I kept telling myself, “Don’t look at my investments. Don’t look at my investments. Don’t look at my investments. Don’t look at my investments. Don’t look at my investments...”

Dang. I looked at my investments. 

You probably did the same. September was not a great month for the stock market, and like many others, your investments might be down because of it. 

Take a deep breath. Before you freak out about the market and do something extreme, let me remind you of a few things:

__1. Markets go up, and markets go down.__ 

With a few exceptions, the market has been incredible over the past decade. In fact, it has done so well that some act as if investing in the stock market should provide a guaranteed, quick return. This is not the case. What we have experienced over the past decade is abnormal. 

Markets do go up, but they also go down. The good news is that they go up more than they go down. When the market is up, overconfidence drives many to make unwise investment decisions. When the market is down, the problem becomes fear. Don’t be fearful and sell all your investments in your retirement accounts.

Remember, markets go up, but they also go down. This is normal.

## When the market is up, overconfidence drives many to make unwise investment decisions. When the market is down, the problem becomes fear.

__2. Down markets give you the opportunity to buy investments at a cheaper price.__ 

Are your investments down? Yes. Can you purchase investments at a lower price when the market is down? Also, yes. 

You have probably heard it said, “Buy low; sell high.” Well guess what? Down markets allow you buy low. Believe it or not, those who expect ups and downs in the market get excited when the market takes a dip. The down market allows them to buy mutual fund, ETFs, and index funds at a cheaper price. And you should as well. 

But this requires a long-haul mindset.

__3. Wise investing is long-haul investing.__ 

Down markets stress out those who are engaged in short-term investing. But not for those who invest for the long-haul. Those with a long-haul mindset are not concerned about a down month or even year. They are thinking in terms of 10-year, 20-year, or 30-year investing. September is a blip on their timeline.

Long-haul investing is wise investing. It helps you avoid emotionally driven decisions, like selling everything when the market takes a dip. 

So, adjust your investment allocation, if necessary, but don’t do anything extreme. Remember, markets go up, and markets go down. Down markets give you the opportunity to buy investments at a cheaper price. And wise investing is long-haul investing.

Don’t freak out.

You were meant for more. Your money was meant for more. You and your money are meant for an exciting, adventurous, and satisfying purpose. You were designed to live and give generously. And deep inside you know this and want this.

Art Rainer

Investing

Before you freak out about the market and do something extreme, let me remind you of a few things...

3 Reasons Not to Freak Out About the Market

Over time, economies have evolved and expedited growth by developing systems that allow for more efficient production of resources and better allocation of those resources to where they are needed. The result of these economic systems is staggering—masses of people lifted from poverty, longer average life expectancies, and an abundance of essential resources.

The most sophisticated economies have developed systems and tools that enable even more rapid development, ones that enable people to put their dormant money to use through widely accessible investment vehicles like mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

[As of 2020, there were 106.3 million individuals in the United States using U.S.-registered funds to invest their money back into one of the most prosperous economies of all time. ](https://www.ici.org/system/files/2021-05/2021_factbook.pdf)The asset managers of these funds are responsible for putting investor’s dollars to use by allocating them towards companies. And these companies are tasked with the indispensable  role of meeting some of our growing society’s most pressing needs.

Instead of having economic growth controlled by a centralized power like a government or autocrat, “democratized allocation of capital”—which allows individuals to freely choose how to put their money to work or who puts it to work on their behalf—encourages the people who are most directly impacted by the economy to build it themselves. This is a powerful system, and its animating spirit is woven into the fabric of America’s DNA.

__Striving Voluntarily__

In 1831, French sociologist and political theorist Alexis de Tocqueville traveled to America to study the prison systems in this relatively new country. When he arrived, however, he discovered that he needed to expand his scope of study. There was something remarkable and distinct about many aspects of American culture. It stood in stark contrast to what he witnessed in France and broader Europe.

Americans, Tocqueville noted, were animated by a spirit of self-organized association:

Americans of all ages, all conditions, and all minds are constantly joining together in groups. . . . Wherever there is a new undertaking, at the head of which you would expect to see in France the government and in England some great lord, in the United States you are sure to find an association.1

When Americans wanted to accomplish something they first looked to themselves and would then motivate others to come alongside them and help. He writes,

In America I came across types of associations which I confess I had no idea existed, __and I frequently admired the boundless skill of Americans in setting large numbers of people a common goal and inducing them to strive toward that goal voluntarily.__2 (emphasis mine)

For Tocqueville, this refreshing entrepreneurial culture was a welcome departure from the more centralized approaches that marked the development of other nations for centuries. At the time, the citizens of this young country had reduced their risk of having the government or an unelected lord direct the economic development of their society; as a result, they took on the responsibility to build a flourishing society themselves. Tocqueville referred to this democratized form of economic development as a “boundless skill” because it was limitless.

