Whether facing a public health emergency or a market downturn, the worst response is panic. By definition, panic maximizes fear and minimizes logical thinking. Often, panicked responses inflict more harm than whatever caused the panic in the first place.

Perhaps someday historians will reach conclusions about the degree to which various public-policy responses to COVID-19 were prompted by panic. But we can already judge that the stock market’s early reaction to coronavirus concerns was one of panic. Indeed, from late-February through mid-March of last year, investors engaged in widespread “panic selling” — to quote various news accounts of the time — driving one of the most abrupt downturns in market history. (In response to a hefty assist from the Federal Reserve, the panic subsided and the market reversed course.)

Although the human tendency to panic in fearful situations is understandable, panic is rarely helpful or productive. In the face of fear or danger, it is far better to keep your composure, at least as much as possible! The good news, as it regards your investing, is that you can take steps now that will help you stay steady and calm when the next “panicky” time comes.

## Fight panic by being prepared

Although the long-term trend of the stock market is upward, the market is subject to reversals, sometimes sharp reversals. We all know that, and yet during times when the market is advancing steadily, it’s easy to get lulled into thinking that there is more smooth sailing ahead. Perhaps there is. But we don’t know that for sure. In fact, we *can’t* know it. So be prepared at all times for storms and choppy seas.

Older investors (i.e., retirees and near-retirees) can prepare for market pullbacks by employing a “[bucket strategy.](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/when-a-bucket-strategy-shines)” This involves setting aside two or three years' worth of living expenses in a *savings-type* investment (such as a savings account, CD, short-term bond fund), instead of leaving that soon-to-be-needed money exposed to the vagaries of the market. Knowing you have enough money at hand to cover near-term living expenses, and therefore you won’t need to withdraw investment money during a downturn, can help you remain calm during a market storm.

For younger investors, who still have decades to go before needing to withdraw any investing funds, preparing for a downturn is primarily mental/emotional. By studying market history, a younger investor can remain confident that reversals ultimately give way to advances. And they can know that continuing to make regular investments throughout a downturn likely [will result in robust long-term returns](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/how-dollar-cost-averaging-uses-bear-markets-to-your-advantage). 

## Fight panic with a written plan

Staying calm is much easier if you have a written document that [spells out your investing objectives and strategies](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/how-to-write-an-investment-plan1) — including what you will do when market reversals  occur. Putting your plan in writing helps make it more concrete, and it provides you a document to consult during times of market stress.

By its nature, panic tends to “short-circuit” one’s reason and logic, so a written plan that you composed during a time of calm reflection can remind you of the logical reasoning you’ve already applied to your financial situation. For example, a younger investor’s document might include something like: “Because I have many years ahead before retirement, I will weather downturns and continue to invest steadily using a dollar-cost averaging approach.”

An older investor’s document might read: “Because I am using a ‘bucket approach’ to provide for spending needs in the near-term, I can afford to ride out a market downturn and allow my longer-term assets to recover their value.”

## Fight panic with a suitable portfolio

A great aid to keeping panic in check is to have a portfolio suited to 1) your age and 2) your tolerance for investing risk. SMI's “[Start Here](https://soundmindinvesting.com/start-here/lets-get-started)” section  can help you apply these considerations to your asset-allocation decision.

An investor in his or her mid-60s shouldn’t be assuming the same overall risk as a 30-year-old investor. This is why most of SMI’s asset-allocation models gradually reduce equity holdings and ramp up bond holdings as an investor moves through the seasons of life. (The Dynamic Asset Allocation strategy uses a different approach.)

Knowing your asset allocation is appropriate for your “season” can help you keep calm during downturns. A younger investor can appropriately view market pullbacks as a “stocks are on sale” buying opportunity. Older investors can rest assured that the “ballast” offered by their bond holdings will help smooth out the volatility of a tumultuous market.

