Catholic Money Talk: Recent Episodes
Paul Scarfone
Welcome to Catholic Money Talk where we talk about all things money and finance. Many times we look at financial decisions and money matters in a vacuum. But here we try to look at these same items through a Catholic lens. If God made us to know him, love him and serve him in this life so that we can be happy forever with him in the next, we need to determine how we can know, love and serve him with our finances. We tackle topics like debt, home buying and other large purchases, insurance, budgeting, generosity, saving, and investing as well as educating our kids with good financial principles that will benefit them for life. We acknowledge that all we have belongs to God and we want to be good stewards of all that he has blessed us with.
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There comes a moment when you realize your parents aren't taking care of you anymore—you've begun caring for them. It's a transition that few of us are prepared for, bringing difficult emotions, changing family dynamics, and challenging decisions. In Part 1 of this series, Paul shares his family's journey through his father's illness and dementia, along with practical insights on recognizing the signs, helping without taking over, and honoring our parents with love, patience, and dignity as they enter a new season of life.
This is Part 1 of the four-part "Walking with Our Aging Parents" series on Catholic Money Talk.
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How healthy are your finances? In this episode, we walk through a simple Financial Wellness Checklist covering budgeting, debt, insurance, estate planning, generosity, and more. Use this practical guide to identify your next financial step and make sure your financial house is in order.
Download your copy of my Free Financial Wellness Checklist
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This week we revisit one of the most important financial decisions every family faces. We'll walk through how much life insurance you really need, why term life insurance is the best choice, and how having the right coverage is one practical way we fulfill our responsibility to care for the family God has entrusted to us. Whether you're buying life insurance for the first time or wondering if your current policy is enough, this episode will help you make a wise and informed decision.
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We may take a break from work, routines, and schedules, but we never take a break from our mission as Christians. In this episode, Paul explores what it means to approach vacations through a Catholic lens, seeing every trip as an opportunity to bring Christ's love to our spouse, our family, and every person God places in our path. Before you leave for your next vacation, ask one simple question: "Lord, who do You want me to love while I'm there?"
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Vacations are a gift, but they don't have to become a financial burden. In this episode, Paul discusses how to approach vacations with stewardship, contentment, and intentionality while avoiding the traps of debt, comparison, and the "I deserve this" mindset. Learn practical ways to create meaningful family memories, save money, and enjoy your vacation without bringing home a credit card bill as your souvenir.
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Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In this episode, Paul shares the simplest way to get started with budgeting, drawing from his own story and the practical steps that helped him and his wife finally gain clarity and peace with their finances. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or intimidated by budgeting, this episode will help you take your first confident step forward.
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Life is full of seasons that can leave us feeling overwhelmed—job changes, moves, health concerns, caring for aging parents, financial pressure, and countless other uncertainties. In this episode, Paul explores why stress has a way of affecting our finances, marriages, decision-making, and even our faith, and shares practical ways to stay grounded when life feels unstable. Through personal stories and a Catholic perspective, you'll discover how prayer, communication, and trust in God's plan can help you navigate even the most challenging seasons with peace and hope.
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What does it actually look like to teach children generosity and stewardship?
In this episode, Paul shares practical and deeply personal stories about teaching kids to tithe, give generously, think beyond themselves, and understand that everything ultimately belongs to God. From anonymous Christmas giving, to bake sales, to a teenage son joyfully giving away his summer earnings, this episode explores how generosity is formed in the heart long before adulthood.
This conversation is not just about money. It’s about raising grateful, generous disciples who understand stewardship, responsibility, and trust in God.
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How do you teach kids about money without raising entitled kids?
In this episode, Paul shares how his family handles kids’ bank accounts, gift money, savings, debit cards, budgeting, and financial responsibility at different ages. But this conversation goes much deeper than bank accounts. It’s really about stewardship, delayed gratification, work ethic, and gradually preparing children for adulthood.
Through personal stories, practical examples, and a Catholic perspective on stewardship, this episode will help parents think intentionally about how to teach their kids to give, save, and spend wisely.