__The Perilous Voluntary Pursuit__

In 1985, 150 years after Tocqueville’s Democracy in America was published, a book was written by American cultural critic Neil Postman that examined what he perceived to be the biggest threat to a developed American society.

In *Amusing Ourselves to Death*,3 Postman contrasts two dystopian prophecies. First, he examines the “big-brother” government tyranny that George Orwell warns about in his book, 1984.4 He then contrasts Orwell’s warning with what he suggests to be a more likely scenario that will plague Americans—a scenario more similar to that described by Aldous Huxley in his Brave New World.5 Huxley’s perilous society was voluntarily inflicted by its own misguided pursuit of pleasure.

For Postman, the more immediate danger for Americans is not the heavy hand of big-brother government relentlessly stripping away the freedoms of its citizens but the citizens' unwitting pursuit of their own detriment. The same spirit that Tocqueville noted as a core feature of American culture could turn into its most vicious vice. If Americans fail to take on the responsibility of coming together and striving towards the right goals that lead to their own flourishing, they could implode from greed and factionalism.

__Intentional Investors Elect Intentional Asset Managers__

Americans have a rich history of identifying common goals and striving together to accomplish these goals. Through the power of association, we have the ability to achieve big things—important things. We have a sophisticated financial system that allows investors to associate with institutions and amplify the strength of the businesses shaping the economic environment in which we all live.

But what happens if this powerful system’s pursuit becomes misguided? 106.3 million individuals have effectively elected an elite group of leaders (asset managers) to direct [$29.7 trillion through the use of US-registered funds](https://www.ici.org/system/files/2021-05/2021_factbook.pdf). What if the asset managers leading the democratized  allocation of capital become negligent, allocating capital to the companies based on an illusory or short-sighted misunderstanding of pleasure? It is essential, therefore, for asset managers to identify and pursue goals aligned with creating long-term value that will help society flourish.

Now, just like in 1831, we have real and pressing societal needs. It’s time we reignite the boundless skill of inducing large groups of people to come together and strive towards a common goal of addressing these needs.

Perhaps a powerful way to start is with investors being intentional about who they elect to allocate their capital.

__Notes__

1. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America (New York: Library of America, 2004), 595.

2. Ibid.

3. Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death (London: Penguin Random House, 2005).

4. George Orwell, 1984 (London: Penguin Random House, 1961).

5. Aldous Huxley, Brave New World (New York: HarperCollins, 2010).

*Cover photo by [Cerqueira César](https://unsplash.com/s/photos/cerqueira-c%C3%A9sar) on [Unsplash](http://unsplash.com/)

*This communication is provided for informational purposes only and expresses views of Eventide Asset Management, LLC ("Eventide"), an investment adviser. There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives, generate profits, or avoid losses. Eventide's values-based approach to investing may not produce desired results and could result in underperformance compared with other investments. Any reference to Eventide’s Business 360 approach is provided for illustrative purposes only and indicates a general framework of guiding principles that inform Eventide’s overall research process. Investing involves risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.*
__Before investing or sending money, an investor should carefully review investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses as provided in prospectuses([https://www.eventidefunds.com/forms-and-literature/?](https://www.eventidefunds.com/forms-and-literature/?)__hstc=263561171.f6e4e60626d1324228aa183dd5090eaa.1621862861283.1627047082806.1627051299775.9&__hssc=263561171.1.1627051299775&__hsfp=978758889) and other i nformation available at [www.eventidefunds.com](https://www.eventidefunds.com/forms-and-literature/?__hstc=263561171.f6e4e60626d1324228aa183dd5090eaa.1621862861283.1627047082806.1627051299775.9&__hssc=263561171.1.1627051299775&__hsfp=978758889) or by calling 1-877- 771-EVEN (3836). Eventide Asset Management, LLC serves as investment adviser to the Eventide mutual funds distributed through Northern Lights Distributors, LLC (“NLD”), member FINRA/SIPC. NLD and Eventide are not affiliated entities.__

5333-NLD-7/7/2021

Eventide

Insights

(Sam - please make sure the disclosure statement is added at the bottom of the article.)

