Bountiful: The Heart Of Money Management

One of the biggest money mistakes we can make involves lacking the knowledge to understand a financial decision but going forward anyway. This could include misunderstanding how different savings accounts work, how much it costs to borrow money, or generally how to get out of a bad financial situation. Fortunately, there is a panacea to financial ignorance – knowledge! Listen to learn more!Episode Resources:https://pfinance.substack.com/p/the-coast-of-financial-ignorance ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Are luxuries something Christians should have? Can we live faithfully while enjoying this life's extravagant or very nice things, or would that be wrong? In this episode, we talk about what a luxury is and some things to consider regarding the question "Are luxuries wrong?"."Am I pursuing a life of luxury or am I pursuing a life of righteousness?"Episode Resources:https://one2oneacademy.com/living-beyond-necessity-the-perils-and-pleasures-of-luxurieshttps://www.history.com/articles/toilet-paper-hygiene-ancient-rome-china ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Financial Dysmorphia can alter your perspective between how your money situation is and how you think it is. In this episode, we describe this in more detail, highlighting some causes and signs of Financial Dysmorphia. We end with some ways to overcome this for those who may struggle.Episode Resources:https://www.verywellmind.com/money-dysmorphia-8713617https://www.themoneypages.com/household-bills/money-dysmorphia-what-is-it-and-how-to-spot-the-signs/https://www.creditkarma.com/about/commentary/gen-z-and-millennials-are-obsessed-with-the-idea-of-being-rich-and-it-could-be-leading-to-money-dysmorphiahttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/body-dysmorphic-disorder ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The prophet Jonah is best known for spending 3 days and nights in the belly of a great fish. However, there are a other things we can learn from Jonah that are more applicable to our lives, including how we approach our financial lives. In this episode, we take a common outline of the book of Jonah and put a financial spin to it: we can run from our finances, to our finances, with our finances, and ahead of our finances.Episode Resources:https://www.forbes.com/sites/truetamplin/2024/10/23/9-scary-personal-finance-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Many things have changed in the work environment, especially in the last five years. In this episode, we talk through some workplace trends that either are un-Christian or could lead to unholiness. The things we talk about include ghosting, scrolling, isolation, family, ingratitude, and fraud.Episode Resources:https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-ghosting-5071864https://letsgrowleaders.com/2023/01/09/ghosting-at-workhttps://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/isolated-at-workhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/platonic-love/202209/7-secrets-to-making-friends-as-an-adult?msockid=2e7cb6b3840762af1a98a47a852b637f ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

To be a Christian is to belong to God. We were lost in sin but God has bought us back from that punishment. Now we are His, and our lives should reflect that. In this episode, we talk about different ways we can reflect God with our finances.Episode Resource:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/borrow/financial-thumb-rules-follow-these-8-golden-rules-when-taking-a-loan/articleshow/106659964.cms?from=mdr ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Doom spending is what happens when we use God’s money to deal with the stress of believing the world is doomed. Much like doom scrolling hinders our growth, doom spending hinders our ability to give effectively, save sufficiently, or plan adequately. In this episode, we talk about doom spending, describing a little more about what it is, talking about why people do it, and how we can overcome its temptation.Episode Resources:https://believeinabudget.com/what-is-doom-spending-how-to-stop/https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/what-is-doom-spendinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doomscrollinghttps://www.thesimplicityhabit.com/waiting-in-an-instant-gratification-world/https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/spending/articles/what-is-doom-spending-and-how-can-you-avoid-it ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Bountiful 101 is when we take a subject, like cosigning, and introduce some of its concepts. Our goal for episodes like this is to combine our Christian attitude with a little bit of knowledge in order that we may glorify God by making wiser decisions with the money & possessions with which we are blessed. To cosign a loan or a lease involves a lot of responsibility. What situations would be ideal to cosign? Are there alternatives to cosigning? Listen to hear more!Episode Resources:Other Bountiful 101 episodes:Banking: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e8/Credit Scores: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls3e13/Retirement: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e2/Buying a Car: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls7e4/Cryptocurrency: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls9e15/Investing: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls10e2/Fiduciaries: https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls15e6/https://www.equifax.com/personal/education/loans/articles/-/learn/co-signer-pros-and-conshttps://www.bankrate.com/loans/per

There are many dangers when it comes to financial blessings, including greed, arrogance, and jealousy. In this episode, we discuss financial jealousy, what it is, how it can happen to us, and what we can do to prevent it.Episode Resources:https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/signs-jealousy-envioushttps://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-jealousy-5190471https://www.wealthify.com/blog/how-to-stop-being-jealous-of-your-friends-financeshttps://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/5-ways-to-deal-with-money-envy ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Could you explain the dividing line between saving and hoarding? Is it based on a dollar amount? Is it a percentage? Or is the line between saving and hoarding based on something else?Larry Burkett is credited with this quote: “The only difference between saving and hoarding is attitude.” Savers find meaning in godliness while hoarders look for meaning in accumulation (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Savers know their security lies in God’s hands while hoarders set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches (1 Timothy 6:17). Savers are willing to give and to help, while hoarders tend to say, “be warmed and filled,” without giving people what they need (James 2:16, 1 John 3:17). Savers are wise while hoarders foolishly lay up treasure for themselves and are not rich toward God (Luke 12:20-21).Episode ResourcesBountiful Episode “Am I Stingy?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bountifuls13e9/Bountiful Episode “Steward or Stingy?” https://thelightnetwork.tv/bs2e5/https://bethebudget.com/the-importance-of-saving-money/https://accounti