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A simple act of obedience can have a ripple effect far beyond what you can see.
In this episode, we explore the hidden role of Ananias and the moment that changed everything. What is God asking of you today—and are you willing to say yes, even when it doesn’t make sense? Because your small yes might be part of something much bigger than you realize.
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If something happened to you tomorrow… would your spouse actually know what to do?
Not in theory. Not “they’ll figure it out.” But truly—would they know where everything is, how the bills get paid, and who to call?
In this episode, we walk through one of the most overlooked—but most loving—financial responsibilities you have: getting your life organized so your family isn’t left overwhelmed in a moment that already matters most. We’ll introduce the concept of a “Legacy File” and give you simple, practical steps to start today.
Free download: Legacy File Checklist
List of Accounts Document
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We all know what we should do—but we don’t always do it. In this episode, Paul breaks down why self-control is the real gap between intention and action, especially when it comes to money, faith, and daily life. Learn how self-control is not about restriction, but about freedom—the freedom to choose what leads to peace, generosity, and ultimately Heaven. Plus, practical steps to help you start growing in self-control today.
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Most families don’t have a perfect college savings plan—but that doesn’t mean debt is the only option. In this episode, we break down how to figure out what you can actually afford and build a plan to pay for college without student loans. If you want clarity, better decisions, and a path forward, this episode is for you.
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It can feel like life is just one thing after another—when will it finally all work out? Why does it never seem to settle down the way we expect? This Easter, we’re reminded that our “happy ever after” isn’t here—and that changes everything.
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Money shame keeps a lot of us stuck. The hiding. The avoiding. The feeling that we should be better at this. But freedom doesn’t start when the debt is gone; it starts when the truth is spoken. You’re not alone—and it’s not as scary as you think.
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How should Catholics make financial decisions?
In this episode of Catholic Money Talk, Paul shares five simple questions to help you prayerfully discern financial choices through the lens of your faith.
Whether you're deciding about a home, a job change, a major purchase, or another financial step, these questions can help you slow down, remove pressure, and seek God’s will for your money.
If you want your finances to reflect your faith, this episode gives you a practical starting point.
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Almsgiving is one of the three pillars of Lent, but it is often misunderstood. It’s not just about donating money or giving away what we don’t need. True almsgiving is love expressed in action.
In Part 3 of the Catholic Money Talk Lenten series, Paul explores how generosity stretches our hearts and strengthens our trust in God. Through Scripture stories like the widow’s mite, the widow of Zarephath, and the rich man and Lazarus, we see that God doesn’t call us to comfortable generosity — He calls us to sacrificial love.
Paul also shares a powerful personal story about a moment when his family wanted to give but couldn’t, and how that experience changed their financial life. The lesson? Generosity isn’t created by earning more. It’s created by needing less.
When we shrink our “cup,” we create the margin that allows God to work through us.
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Fasting isn’t about a “win-win” sacrifice — it’s about training the will. In Part 2 of this Lenten series, Paul explores how fasting cleans the lens of the soul, strengthens our prayer, and detaches us from the comforts and attitudes that control us. When the cup is small and the lens is clean, freedom and eventually generosity begin to overflow.
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Lent is our training for a life in pursuit of Heaven—and every training season begins with prayer. In this first episode of a three-part Lenten series, Paul explores why we must “pray first,” how gratitude changes our perspective, and what it means to place 100% of our finances under the Lord’s authority. Through practical stories and real-life moments, learn how ordinary prayer reshapes both your spiritual life and your money.
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In this episode, Paul shares a “crazy” story from his own financial past — the time he and Taryn almost bought a Disney Vacation Club timeshare when they absolutely could not afford it. With honesty and humor, he walks through how emotion, sales pressure, and financial delusion nearly led them into a long-term mistake — and the practical habits they use today to avoid those traps. As we enter Lent, this story becomes more than just a money lesson — it’s about slowing down, practicing discipline, and learning that sometimes the most spiritual word you can say with your finances is “no.”