Reigniting the Boundless Skill

It’s been said that “facts are stubborn things.” Myths can be equally stubborn, but we can use facts to do away with five myths about retirement that never seem to die.

__The first myth is that setting your asset withdrawal rate for retirement is a one time thing.__ That is, planning that you can take out the often recommended 4% a year without dipping into your principal, and then never revisiting that percentage. So much can happen between now and the day you quit working that it’s prudent to periodically redo your calculation.

If you’ve already retired, or about to be, consult with your financial advisor and review your anticipated withdrawal rate. Take into account how stock prices and inflation may impact your returns. You may have to make adjustments to your retirement income.

Younger folks might want to go with a safer withdrawal rate of 3% to 4%, but it could be higher if you faithfully contribute 10 to 15% of your income to your retirement plan. Again, meeting with your advisor will help you set up a strategy that meets your goals and needs.

__The second retirement myth is that Medicare will cover all of your health care costs in retirement.__ It’s a very helpful program for many retirees, but it was never intended to cover 100% of health care costs. Deductibles and copayments can be high and Medicare doesn’t cover dental, vision and hearing conditions.

You need to factor in the cost of a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage Plan from a private company to supplement Medicare. That will cover the cost for Medicare Parts A, B, and C, but you also want to add Part D coverage for prescriptions.

__Perhaps the biggest retirement myth is that the Social Security program will collapse and not be there for you when you retire.__ While the program definitely has solvency issues that need to be faced, if you’re in or nearing retirement, they’re not likely to affect you.

It’s now estimated that, without changes, Social Security’s financial reserves will be able to pay full benefits until 2034. At that point, benefits would have to be decreased by about 25%. Is that likely to happen? Probably not.

It’s far more likely that Congress will overcome gridlock and implement steps to correct the problem, either by increasing payroll taxes or raising the full retirement age, or both.

However, keep in mind that Social Security was only designed to cover about 40% of your retirement income. That’s why it’s vitally important that you begin early and save as much as you can to provide the other 60%.

If your employer offers a 401k plan with matching contributions, put in enough to get the maximum match. Then put additional funds into a Roth IRA, where your withdrawals later will be tax free.

__Another retirement myth is that you can simply keep working as long as you need the money.__ The facts don’t support this and the COVID pandemic is an example. A recent survey showed that 7% of those responding retired earlier than expected due to the pandemic. Another 11% said they will now retire sooner than they had planned.

Here are two more statistics to take into account. Nearly 25% of people in their 20s will become disabled before reaching full retirement age at 67 and nearly 70% of people over 65 will need long term care at some point during retirement. The bottom line, save as much as you can, as early as you can, and then get long term care insurance when you near age 60.

__The last retirement myth is that you can simply alter your lifestyle in retirement so you won’t run out of money.__ Trimming your budget is always a wise idea, but you may not find it as easy as you think for several reasons. 

You’ll have more time on your hands to socialize, which can lead to overspending. There’s also a temptation to take more trips,  especially if grandchildren live out of town. You might want to pursue a hobby that leads to unplanned spending. 

Then there’s inflation, which Ronald Reagan called, “the cruelest tax of all.” Right now, the Federal Reserve is predicting 2% annual inflation for several years into the future. That might not seem like much, but that’s a *compounding* rate that will erode the buying power of your dollars over time.

Again, your financial advisor can help you come up with a strategy that takes inflation into account and that will likely involve keeping some of your portfolio in the stock market even after retirement.

Now you have the facts you need to prepare for whatever lies ahead.

__[Listen](https://www.moneywise.org/moneywise/5-retirement-myths-2339)__ to th e related podcast on this topic.

Biblical Wisdom For Your Financial Journey

MoneyWise

Articles

Myths can be stubborn, but we can use facts to do away with five myths about retirement that never seem to die.

