a strategic approach, allowing individuals to stay on track and make informed choices that align with their ultimate desired outcome.

__2. Motivation and discipline.__

Financial goals act as powerful motivators, encouraging individuals and couples to consistently work towards their objectives. Beyond motivation, these goals instill discipline by creating a structured plan for managing income and expenses. This discipline becomes the foundation for cultivating responsible financial habits and fostering long-term financial health. The combination of motivation and discipline ensures a sustained commitment to the journey, leading to financial health and increased financial generosity.

__3. Measurable progress.__

An important benefit to financial goal-setting is the ability to measure progress. Goals serve as benchmarks against which individuals can track their progress, enabling them to celebrate small victories along the way. Regular assessment and adjustments to strategies based on these measurable milestones are essential. This not only reinforces a positive mindset but also encourages perseverance during challenging times. The ability to witness tangible progress motivates individuals to stay the course and continue striving towards their financial goals.

__4. Enhanced decision-making.__

Well-defined financial goals play a pivotal role in enhancing the decision-making processes. The act of setting goals prompts individuals and couples to evaluate choices based on their alignment with their financial objectives. Will taking on a car loan hurt or help the progress? Will spending money out of the emergency fund on non-emergency expenses help or hurt reaching the goal?  This critical evaluation guides decision-making toward options that contribute to financial health. Informed decision-making is important to achieve sustained financial health and generosity, ensuring that each financial choice is a conscious step towards the overarching goals set in place.

__What goals should you chase? Consider the 8 Money Milestones program.__

A practical and comprehensive approach to biblical financial goal-setting is found in the [8 Money Milestones program](http://www.8moneymilestones.com/). This program addresses key financial areas, including getting out of debt, saving for retirement, and allocating resources toward Great Commission work. By following the 8 Money Milestones, individuals can methodically work through a series of financial objectives, creating a holistic plan for financial health and Kingdom-advancing generosity.

Financial goal-setting is a potent tool that empowers individuals and couples to achieve financial health and live more generously. The 8 Money Milestones program serves as a structured guide, offering a roadmap to navigate the complexities of personal finance. By setting clear goals, staying motivated, measuring progress, and enhancing decision-making, individuals and couples can take significant strides on their financial journey.

__Whether aiming to get out of debt, save for retirement, or give more generously, financial goal-setting provides the framework for a purposeful and fulfilling financial life. Consider using the 8 Money Milestones program as a powerful tool for achieving your financial goals, both individually and in a group setting. Let the act of goal-setting propel you toward a future of financial well-being and generosity.__

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/5c2c5a-4a8c-e83e-ad71-08334c1785f_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Savings

Financial goal-setting is a powerful tool that helps individuals and couples get financially healthy.

4 Reasons Why You Should Set Financial Goals

__We work, and then we don’t work. That *traditional* view of career and retirement planning is evolving into something more nuanced, with “phased retirement” and “working for pleasure in retirement” becoming more common ways that people envision their later years, especially today’s younger workers.__

According to Fidelity’s [2024 State of Retirement Planning study](https://preview.thenewsmarket.com/Previews/FINP/DocumentAssets/663841.pdf), the advice of agrowing number offinancial planners to have something compelling to *retire *to rather than *retiring from* your job seems to be taking hold. Apparently, the global pandemic was also a factor, with some 66% of adults saying the COVID crisis “made them more intentional about focusing on their personal passions and dreams in retirement.”

Rather than retirement being a full stop from work, they hope to ease into it, moving from full-time to part-time work before stopping completely. Millennials, those ages 27-42, are especially likely to say they look forward to “pursuing work for pleasure while in retirement.”

__The desire for a do-over__

One of the most common retirement-related regrets across all generations is not having started saving for retirement earlier. While that was evident in the Fidelity study, there are encouraging signs here as well, with the youngest respondents — the 26-or-younger members of Gen Z — indicating that they *did* start saving at an early age, *and* they’re aware that it would have been better had they started even earlier.

__Generation | Age started saving for retirement | Age they wish they had started__
__Gen Z__ | 20 | 18
__Millennials__ | 27 | 22
__Gen X__ | 36 | 26
__Boomers__ | 44 | 33

As I describe in *[Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management](https://www.amazon.com/Trusted-Preparing-Lifetime-God-Honoring-Management/dp/1646070755)*, many of today’s children could have a huge head start on saving for retirement by the time they graduate from high school. For example, it’s not unrealistic for many of today’s young people to save $3,000 by age 18. If they put the money in a Roth IRA and invest it aggressively, even if they never add another penny to that account, it’s possible that they could have over $1 million available tax-free by the time they are 70.