A portfolio principle that applies to all investors — younger, older, or in between — is *[diversification](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/diversification-the-only-free-lunch-in-investing)*: “Invest in se ven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land” ([Ecclesiastes 11:2](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Eccles%2011.2)). By keeping you  from “having too many eggs in one basket,” diversification typically offers significant protection during downturns.

SMI’s core strategies (Just-the-Basic, Fund Upgrading, and Dynamic Asset Allocation) have diversification built-in. Depending on the strategy — or blend of strategies — you adopt, your portfolio will be broadly diversified among the stocks of both large and small companies and (if called for) an array of bonds. At times (and, again, depending on the particular strategy), your holdings might also be diversified among foreign stocks, real estate, gold, or cash.

## Fight panic through prayer

There is no better antidote to panic than prayer. Prayerfully recalling what God has said in Scripture about his care and concern for us can help you remain calm and confident, regardless of the immediate circumstances. As [Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)](https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/Isa%2026.3) says of God, “Yo u will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

SMI members can testify to the reality of that “perfect peace.” A few months ago, [many of them told us](https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/the-marks-of-a-christian-investor) about the sense of  calm they had during last year’s unprecedented COVID-induced downturn. Through prayer and meditating on Scripture, they held on to a deep assurance that, no matter what might come, God would “never leave [them] or forsake [them]” ([Hebrews 13:5](https://biblia.com/bible/niv/Heb%2013.5)). 

## Keep calm and carry on

By getting prepared, writing out a plan, building a suitable portfolio, and being a person of prayer, you’ll be ready to face whatever may be ahead. When the investing seas get choppy and other investors start to panic, you’ll be able to keep a steady hand on the tiller.

Since 1990, do-it-yourself Christian investors have relied on SMI for proven strategies and trustworthy guidance.

Sound Mind Investing

Faith and Finance

Whether facing a public health emergency or a market downturn, the worst response is panic. Fight panic by preparing.

How to Panic-Proof Your Investing

__More and more Christian investors are making intentional steps to glorify God by aligning their investment portfolios with biblical values, and the biblically responsible investing (BRI) movement continues to advance at breakneck pace as a result.__ 

However, I still routinely come across Christian investors and financial advisors who have not yet decided to adopt BRI into their portfolios, instead keeping their money invested in the same secular funds they have always used.

A frequent reason they share with me for their reluctance to invest with BRI principles is that they are concerned that doing so would be legalistic of them. They rightly value their freedom in Christ, and in their view, biblically responsible investing screens are akin to “straining out gnats” from a portfolio while “swallowing a camel” of legalistic slavery. They are quick to point out that the Bible does not provide specific rules for screening investments, and despite the broader scriptures concerning moral business dealings, they consider it a bridge too far to say the Bible teaches that Christian investors have a moral responsibility for the actions and profits of the companies in their portfolios.

The essence of their position is that they believe the Bible does not require them to screen their investments, and therefore they don’t do it. This has historically made for some lively discussions among the Christian financial professional community between those who believe the Bible does teach the necessity of BRI and those who do not, each trying to convince the other side of their erroneous judgement on the matter.

__Pardon The Interruption__

But can I just interrupt that conversation for a minute? Can I take a humble step back and ask the question, “What if my interpretation of the Bible is wrong and the Bible really does give Christians the freedom to invest in anything without raising questions on the ground of conscience?”

Somewhere, a pin drops.

The natural assumption is that if the Bible does not say that you have to screen your investments, then you should not screen your investments. But is that actually a biblical assumption? If the Bible does not specifically prohibit an activity, does that mean that you therefore should do it? Or, if the Bible does not specifically teach that you should do a thing, does that mean you should refrain?

The Apostle Paul provides some Holy Spirit inspired wisdom on this topic, “‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” (1 Cor. 10:23-24)

In this concise treatment, Paul gives us a very practical lens with which to make God-honoring decisions. He teaches here that there is something greater than the obligations of the moral law at work in the life of a believer, another law at work with a superior claim on the Christian than the Law of Moses. This other law he calls the “law of Christ”(see 1 Cor. 9:21and Gal. 6:2), pointing to the teaching of Jesus to love your neighbor as yourself.

