The Weekly Habit That Helps You Stick to Your Budget with Crystal Paine

At the heart of this rhythm is intentionality. Crystal notes that a budget isn’t meant to sit in the background until there’s a problem. When revisited consistently, it becomes a tool that works for you rather than a set of rules you feel pressured to obey.

For married couples, Crystal suggests reviewing the budget together, approaching the conversation with curiosity rather than criticism. Shared visibility promotes unity and helps both spouses move their priorities forward without resentment or misunderstanding.

A five-minute weekly review may sound small, but over time it transforms budgeting from crisis-management into stewardship. It helps families spend purposefully, adjust gracefully, and ensure their financial decisions reflect what they truly value.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My husband and I are trying to decide how to handle our son’s $6,500 student loan. He’s in the military and hasn’t made payments since 2015. Should we pay it off in full from our retirement or savings, or just pay the minimum $75 per month and put that amount into an emergency fund for him and his wife? Also, would paying monthly affect his credit score?
• I’m 36 and have a 401(k), but I contribute about $25 every two weeks. I’d like to invest more, but I don’t fully understand the differences among NASDAQ, S&P, index funds, and other investment options. What’s the best strategy for someone my age who can take some risk?
• I retired at 66 and have never touched my employer retirement account or my IRA. I just turned 73, so I have to start taking RMDs. How are RMDs calculated, and how can I use them in a way that still allows me to tithe, give, and leave money to my children?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• MoneySavingMom.com
• How Can I Keep My Budget On Track? By Crystal Paine (Article in Faithful Steward Issue 4)
• Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money
• Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety
• Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool
• Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)
• FaithFi App