__Now or later?__

Preparing for retirement is a balancing act, even for the most intentional planners. It’s common for people to want to travel more in retirement to spend time with their adult children/grandchildren or enjoy certain experiences they didn’t have the time or resources to enjoy during their careers. But it’s also common for many such planners to miss out on what they had hoped to enjoy because of ill health in retirement.

So, on the one hand, if you save too much now, you may be trading off activities you’ll never be able to experience. On the other hand, if you *spend* too much now in order to experience what you might not be able to experience later, you may be trading off being better financially prepared for your later years. Finding the right balance between those priorities can be a challenge.

__What resonates with you in all of this? Do you envision retirement as a full stop from work or something you’ll ease into? And how are you balancing the need to save enough for retirement while at the same time not missing out on certain memory-making experiences you might not be able to enjoy later?__

*[Image](https://soundmindinvesting.com/img/asset/Y2xvdWQvcmV0aXJlZV9zaG9wbF9vd25lci5qcGc=?fit=crop-2-67-1&w=1660&h=896&s=0fc864fea84fad17a4a5930565a9065c) used with permission.*

Retirement

That traditional view of career and retirement planning is evolving into “phased retirement” and “working for pleasure".

Expectations About Retirement Are Changing

__Proverbs 27:12 says, *“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.”* Just like saving for the future, insurance helps protect our financial health and generosity. Insurance is a tool for transferring risk.__

In today's uncertain world, where unexpected events can instantly disrupt our lives, having comprehensive insurance coverage is not just a luxury but a necessity. From protecting our homes and automobiles to ensuring our health and providing financial security for the future, insurance plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our well-being, peace of mind, and generosity.

Here are six types of insurance that you need:

__1. Homeowners insurance.__

For many of us, our house is our most significant investment. Homeowners insurance protects against a myriad of risks, including damage from natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and liability for accidents that occur on our property. Without adequate coverage, a single unforeseen event could potentially devastate our finances and jeopardize our ability to rebuild and recover.

Homeowners insurance is often a requirement for obtaining a mortgage. Lenders typically mandate borrowers to carry this insurance to safeguard their investment in the property. Thus, having homeowners insurance isn't just about protecting your home but also fulfilling a contractual obligation.

__2. Automobile insurance.__

As indispensable as cars are to our daily lives, they also pose significant risks on the road. Automobile insurance provides financial protection against liabilities arising from accidents, property damage, bodily injuries, and even theft or vandalism. In many states, carrying auto insurance is mandatory, highlighting its critical importance.

Beyond legal requirements, automobile insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that you're financially protected in case of an accident. Medical expenses and vehicle repairs can escalate quickly, and without insurance, you may face overwhelming debts. By investing in comprehensive auto insurance, you mitigate these risks.

__3. Health insurance.__

Good health is a precious asset, yet it's susceptible to numerous threats, including illness, injury, and chronic conditions. Sin has corrupted our bodies. Health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses, including hospitalization, prescription medications, doctor visits, and preventive care. Without health insurance, even minor health issues can lead to costly bills, potentially leading to bankruptcy.

Health insurance also promotes timely access to healthcare services, enabling early detection and treatment of illnesses, which can improve health outcomes and quality of life. When you purchase health insurance, you're not just protecting your finances but also prioritizing your well-being and ensuring access to essential medical care when you need it most.

__4. Disability insurance.__

Despite our best efforts to stay healthy and safe, accidents and illnesses can still occur, potentially rendering us unable to work and earn a living. Disability insurance provides income protection in such scenarios, replacing a portion of your lost income if you become disabled and unable to work. This coverage is especially crucial for individuals who rely on their income to support themselves and their families.

Without disability insurance, a sudden disability could plunge you into financial hardship, jeopardizing your ability to meet your financial obligations and maintain your standard of living. By securing disability insurance, you create a safety net that ensures financial stability and peace of mind, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

__5. Long-term care insurance.__

Most people buy this in their mid-50s to mid-60s. As you age, you are increasingly likely to find yourself facing a medical situation that requires long-term assistance. Long-term care insurance provides coverage for services such as nursing home care, assisted living facilities, and in-home care for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living due to aging, illness, or disability.