Applied to our context of investing, this verse might read, “’All investments are lawful,’ but not all investments are helpful. ‘All investments are lawful,’ but not all investments build up. Let no one invest for his own good, but for the good of his neighbor.”

Does your portfolio only seek your own good, or the good of your neighbor as well?

__Seeking The Good__

Instead of asking whether Christian investors “have to” screen their investments to fulfill the righteous requirements of the law, shouldn’t we first be asking the more important question of how we can best seek the good of our neighbor with our investments to fulfill the love-motivated law of Christ to the glory of God?

Let’s consider some examples together. Which investor is more fully “seeking the good of his neighbor”…

- The investor that avoids stocks of abortion drug manufacturers because their products bring death and tragedy? Or is it the investor that keeps abortion drug manufacturers in their portfolio because they want to keep using a particular fund from their favorite fund company, perhaps because the costs are lower?
- The investor who excludes Netflix and Amazon from their portfolio because the pornography they sell and distribute enslaves people to wickedness and ruins marriages? Or is it the investor who keeps Netflix and Amazon in their portfolios because their performance has been so good, turning a blind eye to the millions of pornographic videos streamed every year through their platforms?
- The investor who actively seeks out investments in companies that are operating with integrity in their management, fairness in their supply chains, sustainability with the environment and is a blessing to their employees? Or is it the investor who only looks for the best risk/reward performance and lowest cost, no matter how the management runs the company?

To truly invest with Christian freedom is to actively use our freedom in Christ to love God and love our neighbor with our investment decisions. A position that views freedom in Christ as freedom from responsibility, and in our context freedom from being responsible for the actions of the companies we own, is lacking in appreciation for the great opportunity and responsibility to glorify God that our freedom in Christ is meant to create,

## *“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”* (Gal. 5: 13-14)

So then, we are set free not so that we can do whatever we want, but in order to glorify God by loving our neighbor as ourselves. We are set free not so that we can invest in whatever we want, but in order to glorify God by loving our neighbors through the companies we invest in.

__Asking The Right Question__

“Does the Bible say I have to screen my investments?” is ultimately the wrong question. The right question is, “Am I loving God and loving my neighbor with my investment decisions?”

For the record, I do believe the Bible teaches a moral obligation to avoid profiting from and participating in immoral activities, including through a Christian’s investment account. But I also believe that there is a greater, even more compelling motivation that should inspire every Christian to invest differently than the world: to seek the good of others.

__Christians around the world are choosing to be intentional about loving their neighbors by pouring billions of dollars into biblically responsible investments. Will you join us and invest for the good of others to the glory of God? (Even if you don’t “have to”?)__


*Advisory Services are offered through CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire, a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. This article is distributed for educational purposes, and it is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any particular security, products, or services. Investors should talk to their financial advisor prior to making any investment decision.

Inspiring transformation for God’s glory by empowering Christian investors through  biblically responsible investing excellence and innovation.

Inspire Investing

Investing

More and more Christian investors are making intentional steps to glorify God by aligning their investment portfolios...

Investing With Christian Freedom

__The Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) movement is exploding — in a good way.__

Demand from Christian investors desiring to align their portfolios to support biblical values is powering asset growth among fund companies and advisory firms focused on providing biblically responsible investment solutions.

Earlier this year, [Ambassador Advisors](https://www.inspireetf.com/2019/03/28/inspires-biblical-etfs-have-largest-volume-day-on-record/?__hstc=244782426.b6585b39872115d7bad72614efc6518a.1629469300497.1629494263969.1630518098349.4&__hssc=244782426.3.1630518098349&__hsfp=1273170026), a $520 million ad visory firm serving the Christian investor market, made headlines by converting all of their assets under management to align with biblically responsible investing best practices, recognizing that investors want alignment between their investments and their deeply held values and beliefs.