5 Retirement Myths

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

David answered God’s call and went out to slay Goliath. Do we have a similar calling with our investments? Some decidedly ungodly elements have taken over the sphere of corporate engagement with investing. How should Christians respond? Robert Netzly joins Rob West to help answer that question today on MoneyWise. <ul><li>Robert Netzly is the CEO of Inspire Investing, an underwriter of MoneyWise.</li><li>Christian investors have been quick to abandon and reject the rapidly growing so-called ESG investing movement because of its worldly ideology, but Robert’s here with a different calling for Christian investors.</li><li>WHAT IS ESG INVESTING?</li><li>ESG stands for Environmental, Social, Governance. Radical left-leaning activists have used it to push woke liberal ideology which Christians and conservatives have rejected or disengaged from.</li><li>Examples include Larry Fink/Blackrock and the Equality Act, and companies like GoDaddy opposing pro-life legislation.</li><li>As a result, many Christian and conservative investors are remaining on the sidelines of ESG because of its liberal bent. But while ESG investing has been used as a tool for liberal ideology, it needs to be countered by Christians to redeem it to glorify God.</li><li>God frequently uses evil times like ours for His own purposes. Genesis 50:20 Joseph says to his brothers who sold him into slavery, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.”</li><li>A biblically informed approach to ESG investing is our opportunity as Christians to have the ear of major corporations, the yellow brick road to the wizard behind the curtain.</li><li>Instead of tearing up the road, we should be packing the streets with God-honoring perspectives on environmental, social and governance issues so we can be salt and light in the boardrooms.</li><li>HOW CAN CHRISTIANS USE ESG?</li><li>First, we need to know what we are investing in so we can invest in the good and not support the bad. That’s why we built Inspire Insight.</li><li>Next, we can get busy engaging with companies on issues that are important to us, and more importantly, to God. God cares deeply about our stewardship of the environment, how we relate to others socially, and about corporate governance.</li><li>For the environment we have Leviticus 25:4. It reads, “But in the seventh year, there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the LORD. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.”</li><li>Jesus, of course, often talks about our social calling: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”</li><li>And for governance, there’s Jeremiah 22:13, “Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness And his upper rooms without justice, Who uses his neighbor’s services without pay And does not give him his wages.</li><li>If you can't spend the time engaging with companies yourself, then you should invest in a Christian fund company that will engage with companies on your behalf, advocating persistently for biblical values to be respected by the companies you own.</li><li>If a company refuses to listen, then we need to personally and collectively have the conviction and backbone to eliminate their stocks and bonds from our portfolios.</li><li>If Christians don’t actually care enough to dump investments in woke companies, why should any company ever listen to us? We can’t endure if the enemies of faith and freedom have deeper convictions than our own.</li></ul>On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: <ul><li>How do you determine the best time to begin drawing Social Security benefits?</li><li>Are government property tax sales a wise investment?</li><li>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app.</li></ul>Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! 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.

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

Some decidedly ungodly elements have taken over the sphere of corporate engagement with investing. How should Christians respond?

Retaking ESG Investing With Robert Netzly

Facebook claims nearly 3 billion monthly users and reaches 60% of people using social media worldwide. Facebook has an enormous impact on public perception today, but too often, that impact is negative. Morally speaking, should Christians invest their money with Facebook? Robert Netzly of Inspire Investing joins Rob West to help answer that question. 
Robert Netzly is CEO of <a href="https://www.inspireinvesting.com/">Inspire Investing</a>, which offers values-based, “Biblically responsible” investment options. 
<ul><li>Facebook has been accused of misdealings in user privacy, political manipulation, mass surveillance, fake news and over-estimating its number of users to increase advertising revenue. And Facebook was in hot water once again following whistleblower testimony by an employee who leaked internal documents to the Wall Street Journal. Those documents and testimony allege a wide range of misconduct and placing profit above ethical responsibility. </li><li>So can Christian investors in good conscience still own Facebook stock?</li><li>HOW DOES THE BIBLE ADDRESS ETHICAL INVESTING? </li><li>Proverbs 15:27 tells us, “In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and make gain of your neighbors by extortion; but me you have forgotten, declares the Lord God. Behold, then, I smite My hand at your dishonest gain which you have acquired and at the bloodshed which is among you.”</li><li>Proverbs 15:27: “He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” </li><li>Proverbs 16:8, “Better is a little with righteousness than great income with injustice.” </li><li>Proverbs 21:6, The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.”</li><li>WHAT TO DO ABOUT ETHICAL CONCERNS WITH INVESTMENTS</li><li>Netzly explains your options for taking action on your convictions with regard to investing:</li><li>You can screen your investments for biblically responsible issues for free through the screening tool at <a href="https://inspireinsight.com/#/dashboard">InspireInsight.com</a>.</li><li>If so convicted, you may choose to move your money out of investments connected to companies that engage in Biblically objectionable activities. </li><li>Another option is to use your influence as an investor to try and change a company’s behavior. Corporate engagement is an important part of the faith-based movement. Netzly describes what you can do to make your voice heard in a meaningful way. </li></ul>LISTENER QUESTIONS / TESTIMONIALS 
<ul><li>A MoneyWise listener shares a program about building character through the repayment of debt. </li><li>A listener asks if she should entertain an offer from a company offering to buy her home for cash. </li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days 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 connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the <a href="https://moneywise.netviewshop.com/donate2">Donate tab on our website</a> or in our app.