The cost of long-term care can be staggering, draining savings and assets accumulated over a lifetime. Long-term care insurance helps protect your assets and preserve your financial independence, ensuring you receive the care you need without depleting your resources or burdening your loved ones.

__6. Life insurance.__

While it may be uncomfortable to contemplate our mortality, planning for the financial well-being of our loved ones in the event of our passing is an essential stewardship responsibility. Life insurance provides a financial safety net for your family and dependents, offering a tax-free lump sum payment (the death benefit) upon your death.

This coverage can help replace lost income, pay off debts, cover funeral expenses, and provide financial security for your loved ones, ensuring that they can maintain their standard of living after you're gone. Life insurance is a tangible expression of love and responsibility, demonstrating your commitment to protecting your family's future.

Insurance is not just a financial product but a cornerstone of our financial security, peace of mind, and generosity. By purchasing these six types of insurance, from homeowners and automobile to health, disability, long-term care, and life insurance, we're taking proactive steps to safeguard our assets, protect our loved ones, and ensure our ability to live and give more generously. Don't wait for a crisis to strike; prioritize insurance today and pave the way for a more resilient tomorrow.

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/84b66fe-fd0-16fa-b3a2-e626ddc14b5a_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Insurance plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our well-being, peace of mind, and generosity.

6 Types of Insurance You Need

__For Earth Day this year, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made seeking to restore and care for cCreation.__

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges in working on values-driven shareholder advocacy in my role at Praxis Mutual Funds® is staying positive and constructive when engaging companies on seemingly intractable issues. Profound environmental crises, such as climate change, resource depletion, toxic chemical proliferation, and biodiversity loss, appear to be converging, and the steps taken so far to ease their impact have been insufficient at best.

For much of my young adulthood and career, I embodied the notion that our unsustainable systems need to fundamentally change – and quickly – or else creation would face catastrophic consequences. This contributed to a great sense of urgency and the need to pursue a frantic pace of corporate engagement. While my thinking was technically correct, the high stakes approach I took was exhausting and sometimes overwhelming. Against the backdrop of slow progress and negative trends, thoughts of hopelessness and, at worst, disengagement, weren’t far away.

As I’ve matured, I think I’ve gained wisdom in approaching the problems of our time. I now routinely ask myself: What can I do with what I control? Accepting a limited role can feel both manageable and freeing. I’ve even come to welcome the idea that I may contribute to change that I may not fully realize in my lifetime.

I also ask: How can I acknowledge gradual success? Despite the setbacks and frustrations, progress does occur, and it’s important to document it. Gaining a sense of achievement can go a long way toward facilitating future accomplishments. I’ve also learned through my advocacy experience that small steps can lead to big leaps.

My changing perspective has been influenced in part by my own conservation work.

Part of the land where my family lives was strip-mined for coal in the 1950s. The mine provided a few jobs for a few years and was promptly abandoned when the coal seams were exhausted. What was once rolling farmland and forest now more closely resembled the surface of the moon, with deep gullies, high walls, and persistent erosion. With the topsoil buried underground, the land remained largely devoid of vegetation in the following decades.

In the early 1990s, state contractors planted a few thousand pine and black locust trees through a program that assisted with the reclamation of old mine lands. Many trees succumbed to the harsh conditions of the strip mine, but this effort led to some patches of trees taking root. By the time I bought the property in 2007, some areas had begun recovering into young forest while large sections of moonscape remained.

I knew that rehabilitating the land would be the project of a lifetime – more than one lifetime, in fact. But I took it as my mission as a steward of God’s creation to restore what I could in the time that I have.

In the past 15 years, with the help of family and friends, I have planted over 10,000 trees to re-forest the land, erected micro-dams to mitigate erosion, and practiced forestry work to limit the proliferation of invasive species. All the barren spaces have been planted at least twice. The progress isn’t always quick or linear, but it is real.

The pine trees’ roots prevent erosion, and their dropped needles provide necessary organic material on the ground. As the trees grow taller and their branches wider, their shade lowers the extreme heat of the sun hitting the dark slate soil. As topsoil is formed and the harsh surface conditions are improved, hardwood trees establish and eventually replace the pines. Forest flora emerges, and the acid water caused by strip mine exposure is reduced. Creatures from insects to deer return and regenerate ecosystems.

