Building Stewards: Recent Episodes
Donovan Brooks
Am I managing my personal finances in a God honoring way? What does biblical stewardship look like? As a Christian, what should my view of money be? These are just some questions that you, and other Christians, are pondering day in and day out. To be frank, there aren't a lot of places for Christians to turn to get these answers AND any answers that come back are typically conflicted in some way or another.
I'm Donovan Brooks, CFP®, CKA® and I'm your host. My hope is to educate, encourage, and engage you on your stewardship journey. I'll cover everything from budgeting to preparing the next steward to take over what you've been able to build. You'll leave every episode with value and something actionable.
Join me each episode as I take aim at advancing biblical stewardship in the hearts of Christians everywhere.
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers." -Psalm 24:1-2 (ESV)
Hey everybody, I'm still alive! I know it's been a little quiet on my end so this episode is dedicated to some personal updates and some updates going on in the country. In this episode I discuss: Some personal updates and why I've been a little quiet lately Updates going on with student loan forbearance and PSLF waiver 2022 Goal Setting & the systems needed to reach those goals Enjoy! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/26 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/26)
We often discuss our civil freedoms around this time of year due to the 4th of July. However, as Christians we spend very little time reflecting on our personal financial freedom and how it relates to our faith. In this episode I discuss: The importance of striving for financial freedom The path and principles towards financial freedom The fruit from financial freedom Enjoy! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/25 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/25)
If you've had multiple jobs then this is likely a question you'll have to answer. If not, this is still a topic you'll want to be somewhat informed about as it could be something you’re asking in the future! In this episode I discuss: What a "rollover" is Some reasons you may want to consider a retirement account "rollover" Other considerations when it comes to potentially rolling over an account You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/24 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/24)
The American Rescue Plan expanded the 2021 Child Tax Credit for families all over the country. But do you know details of what this means for you? In this episode I discuss: The 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) amounts and what's changed The thresholds where the credits begin to “phaseout” or be reduced Who qualifies The advance payment of this credit (beginning in July) And the importance of having a plan for when this income hits your account! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/23 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/23)
This show is for all the teachers out there! You are appreciated, valued, and loved despite feeling the contrary! I wanted to share a little of my knowledge and experience by creating an episode just for you! Note: Due to the differences and complexities across each state, I speak pretty general in this episode. In this episode I discuss: Teacher's Retirement Systems Student Loans Listener Questions And more! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/22 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/22) Disclosure: I tried adjusting some sound settings for a better listening experience! Sorry in advance if there are some snags. Please give me any feedback so I can provide a better experience!
If we take some time and space to reflect, there’s quite a bit that we can learn about stewardship from the death and resurrection of Christ. Note: This episode is a little different as it’s actually the audio from the monthly video update that I send my email subscribers over at https://www.storylinefp.com (Storyline Financial Planning). Check out the show notes, by clicking the link below, if you’d like to join that email list. Enjoy! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/21 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/21)
Taxes always tend to be a polarizing topic amongst the secular crowd and even the Church. But as Christians, how should we view taxes? Join me this episode as I briefly dive into this topic. I’ll cover: Some tax news A brief overview of the tax system Spiritual implications of citizens paying taxes Enjoy! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/20 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/20)
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law last week. It is another large effort, weighing in at approximately $1.9 trillion, to send aid to the American people. In this episode I discuss: Recovery rebates (i.e. stimulus checks) Child Tax Credit enhancements Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit enhancements and more! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/19 (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/19)
A mortgage refinance isn’t always a glaringly yes. It depends. It depends on the interest rate you’re able to secure. It depends on the closing costs. It depends on how long you plan to live in the home. Join me this episode as I discuss this question. In this episode I discuss: Why a refinance isn't always a glaringly yes What you need to evaluate when potentially refinancing A couple of examples Some other helpful tips Even if you’ve already refinanced your mortgage recently be sure to give this a listen because you’ll still want to know some crucial information. You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/should-i-refinance-my-mortgage (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/should-i-refinance-my-mortgage)
Join me during this unplanned episode as I reflect on what has been top of mind for me during this brutal cold snap. Stay warm and stay safe! You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/cold-weather-observations (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/cold-weather-observations)
When it comes to our stewardship role, there are 5 principles that we ought to know in order effectively manage what God has entrusted to us. Join me this episode as I talk about the 5 Biblical Money Management principles and why they are important. Spend less than you earn. Avoid the use of debt (and eliminate it as quickly as you can). Build margin and save. Set long-term goals. Give generously, faithfully, and sacrificially. You can view the full show notes by clicking the link below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/5-biblical-money-management-principles (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/5-biblical-money-management-principles)
Gamestop, along with a handful of other companies, have been all over the news lately. But what does it all mean and why is it important? Tune in this episode as I talk about: How Main Street is sticking it to Wall Street What is actually happening How we as Christians should respond to the hype and mania around these momentum events You can view the full show notes by click below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/what-is-happening-with-gamestop (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/what-is-happening-with-gamestop)
