Advertise on podcast: Money Made Faithful With John Putnam

Sometimes the wisest money move has nothing to do with a number and everything to do with the questions you’re brave enough to consider. In this final episode of this season, John discusses the surprising power of asking the right questions at the right time, showing how a young couple’s dream of a ski house could have derailed their financial future.  Through their story and his own personal reflections, John unpacks how “less is more” (less me, more God) when our financial decisions are rooted in biblical wisdom rather than the pursuit of status, comfort, plans or control.  He then offers twelve “Less Is More” conversation starters designed to help listeners evaluate their money, priorities, and lifestyle in light of God’s plans, not just the math. In this episode, John discusses:  One couple’s ski house story reveals how one “once in a lifetime opportunity” can reshape long term financial peace and freedom. Every major financial decision eventually moves beyond spreadsheets into deeper questions of trust, priorities, and obedience. Scripture reframes money decisions as heart decisions, revealing what we truly depend on. John’s twelve “less is more” conversation starters expose what our spending, schedules, generosity and more say about who we are and who we may be becoming. Key Takeaways: The most important part of a financial decision is often not the numbers, but the honest questions you’re willing to ask before you act. There is a critical point “where math stops and you begin,” and that space is where values, priorities, and biblical wisdom must guide your choices. A “less is more” approach can reduce distraction, debt, and pressure while increasing your capacity to follow God’s plans and love others well. Intentional conversations—using questions about lifestyle, family, generosity and more—can realign your money decisions with what matters most in the long run. “Sometimes the best financial decision you can make is not about the math—it’s about asking yourself the right questions before you make your choice.”- John Putnam CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

What if the financial security you’re chasing can never 'really' be reached—because the “finish line” keeps moving? In this episode, John discussses the idea of “enough” and what if it isn't a number and invites listeners to consider the powerful idea that “enough” isn’t necessarily a financial figure to reach, but a posture of the heart and mind rooted in stewardship, contentment, and trust in God. Drawing from Scripture, personal observations as a former financial advisor, and biblical stories, he observes how chasing a number often leads to restlessness, sacrifices around what matters most, and a fragile sense of security. Instead, John calls listeners to focus on being faithful with what’s already in their hands today—living within their means, practicing generosity, and trusting God to provide what they truly need. In this episode, John discusses:  How easy it is to keep raising our “enough” number, believing the next financial milestone will finally make us feel secure. How Scripture shows money as a heart test, not just a provision tool—it’s never just about the amount, but what we’re trusting. The shift from defining “enough” by how much we’ve accumulated to defining it by faithfulness and stewardship of waht we have. How constantly chasing bigger numbers can slowly erode contentment, trust in God, and the health of our hearts. Key Takeaways: Treating “enough” as a specific financial number is a common trap, because circumstances, markets, and our own desires keep shifting the finish line. Scripture shows that the real issue with money is not the amount, but how it shapes the posture of our hearts and our relationship with God. Is htere a more complete question than “How much is enough?”  True contentment is found not in financial balances, but in trusting God’s presence and provision—living within our means, being generous, and refusing to sacrifice family, peace, or faith in pursuit of a specific amount. True freedom comes when we stop chasing “more” and instead focus on what’s already in our hands today, asking what faithfulness looks like in this moment. “Content with what you have, not content once you hit a new number, be content now with what's in your hands." - John Putnam CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

When does wisdom-driven planning quietly turn into building your own kingdom? And how do you know when “being responsible” with money has started to compete with following God? In this episode we discuss the incompatibility of serving both God's kingdom and your financial ambitions, emphasizing that money often becomes a distraction, or even a barrier, to faith. John shares his personal journey of balancing material desires with spiritual fulfillment, highlighting the dangers of building a "little k kingdom" competing alongside God's kingdom plans.  In this episode, John discusses:  How easy it is to say “yes” to Jesus while quietly building a backup financial plan on the side Why God’s Kingdom and your own 'little k kingdom' always pulls you in competing directions The subtle, unhealthy mindset shift where security, identity, and worth start to come from what you own, control, and keep Why money so often becomes a barrier to God, not because money is bad, but because our hearts are vulnerable to drift What it looks like to recognize the “kingdom” you’ve been building, bring it honestly before God, and realign your finances with His better plan Key Takeaways: You can genuinely want God’s will and still quietly build a “little k kingdom” on the side, only realizing later that your plans may compete with His. Money itself isn’t the problem; the danger lies in the subtle heart shift where security, identity, and worth begin to rest in what you own, control, and keep instead of in God. The world’s financial system often appears to work—bigger house, better car, more investments, etc. — but over time, the maintenance, payments, and comparisons can quietly begin to weigh you down and pull you off course. Pursuing success without spiritual awareness can come with hidden costs: strained relationships, emotional distance from loved ones, and a growing gap between the life you’re building and the life God is inviting you into. Freedom comes from honestly asking, “Am I trying to live in two kingdoms?” and bringing that answer to God—trusting that He can realign your path, provide what you truly need. “I wanted God’s plan and my plan—His blessings and my stuff, His peace, my portfolio. But two kingdoms never work.”  CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