Different parts of the land progress at different rates, and I can observe these changes on a yearly basis. Each step is gratifying and gives me motivation to continue my conservation work. It may take two hundred years to approach the forest and soil conditions that existed before the mining, and several hundred more to restore the state of the springs and surface water to what they once were. Nonetheless, I’m not deterred by the long trajectory. The journey toward the goal of full rehabilitation is fulfilling on its own.

I try to draw lessons from my reforestation project for my shareholder advocacy work. While it’s important to keep ideals and long-term goals, guiding my way, incremental progress toward those goals isn’t just symbolic, it’s how those goals are practically achieved. For instance, small changes to corporate policy that may seem insignificant – such as a 10% reduction in emissions or access to paid sick leave for employees – can make a difference to millions of people. And they often lead to more impactful changes.

__Examples of incremental success with shareholder advocacy include:__

- Environmental Justice: In 2009, Praxis participated in a shareholder advocate learning tour of Mossville, La., where residents were surrounded by chemical plants and lived with polluted air and water, and although many wanted to move, they were unable to because their homes had virtually no value due to the pollution. At that time, shareholders began initial research and communication with companies, including Sasol, with input from local grassroots organizations. In 2012, Sasol announced a major expansion of its gas-to-liquid facility near Mossville, posing additional threats to the health of residents, and shareholders began direct advocacy with Sasol on behalf of residents, using relationships formed in prior years to bolster their case. Following this shareholder action, Sasol announced a voluntary property purchase program for residents affected by the company’s growth plans in 2013. Mossville residents were generally satisfied with the offer, and most took it, providing them with compensation and the means to move elsewhere.
- Climate Change: Praxis joined other shareholders in formal advocacy with American Electric Power (AEP) in 2016 on climate change issues, including emissions reduction goals and Just Transition. This advocacy led to several small commitments to pollution reduction and help for displaced workers. In 2021, AEP pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, a move championed by shareholders. This commitment was subsequently moved forward to 2045, and AEP produced a strong, comprehensive Just Transition report in 2022, which will serve as its guide to supporting workers and communities affected by the transition to cleaner energy.

As people of God committed to sustainability and justice, we are not individually responsible for all the problems in the world, nor can we right all wrongs. I believe our mission is to work toward the wholeness of creation with the time and resources we are given, while honoring milestones along the way.

__Plant a tree, and marvel when its leaves emerge for the first time. Take satisfaction in recycling items that stay out of the landfill. Restore native plants to your property and observe the diversity of creatures that return. Celebrate incremental progress, let it provide motivation and energy, and keep working toward the greater goal.__


__Disclaimer:__ You should consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, sales charges and expenses carefully before you invest. The fund’s [prospectus and summary prospectus](https://www.praxismutualfunds.com/resources/prospectuses-and-reports) contain this and other information. Please read them carefully before you invest.

Investment products are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and have no bank guarantee. Praxis Mutual Funds are advised by Everence Capital Management and distributed through Foreside Financial Services, LLC.

__[Image](https://www.praxismutualfunds.com/news-and-stories/shareholder-advocacy/2024/incremental-change-for-earth-day-and-in-shareholder-engagement)__ used with permission

Praxis Mutual Funds has a rich history as a leading faith-based family of mutual funds designed to help people integrate their finances with their values. With Praxis,your investments can make a difference for you, and the world around you.

Praxis Mutual Funds

Finding hope in the progress we experience

Incremental Change for Earth Day and in Shareholder Engagement

__A recent survey conducted by Lincoln Financial Group revealed that 62% of retirees expressed a desire to "re-do" their retirement planning, with only 27% feeling "very confident" about the longevity of their finances in retirement. The survey sampled 1,400 adults, including 261 retirees, highlights a recurring theme: retirees often wish they had started saving earlier and allocated more funds to retirement planning.__

Retirement is the point at which a person stops working for income. While the Americanized view of retirement, characterized by endless walks on the beach, daily golf, and no longer using our abilities for the Great Commission, may not align with Scripture, we still will likely face a point where we are no longer able to work for income. Even if we hope never to stop working for income, our health or employer may make the retirement decision for us. Because of this reality, preparing for this season of our lives is wise.

Diving deeper into the survey, we come across four other eye-opening results. Let’s look at the results and consider some lessons learned.

__1. 75% of retirees said they would have started saving earlier in their “do-over.”__

A staggering 75% of retirees regret not commencing their savings journey sooner. When it comes to saving and investing for retirement, time is the most important asset. Remember this formula: A little bit of money + A lot of time = A lot of money. The earlier a person starts saving for retirement, the less they need to contribute. Why? Compounding. Compounding is interest earned on your interest earned. Albert Einstein is regularly attributed for this quote, “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it earns it. He who doesn't pays it."

