In Episode 6 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss ten top tips for dealing with debt.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip for dealing with debt if it has become an issue for us is to admit that we are ‘in debt’. [01:21]
• Top tip number two is to quantify and define our debt, including acknowledging the situation if the debt is best described as being ‘unmanageable’. [04:37]
• Thirdly, Simon stresses the importance of asking for help and support, especially if the debt is ‘unmanageable’, in which case professional assistance is available from the likes of Christians Against Poverty. [06:37]
• Next, Simon highlights the need to make a list of all our debts and their details because an effective action plan cannot be drawn up without that information. [08:50]
• When implementing an action plan, we should aim to create a balance between achieving our repayment goals as quickly as possible and building in budgetary resilience that will keep us on track even when unexpected expenditure occurs. [10:03]
• Simon outlines a couple of ‘snowballing’ options that can be used as the core element of a plan to pay down the debts we owe. [12:24]
• Tackling debt issues can be challenging and emotionally draining, so Simon encourages us to celebrate our debt-related ‘victories’ – which can come in a variety of different forms - in an appropriate and meaningful manner. [15:32]
• Simon explains how we can consolidate and rationalise our debts without having to pay a third party to do this for us. [18:08]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to avoid short-term thinking; taking the long view is a real key to success when it comes to debt management. [20:13]
• Simon’s final top tip is to allow our attitude to money to be shaped by the biblical principle of avoiding the love of money and, instead, use money as a way of expressing love to others. [22:05]
• The next episode in this season will comprise ten top tips about preparing for retirement. [24:32]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

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In Episode 5 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss their Top 10 Tips for Investing.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip on this subject is to consider the investing options for our financial circumstances only once we have put in place the foundational budgetary practices that best suit our needs. [01:36]
• Top tip number two is to be clear about our objectives (‘give every pound a purpose’) and to understand the timescale for each objective. [03:52]
• Thirdly, Simon explains the importance of understanding the nature of risk and of being able to evaluate the level of risk associated with the options available to us at any one time. [05:46]
• Next, Simon suggests that minimising investment-related costs is a sensible approach to take and, if done thoughtfully, can be achieved without compromising the benefits that we are aiming to receive from investing. [07:26]
• On a related note, Simon highlights the advantages of maximising the various tax efficiency options that are legitimately available to us. [09:50]
• When it comes to the practicalities of how and when to invest, Simon suggests that keeping things simple by automating our investing (and creating a ‘pound cost averaging’ approach through that process) can be helpful and cost-effective. [12:25]
• Simon would also encourage us to review our investments from time to time (eg annually) but would urge us not to check on them frequently because they are long-term processes that can involve significant, but irrelevant, fluctuations in the short-term. [13:36]
• In addition, Simon would advise against trying to ‘time the market’. [15:26]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to take an evidence-based approach so that we avoid being drawn into ‘speculating’ rather than ‘investing’. [18:27]
• Simon’s final top tip is to recognise the significance of investment decisions by researching the options thoroughly and by taking appropriate advice (which can generally be available without incurring cost). [20:29]
• The next episode in this season will focus on top tips for dealing with debt. [23:02]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

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In Episode 4 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss their Top 10 Tips for Giving and Being Generous.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip for giving and being generous is to give first and then budget with what is left. [01:17]
• Top tip number two is to decide how much to give before we decide to whom we wish to give. [04:34]
• Thirdly, Simon explains the principle of giving regularly but also on an ad hoc basis. [06:13]
• Next, Simon talks about the benefits of being deliberate in the act of giving even when it happens through an automated process. [07:01]
• Simon highlights the importance of using the likes of Gift Aid and automated money transfer options (such as standing orders and direct debits) to help us to be as efficient as possible in our giving. [09:37]
• Another important element to prioritise is to review our giving on a regular basis. [11:29]
• Simon explains why he would suggest that we commit ourselves to giving to a cause for a specific period of time and communicate that arrangement clearly to those to whom we are giving. [13:13]
• Simon encourages us to include others in our giving endeavours so that they can learn from that involvement and can be inspired to go on to experience for themselves the joy and benefits of being generous. [15:26]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to be inquisitive about the charities to which we are giving and to develop a meaningful connection with them. [18:06]
• Simon’s final top tip is to recognise that giving isn’t just about money; there are many ways in which we can make significant contributions to the charities that we wish to support. [19:49]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