You know it's true—the constant itch for “more” is intentionally influenced. From the moment you wake up and check your phone to the last screen you see before bed, you’re being coached to feel like what you have—and who you are—isn’t enough. In this episode, John discusses the struggle of wanting more, a theme explored in his book "He Spends, She Spends." John highlights the constant influence of advertising, designed to make us feel incomplete and discontent, and how this affects financial decisions. Emphasizing the need to renew one's mind spiritually to resist these influences, he shares scriptures, practical steps and questions to achieve contentment, advocating for a balance where one can keep their focus on God.  In this episode, John discusses:  How a constant stream of advertising and cultural messages quietly trains us to feel incomplete, discontent, and always in need of “more” Why the core problem isn’t just financial habits, but a spiritual issue rooted in what we believe about money, identity, and security. A simple but powerful shift from just asking, “Can we afford this?” to also asking, “How much is enough for us—and what are we really chasing?” The countercultural freedom of living modestly so we can serve God extravagantly. A practical one-week experiment, paying attention to feelings of “not enough,” and begin choosing peace over more. Key Takeaways: The constant desire for “just a little bit more” is often less about 'greed' and more about being shaped by messages specifically designed to make us feel incomplete and discontent. Our money problems are rarely just math issues; they’re spiritual issues, too—rooted in what we believe about God, provision, identity, and what will actually bring us peace. Renewing our minds, as Paul writes in Romans 12:2, gives us a new filter for money decisions so we’re no longer just copying what “everyone else” is doing, but testing and choosing what aligns with God’s will. Shifting from “Can we afford this?” to “How much is enough for us—and what are we really chasing?” opens the door to contentment, clarity, and a different definition of success. Learning to live with “enough” isn’t about shame or scarcity; it’s about freedom—loosening our grip on stuff, so it loosens its grip on us, and we’re freed to serve God more fully, generously, and joyfully. “You’ve got to think differently before you can act differently, and that takes time. It takes practice. It takes a lot of grace for yourself.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful   If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

It's March Madness basketball time, but could there also be a 'madness' around our finances about repeating the same choices while hoping our financial stewardship will improve? In this episode John shares a fun, basketball-watching story from his childhood to show how a new perspective—and new action—can transform a situation.  Drawing from James 2:17 and the story of Moses lifting the bronze serpent, he reminds us that faithful stewardship requires both faith and action. If you feel stuck financially, this episode will challenge you to choose one area that needs a new game plan and take the next step. In this episode, John discusses:  How the excitement and constant adjustments of March Madness champions mirror the changes we often need to make in our financial lives A fun personal story from his family’s cattle farm that illustrates how a new perspective and simple action can transform how we spend our time and energy Why repeating the same financial choices while hoping for different outcomes is not faith, but wishful thinking The biblical connection between faith and action—from James 2:17 and Moses lifting the snake in the wilderness—to what it means to honor Jesus with our money Practical ways to choose a new financial perspective and take a next step, such as budgeting, cutting debt, increasing generosity, having honest money conversations, or seeking wise counsel Key Takeaways: A new perspective followed by a new action can change your financial reality, just as changing the “game plan” can change the outcome on the basketball court. Repeating the same financial choices while hoping for different results isn’t an act of faith—it’s wishful thinking that keeps you stuck. True stewardship is the union of faith and deeds: prayer paired with obedient financial action, as reflected in James 2:17 and the example of Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness. Every financial decision becomes “holy in the shadow of the cross” when it is made to honor Jesus, helping you resist the destructive pull of a money-focused world. Breakthrough often begins by choosing one specific financial area—budgeting, debt, generosity, conversations, or wise counsel—and courageously embracing a new perspective and a new step of obedience. “If you keep making the same financial choices, you’re going to keep getting the same results. And that is not faith. That is just wishful thinking.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