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Integrity sounds simple—but living it can cost us something. In this episode of Catholic Money Talk, we explore integrity as a virtue: holiness lived consistently. Through Scripture, real-life stories, and practical financial examples, we look at why letting our “yes” truly mean yes matters—not just for our money, but for our souls.
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Nearly half of Jesus’ parables deal with money, wealth, or stewardship—not because God needs our money, but because money reveals what is in our hearts. This episode looks at time, finances, generosity, and why making Jesus Lord of our money begins with the heart.
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Every time we say yes to a financial decision, we are also saying no to something else. In this episode, we explore opportunity cost through practical examples from family life and college planning, and why leaving margin matters. Living on less than we make gives us the freedom to say yes when God calls us to serve.
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Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In this episode, Paul shares the simplest way to get started with budgeting, drawing from his own story and the practical steps that helped him and his wife finally gain clarity and peace with their finances. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or intimidated by budgeting, this episode will help you take your first confident step forward.
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Why do we save money—and where should it actually go? In this episode, we break savings down into three clear purposes: emergencies, large purchases, and wealth building. You’ll learn how these fit together, where to keep your money, and how saving can bring peace, flexibility, and freedom to say yes when God calls.
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As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to pause and take an honest look at our finances. In this episode of Catholic Money Talk, Paul Scarfone shares seven practical questions to help you assess last year’s wins and challenges, identify priorities, and create a clear plan for the year ahead.
This episode focuses not just on numbers, but on the behaviors and habits that drive real financial progress. Paul also introduces a Financial Wellness Checklist to help you evaluate your overall financial health—from budgeting and debt, to insurance, legal planning, and your relationship with money.
Whether you’re married or single, Catholic or simply seeking practical financial wisdom, this episode will help you start the year with clarity, intention, and a stewardship mindset—always keeping our ultimate goal in mind.
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What do we do when life doesn’t go according to plan?
Drawing from St. Joseph’s quiet trust and a personal Advent story, Paul reflects on how God works through interruptions, inviting us into deeper hope, peace, joy, and love—even when our plans fall apart.
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Eating out can be a gift—or a source of quiet financial regret, especially during the busy Advent and Christmas season. In this practical episode, Paul shares how couples and families can enjoy restaurants, takeout, and celebrations while staying aligned with their budget, priorities, and long-term goals. You’ll hear real-life examples, creative ways to find deals, and a reminder that intentional planning today protects your peace in January.
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Is wealth compatible with holiness? In this inspiring conversation, Paul sits down with Christopher McMahon—CEO of Aquinas Wealth Advisors and author of Faithful Finances—to explore what it really means to approach money through a Catholic lens. Together they unpack the difference between worldly riches and true abundance, how stewardship shapes our financial decisions, and why generosity is central to living a fully Christian life. If you're seeking clarity, peace, and purpose in the way you handle money, this episode will guide you toward a more faithful and intentional financial path.
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Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s year—a fresh spiritual start and a call to prepare our hearts with intention. In this episode, Paul explores what it means to slow down, pray, and live generously in a season that often pulls us toward noise and busyness. Discover practical and spiritual ways to make Christ the King of every part of your life—your home, your relationships, and even your finances.
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In this Thanksgiving episode, Paul explores the powerful difference between a moment of thankfulness and a life built on lasting gratitude. While thankfulness reacts to the blessings we notice, gratitude roots us in God’s goodness even when circumstances shift. Discover how gratitude unlocks the “fullness of life” Jesus promises — and how choosing it daily can transform your faith, relationships, and peace. Happy Thanksgiving!
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This is the second half of my conversation with Deacon Art.
Deacon Art says this prayer daily, "Lord, what are we going to do today?" It is such a simple prayer, but it changes everything. I am joined by Deacon Arthur Miller as we unpack this prayer and how allowing the Lord to guide us through each day can make all the difference. This episode is Part Two.
Deacon Art is a Deacon at St Mary's church in Simsbury, Connecticut. He is an author, preacher, activist, and retired businessman. He also presents the daily video reflections on the USCCB daily readings website for Tuesdays. (That's where I found him). I am honored to have him join me on this episode of Catholic Money Talk.