There’s no question that Facebook has a huge impact on public perception … too often a negative one. Morally speaking, should Christians invest there? Robert Netzly answers that question.

Should Christians Invest In Facebook? With Robert Netzly

Facebook claims nearly 3 billion monthly users and reaches 60% of people using social media worldwide. That’s a lot of influence. There’s no question that Facebook has a huge impact on public perception too... often negative. Morally speaking, should Christians invest there? Robert Netzly answers that question. <ul><li>Robert Netzly is the CEO of Inspire Investing an underwriter of MoneyWise (Live). Robert and his team are really in the vanguard of the exploding faith-based investing movement. </li><li>Facebook has been criticized for mis-dealings in user privacy, political manipulation, mass surveillance, fake news and over-estimating its number of users to increase advertising revenue. And now they’re in trouble again?</li><li>Revelations of Facebook’s involvement in Human trafficking, Teen girl dysfunction &amp; child version of Instagram, Double standards for popular influencers and Dishonesty in Facebook leadership leaves us in a quandary. Can Christian investors in good conscience condemn these immoral activities and still own Facebook?</li><li>How can investors find out if they own Facebook or perhaps other tech companies like Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google that they don’t want to be responsible for?</li><li>Let’s say I use InpireInsight.com and find out that one of my mutual funds owns shares in one of these companies. What should I do then?</li><li>Corporate engagement is an important part of the faith-based movement. Ideally, we want these companies to change their ways. What can the individual do to have influence?</li></ul>Next, Rob answers these questions at 800-525-7000 or via email at Questions@MoneyWiseLive.org:<ul><li>If you just got married in March and you will be first-time home buyers, how do you go about calculating how much you can afford?</li><li>If you've maxed out your 401(k) and your Roth but still have surplus funds with a paid home, what can you do further?</li><li>If you have a $162,000 balance on your home, have about $10,000 in liquid savings, are living on Social Security from which you might have a $200 extra each month, have no credit card debt and have been given $92,000 from your family, should you put it on your mortgage?</li><li>Explain what a TSP is and how it might be different from a 401(k)?</li><li>If your husband has a 401(k) at his employer and you want him to retire early so he can spend his retirement years with you, is a Roth a good vehicle for doing this?</li><li>If investing in crypto is a hot topic in your circles, should you consider it as and wise investment?</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.

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These days, many investors want their assets to do more than provide for their financial futures, they want them to reflect their faith values as well. God calls us to be faithful stewards and that also means looking beyond the bottom line and towards stewarding the non-financial impact of our investments. On this MoneyWise, we speak with Stella Tai of Praxis Mutual Funds. 
<ul><li>Today, more than ever before, we have more options to help investors align their portfolios with their values. Stella, the Manager for Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis at Praxis Mutual Funds, addresses this. If you’re new to this idea, Praxis is a leading, faith-based family of mutual funds.</li><li>Praxis starts with recognition that God owns it all and that our job is understand the true owners objectives and these go beyond financial returns. There’s an early commitment to move beyond screening to allow everyday investors make a real difference for the kingdom through investments while meeting financial objectives.</li><li>Praxis believes that opportunities for impact should not just be for high net worth investors. Financial products exist for low-to-moderate income people.</li><li>“Investing together, impacting the world”—witnessing the impact that the faith community can have upoon kingdom values. </li></ul>On this program we also answer a listener’s question:
<ul><li>I’m 62, not yet retired, and have $10,000 saved. I also have a closed-out IRA worth about $10,000. My house is paid for. What are some strategies I can do now to be a financial blessing to my granddaughters?</li></ul>Remember, you can call in to ask your questions 24/7 at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org 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.

God calls us to be faithful stewards and that also means looking beyond the bottom line and towards stewarding the non-financial impact of our investments. On this MoneyWise, we speak with Stella Tai of Praxis Mutual Funds.

Investing for Real-World Change with Stella Tai

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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.

Ron Blue Institute

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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.

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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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