Financial Pathway: Recent Episodes

Nate Skelly

Learn how to take control of your personal finances with the Financial Pathway Podcast. We discuss practical ways to reduce debt, save for the future, and give generously all from a Christian worldview. If you have questions or want more information visit our website at nateskelly.com

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Harley Snode with Inspire Counseling Ministries joins me to discuss the intricate relationship between our money and our mental health:

  • How does our upbringing and childhood shape our view of money?

  • Are our money decisions based more on math or emotion?

  • How do envy and social comparison rob us financial security?

https://inspirecounsel.com/

https://www.facebook.com/harleysnode

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How often should I reevaluate my investment strategy? (1:30)

How much can I safely withdraw from my retirement account? (6:48)

Can churches give a tax-free gift to their pastor at retirement? (15:50)

Law of diminishing returns in your personal finances (21:56)

When is it ok to withdraw from my IRA? (32:34)

Thoughts on IULs (indexed universal life insurance) (38:18)

Links:

https://www.clergyfinancial.com/is-a-pastors-retirement-gift-taxable/

https://pastorswallet.com/are-gifts-to-retired-ministers-taxable/

https://www.honestmath.com/iul

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  • Summer is here! How much should you allocate for yearly getaways?

  • Social Security reserves are projected to be depleted by 2033, then what?

  • Jim Simons ran the Medallion Fund for 30 years with a staggering 66% average annual return!

  • The case for why Americans are overestimating how good of an investment real estate will be in the future

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Years ago, Warren Buffett stood in front of a room of college students and offered them a simple thought experiment - instead of investing in a stock, what if you could invest in one of your friend’s and get 10% of their income for life? Who would you choose and why?

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The 2024 Presidential Election is fast approaching, and many important economic questions remain unanswered.

With all this political uncertainty, is now the time to be making strategic changes to your investments?

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • 14 States Where You Can Still Buy a Home if You Make Less Than $75,000

  • Trillions of cicadas will emerge this summer in the largest insect emergence in centuries

  • How the Interstate Highway System Transformed American Industry

  • Most Americans Would Rather Be Happy Than Rich

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In her famous article "Regrets of the Dying", palliative nurse Bronnie Ware outlines the 5 most common regrets people express at the end their life.

https://bronnieware.com/blog/regrets-of-the-dying/

Paul Graham took inspiration from her article and developed "Five Commands for Life" as an antidote to a life of regret.

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Is there an easy way to determine how much you should have saved by the time you retire?

Today, we talk about the Rule of 25 and how you can use it to gauge your progress toward retirement.

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Nvidia CEO wishes Stanford students "ample doses of pain and suffering"

  • 13 budget-friendly places where Americans can retire on $1500/month

  • Jonathan Haidt writes about how smartphone use has negatively affected American youth, and what we can do about it

  • Mr Beast links up with Amazon to produce gameshow with $5 million grand prize

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Paul McWilliams is a financial advisor and pastor’s kid who works with pastors and churches all across America.

In today's episode, we discuss why 403b retirement plans are incredibly helpful vehicles to help pastors and church leaders save for retirement, save on taxes, and be wise managers of their financial resources.

Connect with Paul: https://www.inspireadvisors.com/financial-advisor/paul-mcwilliams

Pastor's Wallet Article: https://pastorswallet.com/how-can-a-church-sponsor-a-retirement-plan/

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Apple rumored to be working on making a foldable iPhone

  • Elon Musk's Neuralink completes first successful brain chip implant in a human

  • Deepfake scammers dupe company out of $25 million

  • US returns to the moon for the first time in 50 years

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When does it make sense to hire a financial advisor? Do you even need a financial advisor??

In today's episode, I’m going to give you 5 factors to consider when deciding whether to enlist financial guidance.

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We like to focus on "what" financial decisions to make (account types, interest rates, tax strategies, etc.) but we don't spend nearly enough time focusing on "why" we're spending our money.

Today we'll talk about:

  • What exactly is a Financial "Why" Statement?

  • 3 questions to help you develop your own Financial "Why" Statement

  • How I recently used my Financial "Why" Statement to make a difficult financial choice

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Which countries could you move to where you get the most bang for your buck?

  • 10 million workers got a raise but the federal minimum wage is still at $7.25 and hasn't changed since 2009

  • 2023 was a big year for entrepreneurship, especially home service businesses

  • A few reasons why your pastor probably isn't paid enough

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My guest, Jake Ridley, joins me to discuss the very important topic of Biblically Responsible Investing.

  • How does BRI work?

  • Are there any downsides to investing in BRI funds?

  • How does one compare/evluate different BRI funds to know which is best?

  • Should Christians invest in BRI funds or are they better served with a more traditional investing approach?

Jake's article on Biblically Responsible Investing: https://churchfiduciary.com/biblically-responsible-investing-a-comprehensive-guide-and-fund-analysis/

Jake Ridley: https://astoriastrategicwealth.com/about-us/jake-ridley-team-member-page/

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A look back on some of the most surprising things we learned last year.

Full list of facts here: https://theideafarm.beehiiv.com/p/75-facts-2023

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Here's Part 2 of my conversation with Kurt Skelly about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

  • What is God's purpose for Israel?

  • How does the current conflict in Gaza fit into the bigger picture?

  • How do we frame our view of these events in a biblical way?

Watch Kurt Skelly's full message on the topic: http://bit.ly/4aBdjzy

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We're calling a little bit of an audible on this episode of the Financial Pathway podcast.

I originally asked my dad, Kurt Skelly, to join me on the podcast to tackle another financial topic. But with the October 7 attack on Israel and subsequent war in Gaza, we thought it best to focus this conversation on a topic that's been on a lot of our hearts and minds recently.

  • What is God's purpose for Israel?

  • How does the current conflict in Gaza fit into the bigger picture?

  • How do we frame our view of these events in a biblical way?

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Every organization, business, or church faces the same challenge - how do we effectively get our message to our desired audience?

My guest, Will Hamilton, recently moved from Kansas to Tampa to be part of the launch team for Redemption Church.