As Ambassador Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Christopher Coolidge, CFA®, puts it, “We believe you shouldn’t have to compromise performance to live your values. There’s more to making money than just making money. Biblically responsible investing allows Christians to apply their stewardship and the belief that all money is God’s money, not only for budgeting and giving purposes, but all the way through investing and legacy planning.”

My own firm, [Inspire Investing](https://www.inspireinvesting.com/), which is entire ly dedicated to investing in the most inspiring, biblically aligned companies in the world, has increased assets under management from $250 million to over $400 million since the beginning of the year. We were also nominated as a finalist for “[Best Thematic ETF of the Year](https://www.inspireetf.com/2019/02/14/inspires-biblical-bond-etf-named-finalist-for-etf-com-awards/?__hstc=244782426.b6585b39872115d7bad72614efc6518a.1629469300497.1629494263969.1630518098349.4&__hssc=244782426.3.1630518098349&__hsfp=1273170026)” award in the annual ETF.com  Awards.

God is at work in the hearts and portfolios of His people, and all glory goes to Him.

__Timothy Plan ETFs Expand Biblically Responsible Investing Options__

And recently that growth in demand has prompted yet another increase, this time in the supply side of the market with the launch of two new biblically responsible Timothy Plan ETFs. [Timothy Plan](https://timothyplan.com/) is a long-s tanding leader in the BRI marketplace and offers a fully diversified suite of mutual funds all designed to support biblical values.

The new Timothy Plan ETFs are welcome additions to the growing lineup of world-class biblically responsible investment options available to Christian investors. The BRI movement is spreading like wildfire around the globe, and we need more high-quality, innovative, BRI solutions introduced to effectively serve this vast market and truly transform the way every Christian invests around the world for the glory of God.

__How Big Is The Christian Investment Marketplace?__

The size of the Christian investment market in the United States is estimated at over $21 trillion, according to research we have conducted at Inspire Investing. This marketplace includes investors identified by researchers as “Evangelical”, “Catholic” and “Mainline Protestant”, and is based on data sourced from Pew Research, Economic Policy Institute and the US Census.

Notably, this number includes only retirement assets such as 401(k) and IRA accounts, indicating the actual figure could be much higher if non-retirement investment assets were included.

Using the same data set, the total US investor marketplace of retirement assets, including faith-based and non-faith-based investors, is approximately $31.4 trillion dollars in size. Data from the Investment Company Institute’s “2018 Investment Company Fact Book” pegs total US retirement assets at $28.2 trillion at the end of calendar year 2017, adding confidence that these numbers are reliably close.

__Sleeping Giant Awakening__

The Wall Street establishment has no idea about the size and magnitude of the Christian investor market. Most secular firms dismiss Christian investors as an obscure, irrelevant niche population. But the reality is that Christian investors control more than two-thirds of the retirement assets in the United States, and this sleeping giant is waking up to biblically responsible investing.

Can you imagine the impact we Christians can have if we all just invested our money (God’s money) in alignment with [biblical values](https://www.inspireinvesting.com/2018/12/05/how-inspire-builds-quality-portfolios-differently/)? 

What if we all just stood up and said, “Hey, Wall Street! We’re not going to invest in companies that manufacture abortion drugs, sell pornography, exploit child-slave labor or conduct any other blatantly immoral business practice anymore! We actually believe in the values taught in the Bible and we care about the glory of God, and we want investments that enable us to [glorify our God in everything we do!](https://www.inspireinvesting.com/2018/03/09/5-bible-verses-for-christian-investors/)” 

Could our voice actually get noticed?

__Bringing Down The Wall__

The Bible tells the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho, and how the Lord commanded that after the Israelites had marched around the city seven times, “then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat…” (Joshua 6:5).

__It’s time for all of God’s people to shout with a great shout and bring down Wall Street’s “wall” of greed, corruption and immorality and usher in a new culture of investing for the glory of God.__

__Will you join us?__


*Advisory Services are offered through CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire, a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. This article is distributed for educational purposes, and it is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any particular security, products, or services. Investors should talk to their financial advisor prior to making any investment decision.