What if the shifts we feel in our finances each season are less about circumstances and more about the beliefs guiding our choices?  Today we explore how spring naturally invites a financial refresh and why money behaviors tend to drift when underlying beliefs quietly change.  Drawing from behavioral insights and real life patterns, John unpacks five common money behaviors—mental accounting, framing, following the herd, decision paralysis, and overconfidence—and how they influence our choices without us realizing it. With thoughtful reflection and practical encouragement, this episode invites you to examine what you believe about money so your actions can reset and refresh with your values, goals, and faithful financial stewardship. In this episode, John discusses:  How spring offers a natural invitation to refresh and reset your money habits and heart posture Why money behaviors don’t drift randomly, but shift when underlying beliefs quietly change The “silent partners” influencing your financial choices How to trace unhelpful financial behaviors back to beliefs like fear, fatigue, comparison, entitlement, or doubt What it means to rreset and refresh your money with faithful stewardship, Kingdom impact, and God’s greater story Key Takeaways: Money behaviors rarely change in isolation; they almost always follow a quiet shift in what we believe or influences. Treating some income as “extra” (like bonuses, refunds, or found money) can lead to poor spending, but viewing every dollar as God’s provision invites greater intentionality and faithfulness. The way we frame our financial questions can completely change the decisions we make. Comparison, social media highlight reels, and cultural momentum can gently pull us into “following the herd,” unless we choose to move from conviction instead of crowd pressure. A gentle spring reset is about awareness, revisiting core beliefs, and allowing God to realign our money behaviors with His purposes, so that our finances serve not just our comfort but our calling. “When your beliefs settle back into place, when you anchor back into those wise and faithful beliefs, your behaviors shift, not just improving your bank account financially, but in your thinking and in your heart.” SPECIAL LISTENER GIFT and details:  This month, March 3-31, 2026, John is giving away 28 signed hardcover copies of his book He Spends, She Spends— and he’ll even cover the postage for shipping in the continental United States - one (1) book per person, per email, per address - to receive your book, email [email protected] with your first and last name and mailing address. John will personally sign, personalize, and mail a book to the first 28 listeners who reach out - thanks for listening!! CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

Can money tensions become opportunities to love more deeply? In this episode of Money Made Faithful, John Putnam shares how everyday financial tensions can actually form our hearts and draw us closer, rather than fracture our relationships. Drawing from scriptures, our upbringing, fears, and expectations shape money conversations, and why it's critical that our goal is not victory but loving progress and oneness. With practical guidance on listening with curiosity, creating safe space for honest dialogue, and practicing shared stewardship, this episode invites couples to see every “money moment” as a moment to show our love - for God and each other - and a vital part of their spiritual growth together. In this episode, John discusses:  How money tensions can surface in any season Why financial disagreements are often shaped by our upbringing, fears, and future expectations The biblical call to contentment and the dangers of elevating money above our devotion to God How to lead money conversations with curiosity, patience, and grace instead of defensiveness The importance of shared stewardship, humility, and trust—especially when one spouse earns more Key Takeaways: Money tensions are not proof that a relationship is broken; they are often invitations to practice love more deeply in very practical, daily ways. Our financial habits and reactions are shaped early—sometimes as young as age six—which means compassion and curiosity toward our spouse’s story are essential in money conversations. Scripture reminds us that the love of money (not money itself) can lead to harmful desires and distraction, so our aim is contentment in Christ and faithfulness with what He provides. In financial disagreements, the goal is not to “win” the argument; the goal is loving progress, where oneness and unity matter more than being right. Shared stewardship honors God’s design for marriage: income level does not determine spiritual authority or importance—both spouses bring God-given wisdom, perspective, and value to the table. “Money moments are not interruptions to your spiritual growth; they are part of it.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