Will owns his own marketing business, and in today's episode we talk about the most effective ways to use social media, google, and similar channels to reach people.

By the way, if you are a church looking to increase your reach through video content you need to check out Will's new service at churchposting.com. They will take your existing video content, make short form clips, and share them to multiple platforms - it's an easy way to increase your visibility by thousands of views every month.

Will Hamilton:

ThriveTampa.com

ChurchPosting.com

Will@thrivetampa.com

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Everyone wants to be rich... but nobody talks about the downsides

  • The National Association of Realtors loses landmark class-action lawsuit. Will this lead to lower commissions and a mass exodus of realtors from the industry?

  • New data from the Federal Reserve reveals how much the average American is worth by age

  • A Canadian millionaire decides to stop waiting for government and takes matters into his own hands to combat homelessness

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Dan Murray is the owner of Ministry Books. He partners with churches and business to assist with their bookkeeping, payroll, and financial consulting.

We talk about the importance of solid financial management, common mistakes in how churches/businesses handle their books, and why he's seen a huge level of interest in Ministry Books within their first year.

Dan and I share a lot of the same passions - finance, ministry, and even the Dallas Cowboys! I know you’ll enjoy hearing his story on the podcast today.

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Make sure you're not leaving money on the table during open enrollment season

  • 5 tricks to overcome decision paralysis

  • Billionaire lives modest lifestyle so he can give away $8 billion

  • State-by-state breakdown of how much each state's residents pay in taxes

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Tim McKee is a CPA, Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and a RamseyTrusted Tax Advisor. He provides tax preparation and tax advice to individuals and small businesses.

In today's episode, Tim explains the important difference between a tax preparer and a tax advisor. He also shares some of the best tax strategies that help you be proactive and minimize taxes by avoiding the "income tax bomb".

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Americans preference for larger families at highest level since 1971

  • What does the American Dream really mean to you?

  • Bargain megastore Costco now sells gold bars

  • An interactive map that helps you find your ideal place to live

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There are thousands of finance books out there. Today, I'll share four that are absolute must-reads.

Bonus: three honorable mentions + a pre-recommendation of the next finance book I'm excited to read!

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When it comes to church giving, the 80/20 principle holds true (in fact it might be more like 90/10!). Most of the giving comes from a small percentage of the church membership.

This is because some church members will have a disproportionate capacity to give in a much bigger way. Today, I'll highlight four strategic ways to make a big gift to your church while minimizing taxes and maximizing impact.

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • How Americans attitude toward tipping has soured in the last few years

  • Politics is big money and that's not changing any time soon

  • Why new home buyers are opting for newly constructed homes

  • The slow death of cable tv

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Jeremy DeSpain is the lead pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Port Orchard, WA, and hosts the Actual Faith YouTube channel.

Last year, Jeremy joined me on the podcast to discuss his journey from being in the financial services industry years ago to his current role as a full-time pastor. Well, since that episode, Jeremy has decided to step back into financial world by starting his own investment advisory firm as something he does in addition to pastoring.

In today's episode, I talk with Jeremy about what it's really like to be a financial advisor, what we wish more people understood about our industry, and why getting financial advice from a knowledgable and ethical source is so crucial.

Jeremy's new firm: https://adventcapitalstrategies.com/

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Luke Clayton and I talk about our shared experience of starting and running a solo business.

Luke is the found of Must Increase Media and he helps businesses (primarily churches) be excellent in their graphic design, web development, and video production.

In this digital age, the opportunities to do remote work and start your own side hustle have never been easier. Luke and I talk about the pros and cons of running your own business, learning time management, and the importance of investing in yourself.

Connect with Luke:

ChurchMediaHQ.com

Must Increase.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-must-increase-podcast/id1441076650

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Could the Federal Reserve be done raising interest rates?

  • Alef designing flying car with vertical takeoff/landing

  • Taylor Swift tour to create over $5 billion in economic activity

  • New app can count calories based on a picture

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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Envy, jealousy, and comparison have been around as long as there have been people.

But social media creates a new environment for these impulses to wreak havoc. It has rightly been said that "comparison is the thief of joy".

Today we talk about how social media has given rise to new generation of "fake rich": people who publicly flaunt their material success but in reality are broke and in debt.

Article from John Rampton: https://due.com/fake-rich/

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Dustin Alley is a former Marine and the pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Bristol, CT.

He recently founded the Men After God community which is designed to help men ages 27-45 with a family achieve Godly success with a thriving faith and family.

We talk about what led him to start this movement, why young men are particularly susceptible to unhealthy obsession with personal success, and how true success flows out of a healthy relationship with God and with your family.

Men After God website: https://www.menaftergod.org/

Men After God podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/men-after-god/id1691214647

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • In which states do residents pay the most sales taxes per person?

  • Amazon may look to boost its Prime offering by adding low cost wireless service

  • Tiny home living is looking more appealing (and affordable)

  • The evolution of famous brands' websites

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Do you have what it takes to cut the deficit and lower the national debt? It's a lot harder than it looks

  • Three reasons why the US dollar won't be replaced as world reserve currency any time soon

  • Ranking the 100 most visible brands by their reputation score

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We made it to episode 100!!! Thank you everyone who has listened and supported the podcast along the way.

Today I'm going to share:

  • a quick review of how we got here

  • one of my favorite stories/lessons I've learned in the last 3 years

  • where the podcast is headed from here

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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The US faces a looming debt crisis that threatens to shut down the government and even possibly send us into default.

Here's what you need to know about the current debt crisis and how it may affect you.

Visual mentioned in the episode: https://theirrelevantinvestor.com/2020/06/10/there-are-always-reasons-to-sell/

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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Whenever I get to have an initial conversation about money, I always like to ask the same question.

In fact, I think it's the most important financial question you will ever answer.

And the reason it's so important is because I can't begin to give any advice or draw a "financial map" until we get really clear about where it is you want to go.

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • New mortgage fees for high credit borrowers and lower fees for low credit borrowers

  • How long does it actually take your money to double?