Business

The Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) movement is exploding — in a good way.

Biblically Responsible Investing Movement Exploding

__Opportunity Or Armageddon?__

__Back in February 2018, the stock market gave investors the largest decline they have seen in more than a year. In doing so it is my opinion that the stock market has also given investors the best buying opportunity they have seen in over a year.__

The S&P 500 Index* was down 3.85% for the week ending 2/2/18, representing the largest weekly decline since early 2016. This drop has some investors asking if this it is time to sell everything and run for cover. However, other investors are eyeing this decline as a potential entry point, allowing them an opportunity to put new money to work and “buy the dip” as they say on Wall Street.

So, who is right? Is this weekly decline just the beginning of the next financial Armageddon? Or is this a golden opportunity for investors to get cash off the sidelines and into the market in preparation for a continuation of the bull market?

I am of the opinion that while we may well see some short term weakness in equity markets, the bull market still has some room to run to the upside. Following are a few of the data points that tip my scales in favor of the bull market.

__Uptrend Still Fully Intact__

There is an old investing adage that “the trend is your friend”. Practically speaking, this means that so long as the prevailing trend (whether up or down) remains intact, it is a fool’s errand to invest contrary to that trend.

This past year has seen one of the strongest bull market up-trends in the history of the stock market. This week’s modest decline feels scary only because it has been so long since we have had any kind of meaningful dip in the market. While it is true that at some point the party is going to be over, it is premature to throw in the towel. By definition, a bull market cannot be over until the uptrend line has been broken, and we have a ways to go before prices are in danger of falling below that level.


![](https://assets.website-files.com/5ed898c402c24b6d359e981a/5fb20a43e878e8a1077832e0_SP-trend-lines_chart_180202.png)


__Momentum Is Strong__

Objects in motion stay in motion until acted upon by an outside force. That is true in physics and investing as well. To date, there has been very little resistance hindering the charge higher in equity markets. The resulting momentum in stocks is literally off the charts, and are at levels higher than I have ever seen.

Strong momentum does not preclude a decline in stocks; however, what it does strongly indicate is that the market is not ready to turn on a dime and immediately plunge lower in a sustained fashion. For a trend change to take place, first the upward momentum would have to be worn down, typically by choppy up and down movement, a series of dips and jumps in prices. If we see sustained choppy-ness in the market, rather than a sustained upward move, then it is possible that the market is working on building out a top. But tops take time to form and it will take time for the momentum to be sucked out of this market before any serious decline begins to take shape.


![](https://assets.website-files.com/5ed898c402c24b6d359e981a/5fb20a43ca5e3a3289848d94_SP-MACD_chart_180202.png)


__Strong Support Near Current Levels__

There are numerous levels of support just a few percentage points below current levels. Market prices tend to bounce off of these support levels, which are indicated by such things as previous highs and lows, moving averages and trend lines.

Over the past two weeks, prices have become overextended and stretched far above these support levels and it is makes sense that they should snap back like a rubber band after such a stretch. This week’s decline has brought prices back down to those support levels and until those levels are broken, the uptrend remains intact and the rally is still on.


![](https://assets.website-files.com/5ed898c402c24b6d359e981a/5fb20a43c3163bae2f74cdb7_SP-multi-moving-avg_chart_180202.png)


__Fear Not__

All that said, I could be dead wrong. But, even if I am, investors would be wise to avoid falling prey to fear. Fear and greed are the two most dangerous emotions for investors. They cause you to make unwise, irrational and harmful decisions…typically at the worst possible times.

During market declines, fear is highest at the lowest point in the market. And the lowest point in the market is precisely the WORST time to sell, but ironically it is often the point when MOST people end up selling because they are just plain afraid.

Don’t fall into that trap.

__Stick to your long term investment goals and strategy. If you do not have a long term goal and strategy, then you need to get one right away. If you need help or guidance with your plan, the Christian financial advisors at [Christian Wealth Management](http://www.christianwealthmanagement.com/) are a great resource for s ophisticated, biblical financial guidance.__

Blessings,

-R

*Advisory Services are offered through CWM Advisors, LLC dba Inspire, a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. This article is distributed for educational purposes, and it is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any particular security, products, or services. Investors should talk to their financial advisor prior to making any investment decision.