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Deacon Art says this prayer daily, "Lord, what are we going to do today?" It is such a simple prayer, but it changes everything. I am joined by Deacon Arthur Miller as we unpack this prayer and how allowing the Lord to guide us through each day can make all the difference. This episode is Part One.
Deacon Art is a Deacon at St Mary's church in Simsbury, Connecticut. He is an author, preacher, activist, and retired businessman. He also presents the daily video reflections on the USCCB daily readings website for Tuesdays. (That's where I found him). I am honored to have him join me on this episode of Catholic Money Talk.
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Discover five spiritual principles and five practical habits that every couple needs for financial peace. From prayer and communication to budget check-ins and “sleep-on-it” limits, learn how to build unity, trust, and purpose in your marriage through money done God’s way.
Money and Marriage Rules Cheat Sheet
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Debt seems normal—but the real cost is anything but. In this eye-opening episode, Paul breaks down how interest, minimum payments, and long loan terms quietly drain your future and steal opportunities you didn’t even realize you lost. Learn how to see debt for what it truly is, make smarter decisions, and take practical steps toward lasting financial freedom.
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Ever feel boxed in by your finances or life decisions? In There’s Always Another Option, Paul shows how our habits and hurry can blind us to better paths—and how a little patience and prayer open doors we didn’t see before. Discover how slowing down, asking better questions, and trusting God’s guidance can reveal smarter, more peaceful choices.
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The only people who make money during a gold rush are those selling shovels. So don't buy shovels. Let's discuss ways people try to sell us shovels. How can we avoid them? And instead, what should we be focused on?
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Let's talk emergency funds. We'll first answer some common questions.
What is an emergency fund?
Do I need one?
What size emergency fund should I have?
And then I go over my five rules for using your emergency fund.
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I can't believe I have arrived at episode 100. God is Faithful. Thank you for being a part of this. I share some of the inspiration behind CMT, how many downloads we have, the countries we are in, and the top 10 episodes over the last 2.75 years. Thank you for listening. God bless.
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We look at the transaction of buying a car through the lens of our Financial Big Picture. Let's understand how a car purchase can impact our overall financial future, and learn a good process to make that purchase.
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"But God, who has promised pardon to every repentant sinner, has not promised us tomorrow." St Gregory the Great
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Overwhelmed by debt and don’t know where to start? In this episode, I’ll break down simple first steps and show you how to choose the best strategy—so you can finally move toward freedom.
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Pray as if it depends on God, work as if it depends on you. Where is the balance?
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I am constantly experiencing God the Father's love and generosity. How do I share that with those around me?
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It is important to have a WHY that is big enough to get us to act. We might want to start something, we might want to change something, we might want to end something, but having the right WHY is key before we get to the how or the what. Let's talk about it....Start with Why!
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Let's take a look at two biblical stories about bigger barns and discuss saving, investing, and wealth building. What is our motivation? What is our priority? Are we living a life of JOY?
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What would it be like if you and your spouse increased your effectiveness in handling money?
Imagine having clearly defined financial goals that you and your spouse share.
Imagine working together—and achieving those goals.
This class, Money & Marriage: The Starting Point, is designed to help you do just that.
In just 90 minutes, you'll gain a fresh perspective on managing money as a team. You’ll leave with insights, practical tips, and money habits that you and your spouse can quickly and easily implement.
Register here for the Workshop
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Here is a replay of Episode 27 - Always a great reminder when we find ourselves desiring something. We can get trapped in our desire for worldly possessions. St. Augustine has a great quote regarding this. Let's talk about it.
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Ever wonder where all of your money is going? Do you think there could be too many holes in your budget where money seems to leak out every month? You are not alone. And, there is hope. Let's talk about Subscription Creep and how it is The Hidden Budget Killer.
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Every year, we seem to face new challenges. Do we remember to run to the Lord? Do we remember to open the door and let him in? Are we filled with hope because the Lord is faithful?