The lesson learned is to take advantage of the time you do have. Following the 8 Money Milestones, you should start saving for retirement at Money Milestones 3 and 6.

__2. 63% of retirees said they would have saved more in their “do-over.”__

While time is the most important asset, the amount a person sets aside for retirement is also critical. Americans regularly struggle to save for the future. The general recommendation is to set aside 15% of your gross income for retirement. Of course, the specific amount can vary from person to person. The lesson learned is that the sacrifice is worth it. Sacrificing current wants to save for future needs is wise and can leave you with less regret.

__3. 34% of retirees said they would have paid off their debts sooner in their “do-over.”__

The Bible teaches us that debt is a burden (Proverbs 22:7). Retirees with debt feel the weight of this burden. Debt can consume a significant portion of Social Security and the income generated from retirement savings. A retiree’s mortgage payment alone can consume one-third of their monthly income. One of the best ways to ensure a retiree’s Social Security and retirement savings will be enough is to eliminate their debt before retirement. Owning a home without a mortgage can be a significant benefit for retirees. This is why homeownership should be viewed as a long-term strategy to free up future cash flow. The lesson learned is to get serious about eliminating debt now. Following the Money Milestones, this is Money Milestone 4. Debt hinders a person’s generosity and creates significant financial stress during retirement.

__4. About a quarter of retirees said they would plan better for inflation in their “do-over.”__

We are very familiar with inflation’s impact on our finances. Recent inflation has impacted all of us. Life is simply more expensive now. While inflation rates are not always as significant as we recently experienced, more money will likely be required during retirement to maintain your current standard of living. Inflation's impact must be considered if you want to have a financial margin during your retirement years. The lesson learned from this statistic is to prepare for increased living costs during your retirement years.

As followers of Christ, retirement is not to be characterized by years of leisure but by continued Great Commission impact. Financially preparing for this time can allow a retiree to worry less about money and more about how they will spend the rest of their lives getting the gospel out to their community and around the world. Preparing for retirement is preparing for future generosity.

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/6084aa-ba3e-57f2-31f4-6667324ec_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Retirees often wish they had started saving earlier and allocated more funds to retirement planning.

62% of Retirees Would Plan for Retirement Differently

__Generosity is emphasized throughout the Bible, with numerous passages encouraging believers to give cheerfully and abundantly. Adopting a consistent giving practice aligns with the biblical principles of stewardship and compassion. But let’s be honest—sometimes we forget to give. So, here are six ways to become a more consistent giver:__

__1. Regularly pray about your generosity.__

Prayer is a powerful tool that connects believers with God's guidance in all aspects of life, including financial matters. Seeking God’s wisdom and discernment in how to share the resources entrusted to you is a fundamental step in cultivating consistency in generosity. Proverbs 11:25 beautifully captures this sentiment: *"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."* Regularly incorporating prayer into your financial decisions establishes a spiritual foundation for your generosity, aligning your actions with biblical principles.

__2. Pre-determine the amount you desire to give.__

The Bible underscores the significance of intentional and planned giving, emphasizing proportional or percentage-based contributions (Malachi 3:10). To ensure consistency, prayerfully determine the percentage of your income you are committed to giving. This pre-determined amount reflects your understanding of God's provision in your life and serves as a proactive approach to generosity, preventing last-minute decisions that might lead to inconsistency.

__3. Pre-determine when you desire to give.__

Establishing a consistent giving schedule aligns with biblical principles of order and discipline. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 16:2, advises believers to set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week. This aligns with the biblical teaching of honoring God with the firstfruits of your provision (Proverbs 3:9). By designating specific times for giving, such as syncing with your payday, you create a routine that reflects the importance of placing God first in your financial decisions, fostering consistency in your generosity.

__4. Automate your giving.__

In the digital age, technology provides a practical solution to ensure consistent giving. Automating your contributions through your church's website or other Kingdom-advancing non-profit platforms helps maintain timely and faithful giving. This method eliminates the risk of forgetfulness or procrastination, allowing your generosity to be a constant, reliable expression of your commitment to stewardship.