Habits. Habits. Habits. They get touted at the beginning of every year and for good reason. But we don't need to wait until the new year to establish good habits, especially financial ones. Join me this episode as I discuss the important financial habits, and faith related habits, that we should be developing in order to improve our stewardship. In this episode I discuss: The important habit of budgeting & tracking our expenses Automating for success Incorporating faith habits into our finances You can view the full show notes by click below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/financial-habits-what-you-should-be-doing (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/financial-habits-what-you-should-be-doing)
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (Stimulus 2.0) was passed on 12/21/2020 which means another round of stimulus checks will be going out to Americans very soon. It's important that you have a plan for how to allocate these funds! In this episode I discuss: The details of the upcoming stimulus checks 5 things we should consider doing with our stimulus checks How our faith perspective should play a role in how we handle this money Note: International listeners, the stimulus checks may be irrelevant for you but the considerations can still be used with any windfall or sum of money. You can view the full show notes by click below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/5-things-you-can-do-with-your-stimulus-check (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/5-things-you-can-do-with-your-stimulus-check)
Join me this episode as I take truths about Christ that we celebrate during Advent and apply them to our personal finances! In this episode I discuss how Jesus should be: The light of our finances The hope of our finances The peace within our finances The counselor of our finances You can view the full show notes by click below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/light-of-the-world-light-of-our-finances
Christmas tends to be a holiday filled with excessive gift giving. We’ve taken something very symbolic and manipulated it. But what if we could redefine what gifts and giving looks like around Christmas? What if we were able to more fully cherish Advent season because we chose to live more sacrificially and give more freely? In this episode I discuss: Our current problem revolving around Christmas and gifts Potential alternatives to bring the focus back to Christ and emphasize giving Redefining what giving looks like this time of year You can view the full show notes by clicking below: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/redefining-giving-around-christmas
If often doesn't feel like it but there's so much that we have to be grateful for within our personal finances. However, we rarely take the time to reflect on those things. Join me as I create some space to reflect on gratitude when it comes to personal finances. I open up and talk about a handful of things that I'm personally thankful for. You can view the show notes and more by visiting: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/thankfulness-within-your-personal-finances (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/thankfulness-within-your-personal-finances)
With so much uncertainty right now, we’re bound to have some degree of stock market volatility. Are you prepared for the fluctuations in the stock market and subsequently your investments? Join me as I discuss why I think there’s still a degree of volatility ahead of us and what you can do to prepare for it. You can view the show notes here: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/are-you-prepared-for-stock-market-volatility (https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/are-you-prepared-for-stock-market-volatility)
Join me for this episode as I go over some frightening things I've witnessed, heard of, or experienced within the personal finances of others. You can view the show notes here: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/financial-frights
One thing I continually see the longer I'm a Christian is how the Church avoids talking about money like it's the plague. For one reason or another this has been the norm despite how much money is talked about in scripture. However, countless Christians are struggling in their relationship with money. Tune in as I talk about why it's important to normalize conversations and vulnerability around money and what we can start doing now to create a new normal. For show notes and more visit: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/money-doesnt-have-to-be-taboo
No one is immune to making financial mistakes. We all make them, including the experts. Join me as I get a little vulnerable and talk about the 3 Biggest Financial Mistakes that my wife, Amy, and I have made during our marriage. Hopefully, you gain some insight and wisdom and maybe avoid a mistake of your own. You can view the show notes here: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/our-3-biggest-financial-mistakes
I think there’s a lot we can learn from the global pandemic so far. It’s important that we periodically reflect on these important moments in our lives so we can gain the full value of what God’s teaching us. In this episode I cover the following 5 lessons that we can learn so far. You can view the show notes here: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/5-financial-lessons-we-can-learn-so-far-from-the-global-pandemic
How do we know if we’re stewarding in an honoring and faithful manner? Well we can typically look at the evidence, or results, of anything to get a good picture of the process. Stewardship is no different. Tune in as I talk about the following symptoms of faithful stewardship: Giving A controlled & debt-free lifestyle Integrity & thanksgiving Accountability View the show notes at: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/symptoms-of-faithful-stewardship
In this episode I continue exploring Biblical Stewardship and why it’s important. It's always important to ask "Why" before pursuing or not pursuing something. Tune in as I cover how Biblical Stewardship is a tool, test, and testimony. You can view the show notes at: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/why-is-biblical-stewardship-important
The word “Stewardship” gets thrown around a lot within the Christian culture. But what exactly does it mean? Tune in as I briefly cover what Biblical Stewardship is! You can view the show notes at: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/what-is-biblical-stewardship
Hey! I'm Donovan and I'm the owner and founder of Storyline Financial Planning. For my birthday this year I gave myself the permission to create a podcast, a dream of mine. In this episode I cover a little about myself (don't worry you'll hear plenty to come), why I decided to start a podcast, my hopes for this podcast, and my expectations. Thanks for listening! You can view the show notes here: https://www.buildingstewardspodcast.com/blog/introduction-to-the-building-stewards-podcast