Dan Glaze, National Relationship Manager at the National Christian Foundation, joins Mike to discuss the many benefits being generous with what God has given you. * Is giving via your estate plan really sacrificial giving? * What exactly is a donor advised fund? * Are there giving and tax strategies you can implement when selling your business? * Do financial discussions or issues stress you out? * Want to get your children more involved in your giving? * What are some ideas for communicating with your spouse about giving? Mike and Dan discuss all these areas and more!

Highlights from show aired February 6, 2021 Mike discusses the importance of being grounded in your faith so you don’t become overcome with fear in troublesome times. He also discusses the recent article from the Wall Street Journal, “15 Personal-Finance Lessons We Can All Learn From the Year of Covid-19.” He covers: * How to financially prepare for inevitable emergencies * Creating financial discipline * Buying when others are scared * Managing your risks

There are many things to consider when looking at all the options for retirement. Many annuity salespeople make glittering promises, but are the products really all they say? Some questions you should ask before signing up: • What happens if you withdraw before you turn 59.5? Are there surrender charges? Taxes? • What is the step up in basis? • How did you find this annuity? Why did you pick it? • How many others have you researched? How do they compare? • What are the restrictions—especially if there is an upfront bonus? • What is the actual performance history (not back tested with current index) net of fees? Some other tips when looking at annuities: • Compare the annuity to the bond market, not just the stock market. • Ask for a detailed explanation of the return numbers and earnings numbers they are presenting. • Look up the insurance company at different regulators to make sure it is a strong company. • Remember to diversify: don’t put all your retirement funds in one annuity. • Consider staggering your contributions so that you have different maturity dates. If you have any other questions or need more clarification, please use the contact form below or call 1-800-588-7526.

Mike interviews Ron Blue, the founder of Ronald Blue Trust and author of several books on biblical financial management. They discuss Ron’s background as a CPA and what led him to start Ron Blue & Co, that eventually became Ronald Blue Trust. They also discuss some of the financial advice and wisdom they have gleaned over the years: * Materialism isn’t only a first world problem. * Asking, “how much is enough?” when setting up a financial plan. * The benefits of being generous now. * “If it’s true, it’s not new; if it’s new, it’s not true.” * You can’t feel financial independence. * Contentment is a choice. They finish by talking about some of the other organizations Ron has been influential in starting: Kingdom Advisors and the Ron Blue Institute. I Timothy 6:17-19  “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they my take hold of that which is life indeed.”

Highlights from show aired January 23, 2021 Mark Elam, Senior Investment Strategist at Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to discuss how projected policies of the new administration may affect our economy. Questions answered include: * How does the makeup of congress affect the economy? * Does all of this stimulus money drive inflation up? * It seems the US Dollar is getting weaker in the global economy, is that a cause for concern? * What about investing in things like gold? * Is there a bubble in the stock market? How does diversification help stabilize a portfolio in a stock bubble?

Highlights from show aired September 19, 2020 Bart Bryant, professional golfer, joins Mike to discuss golf, the “behind the scenes” of the PGA Tour, and what it was like to have Tiger Woods be your runner up! They also talk about things Bart has learned about money–from the importance of generosity to the value of having a like-minded financial advisor.   Video clip played at beginning of the episode can be viewed here.   Bart Bryant’s experiences may not be representative of the experience of other clients of Ronald Blue Trust. His experiences are also not indicative of future performance or success.

John Dodd, Sr. Private Wealth Advisor in Ronald Blue Trust’s Nashville, TN office, joins Mike to discuss how someone’s philosophy of money affects their day to day financial decisions. They discuss some ideas such as: * Money has gravity: the more you have, the more force it exerts on you. * Money has power: it promises what it can’t deliver. * Money makes us more of who we are: it reveals our hearts. They also discuss this Financial Intimacy Assessment: a document that Ronald Blue Trust advisors use as they help counsel couples through some of their financial questions and issues. This document covers areas such as: * Describe how your parents handled money and what impact that had on you. * What is a financial value you want to and don’t want to emulate? * What are the primary money messages your children are learning from you and your spouse? * If you had an extra $50,000 this year, what would you do with it? * If you had one money “do-over” in life, what would it be?

Don Christensen, EVP of the Professional Athlete Division of Ronald Blue Trust, joins Mike to share his background and discuss the challenges specific to working with professional athletes: * What are some differences between working with professional athletes versus people in other careers? * Why is it important to have a trusted financial advisor, regardless of your career? * What are some mistakes that professional athletes seem to make with their finances? * How does the length of time an athlete’s career lasts come into play? * What about endorsements? * How do you counsel them on handling friends and family in financial areas? * What are some of the more exciting or memorable experiences from working with athletes? * How rewarding is it when the athletes follow your advice and are pleased with the results? * What’s the hardest sport to deal with and why?

Mike answers recently submitted listener questions. He then finishes discussing the recent article from the Wall Street Journal, “15 Personal-Finance Lessons We Can All Learn From the Year of Covid-19.” He covers: * You need a will. * How your personal finances reflect your values. * The importance of flexibility in you retirement plans. * Things won’t always be bad or good. * “This Time is different. Not.” * The markets fool us: “If we can’t even explain the past, just think how futile it is to try to predict the market’s future.” * The three bucket strategy. * “Rebalancing Pays Off.” * Stay the course: stay invested. * Maybe start a side gig. * Bonds are still important for diversification.

Mike discusses the importance of being grounded in your faith so you don’t become overcome with fear in troublesome times. He also discusses the recent article from the Wall Street Journal, “15 Personal-Finance Lessons We Can All Learn From the Year of Covid-19.” He covers: * How to financially prepare for inevitable emergencies * Creating financial discipline * Buying when others are scared * Managing your risks