  • America's most (and least) expensive cities based on purchasing power

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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It seems I'm hearing about the CFP® designation more than ever these days - from commercials to conversations to even Jeopardy!

But what does being a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ even mean, and does it matter whether an advisor is one or not?

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Joshua Hershberger is an attorney, minister, and speaker. He founded the Good Citizen Project to equip Christian leaders to be Gospel-centered citizens.

In this episode, Josh and I talk about religious freedom, politics, court cases, and citizenship from a Christian worldview.

Be sure to connect with Josh on his website https://www.goodcitizen.us/ and receive helpful resources for your church.

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We're way overdue for another "ask me anything" episode. Thanks everyone who sent in questions!

How do I choose the best side hustle? (2:00)

What's the best and worst of Dave Ramsey's advice? (11:24)

Tithing vs grace giving (16:01)

Borrowing from your life insurance policy (19:50)

Best apps for managing your money (23:01)

Where should I put my savings? (25:24)

Should I invest in gold (or silver) (28:12)

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: http://nateskelly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finanancialpathwayllc

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Silicon Valley Bank is the 2nd largest bank collapse in US history. Its failure has sent shock waves through the American banking system. Is this a sign of things to come or merely an isolated incident?

In today's episode, we'll explain how one of the country's largest banks ended up insolvent and what lessons their story has to teach us.

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Republicans propose a 30% national sales tax that would replace the current income tax system

  • New survey shows credit card dependency at an all-time high in the US

  • What were the most searched for investment topics of 2022? 

  • How much money do you have to make to be in the top 1% in your state?

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

The Bible contains many truths that at first glance may seem to be at odds with each other: humility is the way to exaltation, lose your life in order to find it,  when we are weak then we are strong, etc.

That brings us to the paradox of the day: is money a blessing to be enjoyed or do we need to give our money away in order to be blessed?

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: https://www.nateskelly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • A new survey shows which professions are considered the most honest and ethical by the public

  • Ten cutting-edge technologies that could change our lives the most in 2023

  • An explanation of why super-rich people are almost a mathematical certainty in every society

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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A brand new bill was just signed into law at the end of 2022. This new piece of bipartisan legislation known as SECURE 2.0 builds on previous changes made to retirement rules in the US. 

Here's what you need to know about the changes that are coming this year and in the next few years to come...

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We're coming off one of the worst years ever in the investment markets. 2022 was the 7th worst year for the S&P 500 and the worst year ever for 10 year treasury bonds. The question of the hour is: are we in for more of the same this year or should we expect a turnaround?

Today, we're going to look at what the top investment firms are predicting in 2023, and ask how much confidence (if any) we should have in economic forecasts. 

Forecast list: https://serebrisky.com/2022/12/29/economic-and-investment-outlook-for-2023-by-top-investment-banks/

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: https://nateskelly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • A closer look at the unique business model of Chick Fil A

  • Exploring 100 years of the most popular Christmas toys

  • A simple calculator shows you how your wealth compares to the rest of the world

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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The biggest tax benefit available to pastors is the ability to claim part of their pay as housing allowance. But did you know that pastors may also be able to claim housing allowance on withdrawals from their retirement account too?!

In today's episode we'll talk about how using a church-sponsored 403b plan allows pastors to save thousands of dollars in taxes and maximize every dollar they save for retirement.

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: https://www.nateskelly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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Here are 10 practical ways you can set yourself up for financial success in 2023. Remember that the end of the year often brings financial opportunities if you'll take the time to plan ahead.Email: info@nateskelly.comWebsite: nateskelly.comFacebook: facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • FTX crypto exchange collapses amid allegations of fraud and mishandling of client funds

  • Frontier Airlines looks to shake up the airline industry with a unique yearly pass offer

  • Jeff Bezos has pledged to give away the bulk of his fortune within his lifetime

  • Google pays hundreds of millions for its lack of transparency in collecting user info

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Co-vocational ministry is on the rise. A growing number of pastors, either by choice or out of necessity, earn part of their income in secular employment.    

Our guest, Ryan Flanders, talks about his journey as a pastor and entrepreneur, why he intentionally chose co-vocational ministry, and the benefits of a co-vocational approach.   

Ryan is the founder of "Develop My Ministry" which exists to equip pastors in their walk and in their work. They equip primarily through pastor gatherings, consulting and coaching.     

Email: ryan@developmyministry.org  

Website: developmyministry.org

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It's finally here! I'm very excited to announce the launch of Financial Pathway Academy, a community for pastors and church leaders to get answers to their most important financial questions. 

I want to take a few minutes explain how it will work and why I believe it will be a major asset to ministry leaders. Please check it out and I hope you will join us there!

Financial Pathway Academy: https://academy.nateskelly.com/

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History tells us that the most consequential issues for voters usually are the ones that affect their wallet (jobs, economy, inflation, etc). The 2022 Midterm Elections look like they will follow the same pattern. 

But how much immediate affect do these elections have on our economy and the stock market? What should we expect to see in the days after the election?

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Five things every church should be aware of when it comes to their pastor's salary

  • FAANG stocks have fallen back to earth after strong 2020 and 2021

  • Will the four-day workweek eventually replace the five-day workweek?

  • New bill aims to fix some glaring issues with Social Security

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We are in a new era of financial advice. And I for one am very excited about it! The tools and technology available to us today allows advisors to give better advice, to reach more people, and to answer more money questions than ever before!

In this episode, I walk through the history of the financial services industry and how each new era brought changes to the ways people received financial advice. At the end I'll talk about this new era we are in and how financial advice is changing for the better. 

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: https://www.nateskelly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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Drayton Smith is the Director of Ministry Village in Pensacola, FL. Ministry Village is an extension of Olive Baptist Church and ministers to Escambia County residents affected by hunger, addiction, homelessness, and more. 

Drayton and I talked about his role and the 5 unique ministries he oversees through Ministry Village. He shared some of the biggest blessings and challenges of running a non-profit that serves the most vulnerable people in the community. Drayton also shared some advice for how your church can take practical steps to have a bigger impact in your community. 