What if the difference between frustration in pursuing your money goals and a focused faithful journey in 2026 isn’t more effort, but wiser rhythms and simple, steady practices? In this episode, John closes the “Achieve Your Money Goals in 2026” series with seven best-practice encouragements to help you actually live out your financial plans with faith and clarity.  He invites you to simplify—keeping prayer central, focusing on small faithful steps over big leaps, anticipating obstacles, inviting life-giving accountability, celebrating progress (not perfection), and scheduling regular check-ins to review your journey.  When life feels noisy or confusing, John points you back to the same four-step framework—learn your lessons, clarify your vision, align your mission, and live your values—so you can move forward one grounded, grateful, God-guided step at a time toward your 2026 money goals! In this episode, John discusses:  Keeping prayer central and simple in your financial decision-making Focusing on small, faithful steps instead of dramatic financial leaps Anticipating obstacles so your goals don’t get derailed when life changes Inviting life-giving accountability rooted in shared values, not pressure Returning to a clear framework (lessons, vision, mission, values) when money decisions feel noisy or confusing Key Takeaways: A faithful financial life in 2026 is built less on big, dramatic moves and more on small, steady, God-directed steps taken over time. When prayer becomes your first response rather than a last resort, money decisions shift from pressure-filled to peace-filled. Naming the obstacles and patterns that usually derail you is not pessimism; it’s wisdom that prepares you to stay aligned with your values when life gets noisy. Inviting a trusted, grace-filled “money confidant” into your journey transforms accountability from guilt and shame into encouragement and shared courage. Regularly returning to your lessons, vision, mission, and values keeps you grounded in what’s already true, even when your progress feels slow or invisible. “Faithful stewardship rarely requires dramatic leaps. It's usually built through small, consistent, obedient decisions that compound over time.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! 2026 GOAL ACHIEVEMENT WORKBOOK: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

What if our financial goals fall short not because of a lack of vision or effort, but because our values are unclear or misaligned? In this episode of Money Made Faithful, John shows why living out your financial values is essential to achieving your 2026 money goals. Building on the steps of learning from the past, clarifying vision, and aligning mission, he explains how values shape daily decisions and reveal true character. Drawing from Acts 6, John highlights the power of values as you 'riverbanks', and offers three practical guidelines to identify and Live Your Values: In this episode, John discusses: Living your values as the “who you are” on the financial journey, not just what you do with money How clear, God-honoring financial values guide decisions in both abundance and scarcity Biblical example of values in action from Acts 6 via compassion, patience, unity, and faithfulness Using the Fruit of the Spirit as a simple, but powerful model for core financial values Energizing and keeping values visible so they actively shape family culture and money choices Key Takeaways: When you intentionally define and live your financial values, money becomes a way to reflect who God is shaping you to be, not just a tool for reaching goals. Clear values, rooted in scripture, act like 'riverbanks', keeping your financial life within the flow of God’s will when circumstances change or emotions run high. The story in Acts 6 shows how values like compassion, patience, unity, and faithfulness quietly guided the disciple's decisions and actions Adding “energy” to your values with descriptive words and simple definitions (like “peaceful patience” or “respectful communication”) turns them into daily, actionable guardrails for your money choices. Keeping your values visible, spoken about, and celebrated in your home helps them become part of your family’s heritage, forming a culture of faithful stewardship that can impact generations. “Your values don't just guide what you do with money. They shape who you are and who you are becoming.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! 2026 GOAL ACHIEVEMENT WORKBOOK: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

How does a clear sense of purpose turn good intentions into faithful forward movement? In this episode of Money Made Faithful, John explores the vital connection between vision and mission, and how to align your plans and progress to where God is leading.  Drawing from Scripture, practical wisdom, and the realities of life’s detours, John invites listeners to clarify their purpose, take intentional steps, and translate conviction into action. With tools like the SMART goal framework and the encouragement of trusted accountability, this conversation helps turn clear vision into faithful mission, movement and lasting progress. In this episode, John discusses:  The importance of aligning mission with vision so financial goals move from intention to action Why clarity and alignment matter more than speed when taking faithful financial steps How SMART goals help translate vision into specific, actionable, and time-bound progress The role of accountability and “truth tellers” in staying focused and faithful Learning to adapt when circumstances change while staying committed to God’s greater plan Key Takeaways: Vision shows where God is leading, but mission determines how we faithfully walk toward that future, one intentional step at a time. Alignment brings clarity to decisions, even when the process feels uncomfortable or outside familiar patterns. SMART goals provide a practical framework for turning prayerful intention into measurable, courageous action. Sharing your mission with a trusted, faith-filled person strengthens accountability, invites prayer, and guards against drifting off course. Detours and obstacles do not cancel the vision; they refine it and teach us to remain faithful, flexible, and focused on God’s direction. “This mission step is that set of faithful and intentional actions & directions that connect today and the actions you're taking to the future God's inviting you into.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

