SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich

37% of people making $250,000 a year are living paycheck to paycheck right now. Which means the thing keeping most of us stuck financially has almost nothing to do with how much we make. Linda and I have coached people pulling in $250k who are dead broke. We've watched a $20,000 raise get absorbed by lifestyle inside six months and leave them exactly where they started. The problem isn't income. The problem is that most of us are working hard on the wrong math problem. In this episode we walk through the four stages of money (surviving, stable, secure, and surplus) and the one mistake almost everybody makes when they try to jump from one stage to the next. We get into why "boring" is the actual investing strategy, why we wish we wouldn't have taken the raise, the bank-manager story that explains why the system is rigged against people in stage one, and the moment we finally figured out that the move that got us from stage one to stage two was the exact same move keeping us stuck in stage two for years. If you enjoyed this, we'd love to send you a free copy of our book. You just cover shipping. It has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Grab it at seedtime.com/free. WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE Here's a little of what we cover in this episode: The stat that proves your financial stage has almost nothing to do with your income The 4 stages of money and how to know which one you're actually in The one mistake almost everybody makes trying to jump from one stage to the next Why a $20k raise can leave you with the same $0 left at the end of the month The bank manager story that exposes how the system is rigged against people in stage one Why "boring" is actually the right investing strategy at stage three The Elon-Musk-doesn't-mow-his-own-lawn principle most people get backwards Why willpower-based budgeting always fails (and what to do instead) BIBLE VERSES MENTIONED Matthew 14:13-21 (referenced. The five loaves and two fish. "You bring it to me and I'll multiply it.") RESOURCES MENTIONED Mission-Driven Millionaire cohort Simple Money, Rich Life (the book) Free book offer DISCLAIMER Obligatory legal disclaimer: I'm a financial educator, not your financial advisor, investment advisor, tax pro, or lawyer. This channel is for general education, not personalized advice, and nothing here should be taken as a recommendation to buy, sell, or use any specific investment, account, or financial product. I'm just sharing what I'm doing, what I'm learning, and what I find interesting. Markets can be humbling. Investing involves risk, including the risk of losing money, and my results are personal, may not be typical, and are not guaranteed. Do your own research, use wisdom, and talk with a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Some links are to our resources and some are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That helps keep the lights on around here, so thanks for the support.

What if obedience doesn't lead to the breakthrough you expected? Andy and Serena Ryan did "the right things." They took a biblical money course. They committed to tithing. They tried to steward their finances faithfully. And then everything fell apart. They lost income. Fell behind on rent. Needed food pantries and church assistance. And eventually—after months of praying for a miracle—they packed up their family and moved into an RV in someone else's backyard. This episode isn't a prosperity story. It's a surrender story. In one of the most vulnerable conversations we've ever had on the podcast, Andy and Serena share how their financial collapse became the very thing God used to reshape their hearts, heal their marriage, humble their pride, and prepare them to steward money in a way they never could before. Their turnaround didn't come from a check in the mail. It came when they stopped clinging to how they thought life had to go—and released it to God. In this episode, we talk about: Why radical generosity without clarity can still lead to chaos The hidden danger of "YOLO money" and living paycheck-to-paycheck—even with faith What it feels like to receive help when you've always been the helper The difference between humility and humiliation How to discern God's voice when everyone around you is saying something different Why surrender often comes before provision—not after How living with less brought more joy, peace, and community than they'd ever known What changed when they finally stopped fighting God's plan and trusted His timing Andy and Serena also share how God eventually restored stability—not instantly, not painlessly, but faithfully—and how they're now paying off debt, rebuilding their credit, and stewarding money with a completely new mindset. If you're walking through financial stress, uncertainty, or a season that doesn't look anything like what you prayed for, this conversation will remind you: rock bottom is not the end of your story. "Sometimes the things we look to for hope are the very things we need to release to God." Scripture referenced (NLT): "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones…" — Luke 16:10 "That is why we never give up… our present troubles are small and won't last very long." — 2 Corinthians 4:16–17 This episode is for encouragement and education—not individualized financial advice. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/JIdhLJ68Eoo)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack spiritual habits found in Scripture that quietly shape financial outcomes—habits that have nothing to do with spreadsheets or hustle culture, but everything to do with becoming the kind of person money can be trusted with. These aren't the usual "Christian money tips." They're deeper. And once you see them, you can't unsee them. 🔑 What You'll Learn in This Episode Bob and Linda walk through 7 overlooked spiritual disciplines that directly affect how we earn, spend, save, and steward money: Why fasting trains your "no muscle"—and why self-control matters more than budgeting How integrity in the small things (the ones no one sees) protects your finances long-term The quiet power of choosing the right friends—and how the wrong voices shape your future Why wasting time eventually leads to wasting money (Ephesians 5:16) How rest, not grinding, invites God's provision (and why Chick-fil-A is a case study) Why gratitude shifts you from scarcity to abundance (1 Thessalonians 5:18) The biblical formula for prosperity and success most people skip (Joshua 1:8) Along the way, they share personal stories—from fasting and spending fasts, to integrity decisions that cost them in the moment but paid off long-term—and explain why God's math often looks different than ours. 📖 Scriptures Referenced (NLT) Matthew 6 2 Corinthians 9 Proverbs 13:20 Ephesians 5:16 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Joshua 1:8 📣 Share This Episode Know someone who's frustrated with their finances and feels stuck? Send them this episode—it might reframe everything. Educational content only. This episode is not individualized financial advice. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/lcpak8giDn4)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