Drayton Smith email: dsmith@ministryvillage.org

Ministry Village website: https://ministryvillage.org/

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Housing market cools as mortgage rates continue to climb

  • A breakdown of which states/cities offer the most and least amount of elbow room

  • Housing market and stock market gains in 2021 created 5 million new millionaires worldwide

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Dr Brian Nall is the executive director of the Pensacola Bay Baptist Association, a local  association of about 60 churches in Escambia County Florida. 

Brian assists these local congregations in three primary areas: 1. Encourage - providing professional and spiritual support for pastors 2. Equip - training and resources for church leaders 3. Engage - cooperate and serve together to reach the community for Christ

One of the most important services that Brian provides for churches is a top-to-bottom analysis of church health using the "12 Characteristics of a Healthy Church". We spent a good portion of our conversation talking about the key indicators of church health. 

Email: Brian@pbbassociation.org

Website: https://pbbassociation.org/

Twelve Characteristics of Healthy Church: http://pbbassociation.org/healthychurch/

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For most of us, we already know where we could do better in our finances: saving, budgeting, overspending, etc. That's not the problem. The problem is learning how to be consistent in those areas. 

Today we're going to look at the best-selling book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear and talk about how we can use his framework to break down bad financial habits and replace them with healthy ones.

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • What's in the newest spending bill from Washington

  • Have you heard of the new trend popular with Gen Z workers: "quiet quitting"?

  • Latest research shows how much the average American family spends per child from birth to 17 years old

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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Over the past couple years I've heard some truly appalling examples of "financial advice". Many of these ill-conceived ideas have been spread through social media. As with anything on the internet, it's always advisable to receive advice with a healthy dose of skepticism. 

In today's episode, I want to share four examples of bad financial advice that I've heard multiple times in the past year alone. 

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: https://www.nateskelly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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Considering the current political landscape, you might be thinking about making changes to your financial strategy. Is it time to buy the dip or keep my money on the sidelines? Should I buy in real estate? Gold? A doomsday bunker in Wyoming?

Today, I'm going to tell you that while your concerns may be valid, it is almost always unwise to mix politics with investing. I'll give you four big reasons why getting political with your money will likely cost you in the long run. 

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • 72 Cities are offering thousands of dollars in incentives to new move-ins

  • Family fun has gotten a lot more expensive since 1960s, everything from baseball games to movies to Disneyland

  • There's a reason you probably didn't throw away your iPhone case, the surprising science that goes into Apple's product packaging

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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Over 2 years ago, I uploaded this episode during the height of the COVID shutdowns and uncertainty. What was said during that market downturn still rings true and will ring true during the next one too. 

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Kurt Skelly is back to talk healthy church culture and compensation. 

(4:20) Evaluating church culture when moving ministries

(10:12) Building a healthy church culture

(16:12) How to measure church health

(21:00) What do you use to determine fair compensation for church staff

(34:20) Response to improving compensation

(38:30) Revisiting job descriptions

(46:40) Adjusting pay on yearly basis

(48:20) Connect with Kurt Skelly

Everyday Truth podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-truth-with-kurt-skelly/id1457071280

Land of the Bible Tours: https://landofthebible.org/

Veritas Baptist College: vbc.edu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorkurtskelly

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Bitcoin is down over 70% from its 2021 peak, and the crypto market has lost over $2 trillion in market value

  • iBuyers are using algorithms to snap up thousands of properties nationwide, but will their impersonal real estate investing approach work?

  • Bonds are supposed to be your "flotation device" when the stock market dips, but what should you do when they're down too?

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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Money is a very emotionally charged topic. It's part math/part human psychology. 

Many of us would prefer to avoid it altogether. But a healthy marriage requires honesty and communication, yes, even about our money.

In this episode, I share 3 "rules of engagement" for how to approach these conversations followed by 3 practical steps to having a money conversation that actually leads to positive change. 

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Getting life insurance one of the most important financial decisions you can make and one of the easiest to implement. But how much coverage is appropriate?

In this episode, we'll explain 3 specific methods you can use to figure out how much life insurance you need.

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: https://www.nateskelly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • New data shows some encouraging signs that inflation may be cooling down, but food and energy prices remain high

  • For years, Apple has been working on building an electric, autonomous car that would rival Tesla

  • In many areas around the country housing prices have more than quadrupled since 2000

Sign up for Money Minute email here: https://mailchi.mp/nateskelly/p5c6us72e5

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The average American household spends about $7000 (~12%) of their yearly budget on food alone! And with the abundance of food options in the US, you better believe restaurants have got a few advertising tricks up their sleeve. 

In today's episode, we'll share 7 sneaky ways restaurants get you to spend more, stay longer, and come back more often. 

Email: info@nateskelly.com Website: https://www.nateskelly.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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The biggest tax benefit available to pastors is the ability to claim part of their pay as housing allowance. But did you know that pastors may also be able to claim housing allowance on withdrawals from their retirement account too?!

In today's episode we'll talk about how using a church-sponsored 403b plan allows pastors to save thousands of dollars in taxes and maximize every dollar they save for retirement. 

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Twitter Accepts Elon Musk's Offer to Buy Company for $43 billion

  • The Most Reliable Recession Indicator Just Happened, Now What?

  • Inflation Keeps Climbing

  • Why the Past 10 Years Have Been Uniquely Stupid

  • Netflix Stock Plummets over 30% after losing subscribers

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Have you heard of Inflation Bonds (I Bonds)? You can buy them directly from the US government and they pay a guaranteed rate of return that is tied to inflation.

The reason that most people haven’t heard of them is they haven't been paying a whole lot... until now! I Bonds purchased by April 30, 2022 are set to pay an average of over 8% for the first year!

In today's episode we'll explain how I Bonds work and when they make sense as an investment. 

US Government site to purchase I Bonds directly: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/products/prod_ibonds_glance.htm

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Our guest, Jeremy DeSpain, has 13 years of experience in the world of finance. He started his career in investment management and later spent several years as a bank manager. 