Back in Feb 2018, the stock market gave us the largest decline they had seen in more than a year...here's the point

Market Weakness Is A Buying Opportunity

Financial author Doug Kass once said, “When everyone thinks central bankers, money managers, politicians or any other group are the smartest guys in the room, you’re in a bubble.” That’s an interesting quote coming from a hedge fund manager. Are stocks overvalued? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll talk about that with investing expert Mark Biller and how you should plan either way.
<ul><li>Mark’s the executive editor of Sound Mind Investing where they’ve been teaching investors how to weather market ups and downs for decades.</li><li>By traditional measures that interpret stock prices through the lens of corporate earning, stocks are clearly expensive. However, we’re in the middle of a prolonged monetary policy experiment that started way back in 2009 after that financial crisis which has never stopped.</li><li>There’s the normal risk of being invested and seeing asset prices fall. But there’s also the new risk that currency debasement keeps pushing up asset prices. The policies driving these outcomes have terrible implications for those who don’t own assets.</li><li>The number one way to fight panic is by preparing in advance.</li><li>Second, a written investing plan can be a lifesaver in times of market panic. Staying calm is so much easier if you can read your own clear-headed thinking about what you’re going to do in the exact scenario you’re currently in.</li><li>Third, make sure your portfolio is suited to both your age and your tolerance for investing risk.</li><li>Finally, pray. Remembering what God said about His care and concern for us can help us remain calm and confident, regardless of the immediate circumstances. Isaiah 26:3 says of God, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”</li><li>Read the article we discussed today, “How to Panic-Proof Your Investing,” at <a href="http://SoundMindInvesting.com">SoundMindInvesting.com</a>.</li></ul>On this program we also answer a couple of your questions:
<ul><li>I’d gotten a mortgage through the FHA, I’ve refinanced once, but wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to refinance again. Regardless, how do I get rid of my PMI?</li><li>I’ve purchased houses and land. Now I’m selling. How do I figure out capital gains?</li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them to <a href="mailto:questions@MoneyWise.org">Questions@MoneyWise.org</a>. Also, visit our website at <a href="http://MoneyWise.org">MoneyWise.org</a> where you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

Biblical Wisdom For Your Financial Journey

MoneyWise

MoneyWise is a daily radio ministry of MoneyWise Media. Hosted by Rob West and Steve Moore, the program offers a practical, biblical and good-natured approach to managing your time, talents and resources.

MoneyWise with Rob West

Are stocks overvalued?  Maybe... maybe not.  Rob talks about that first with investing expert Mark Biller and how you should plan... either way.

Panic Proof Your Investing with Mark Biller

Isaiah 55 proclaims, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” With our finite minds, we can never fully understand God’s. But can we gain some understanding of His view of things like investing? Rob talks about that with Jason Myhre. Jason Myhre is with Eventide an underwriter of this program. He’s a founding member of Eventide and spends a great deal of time encouraging folks like us to be a part of God’s plan with our investments. 
<ul><li>Investing is one of those topics that can feel far away from our faith because we look at numbers and charts and wonder how it all connects with the Bible and God’s purposes. How can we see investing as a part of God’s plan?</li><li>Until recently, viewing any investments related to your Christian beliefs was just not possible, right?</li><li>Touch on the growth in Faith Based Investing.</li><li>How do we put everything into action and learn to see investing through God’s eyes?</li><li>How are business and investing meant to contribute to the goodness of creation and how is that different from the story we often hear in the world today?</li><li>How does sin affect this work of investing?</li><li>That’s a great way for us to turn to the value of faith-based investing. It offers us a way to intentionally say YES to businesses that we believe are developing God’s good creation in ways that serve our neighbors and honor God.</li></ul>Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org:
<ul><li>If you're 67, retired and your wife is 63 and working part-time, both of you have IRAs and you're waiting on ago 70 to collect Social Security and you have a safety net of about $60,000 in savings, what should you do with this money for a better return? </li><li>If you're 60 years old, still working as self-employed individual, have a half pension but no other retirement and have $40,000 as the result of a property sale, how should you use this to fund some of your retirement?</li><li>If you currently have a 3.875%, 15 year mortgage and have been offered a 10 year at 2.65% with closing costs under $4,000, should you take advantage of this offer?</li><li>If you've never bought property before and you've just become aware of a property tax sale in Chicago, is participating in this a good idea or are there caveats to this type of purchasing?</li><li>If, for your entire life, you've been tithing before taxes just realized that you're not giving on gains you'll realize during retirement, how should you handle this?</li><li>Are there companies that will loan money based on an expected settlement?</li></ul>Be sure to check out the rest of MoneyWise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Listen to MoneyWise Live each weekday at 4pm EST on Moody Radio.

