Money 101
The Psychology of Lifestyle Creep
When you receive a raise, whether at your current company, by switching to a higher-paying job, or by moving from a part-time college income into your first full-time role, it can feel exciting. Sometimes it also feels a little stressful. Suddenly, more dollars are coming in, and with them, more decisions about how to allocate…
Taxes: It’s All About the Mindset
What comes to mind when you hear the word taxes? Pause for a moment and answer that honestly before reading on. Maybe you think of the tax withheld from your paycheck or the annual inconvenience of filing a return. Perhaps you think about last year’s tax bill or refund. Or maybe you quickly change the subject in your mind to avoid thinking about them altogether. Whether you realize it or not,…
A Guide to Short-Term Savings Goals
Last month, we explored the importance of finding balance between your goals and priorities-recognizing that financial planning isn’t about choosing one thing at the expense of everything else, but about aligning your resources with what matters most in each season of life. This month, we’re taking a closer look at one specific type of goal:…
Finding Balance in Your Goals and Priorities
Recently, I met with a young couple who had just welcomed their first child. Many families in their position end up overwhelmed by all the new decisions in front of them, financial and otherwise. But these two were in an unusually flexible position: They were already beginning to save for their child’s education, planning ahead…
2025 Economic Recap: What the Numbers Teach Us About Faithful Stewardship
In Genesis, God commands humanity to “work and keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15), a call to cultivate and steward creation. This biblical principle extends beyond farming; it shapes how we approach everything entrusted to us, including money and material resources. With economic headlines often feeling distant or confusing-“interest rates rise,” “inflation slows,” “GDP contracts”-it’s easy…