Jeremy now serves as the full-time senior pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Port Orchard, WA. In this episode, he shares some valuable lessons he learned in the financial world and how he was able to translate those skills to his current role as a pastor. 

Jeremy also runs the Actual Faith YouTube channel where he discusses cultural analysis, theology, and philosophy. 

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A quick roundup on some of the most interesting articles this month...

  • Starbucks to Become the Gas Stations of the Future for Electric Vehicles?

  • Will Your State Lift Its Gas Tax?

  • March Madness is a Billion-Dollar Business

  • The Streaming Wars Continue to Rage (Amazon makes big purchase)

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It's time to tackle another paradox! The Bible says that working hard, saving, and building wealth are commendable traits, BUT it also says that building wealth is a terrible goal. 

How do we make sense of these principles? Let's a taker a closer look...

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It's time to do a deep dive on the questions everyone is asking these days...

What can we do to lower gas prices? Suspend gas taxes? Keystone XL pipeline? 

Why are we importing oil from foreign countries instead of producing our own oil? 

How much oil do we consume vs how much we produce? 

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Have you ever found it difficult to explain to people what you do at your job? Me too! So I decided to take an episode to clear up three big misconceptions about financial advisors:

  1. Financial Advisors are the same as Financial Planners, they all do the same thing

  2. Only rich people work with Financial Advisors

  3. Why should I pay a Financial Advisor when I'm already investing for free?

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Cash is king! Except when it isn't. In today's episode we discuss the pros and cons of using credit cards. 

Credit cards aren't for everyone. But if you can follow three simple rules you'll very likely find credit cards to be a net benefit.

We conclude by sharing three great resources for understanding and managing credit. 

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The market is off to a bumpy start in 2022. After a strong return of ~27% in 2021, the US stock market is down ~10% to start the year. So what's behind this recent downturn?

In this episode we'll explain why the Federal Reserve raises and lowers interest rates, how that can affect the stock market, and what you should do now that interest rates may be going back up. 

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Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

The Bible contains many truths that at first glance may seem to be at odds with each other: humility is the way to exaltation, lose your life in order to find it,  when we are weak then we are strong, etc.

That brings us to the paradox of the day: why should I save money when Jesus tells me to trust Him to provide for my needs? 

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On a recent trip to New York City, I got to witness two groups of street performers in Times Square. Both were incredibly talented and had almost identical skill sets, but one group walked away with 10x as much money after their performance. 

In this episode, I'll share 4 subtle techniques these street performers use to make hundreds of dollars a night and explain how successful businesses utilize the same tactics. 

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Pastors may feel hesitant about tackling the topic of money from the pulpit. And understandably so! No one wants to alienate their audience or be perceived as greedy or self-serving. 

But when pastors fail to communicate what the Bible says about money, they are actually doing their congregation a huge disservice. 

In this episode, I talk with Josh Teis about how he approaches the topic of money from the pulpit. He gives a wealth of practical tips on how to prepare messages, lead giving campaigns, disciple new believers, apply money principles, and more. 

Josh Teis:  https://www.facebook.com/joshuateis https://twitter.com/joshteis Idea Network:  https://www.ideanetwork.church

Email: info@nateskelly.com Website: http://nateskelly.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/financialpathwayllc

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Concerns are growing over how long the US stock market can sustain its current pace. US stock returns were strong for a full decade, were briefly halted by the Coronavirus, and now have continued to surge forward to new record highs. 

In this episode, we'll consider both sides of this argument and the common objections raised. We'll conclude by giving you three specific actions to take to set yourself up for long term investing success. 

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We've made it to episode 50 which means it's time to do another special "ask me anything" episode! Thanks everyone for listening and submitting these great questions:

Saving taxes in retirement (2:15)

Pastoral finances (11:12)

Minimizing taxes as W-2 employee (not self-employed) (12:47)

Biggest mistakes people make in retirement (19:23)

High yield dividend stocks (25:04)

How much house can I afford (32:45)

Cryptocurrency (37:32)

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Bryan Samms joins me to discuss some important considerations regarding pastoral pay such as...

What does the Bible teach about pastoral pay?

How should pastors communicate with their church about their pay/benefits?

When should a church add additional paid staff? 

What resources should a church use to determine fair compensation for a particular role?

Connect with Bryan

Twitter: @bryansamms

Facebook: @pastorbryansamms

Podcast: Bryan Samms Podcast

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Website: https://www.nateskelly.com

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Many people assume that being frugal and being cheap are the same thing. They are not! There's a key difference that separates someone being financially savvy from someone being downright stingy. 

In this episode, we'll talk about why it's admirable to be frugal and why you never want to be cheap. 

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Only about 1/3 of Americans say they either are or will be adequately prepared for retirement. And no wonder! It's a complicated business. So how do your retirement savings stack up to the average American your age?

In this episode, we'll share the research on how much the average American has saved and how much the experts recommend you have saved based on your age. 

Remember, that there is no magic number needed to retire successfully. How much you need depends on many factors. Start saving as early as possible, use tax advantaged accounts whenever possible, and build multiple streams of income for retirement. 

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Consumer debt in America is closing in on $15 TRILLION dollars (personal mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit cards etc. combined).

Everywhere you turn, you're bombarded with advertisements and offers to borrow more money. So how is a Christian supposed to approach this question of debt? Is it ever ok to borrow money or should Christians avoid debt entirely?

In this episode, we'll take a closer look at what the Bible has to say on this important issue and offer some helpful guidelines when making  borrowing decisions. 

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Evangelist Micah Self ministers with Gospel Outreach 10/40 based out of Milton, FL. Micah has also helped in a variety of international ministries by preaching the gospel in Haiti, the Philippines, Malawi, Bahamas, Moldova, and countries inside the 10/40 window. He regularly speaks at youth camps and Christian schools, loves teaching the Word, and has been raising awareness and prayer support for lost souls in the 10/40 window. In 2019 God called him to focus on GO 10/40 and in 2020 he began raising support to plant churches and evangelize full time in Southeast Asia. His goal is to bring the gospel to unreached people groups through national partnerships and gospel-centered charity.