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In the third episode of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon shares his Top 10 Tips for Practical Budgeting.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip for practical budgeting is to itemise carefully all of our income so that we know how much money will be coming in monthly and over the course of a year. [01:43]
• Because of the great importance of giving and being generous (as discussed in Season 5), Simon suggests that top tip number two should be to decide how much we are going to give. [04:02]
• Thirdly, Simon highlights the importance of prioritising budgetary items through a process of identifying essential payments and then discretionary items, with the latter category being ranked according to their importance to us. [05:33]
• Top tip number four is ‘Write it down!”. [07:33]
• Next, Simon suggests that we should ensure that we review our financial commitments regularly. [09:32]
• Simon explains the ‘three bank account system’, which can help us manage our money according to the type of expenditure involved; ‘pots’ that are available through banking apps can be used to achieve the same outcome. [11:06]
• Simon explains how we can put in place an arrangement for coping with less frequent, but potentially very significant, expenses [14:22]
• Another key principle is to focus on reducing and then eliminating any debts that we may have. [17:16]
• Simon’s penultimate point is that we should try to balance our budget on an ongoing basis so that we are living within our means. [20:39]
• Simon’s final top tip on practical budgeting is to develop the habit of saving to buy rather than borrowing to buy. [22:21]
• The focus of the next episode in this season will be on generosity when Simon and Bex will discuss ten top tips relating to giving well and effectively. [24:28]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the second episode of this season of Faith and Finance Top 10s, Simon talks about his Top 10 Ways to Achieve a Healthy Relationship with Money.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon explains that this episode is designed to be a practical guide to developing a healthy relationship with money. [01:10]
• Simon’s first top tip is budgeting because of the immediate, practical benefits of putting in place a deliberate and organised way of managing money. [01:29]
• Top tip number two is to recognise that our relationship with money can have a strong emotional aspect, which needs to be understood and managed. [03:46]
• Thirdly, Simon stresses the importance of establishing healthy and wholesome priorities, as captured by the saying, ‘Use money and love people; don’t use people and love money’. [05:38]
• Next, Simon suggests that it is worthwhile to be aware of, and to reflect on, the idea of ‘the marginal return of money’. This theory acknowledges that money can be very important and desirable for people with little or no money but suggests that once someone has ‘enough money’, ‘more is not always better’. Bex draws attention to a BBC Radio 4 ‘Money Box’ episode on this theme, which may be of interest to listeners. [06:21]
• Simon encourages listeners to avoid accumulating more and more possessions; instead, a thoughtful and well considered approach of buying ‘experiences’ can prove to be beneficial, especially when used to deepen and enhance relationships with others. [08:46]
• Another principle that can have emotional as well as practical benefits is, ‘Pay now; consume later’. [10:48]
• Simon also highlights the importance of ‘valuing things that money can’t buy’ and of freeing up time to spend on the activities and people that are most important to us. [14:31]
• ’Making it a treat’ is another approach that can help us to use our money in an effective and fulfilling manner. [17:17]
• Simon’s penultimate point is the vital one of making sure that we talk about money with others normally, naturally and regularly. [19:05]
• Simon’s final tip for developing a healthy relationship with money is to make a habit of saving regularly, even if that involves only small amounts at a time. [21:33]
• The next episode in this season will focus on top tips for practical budgeting. [23:40]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