__5. Track your generosity.__

The saying, "You chase what you track," holds true in the realm of generosity. Keeping records of your cumulative giving enables you to evaluate your commitment to biblical stewardship. By tracking your generosity, you gain insights into your giving habits, allowing you to make adjustments as needed. Additionally, this practice allows you to celebrate the eternal impact your giving has had on others, reinforcing the joy of giving and encouraging continued consistency.

__6. Pay attention to Your generosity's impact.__

Understanding the impact of your generosity is essential for cultivating a consistent giving habit. Acts 20:35 reminds believers that, *"It is more blessed to give than to receive."* By acknowledging the eternal impact of your giving on individuals, you align with the biblical principle of selfless and joyful generosity. This will reinforce your commitment to consistently contribute to the well-being of others, bringing glory to God through your actions.

Becoming a consistent giver often involves a combination of spiritual and practical steps. By incorporating these principles into your life, you can cultivate a habit of consistent generosity that aligns with the teachings of Scripture and brings glory to God through your commitment to stewardship and compassion.

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/a1af6d-7fb3-ce31-06b3-a425a56fcb64_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Generosity

Generosity is emphasized throughout the Bible, with numerous passages encouraging believers to give cheerfully.

How to Be More Consistent with Your Generosity

__I recently told our church family, “The fact is, you are currently being discipled. The important questions are: "Do you know that you are being discipled, and by whom or what are you being discipled?"__

God’s design is that we grow as disciples, by the power of His Holy Spirit, according to the truth of God’s Word. Jesus prayed to His Father for that in John 17:17 – *“Sanctify them by your truth. Your Word is truth.”* We are to grow as disciples ourselves, and we are, according to Jesus’ Great Commission, to go and make disciples of others, *“teaching them to observe all that [He has] commanded.”* (Matt. 28:19) The word “observe” doesn’t simply mean “to look at” or to “understand” but to “keep” or to “do.” So, as disciples of Jesus, we are to know and obey ALL that Jesus taught and commanded and to lead others to do the same.

As I said in a previous article, of all that Jesus taught about, money stands out as an area of major emphasis, often as a warning. According to the truth of God’s Word, the church must teach about money because if we don’t, the only guidance Christians will get about money will come from the sinful world around us. And we know with certainty the world’s counsel and example will run contrary to what God has told us in His Word.

Here are three reasons why the church must teach about money.

__1. The world will disciple us to love money.__

How do we know the world will seek to disciple us this way? Because of the number of biblical warnings against it.  Jesus said we can only love and serve one master – God or material things. (Luke 16:13-15) Paul warns that the love of money is a gateway to many other sins. (1 Timothy 6:9-11) Jesus also told of the wealthy young man who asked what it would take to inherit eternal life. When Jesus pointed the young man to God’s commands about relating to others, he quickly replied that he had kept those commands since he was young. However, when Jesus told him to sell what he had, give it to the poor, and follow Him, the Bible says the young man went away sad because he had much wealth. He loved his riches too much to give them up to follow Jesus.

The church must call people to love God wholeheartedly and not fall into the trap of loving money. John specifically warned in 1 John 2:15 – *“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”*

__2. The world will disciple us to trust in money.__

We only need to look back to the tanking of the stock market in 2008 and the resulting panic and chaos that ensued to see that, for many in the world, their trust is in money. And yet, the Scripture gives clear warnings about the foolishness of trusting in money and material things. Proverbs 11:28 says, *“He who trusts in His riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.”* The apostle Paul admonished the young pastor Timothy to challenge the church in Ephesus in this regard – *“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.”* (1 Timothy 6:17) Money will let us down. Our faithful God will not.

__3. The world will disciple us to hoard money.__

Because the world disciples us to love and trust in money, it also disciples us to hoard money. For that reason, Jesus exhorted, *“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”* (Matthew 6:19-21) This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a retirement account. It does mean, however, that we don’t simply store up and hoard God’s resources for temporal purposes, rather than stewarding the resources God entrusts to us for His glory.

If we allow the world to disciple our people, they will love, trust in, and hoard God’s resources for themselves. If we teach what God says about money, we will disciple them to love Him with all their hearts, to trust in Him as provider, and to steward and be generous with His resources for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

*About the author: __Randy Mann__ is the Lead Pastor at Wake Cross Roads Baptist Church in Wake Forest, North Carolina.*

*[Image](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147689326/images/ac5aebf-ed6c-cc6-7740-3ada102283f_1.jpg) used with permission.*

Church

Of all that Jesus taught about, money stands out as an area of major emphasis, often as a warning.