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We spoke about this last year; let's review it again. Here is a replay from last year. What is a Legacy File? A Legacy File is a way to show our family that we love them after we are gone. In this episode, I walk you through what belongs in your Legacy File.
Here is a link to my Legacy File Checklist.
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I often get questions from people who are faced with a challenging situation, and they are unsure of their options and don't know where to start. In this episode, I give some direction and hopefully some encouragement. There is a way out!
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If you are a parent, this episode is for you. Let's begin to discuss college planning. If you haven't given college planning any thought, this is for you. If you have given it thought and are unsure where to begin, this is for you. We will start with the end in mind.
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Taryn and I share some exciting news. Hopefully, we can encourage you as you pursue the goals the Lord puts on your heart.
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It is important to be a Christian disciple in the workplace. As Catholics, we need to have the right mindset and approach to work. In this episode, I talk about the importance of having the correct approach to work and some of the challenges that we might face.
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I often get asked, "Why do we need to create a monthly budget?" The answer is pretty simple: "Because every month is different." Budgeting monthly will give you more clarity about your finances, it will provide more control over your spending, and help you achieve your goals. Give it a listen.
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St Paul teaches us that finishing strong is important. "We must run so as to win," he says. Holy Week is a good time to put that into spiritual practice. Life presents many other areas to work on finishing strong and to run so as to win. As we learn to lean towards the finish line and finish strong in practical areas of our life, it helps us to build character and teaches us endurance as we run the race towards our Heavenly Home.
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In today's episode, I will discuss the importance as well as the process of establishing a retirement plan. This is a high-level overview to give you basic direction towards getting your retirement plan started. It is important to know, that I am not authorized or licensed to give investment advice. In this episode, we talk about the steps, behaviors, and actions that you need to take to get your retirement underway. I always recommend using a licensed investment advisor to help you with the details of your investment options.
Please click the link below to get in touch with me if you have any questions.
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Are you familiar with this phrase? The Lord promises that he will come through. We know this because he is faithful. We need to put our trust in him. We need to hope in the Lord. Because "good things do come to those who wait!"
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Replay of Episode 26 - Large purchases have the potential to easily derail our financial plan. Ask yourself these three questions before making any large purchase or any large financial decision.
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Join me in Part Two with Dr Justin Anderson, as we discuss "if, how, and when" We might be able to share stories about corporal works of mercy to encourage others, and be a witness to the Glory of God.
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Join me in Part One with Dr Justin Anderson, as we discuss "if, how, and when" we might be able to share stories about corporal works of mercymercy to encourage others, and be a witness to the Glory of God. Part two is next week.
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This is a replay of Episode 30. But it is just as timely as ever. Personal Discipline and Self-Control are crucial for financial success. I give you three suggestions to help you implement them in managing your finances.
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God owns everything. We are only managers. What does that mean?
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We pick up where we left off. We start with our story; How Taryn and I implemented these principles into managing our finances. This is like a mini crash course in why we handle our finances with our faith lens, and how to do it. Thank you for joining me.
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Christian Financial Stewardship is important if we want to be disciples of the Lord. In this episode, I will go over Part One of Christian Financial Stewardship when I discuss generosity, faithfulness, and good order(which yields peace). I will hopefully clarify questions you might have about tithing. Join me for part two in episode 74. I start by sharing our story and how we learned to implement these principles in our lives and the fruit that it yielded.
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A tough situation can turn into a beautiful witness. All we need to do is surrender ourselves to the Lord, and he will do the rest.
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Finding when and how to invite your kids into teachable financial moments is easier than you might think. Here are some ways to do just that.
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Medical bills can be challenging. They can be more challenging when we are dealing with an emergency and we don't have time to plan. Let's talk about some ways to help lower the cost of medical bills that we might receive.
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Replay of Episode 34 - Christmas Planning and Money Savings Tips with my wife, Taryn. This episode is too good!