MoneyWise Live

Isaiah 55 proclaims, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” With our finite minds, we can never fully understand God’s but we can gain some understanding of His view of things like investing.

Seeing Investing Through God’s Eyes with Jason Myhre

Isaiah 55 proclaims, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” With our finite minds, we can never fully understand God’s. But can we gain some understanding of His view of things like investing? We’ll talk about that with Jason Myhre, on this Moneywise. 
Jason Myhre is with Eventide, an underwriter of this program. He’s a founding member of Eventide and spends a great deal of time encouraging folks like us to be a part of God’s plan with our investments.
<ul><li>How can we see investing as a part of God’s plan? Our task as believers is to see all of life through God’s eyes, including investing. Unless we see the whole world the way God sees the world, every decision we make will be flawed. </li><li>The book of Genesis provides us with a vision for business and investing today. In Genesis 2:15, God gives humanity the gift of work. God’s plan from the very beginning was for humanity to participate in his work of creation.</li><li>All our labors are meant to add up to this: to develop and cherish God’s good creation in ways that meet human needs and bring glory and honor to him.</li><li>Both business and investing are meant by God to provide for the needs of the world and to bring glory and honor to him. Humanity, through business, is meant to “image” God’s attribute of provision for the world by creating the goods and services that the world needs to flourish. That’s its true calling. Profit is necessary, but secondary.</li><li>Humanity through investing is meant to resource business with the capital it needs to accomplish the work of provision for the world. Investing’s financial returns are good, but again they are secondary.</li><li>However, sin means that not every investing decision can be made. There are, sadly, many investing decisions where we should say no. The fall means that humanity can now use our God-given creativity in business to create things that harm our neighbor and bring dishonor to God. </li><li>Great care must be taken with each investing decision. We need always to be asking, is this investing decision going to enhance the beauty and provision of the garden God made or is this investing decision going to diminish it?</li><li>The value of faith-based investing is that it offers us a way to intentionally invest in companies whose products and practices are enlarging the beauty and provision of God’s good creation.</li></ul>On this program we also answer your questions:
<ul><li>I want a new car with upgraded features. My car dealership is encouraging me to roll the remaining balance of my current vehicle—almost paid for—into a new, current-model one. What are your thoughts on doing this?</li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them to <a href="mailto:questions@MoneyWise.org">Questions@MoneyWise.org</a>. Also, visit our website at <a href="http://MoneyWise.org">MoneyWise.org</a> where you can listen to past programs, connect with a MoneyWise Coach, and even download free, helpful resources like the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for the very latest discussion! And remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app.