Why do so many well intentioned financial goals fade before they ever become reality? In this episode of Money Made Faithful, John Putnam explores the often overlooked power of financial vision and why clarity, not discipline, is usually what determines whether goals are achieved or abandoned. Drawing from scripture, research, and practical experience, John invites listeners to slow down, lift their eyes, and focus first on where they are truly headed before determining the steps to get there. With the help of a guided goal achievement workbook and a prayerful vision design exercise, this conversation helps transform hopes into clear direction and faithful progress. In this episode, John discusses:  Why clarity of vision is often a missing link between setting financial goals and actually achieving them The difference between vision and planning—and why a clear vision must come first How a lack of financial clarity can lead to drifting with your money, even when your intentions are good The biblical foundation for vision, drawing from Acts 6 and Proverbs 29 A practical, prayerful vision exercise to define what you want your financial life to look like by December 31, 2026 Key Takeaways: Many people struggle to achieve financial goals not because they lack discipline, but because they lack clarity about where they are headed. Vision begins in the heart and provides direction before steps, plans, or tactics ever come into focus. Without a clear destination, even good financial actions can leave us drifting and slowly pull us off course. When financial vision is grounded in prayer rather than pressure, it creates peace, focus, and momentum for faithful progress. “With a clear vision before you, walking step by step in your unique role within God's greater story, you can move closer to him, closer to each other, and closer to the life He's calling you to steward faithfully.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! 2026 GOAL ACHIEVEMENT WORKBOOK: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful Article: Psychology Today - posted January 1, 2025 - "92 Percent of People Never Achieve Their Goals = Steps to join the successful 8 percent who achieve their goals." : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/optimizing-success/202412/92-percent-of-people-never-achieve-their-goals If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

As a new year begins, John invites us to pause and think about the past, lessons learned, and what faithful financial progress really looks like.  In this four part series, he challenges and equips you to set wise goals then focus toward the meaningful steps of actually achieving them with a four-step framework of learning lessons, clarifying vision, aligning mission, and living values. With the support of a newly updated goal achievement workbook and a clear step by step framework, John guides you in this first step, to learn your lessons from the past and use them for wise and faithful decisions in 2026! This series is designed to move us from good intentions to faithful achievement, one thoughtful step at a time. In this episode, John discusses:  Why setting money goals is easy—but achieving them requires clarity, courage, and commitment The purpose and structure of the four-part Goal Achievement series for 2026 How learning from your financial past creates wisdom instead of shame The four-step framework for faithful goal achievement: learning lessons, clarifying vision, aligning mission, and living values How reflecting on key “Money Moments” helps identify what worked, what didn’t, and why Key Takeaways: Financial progress begins not by rushing ahead, but by pausing to reflect honestly on where you’ve been and what God has already taught you. Learning your lessons transforms past mistakes into wisdom, allowing last year to become a foundation rather than a ceiling. Faithful goal achievement requires more than motivation—it takes intentional reflection, spiritual alignment, and daily obedience. When vision, mission, and values are clearly defined and aligned with God’s greater story, financial decisions become purposeful and peace-filled. “Your vision becomes direction, your mission becomes faithful action, and your values become a witness.” INC. ARTICLE: Science Says 92 Percent of People Don’t Achieve Their Goals. Here’s How the Other 8 Percent Do https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/science-says-92-percent-of-people-dont-achieve-goals-heres-how-... CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

Isn't it beautiful that the deepest meaning of Christmas is found in the One who first gave Himself to us? In this Christmas episode, John continues part two of his Christmas to Remember series, inviting us to step beyond the noise of the season and seek its spiritual core. Through the beloved story “The Man and the Birds,” popularized by Paul Harvey, he offers a vivid picture of God’s compassion and the miracle of Christ coming near, on the rich invitation behind Adeste Fideles (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”) and how its message still calls our hearts today. With gentle guidance and meaningful insight, he encourages us to pause, remember Christ’s gift again, and consider who in our lives may need a simple invitation to experience the wonder of Christmas Eve. In this episode, John discusses:  Stepping away from holiday stress to rediscover the spiritual heart of Christmas The powerful message of The Man and the Birds and how it illustrates God’s love The personal invitation of Adeste Fideles (“O Come All Ye Faithful”) and what it calls us toward Why Jesus is the ultimate gift that gives meaning to every other gift we give Key Takeaways: Christmas is a revelation of God drawing near, stepping into our world so we could understand His love in a way we would never grasp on our own. Every act of giving, kindness, or generosity this season becomes a small reflection of God’s heart, who gave Himself fully and freely. Before we give anything away this season, we’re invited to rest in Jesus, remember Him, and let His presence shape our celebrations. Christmas Eve offers a simple but meaningful opportunity to extend an invitation—one conversation, one question, can open a door for someone to encounter the heart of Christmas. “Christ is not one of the gifts under the tree. He is the gift above the tree.”   CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL!   MUSIC: Adeste Fideles (O Come, All Ye Faithful) Howard Kopp (Chimes) and Philip Hauser (Organ) (1917) - YouTube - posted by 'Hankfan Hankfan Christmas'  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z65WouWzxwM VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES in THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