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Don't let Holiday Shopping and Christmas Planning be an excuse for missing your financial goals for the year. Finish Strong! Take a look at where you are and plan to hit your goals this December. Let's talk about it.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Remember: "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
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When we act out of our trust in God, we are generous. We see this in the story of Elijah and Widow. We see this in the story of the Widow's mite. How can we trust the Lord to become more generous?
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"The plans of the diligent end in profit, But those of the hasty end in loss."
Proverbs 21:5
Sloppy is expensive. Let's talk about how to measure twice and cut once with our finances.
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Here is a quick crash course in personal finance to share with your teen. Whether it is your child, a niece, a godson, or a friend. Help them lay a good financial foundation in their life. You might glean some new insights as well.
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We need big goals! When goals are big enough, they drive us forward. Let's discuss how.
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This is a replay of episode 9. After my last few episodes, I thought offering an episode bringing people back to the basics would serve as a reminder to long-time listeners and a great starter for any new listeners.
We might have heard the phrase "live below your means". But how do we do that? Why do we do that? There are Four main elements to living below your means.
1. Actively Budget
2. Eliminate Debt
3. Prepare for the unexpected
4. Save for the future
But, why do we do this? It eliminates money stress and puts us in a place to experience the Lord's blessing and enables us to respond to what he is calling us to.
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There is freedom, joy, and peace when we are detached from our money and possessions.
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Wether we are driving down the road, figuring out a financial situation, or dealing with anything else in life, how do we know when we need to turn around and change course? Let's talk about it.
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The Lord is Faithful! He is faithful all the time in every situation. How can we remember that and trust him when times are tough? Let's talk about it.
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Last Episode we discussed creating options. Today we discuss how to prayerfully discern which option to choose.
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Different situations in life require us to make a decision. But how do we create options that will move us toward our goals? Let's talk about it.
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In order to be good stewards of what the Lord has blessed us with, we need to be aware and watchful. There are several scams that we can fall victim to if we don't know how to identify and avoid them.
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Part Two: I finish my discussion with Dave and Judy Touhill. We discuss the important areas of life and how to engage our children as they mature, especially as they approach marriage. There are three stages of parenting.
Stage 1 - Raising children
Stage 2 - Giving advice
Stage 3 - Living as brothers and sisters in the Lord with our adult children
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Part One: Dave and Judy Touhill join me to discuss raising children into adulthood. We discuss three important areas of life:
The Lord
Christian Character
The Practicals
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Identity Theft Protection is an important part of your financial plan. Listen as I explain why you need it and how it works. Message me through the "Get in touch with Paul" link if you have specific questions. God bless.
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We might think we need to start budgeting or up our financial game when we are going through a life event, or some major transition. No, we need to budget so we can manage our finances well. We need to intentionally create space to save so we can respond to whatever the Lord puts in front of us.
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50 Episodes later I find myself reminded of the importance of understanding Opportunity Costs. If we say "yes" to this, what are we saying "no" to? Let's jump in.
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What is a Legacy File? A legacy File is a way to show our family that we love them after we are gone. In this episode, I walk you through what belongs in your Legacy File.
Here is a link to my Legacy File Checklist.
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Everyone has a financial lifestyle. Whether they created it intentionally or it has been created by small day-to-day decisions that add up. Some are good, and some are not. Let's talk about how to create a Financial Lifestyle that has Jesus as Lord.
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Welcome to Holy Week. Today I walk you through my Financial Wellness Checklist. This is a good place to start your financial "spring cleaning".
Download your copy of my Free Financial Wellness Checklist
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Whether you are newly married or recently engaged, you might need to start sharing about your finances with your spouse or fiancé. Finding a way to start sharing about your finances can be challenging. Here are five questions that can help start the conversation.
And if you have been married for several years, and have never taken the time to understand each other, these questions will work for you too. It is time to get better at understanding your spouse's perspective on money.
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1 Peter 3:15 - With Christ as Lord of your heart. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.
Do you have a story? Are you ready to explain the reason for your hope?
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Let's tackle the question wether or not married couples should combine finances.
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Nobody loves taxes. But it is tax time! So let's talk about taxes and how, as Catholics, we should approach our taxes.