3 Reasons the Church Must Teach About Money

__The story of someone falling into debt is anything but a straight line. It’s a winding road marked by an occasional grocery overrun, impulse purchases at the electronics store, unplanned car repairs, and student loans that have been around since your 20s.__

It’s a vicious cycle as more and more of your income is required to service the debt while facing the pressure of an increasing cost of living.  As your financial margin dwindles, you do everything possible to push the demand for payments out as far as possible.

As the debt starts to accumulate, you might start to rationalize the debt as normal. After all, everyone faces the same economic pressures. Maybe you have kids and feel the pressure of their age to justify spending beyond your means. Maybe you feel pressure at the office to have the latest iPhone or a new car. But as the years go on, the stress slowly builds along with the credit card balance. You feel the stress build up in your muscles and the weight of it on your heart. You feel tense and short-tempered. You are frustrated and anxious. You feel scared.

The moment someone decides to get out of debt is also very different for each person or couple. For some, you hit a threshold where they can no longer tolerate seeing the outflow of what appears to be a never-ending stream of high-interest debt payments. For others, it takes one large or unexpected expense to finally reach the tipping point of conviction. You become resolved. You want out. And fast.

__Hindrances to Getting Out of Debt__

As you begin the journey to be debt-free, you might be tempted to combat your debt with only snowballs. But make no mistake, financial debt is a heart issue at its core and needs appropriate treatment to resolve. Paul David Tripp, in his book, *Redeeming Money*, wrote, “*Money problems are heart problems. They are always about cravings that rule your heart*” (32). Paul goes on to write, “*This means that financial health and debt and trouble are the products of the meditations of your heart.*” (47)

We arrive at this place of debt because we have focused our eyes on consuming beyond our means. And to reverse this, we need to address the underlying heart issue from the start. If we ignore it, we run the risk of struggling to free ourselves from debt and make progress towards our financial goals. Consider these heart-related hindrances to getting out of debt:

__1. Discontentment.__

We train our hearts over many years to long for what others have. We see something someone else has and want it for ourselves. The solution to discontentment is a full measure of appreciation and gratitude for what God has provided. Paul told the church in Phillipi, “*Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content*.” (Philippians 4:11, ESV). Contentment is not something that comes naturally but rather learned through the grace and ministry of the Holy Spirit working in your life. When you are discontent, talk to a counselor or accountability partner and remember how God has provided for you in your circumstance today.

__2. Guilt or shame.__

A second common hindrance to getting out of debt is shame. Shame is a powerful enemy of our hearts and can paralyze us from making progress toward getting out of debt. You feel worthless and shameful for the position you put yourself and your family in. The sheer weight of your shame feels too heavy to discuss and, you keep the burden of your financial issues well hidden.

In his book, *Shame Interrupted*, Edward Welch does a great job applying a biblical treatment to our shame. You are not defined by your debt or your past decisions. You don’t have to allow this feeling of shame to hinder your debt-free journey. Understand the sufficiency of God’s grace that enables you to start a new chapter in your financial life marked by contentment, humility, and generosity.

__3. Money idols.__

It is clear from Jesus’ teaching in the Gospels that money and possessions pose a significant risk to the affections of our hearts. Jesus says in Matthew 6, “*Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither most nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also*” (Matthew 6:19-20).  When we look at our financial condition and see debt, we must honestly assess the situation. Examine your heart with a trusted counselor or accountability partner to address the underlying heart condition.

__4. Resignation or lost hope.__

In many cases, getting out of debt takes several years of self-sacrifice to enable sufficient margin to overcome the debt. But when unexpected events or setbacks consume that margin, we can fall resigned to the notion that being debt-free is impossible. We lose heart, feel resigned, or maybe even feel hopeless. You will experience setbacks, but having your accountability partner encourage you during those moments is key to getting back up and sticking to the plan.

__When talking about getting out of debt, we tend to speak about debt snowballs and emergency funds, but don’t ignore the underlying heart issues that can have a powerful impact on your ability to get out of debt. Getting out of debt means experiencing small wins every day as you turn your back on your desires with an eye and focus on a bigger purpose of impacting your family, community, and the world.__

__[Image](https://www.christianmoneysolutions.com/blog/4-hindrances-to-getting-out-of-debt)__ used with permission

Debt

The story of someone falling into debt is anything but a straight line. It's a winding road that took time to create.

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