Over the last few weeks, there's been so much talk about the Charlie Kirk tragedy. But as I've listened to all the commentary, I realized—no one's talking about this. We didn't want to make another video about what happened. We wanted to talk about what Jesus actually modeled when something unthinkable happens… and how that applies to us right now. This episode honestly challenged both of us deeply. It's one of those conversations where you feel the tension between what feels fair… and what faith actually calls us to do. We're not trying to debate headlines. We're just asking—what does it look like to follow Jesus when it really costs something? Episode Takeaway: It's easy to pray for victims. It's supernatural to pray for the ones who caused the pain. But that's exactly what Jesus modeled—and when we do, we invite heaven into places the world wants to keep dark. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! (https://youtu.be/-wbON8CU8gU) BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books."

Money advice is everywhere. But not all of it sticks. In this episode, Linda and I unpack seven pieces of financial wisdom a friend of mine shared that literally changed his life. Some came from mentors, some from experience, some from mistakes—but all of them can save you years of stress and struggle. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with practical steps and timeless wisdom to reframe how you see money—so you can stop stressing and start stewarding. Resources & Mentions: Joshua Becker's blog: https://www.becomingminimalist.com The Real Money Method course: https://seedtime.com/rmm Mission Driven Millionaire program (for students): https://seedtime.com/mission-driven-millionaire 👉 Now it's your turn: what's the best piece of financial advice you've ever received? Drop it in the comments—we'd love to hear! Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/KpOeTnM25fg)! BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

We thought our story was set. For 13 years, we gave our age as a percentage of our income. It became who we were. People knew us as that couple. Our mortgage was paid off in 10 months. We wrote books about it. We spoke on stages about it. We shared the miracle everywhere. And then—God asked us to stop. This episode is not about numbers. It's about obedience. About what happens when the thing God once asked you to do becomes an idol. About the courage it takes to release your identity and follow Him into a new season. Here's what we cover: The story of giving our age, and the miracles we saw. Why it was harder to stop than to start. How God shifted us from radical giving to radical saving. The danger of clinging to formulas instead of clinging to God. The system we built from this new season (and why it might change the way you think about money forever). This isn't a "how-to." It's an invitation. Ask God: What do you have for me now? Resources mentioned in this episode: Simple Money, Rich Life (our book): Simple Money, Rich Life (The Book) True Financial Freedom Program: True Financial Freedom | Christian financial class for churches Mission Driven Millionaire Program: Mission Driven Millionaire 2 Corinthians 8–9 (Generosity passages, NIV): Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 8-9 - New International Version BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel(https://youtu.be/k_AjnAwFzl4)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if being "too good" at saving and stewarding money is actually holding you back from obedience to God? In this episode, we share the story of friends who, in their leanest financial season, felt God ask them to spend way beyond what made sense. Every financial expert would've called it foolish—but their "irresponsible obedience" led to one of the most important divine encounters of their lives. We'll unpack: Why sometimes God asks us to spend more instead of saving more How to know the difference between your desires and the Spirit's leading Why true stewardship is less about your wisdom and more about your obedience Three practical questions to ask when you sense God nudging you to spend beyond reason If you've ever wrestled with the tension between "wise stewardship" and radical obedience, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned: Simple Money, Rich Life (our book — get a free copy here: http://seedtime.com/free) NeeDoh Stress Cubes (yes, our new team obsession 😂) → https://www.schylling.com/brand/needoh/ SeedTime Courses & Community 👉Share this with someone who needs the reminder that obedience always outweighs "responsible" stewardship. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/Z5pHkOGfcco)! BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.

What if I told you the same ounce of gold that could buy 400 loaves of bread today… could've done the same 2,000 years ago? In this episode, we break down the ONE chart that completely shifted how I think about saving, inflation, and long-term wealth. I've spent over 17 years investing—and I pretty much ignored gold… until this blew my mind. You'll learn: Why I now see gold as a defensive asset in our portfolio How inflation has quietly destroyed the purchasing power of your dollars The story of bread, gold, and a century of financial erosion My favorite tool to buy gold automatically with as little as $10 Why I think gold might be the most biblical investment on earth What we're doing to protect our family's future If you're sitting on too much cash or wondering how to hedge against chaos—you'll want to hear this. Resources Mentioned: OneGold App (Automated Gold Investing) Simple Money, Rich Life – Free Copy 10X Investing Course Mission Driven Millionaire BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime). Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/DegCJN91unA)! If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 900 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.