To financially support Micah's ministry you can give via Central Missionary Clearinghouse: https://cmcmissions.org/donate

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You've probably heard of the "Debt Snowball" but have you heard of the "Debt Avalanche"? Find out how to rapidly pay down debt and create margin in your financial life using this simple technique. 

In this episode, we'll explain how the Debt Avalanche works and how it can help you pay your debt faster and pay even less in interest than using the Debt Snowball method. 

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Myth: Trusts are only for the super wealthy

Truth: Trusts are helpful estate planning tools that benefit millions of Americans and can serve a wide number of purposes.

In this episode we'll explain the basics of trusts including...

  • The two basic types of trusts
  • The three roles involved in setting up a trust
  • The difference between a will and a trust
  • Five important benefits of setting up a trust

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According to a recent poll by Ladder, consumers spend an average of $1497/month on non-essential items. A big reason many people aren't able to make progress on their savings goals is because their monthly spending is crowded with non-essential purchases.

In this episode, we'll discuss how you can save money in six different areas of your budget. Some may only save $20-30/mo while others could mean savings of $500+/mo!

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Lifestyle creep: the tendency to continue increasing your spending as your income grows. 

A higher income is often accompanied by more spending. Typically, the majority of the increased spending is on non-essential items (eating out, entertainment, activities, shopping, travel, household amenities, etc.). Over time, these luxuries come to be seen as essential to your way of life. If/when income decreases (such as in retirement) it can be very difficult to adjust. 

In this episode, we'll talk about how to recognize lifestyle creep, and we'll offer 5 tools to fight the pull of lifestyle creep in your own finances. 

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Cary Schmidt is the Lead Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newington, Connecticut. He hosts the "Leading in the Gospel" Podcast and recently published his newest book "Stop Trying: How to Receive Not Achieve Your Identity". 

In this episode, we talk about how your identity can shape your view of finances for good or for bad. Cary explains how he as a pastor approaches teaching and preaching on the sensitive topic of money. 

Cary also takes some to share his advice for younger pastors on how they should approach their compensation, retirement, and handling their personal finances. 

Leading in the Gospel Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-in-the-gospel/id1411948813

Stop Trying: https://www.moodypublishers.com/stop-trying/

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It's the question of the hour: are we headed for a big jump in inflation? 

Price increases in housing, gas, lumber, and more, have many Americans worried about how inflation may lead to an economic recession. 

In today's episode, we'll explain some of the factors contributing to recent price increases and add some context to the inflation discussion. We'll also offer three important tips for how you can combat the effects of inflation in your personal finances. 

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Whether you have a lump sum of money or you have extra monthly cash flow, is it smarter to invest that money in the market or pay off your mortgage as soon as you can?

We talk through some important questions to ask yourself as well as some common pitfalls to avoid. We also offer some hypothetical situations to help compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of each option. 

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Our guest, Andrew Smith is the founder and director of Orphans in Asia. He shares the story of why he started Orphans in Asia and how he's able to run the ministry without taking a paycheck from it. 

We discuss some of the important work Orphans in Asia is doing to feed and house needy children, teach them real life occupational skills, facilitate grants for adoptions, and more. We also talk about what Andrew's missions experiences have taught him about finances, generosity, and contentment. 

Be sure to connect with Andrew on social media and consider supporting his ministry. 

Andrew Smith: https://www.facebook.com/AndrewSmithpurpleheartvet https://www.instagram.com/purpleheartvet/

Orphans in Asia: https://www.orphansinasia.org https://www.instagram.com/OrphansInAsia/

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This episode is the first in a series of episodes from the "Managing God's Money" sessions that I teach for churches. It's an opportunity for us to take a deeper dive into specific passages to better understand what the Bible teaches us in the areas of giving, saving, and spending. 

The Parable of the Talents is one of the most important passages in the entire Bible on the subject of stewardship. In today's episode we'll explore three important truths about money that Jesus taught in this passage. 

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The IRS recently extended the 2020 IRA contribution deadline. Instead of April 15th, you can now make a 2020 contribution to an IRA up until May 17th, 2021. With so many Americans receiving a stimulus check or tax refund (or both!) now might be a great time to invest excess cash in an IRA. 

In this episode we'll break down some of the key differences between Traditional and Roth IRAs and give you four key questions to ask that will help you determine which type of IRA is right for you.

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We've all been guilty of being over-budget from time to time. Maybe we spent an extra $50 last month on restaurants or we went $200 over our price limit on Christmas gifts. However, there's a big difference between occasionally being over-budget and a harmful pattern of overspending.

So how do we know if we're overspending? And more importantly what motives are at the core of our decisions to spend more than we know we should? 

In this episode, we'll talk through five rationalizations people use to justify their unhealthy spending habits. We'll follow up with eight practical ideas you can use to guard against this destructive habit of overspending.

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Buying a house is one of the most stressful experiences of your life. It's understandable considering that your home is probably the biggest purchase you'll ever make and it's place you will spend the vast majority of your time! And now that spring is here and the weather is warmer, that usually means there will be an increased number of home buyers on the market.  

In today's episode we'll highlight some important mistakes to avoid in the home buying process. So whether you're a first-time homebuyer or you're on your tenth home, these are some helpful tips that bear repeating. 

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Here's a question I've gotten a lot recently: what should I do with my old 401k? Many Americans opt to roll over their 401k into an IRA after they've separated employment, but is this the best option for you? This is one of the most important decisions you will need to make regarding your retirement savings so I decided to dedicate a whole episode to it.

In this episode we'll outline your 4 available options for your old 401k: leave it, cash it out, move it into your new plan, or roll it over into an IRA. We'll also discuss some of the biggest pros and cons of rolling over your 401k vs leaving it where it is. 

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Multi-level marketing (otherwise known as network marketing or direct sales) is a massive industry boasting millions of distributors and billions of dollars in annual sales. These companies sell a wide variety of products including clothing, essential oils, cosmetics, vitamins, shakes, insurance, jewelry, and much more. MLM enthusiasts claim that their unique structure empowers each member to: "Escape the 9-5", "Be your own boss", and "Enjoy unlimited earning potential".