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In the first episode of this season of Faith and Finance Top 10s, Simon selects his Top 10 Bible Passages about Money and Possessions.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon and Bex start off the episode by explaining that this new season will comprise ten ‘Top Ten’ lists on a faith and finance theme, starting off with Simon’s favourite ten biblical passages about money and possessions. [00:52]
• Simon’s first choice is a verse which underpins many of the comments that he has made about stewardship in this podcast - Psalm 24.1: ‘The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it’. [03:17]
• Being disciplined in giving is a theme covered in Simon’s second selection, 1 Corinthians 16.1-2: ‘Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.’ [05:10]
• Simon’s third verse (Mark 12.43) makes a significant contribution to the topic of how much we should give: ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.’ [07:13]
• Simon uses the well-known expression, ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ (from 2 Corinthians 9.7) to introduce some comments about the importance of our attitude when we give. [09:11]
• Simon then comments on Acts 4.32-37, especially verses 34-35: ‘For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.’ [11:40]
• Simon draws attention to how love can be expressed through the use of money, as illustrated through the ‘Parable of the Good Samaritan’ and Luke 10.35, in particular: ‘The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”.’ [14:14]
• Simon’s next choice, Matthew 6.19-21, is a passage that is well known to the listeners of this podcast: ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ [16:20]
• Warnings are also included in the Bible verses selected, with Ezekiel 28.5 sounding a note of caution: ‘By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, and because of your wealth your heart has grown proud.’ Simon then takes the opportunity to sneak in an additional warning verse in the form of 1 Timothy 6.10: ‘For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.’ [19:02]
• The Parable of the Shrewd Manager also provides a warning, with Luke 16.10 making it clear that there will be consequences if we mismanage the resources that have been entrusted to our care: ‘Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.’ [20:57]
• Simon’s final verse in his top ten list comes from the Parable of the Talents, with Matthew 25.23 putting forward an end of life accolade that is worthy of our aspiration: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ [22:13]
• The focus of our next episode will be on ten ways to achieve a healthy relationship with money. [23:21]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

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In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex discuss FAQs relating to the faith and finance choices that we make as individuals.

Some key points covered in this episode include the following:

• The first question from a listener about individual faith and finance choices is from Charlie, who asks about giving principles: how much should we give, and to whom or what should we give? [02:24]
• The next question is from Morven, who is interested in hearing thoughts about principles that can help us to decide how much it is appropriate to spend on ourselves. [09:14]
• Simon then provides responses to three questions from Bex that are particularly relevant to the later stages of life: (i) Should Christians take out life / health insurance? [13:40]; (ii) What should the Christian attitude to inheritance be? [16:28]; (iii) What are three top faith and finance tips that Christian parents can pass on to their children? [20:38]
• A couple of questions about how we should react to financial stress are then posed by Ruth, through Bex. [23:33]
• Next up, Simon comments in response to three questions about best practice when managing church finances that were sent in by Guy. [27:19]
• The final question provided by listeners was submitted by Alison, who asks: ‘How do we step out in faith responsibly?’ [32:15]
• Simon rounds off the episode by encouraging listeners to get in touch with requests for topics to be discussed on the podcast, especially as future plans have not yet been finalised. [33:54]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex discuss FAQs about using our money in an ethical and responsible manner that benefits society.

Some key points covered in this episode include the following:

• Bex explains that the Season 7 bonus episodes will feature faith and finance FAQs. The first episode focuses on using our money in an ethical and responsible manner that benefits society and the second one explores issues to do with our personal finances and the choices that we make in that context. [00:30]
• The first question from listeners that Bex poses to Simon is from Don: ‘How much should we be digging to find out what our money is funding down the chain whilst it sits in bank/savings/investment accounts, and what options are available to us for more 'ethical' investing?’ [02:33]
• Reflecting on ways of influencing situations [07:23], Bex notes that campaigns and protests can become quite complex in their impact and invites Simon to share his thoughts on that area. [08:36]
• Simon explains and explores the issues that arise when trying to achieve a good balance between benefiting from investments and creating benefits by investing. [10:46] For those wishing to take an ethical approach to investing, Simon describes a range of options that runs from ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing through Ethical and Impact investing to Philanthropy. [11:54] He then goes to speak about some steps that are being taken to reduce the ability of companies to ‘greenwash’ their products in order to make them appear more ethical and responsible than they actually are. [15:36]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon outlines some suggestions that can help us to identify and implement ways of using our money to support causes that we are passionate about. [18:39]
• Bex then asks Simon for some top tips for anyone interested in setting up a Christian charity or social enterprise. [21:51]
• Simon proffers some comments about whether or not there should be any expectation that church members should provide services to churches at preferential rates. [26:44]
• Simon provides three top tips for ways in which Christians can make a difference in a financial context. [30:26]
• The second bonus episode of this season will focus on FAQs relating to the faith and finance choices that we make as individuals. [31:47]
• In closing, Simon recommends the information and resources provided by the charity, ‘Stewardship’, as being relevant and helpful in connection with the content of this episode. [32:22]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.