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My friend Rob Lang joins me to discuss the virtue of diligence. We talk about the challenges to being diligent, but we also identify what we should be diligent in.
Check out Rob's YouTube channel.
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Loud Budgeting is a new trend on social media. What is it? Are there any benefits to it? Let's talk about it...
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Have you ever said or heard someone else say, "We aren't really spenders!" Why do we say that? And what does it even mean? We are usually making some type of comparison that will not help us in the pursuit of our goals. Let's talk about it.
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Welcome to 2024! In this episode, I walk you through seven questions that will help you develop a financial plan for the New Year. Whether it is the first year that you are trying to develop a financial plan or the 20th year, these seven questions are sure to make the process clear and simple.
Here is a free resource to help you start your plan:
Financial Wellness Checklist
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Christmas is a time when we need to remember to have great gratitude. One of our favorite traditions is watching, It's a Wonerful Life. May we all have the joy and gratitude that George has as we recount all that the Lord has done for us. God bless. Merry Christmas!
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Once we say no, we can continue to move towards our yes. But we have to say no. If this is new to us, it will be one of the hardest things we need to do. But it will yield so much fruit in our lives. Let's start to say no to those things that stand in the way of achieving what the Lord is putting before us.
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This is the most generous time of the year. What can we do to start or increase our generosity?
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I am joined by my good friend Dr Justin Anderson as we discuss Virtue and finance. Particularly focusing on the virtue of prudence.
Justin is Professor and Chair of Moral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University. He is also the author of the book Virtue and Grace in the Theology of Thomas Aquinas and co-author of Pursuing the Honorable: Honor and Today's Military. To give you an idea, some of the courses that he teaches are Fundamental Moral Theology I and II, Catholic Social Teaching, Moral Evil and Moral Absolutes, and Christian Decision Making.
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In order to be thankful and grateful to the Lord. We need to have humility and recognize that everything belongs to him, and all we have, we have received from him. Sometimes we might not have put ourselves in a position to expereince the fruit of his blessings. So let's fix that!
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My first ever guest on the Podcast!! My wife Taryn joins me and we discuss Christmas gifting, planning, and shopping tips.
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Impulse purchases can derail your financial plan. don't let it happen to you. Be prepared to handle those impulses.
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Once we have contentment, peace isn't far behind. There are two things that are required for us to find peace. Humility and Gratitude.
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Contentment is a key part of a good financial plan. It starts as a decision, but then it will bear fruits of joy, peace, and gratitude.
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Personal Discipline and Self-Control are crucial for financial success. I give you three suggestions to help you implement them in managing your finances.
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Let's talk emergency funds. We'll first answer some common questions.
What is an emergency fund?
Do I need one?
What size emergency fund should I have?
And then I go over my five rules for using your emergency fund.
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I experience God's generosity constantly, but do I share it with others?
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We can get trapped in our desire for worldly possessions. St. Augustine has a great quote regarding this. Let's talk about it.
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Large purchases have the potential to easily derail our financial plan. Ask yourself these three questions before making any large purchase or any large financial decision.
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In this epsiode I spend some time discussing what the Lord has been putting on my heart in prayer. Do I overflow with love and encouragmnet to others?
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Variable and Unpredictable income can be a challenge. Understanding the key components of creating a plan to handle irregular income is crucial. In this episode, I go over three of the key components for creating a plan to handle irregular income.
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In this episode, I take a look at the Story of the Rich Young Man. How in our life, are we like the Rich Young Man?
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Do we need to work on our finances together? Do we both need to be involved in the process? These are questions I get all of the time. The answer is YES! And in this episode, I talk about why.
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I answer the most common questions I receive for teaching kids about money.
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Have you ever thought about retirement? Retirement can be an exciting thing, or the thought of it can be a scary thing. Either way, the Lord has a plan for you and he wants you to be peaceful. Join me as I walk through how to take a look at your retirement situation.
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Pay off the mortgage! In this episode, I discuss the benefits of paying off your mortgage. We also tackle some of the common objections to this idea.