Even if you've never worked in multi-level marketing, you very likely know people who do. And depending on who you ask, you'll get strikingly opposite opinions either for or against MLMs.

In this episode, I'll explain how the MLM business structure operates and offer 3 reasons why I'm not a fan of this business model.

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Proverbs 13:22 says that a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. Saving for you children's future is a noble goal and one that requires careful thought and planning. 

Before you decide on how you want to save money for your children's or grandchildren's future, consider these six options and their unique pros and cons. 

Links mentioned in the episode:

https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/how-does-your-states-529-plan-income-tax-benefit-work

https://www.savingforcollege.com/article/what-you-can-pay-for-with-a-529-plan

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Unless you've been living under a rock this last year, I'm sure you've heard about Robinhood. It's the new investment app that's revolutionized the investment world by empowering individual retail investors to compete with the big Wall Street firms.

Except, this week, many of Robinhood's own users turned against them in a surprising twist. Also, what's been going on with these stocks like Gamestop, AMC, and others that have gone through the roof?

In this episode, we'll talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Robinhood app and explain in simple terms what happened that caused a stock like Gamestop to shoot up over 10,000% of its price this time last year. 

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This is an excerpt of a longer conversation I had with Luke Clayton on his podcast Church Media HQ. Luke runs Must Increase Media and provides a variety of media solutions to churches. We talked about of variety of topics including church, politics, finance, faith, and more. Most of our conversation deals with expectations of a Biden presidency and how it may affect churches and church leaders. You can hear the full conversation over on the Church Media HQ podcast. 

Must Increase Media: https://mustincrease.com

Church Media HQ podcast: http://churchmediahq.com/podcast/

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Gold has been a valuable commodity for thousands of years. Even when markets have collapsed and monetary systems have failed, gold has retained its value. 

With gold prices rising ~24% in 2020, maybe you've heard commercials or been advised by someone you know to invest in gold. Is now a good time to buy gold? When does it make sense and when does it not?

In this episode, we'll talk about the potential benefits and drawbacks of investing in gold and help you understand how gold has performed compared to other investment alternatives. 

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What changes can you expect to your finances under a Biden Presidency? Should you expect to pay more in taxes next year? Is now the time to make changes to your investments? 

In this episode we break down some of Biden's major campaign proposals regarding tax rates, healthcare, students loans, and more. 

We'll talk about the likelihood of these proposals becoming law and what changes (if any) you should consider making. 

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With open enrollment season in full swing, it's a good time to talk about employee benefits. Every year there are employees that miss out on hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars by not simply signing up for the benefits available to them. 

In this episode, we'll share some tips on how to understand and navigate common employee benefits like health insurance, 401Ks, life insurance, HSAs, and more. 

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In this episode, we discuss the vital role that insurance plays in our financial lives. Appropriate insurance coverage (whether it's auto, home, life, health, or more) is an essential foundation for building wealth. 

Our guest, John Gall, is a commercial insurance broker for Security First based in the Denver, CO, area. He shares some helpful tips on how to get proper auto and home insurance coverage at the best prices. 

We also take some time to discuss important steps that churches need to take to protect their members/attendees. 

You can connect with John here: 

https://www.facebook.com/john.gall.549 

https://twitter.com/jonathanaugust

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We're getting back to the "fund"amentals. You've probably heard of mutual funds and index funds, but what are exchange traded funds (ETFs)? And why are many investors and advisors opting to use ETFs instead of mutual funds? 

Investing your money in funds can be a great way to diversify and reduce risk, but not all funds are created equal. 

In this episode, we'll break down 3 common types of funds and help you understand how they can benefit you as investor.  

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On this episode, we take some time to answer some more questions sent in by listeners. 

How do I choose the right funds inside my 401k (1:40) 

With the election coming up, should I be looking at making changes to my investments (7:12)

Is it better to invest my money all at once or spread it out over time (11:52)

When's should you refinance your home (14:00)

Roth vs Traditional IRA (16:34)

Tips for tracking your spending (20:06)

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At some point, almost everyone will have to decide whether they want to buy a house or rent.

If you rent are you just "throwing money away" each month? Is buying a home a "good investment"? How many years do you need to live in a house before it' s better than renting? We'll answer these common questions and more on this week's episode on buying vs. renting. 

Plus, we'll give you 4 crucial questions to ask when deciding whether it's better to buy or rent. We also share an easy formula to help you gauge whether it's better to buy or rent a particular house. 

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In this multi-part series, we'll teach you how to become a better investor by learning to avoid these common mistakes.

Part 5: Getting Bad Advice - Not every piece of financial advice is helpful, and not every piece of financial advice applies to your situation. Unfortunately, there are a lot of voices in financial media and financial industry that are not worth listening to. And sometimes, bad advice can even come from the people who love us the most. 

In this episode we talk about different possible sources of bad advice including stock "gurus", co-workers, uncles, or even financial advisors themselves. 

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In this multi-part series, we'll teach you how to become a better investor by learning to avoid these common mistakes.

Part 4: Confronting Biases - A bias is a way of thinking that causes you to be wrong. Learn to recognize your limitations and blindspots as an investor. Sometimes our biggest challenge is trying not to get in our own way.

In this episode we talk about five specific biases that every investor is vulnerable to and how to avoid them. 

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In this multi-part series, we'll teach you how to become a better investor by learning to avoid these common mistakes.

Part 3: What to Expect When You're Investing - any time you step into a new experience with unrealistic expectations you are bound to end up frustrated and disappointed.

Sometimes, investors have unrealistic expectations of the market's behavior, their investments' returns, or even their own ability. When things don't go according to plan, these investors are left wondering where they went wrong.

In this episode, we'll talk about how to have manageable expectations and keep yourself focused when others start to panic. 

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In this multi-part series, we'll teach you how to become a better investor by learning to avoid these common mistakes.

Part 2: Market Timing - No one knows where the market is headed in the short term, no one. But many investors think they know what will happen in the next week/month/year and make short-term investment decisions accordingly. The research shows that the vast majority of these market timers underperform the market.