In this episode, we talk about a note Gary left for himself in a box of Christmas decorations about enjoying the holidays.Resources:https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Busy-Cure-productivity-people/dp/1529367085https://balancethroughsimplicity.com/how-to-simplify-your-calendar-and-be-more-intentional-with-your-time/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Even during the holidays, feelings of inadequacy can cloud our mindset and darken our emotions. In this episode, we discuss how this could happen and what we could do to remind us of how valuable we are!We are always dependent on God’s providence, blessings, and guidance, so every day is a great day to be thankful! But, are we giving thanks the way we should? In this episode, we look into one of the parables to learn from a bad example about doing thanksgiving wrong.Resources:If someone displays these 10 behaviors, they’re a truly pretentious person – The Expert Editorhttps://experteditor.com.au/blog/if-someone-displays-these-10-behaviors-theyre-a-truly-pretentious-person/5 Signs Contempt is Creeping into Your Relationship – Lakewood CO & Longmont COhttps://selfcareimpact.com/5-signs-contempt-is-creeping-into-your-relationship ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Even during the holidays, feelings of inadequacy can cloud our mindset and darken our emotions. In this episode, we discuss how this could happen and what we could do to remind us of how valuable we are!Resources:https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/why-you-should-post-on-the-holidays-and-the-best-time-to/441318#:~:text=Since%20we%27re%20already%20closely%20connected%20to%20social%20media%2C,most%20common%20holidays%20to%20use%20that%20time%20off.https://thehealthycompulsive.com/compulsives-in-relationships/managing-holiday-expectations/https://www.masterclass.com/articles/feelings-of-inadequacy ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

This episode is more than just two content creators getting together to talk about creating content. We talk about some considerations for Christians to make before creating any content, not just Christians who create Christian content.We discuss this topic from the perspective of it becoming a career choice – what it entails, how it can become a career, and what to be aware of from a spiritual perspective.Resources:https://www.shopify.com/blog/content-creator-business-modelhttps://sproutsocial.com/insights/content-creator/https://www.soundstripe.com/blogs/what-social-media-platform-pays-the-most-in-2024What Is a Content Creator?https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/11/29/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-being-a-content-creatorhttps://www.mightynetworks.com/resources/content-monetization ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Integrity encompasses all our lives, including how we use God’s money. In this episode, we discuss financial integrity and the importance of having principles that consistently guide our stewardship of God’s blessings.We honor God when every aspect of our lives show integrity. We dishonor God when any aspect of our lives lacks integrity.Resources:https://www.financialmentor.com/wealth-building/financial-commitment/are-you-living-in-financial-integrity/4219https://www.forbes.com/sites/timmaurer/2023/10/15/the-real-meaning-of-integrity-in-financial-planning ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Zombie debt is a debt you believed was paid off, written off, discharged, or otherwise closed. But months later it comes back to haunt you, wanting you to pay toward it.In this episode, we go into some examples of how zombie debt can go after you and some preventive measures we can take to avoid this type of scare.Resources:“Money Lessons for Baby Boomers” (Bountiful S6E7) – The Light Network Bountiful episode where we talk about elder fraud“Don’t Be Fooled by Scams” (Bountiful S15E11) – The Light NetworkDebt collection | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) To find examples of debt validation letters, etc.Consumer Advice | Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) To find info on how to protect yourself from scamsDebt Scavengers and Zombie Debt | NoloWhat Is Zombie Debt? – Ramsey (ramseysolutions.com)What Is Zombie Debt And How Do You Get Rid Of It? (cnbc.com)What is Zombie Debt? | Mass.govhttps://www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zombie-debt.asp#:~:text=Zombie%20debt%20generally%20refers%20to,debt

College students and young adults have a unique approach to their personal finances because they’ve had unique experiences. In this episode, we talk with Amy Sewell, Instructor in Business at Freed-Hardeman University, who shares trends, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations.Resources:Money, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More: Randy Alcorn: 8601400393284: Amazon.com: Books ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

If you’ve taken a personality type test, you may have found it interesting to read about yourself yet learn something, too. In this episode, we share a draft of a non-scientific, unofficial “Bountiful Personality” that considers four ways you interrelate with money.How do you see money? Do you tend to be generous or miserly?How do you use money? Are you usually impulsive or thoughtful?How do you feel about money? Do you look at the security that increased wealth brings or do you focus on its dangers?How do you approach money? Do you think mostly about the short-term benefits or do you consider its long-term impacts?God’s spiritual blessings are a testament to our salvation, not his material blessings. Financial success is not an indicator of spiritual success. The money, property, and possessions we have in this life will one day disappear. But our faith, love, and hope will one day be fulfilled and come to a grand finale in eternity.Resources:MBTI | The Myers-Briggs Company (themyersbriggs.com) ★ Support

We discuss ways we can help ensure what we donate to charitable organizations is used effectively by those organizations.Sites to find objective information about charitable organizations:https://www.guidestar.orghttps://give.orghttps://www.charitywatch.orghttps://www.charitynavigator.orgOther resources referenced for this episode:https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/giving/how-to-choose-a-charity-wisely.htmlhttps://www.lovetoknow.com/life/lifestyle/what-percentage-donations-go-charityhttps://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/administration-and-financial-management/misunderstanding-overheadhttps://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?subtitle=en ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Growing up, we likely had some milestones in mind of how life would go and when we would accomplish things like graduating, getting a job, buying a house, and having children. But what happens if life doesn’t go as planned? In spite of not wanting to get caught up in the rat race, we can feel anxious about falling behind in the race!In this episode, we discuss examples of financial milestones, some causes of anxiety of not meeting them, and what we can do to overcome that anxiety.“Life isn’t a test where you have to score a 100 to pass. Mistakes will happen, and your ability to learn from your mistakes is more important than your ability to do everything perfectly.”Resources:Key Financial Milestones You Should Be Hitting in Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and Beyond ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★