Have you ever wondered why a season meant for peace so easily turns into pressure, especially around our finances? In this two-part Christmas series, John invites us to slow our pace, clear the noise, and approach the holidays with intention and a Christ-centered mindset. With practical tools and a simple framework, he helps us push back against impulsive spending and recapture the heart of the season.  Through Scripture, reflection, and a call to meaningful simplicity, John shows how both presents and presence can shape Christmas into a time of joy, connection, and true financial peace. In this episode, John discusses:  How a simple Christmas plan can protect your peace long before the big day arrives Why thoughtful, intentional gift-giving matters more than pressure-driven spending Why Christmas moments—connection, presence, shared memories—outlast almost every physical gift How embracing simplicity and financial mindfulness leads to a more joyful and Christ-centered season Key Takeaways: A Christmas plan isn’t restrictive—it’s protective. It guards your sanity, your January budget, and your ability to give generously without regret. Marketing pressure is designed to push you from intentional choices into impulsive spending; wisdom chooses clarity, boundaries, and stewardship. The gifts we remember least are the ones we bought; the “moments” we share are the ones that shape us. Presence, not presents, creates lasting joy. A financially peaceful Christmas happens through intentional decisions grounded in a God-centered mindset—one that prioritizes what truly matters over seasonal noise. “Is there something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read? It just so happens to mirror the wise men bringing gifts to Jesus—not random or rushed, but intentional.” CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! ARTICLE: Shoppers Plan to Spend More Than $1,000 on Holiday Gifts: https://news.gallup.com/poll/653840/shoppers-plan-spend-000-holiday-gifts VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends', and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!

What if the real challenge of Black Friday isn’t the crowds, the countdown timers, or the deals—but the quiet pressure shaping the way we think about money? In this Thanksgiving episode, John invites us to pause, renew our minds, and approach the shopping season with wisdom, peace, and a Christ-formed mindset. Through personal stories, scripture, and practical tools, he helps us recognize how consumer culture tries to conform us—and how a transformed heart can lead to faithful, joyful stewardship. In this episode, John discusses:  Why Black Friday can subtly reshape our thinking and test our financial mindset How Romans 12:2 calls us to resist cultural pressure and embrace a renewed mind His lifelong lessons of value and quality that shaped wise decision-making Three simple questions that help us shop with intention, clarity, and peace Key Takeaways: Black Friday can stir urgency and pressure, pulling us toward choices that aren’t always wise or grounded. A healthy money mindset holds both value and quality together—lessons shaped by family, faith, and a desire to live with intention. Wisdom in spending begins with simple questions: Is this wise? Is this planned? Will it last? When we stay mindful and rooted in truth—not swayed by marketing or hype—we practice faithful stewardship and step into a deeper sense of peace. “We want to be transformed, not conformed, we want to be anchored, not pressured, and we want to be discerning rather than drifting.” - LINK TO WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: https://www.wsj.com/economy/consumers/will-trumps-trade-war-break-americas-addiction-to-cheap-stuff-ff21df9e?mod=panda_wsj_section_alert&mod=djemLifeStyle_h   CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW FOR MORE MONEY MADE FAITHFUL! VISIT MONEY MADE FAITHFUL: https://moneymadefaithful.com/ GET FREE RESOURCES when you join THE HUB: https://moneymadefaithful.com/resource-library-access/Landing-page BOOK A WORKSHOP & DETAILS: https://moneymadefaithful.com/money-made-faithful-workshop-2/Landing-page INVITE JOHN TO SPEAK at your conference, church, or event:  https://moneymadefaithful.com/services SPECIAL SAVINGS ON JOHN'S BOOK, 'He Spends She Spends' and the small group guide: https://moneymadefaithful.com/shop FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK: @MoneyMadeFaithful FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @MoneyMadeFaithful If this blessed you today, please Subscribe, Leave a Review, and Share with someone who you believe will benefit from this message!