In this episode, we explain why that is and how you can protect yourself from falling for this common investing mistake. 

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In this multi-part series, we'll teach you how to become a better investor by learning to avoid these common mistakes.

Part 1: Fear and Greed - We explain about how our emotions often betray us in the arena of investing. These two emotions drive most of our investment decisions and often propel us to do the opposite of what we should.

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HSA's are one of the best kept secrets in the finance world. They have some exceptional upsides including a "triple tax benefit" but the majority of Americans aren't using them.

In this episode, we'll discuss how to contribute to an HSA, how HSA's have more robust tax benefits than your 401k or IRA, and how you can even use an HSA as an additional retirement savings account!

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Before you enlist help from a financial advisor, it's imperative that you understand how they are paid and the value they are bringing to your situation. 

Many investors are unsure what fees they are paying or are unaware that they are paying fees at all!

In this episode, we explore the 5 most common compensation methods for financial advisors and discuss the benefits and limitations of each. We also explain which methods we've chosen to use at Financial Pathway and why we've chosen not to use others.

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On this episode, I sit down with Ben Schettler of The Center for Truth in Love to discuss the American church and a Christian worldview on finances. We talked through a variety of questions related money and the Bible including: why is money a difficult topic to discuss in the church? Is it wrong for a Christian to pursue wealth? Is "retirement" a biblical idea? Why is giving on the decline in America? 

Ben gives some great insight into these issues and I think you will enjoy hearing his answers to these questions. For more info on Ben and his ministry visit https://www.thecenterfortruthinlove.org or https://www.facebook.com/BenSchettler

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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On this episode, we take some time to answer questions sent in by listeners. We cover a wide variety of topics including life insurance, mutual funds, annuities, credit cards, retirement accounts, and more. If you've got more questions, send them in and we may answer them in a future part 2 episode!

Should I get rid of my credit cards or keep them and pay them off every month? (1:48) Should I invest first or pay off debt? (5:16) When do I need life insurance and how much coverage should I get? (8:32) Retirement plan options for self employed individuals (13:10) How much money do I need to get started investing? (16:50) What is a mutual fund? (20:27) Understanding important features of annuities and 401k plans (23:52) CPAs, Financial Advisors, and Financial Planners (32:38)

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Will Social Security be out of money in 2034? Do you need $1 million to retire? Are good grades the key to a successful career?

A continuation of Ep. 06, Debunking Money Myths (Part 1). In this episode, we tackle 7 new money myths and why you shouldn't fall for them. 

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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What's the difference between a health sharing plan and health insurance? Are there any downsides that I should know about before choosing a health sharing plan? Your health care coverage is an important decision. So make sure you understand all your options.

In this episode, we break down where most Americans get their health care coverage and the important features you should understand about your policy. We give a side-by-side comparison of health insurance vs health sharing and highlight some important advantages and disadvantages. 

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This simple four-word phrase has cost investors billions of dollars over the years. Though it's often misunderstood, it is a vital lesson for the long-term investor. Given the recent events in our world, this episode is a timely reminder of what separates the average investor from the successful one.

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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Our guest, Anthony Weatherbee, is the assistant pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida. He is also the owner and founder of Cherith Home Inspections.

In this episode, we discuss how Anthony turned a side hustle of inspecting homes into a full-time business. We discuss the unique challenges of starting a business from scratch and lessons that he's learned along the way. We also talk about how Anthony handles wearing multiple hats: pastor, business owner, husband, and father, and what advice he would share with those doing bi-vocational Christian ministry. 

Cherith Inspections: https://www.facebook.com/cherithinspections/

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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"The book you don't read won't help" - Jim Rohn

If you want to take control of your finances, you need to spend time educating and improving yourself. Reading great books on finance is a great place to start.

In this episode, we recommend five finance books that can help you regardless of your life stage or financial status. 

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Did you know that sugar doesn't make kids hyper, that Napoleon was not short (he was average height for his time), and that the Great Wall of China can't be seen from space?

Chances are that you've heard at least one of these "myths" before. You may have even believed it. But remember, just because something is widely believed does not make it true.

In this episode, we'll explore 7 "money myths" and explain why you shouldn't fall for them.

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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On this episode, I sit down with my friend, Korey Rademacher, to discuss real estate investing. Korey is a full-time realtor in Pensacola, Florida, as well as an active real estate investor.

We talk about his journey from a full-time accountant at the largest credit union in the U.S. to a full-time realtor averaging one closing a week while also managing multiple investment properties. Korey shares with me his investment strategy, his favorite resources, and some advice for those thinking about getting into real estate investing. 

Korey Rademacher Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RademacherRealty/

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: http://nateskelly.com

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How is my score calculated? What's the best way to improve my score? Why do I get different credit scores from different credit bureaus?

In this episode, we explain the 5 factors that affect your FICO Score and debunk a few myths about what does not affect your score. Taking the right steps to improve your score could allow you to save  thousands of dollars in interest over time. 

Free yearly credit report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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Our first interview on the Financial Pathway podcast: an interview with my dad, Kurt Skelly! Honestly, there's no one else I'd rather have as my first guest. We talk about the money lessons I learned from my dad growing up and how kids often learn more from what they see their parents do than what their parents say.

In the second half of the conversation, we shift the discussion to my dad's experience as a pastor. We talk about how he approaches teaching/preaching on finances and what advice he would give to pastors who find this a difficult subject. 

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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Ever made a purchase you later regretted? We all have! Advertisers study human psychology, and they've learned some powerful techniques to get you to part with your money. In this episode, we talk about five of those most common methods advertisers use and how you can spot them. 

Email: info@nateskelly.com

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If you could improve one aspect of your finances this year, what would it be? In this first episode, we talk about how building a simple habit can help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. 

(4:02) APA study 

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/02/money-stress

(14:57) Websites

https://www.everydollar.com

https://www.mint.com

https://www.youneedabudget.com

Email: info@nateskelly.com

Website: http://nateskelly.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finanancialpathwayllc