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Our emotions can have a big impact on our finances, and our finances can stir up several different emotions. I talk about how to fight through challenging emotions and make sound financial decisions in peace.
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Life insurance is one of those financial items that most people struggle to understand. If we learn about it, it is usually from the person trying to sell it to us. In this episode, I answer some of the most common questions I get asked about life insurance. And don't worry, I don't sell life insurance, so there is no sales pitch from me.
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Know the truth, and the Truth will set you free! Understanding the truth about money is a key element in developing a solid financial plan. I go through four common money myths and provide the truth to replace those myths.
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We are all unique in how we handle and relate to money. Knowing our money personality is a key component of being successful with finances. It will also improve our communication with our spouse as we work together.
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We continue to discuss the Seven Elements of a financial plan. In this episode, we focus on the fifth element, Monitoring and Reassessing the plan. We talk about how to do this and why it is important.
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We continue to discuss the Seven Elements of a financial plan. In this episode, we focus on the fourth element, Executing the Plan, and the challenges we face.
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There are Seven Elements to a good Financial Plan. I go through the Second Element - Set Financial Goals, and the Third Element - Writing out a detailed plan.
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There are Seven Elements to a good Financial Plan. I go through all seven and we dive into the First Element - Assessing the Situation.
Helpful FREE tools to complete your assessment:
Personal Financial Statement
Income and Expense Statement
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We have all heard the phrase, "Slow, and Steady Wins the Race". But is it true? What obstacles and challenges do we face from having a slow and steady approach toward our goals?
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We might have heard the phrase "live below your means". But how do we do that? Why do we do that? There are Four main elements to living below your means.
1. Actively Budget
2. Eliminate Debt
3. Prepare for the unexpected
4. Save for the future
But, why do we do this? It eliminates money stress and puts us in a place to experience the Lord's blessing and enables us to respond to what he is calling us to.
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Kid's college and how to fund it is a big question that I get a lot. It is also one that we are currently working through with my oldest. There are so many different opinions and so many different forces that pull and push us, and our students, in several different directions. There are some great options and there is a way to fund a college education. Give the episode a listen and hear me out, and if there are questions, click that "get in touch with Paul" button below. I would love to help you sift through your options.
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I talk about the last three steps of goal setting. Step 3 - How to break goals down into smaller attainable steps. Step 4 - How to identify and overcome obstacles. Finally, Step 5 - How to set a time frame and plan to inspect our progress. I also provide a great example from my own life to walk through these steps.
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There are five steps to setting goals. I cover the first two steps in this episode. We Brainstorm and then we Identify Realistic and Specific goals from the list we create.
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Why should we pray? How does praying have anything to do with finances? I explain why I pray before each podcast episode. I also remind us that we are called to be in constant pursuit of holiness and the Lord's will for our lives. I give some examples of how we can invite the Lord into life's moments, particularly those that are not spiritual, like our work and our finances.
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God has a great plan for each of us, but how do we know his will? We must seek him in prayer. In this episode, I discuss how to identify some of the pressures we might feel as we are working through financial desicions. We then discuss five great questions to take to prayer when we are trying to discern a large financial decision.
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After we identify lifestyle creep, we need to create a plan of action to address it and defend against it. We will discuss the first steps of creating a budget that reflects our goals.
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Lifestyle Creep is what happens to us when we don't have a plan. It can quickly eliminate potential advancement toward our goals and be a significant challenge to having control over our finances. Identifying Lifestyle Creep can be the best first step to bringing our finances into proper order.
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It is tough to say no to things, but it becomes easier when we really desire what we are saying yes to. A great question to ask ourselves when trying to make a financial decision is "If I say yes to this, what must I say no to?". This is how opportunity costs work. Many financial decisions we make come at the cost of saying no to another opportunity. I walk you through how to ask this question and why it is important.
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This is a brief introduction to Catholic Money Talk and why I decided to create the podcast. I talk about why we were created by God and how we can put that lens onto our financial decisions.