Proverbs 13:11 tells us, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Applied to investing it means “patience is a virtue.” All too often, impatience can be costly especially if you’re trying to time the market. Investing expert Mark Biller joins us to tell us how to win at that game without really trying.
<ul><li>Stock prices go up and down like a tennis ball going back and forth over the net - is it something like that?</li><li>We're actually referring to where investors try to beat the market, which is where we get into the tennis lesson, right?</li><li>What lessons can we take from the 1970 book Extraordinary Tennis for the Ordinary Player, for investor behavior? </li><li>How do unforced errors relate to selecting a mutual fund portfolio?</li><li>Wall Street is full of fund managers. How is that possible and why don’t people just stick with index funds that try to match - not beat - the market?</li><li>How do amateur investors play the “loser’s game” to their advantage?</li><li>You’re not saying that all actively managed funds underperform, right?</li></ul>Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org:
<ul><li>If you don't know much about investing and have a small 401(k) with about $21,000 and when you received the last statement, you saw you'd lost 3,000, what should you do with this account to prevent further loss?</li><li>If you're a freshman and have $100 to invest, what is the best way to do this?</li><li>If you're currently in the process of building your credit, you're at 750 right now and were told to increase your credit limit to increase the score but then were told you were using too much of your available credit, what should you do to ready yourself for a sizable commercial loan?</li><li>If you're in your late 50's and your financial advisor said it would be a good idea to invest in long term care, should you consider this now or wait a bit?</li><li>If your husband passed away 10 years ago and you have some inherited IRAs with 750,000 in them as well as 35,000 in a mutual fund, which funds should you use the to buy a car or should you just get an auto loan?</li></ul>Be sure to check out the rest of MoneyWise.org to connect with a MoneyWise Coach or access our books and our many free helpful resources. You can also find us on Facebook (MoneyWise Media) and join the conversation. Thanks for your prayerful and financial support that helps keep MoneyWise on the air. And if you'd like to help, just click the Donate tab at the top of the page.

Applied to investing, patience is a virtue. All too often impatience can be costly especially if you’re trying to time the market. Investing expert Mark Biller joins us to tell us how to win at that game without really trying.

A Tennis Lesson For Investing With Mark Biller

Here's the founational concepts that you need to know about these investment vehicles

The Ron Blue Institute seeks to be a thought leader with great influence committed to changing the way Christians think, act, and communicate about financial stewardship, empowering the church, and changing the world.

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Here are the foundational things you need to know about these investment vehicles

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Mark A. Regier is Vice President of Stewardship Investing for Praxis Mutual Funds® and Everence Financial®. In this video Mark discusses the importance of leading with values while implementing a robust ESG integration program.

CONSIDER THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISKS AND CHARGES AND EXPENSES CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. THE FUND’S PROSPECTUS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS CONTAIN THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION. CALL 800-977-2947 OR VISIT PRAXISMUTUALFUNDS.COM FOR A PROSPECTUS, WHICH YOU SHOULD READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. PRAXIS MUTUAL FUNDS ARE ADVISED BY EVERENCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTED THROUGH FINRA MEMBER FORESIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC. INVESTMENT PRODUCTS OFFERED ARE NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE AND HAVE NO BANK GUARANTEE.

Praxis Mutual Funds has a rich history as a leading faith-based family of mutual funds designed to help people integrate their finances with their values. With Praxis,your investments can make a difference for you, and the world around you.

Praxis Mutual Funds

Watch Mark explains the importance of leading with values while implementing a smarter approach to managing risk

The importance of leading with values

Stella Tai is Manager of Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis for Praxis Mutual Funds® and Everence Financial®. In this video Stella discusses the importance of impact investing.

CONSIDER THE FUND’S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, RISKS AND CHARGES AND EXPENSES CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. THE FUND’S PROSPECTUS AND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS CONTAIN THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION. CALL 800-977-2947 OR VISIT PRAXISMUTUALFUNDS.COM FOR A PROSPECTUS, WHICH YOU SHOULD READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU INVEST. PRAXIS MUTUAL FUNDS ARE ADVISED BY EVERENCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTED THROUGH FINRA MEMBER FORESIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, LLC. INVESTMENT PRODUCTS OFFERED ARE NOT FDIC INSURED, MAY LOSE VALUE AND HAVE NO BANK GUARANTEE.

In this brief video, Stella discusses the importance of impact investing

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