'Where Your Treasure Is...': The Podcast where Faith and Finance Meet

In the final episode of this ‘Good with Money’ season, Simon and Bex discuss how we can ‘be good with money’ and ‘do good with money’ when dealing with various family-related financial topics.Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:Bex and Simon explain that their aim in this episode is to provide an overview of family-related matters which can pose challenges for us as we endeavour to use our money wisely and responsibly in such contexts. Because so many such situations of this nature have been identified, this theme will form the basis of the next season (Season 12) of the podcast. [00:33]The first topic to be mentioned is the challenge for single people of working out individually how to develop relevant and appropriate money management habits. [01:52]Those who are on the point of getting married / committing themselves to a future with another person have particular points to consider, including how best to share and combine finances. [02:58] The importance of money for those who do get married is highlighted by the fact that statistics suggest that finances are a major factor in most marriages that break down. [03:58]Having children inevitably has many money-related consequences which, ideally, would be discussed in advance. [05:01]Being a positive role model for our children in the way that we view money and use it is another important challenge to take on. [05:53]Another major area of focus is likely to be the relationship that we have with our parents and how finances feature within that, not least because levels of dependency can change so significantly over time. [06:49]Caring for others within a family context can often have significant implications on the resources that we have, including our time and money. [09:26]In some contexts, intergenerational family planning can be very worthwhile but it needs to be handled carefully and appropriately. [12:56]While acknowledging that it can be a difficult topic to address, Simon highlights the benefits of making appropriate and detailed end of life arrangements to cover personal, practical and financial matters. [15:31]In response to a question from Bex, Simon talks about the financial elements that can arise in connection with divorce or separation. One option that aims to create a constructive environment for decision-making in such circumstances is the possibility of involving collaborative lawyers, who will endeavour to find outcomes that are acceptable to both parties. There are also collaborative financial planners who can support that type of process as well. [18:00]Simon and Bex warmly invite listeners to send in comments, thoughts and questions that will help to frame our next season, during which the topics touched upon in this episode will be discussed further. [22:05]A couple of bonus episodes will be published over the next few weeks, and then Season 12 will launch at the end of January. [22:41]Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast. Our Instagram page will also provide you with additional content and features.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting. You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In Episode 6 of this ‘Good with Money’ season, Simon and Bex discuss how we should navigate the issue of debt on our money journey.Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:Simon starts off by explaining why debt is a relevant and important topic for all of us. [00:33]Simon talks about ‘good debt’ and ‘bad debt’, highlighting the importance of being able to distinguish between our ‘needs’ and our ‘wants’. [03:29]Another important skill is to be able to discern between ‘manageable debt’ and ‘unmanageable debt’, and to organise our financial affairs accordingly. [05:43]When reviewing what the Bible says about debt, Bex and Simon comment on the following verses: Romans 13.7-8, ‘Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.’; Matthew 5.42, ‘Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.’; Matthew 6.12, ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’; Proverbs 22.7, ‘The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.’ [08:16]Simon explores the various ways that we can get into debt and highlights behaviours (including distinguishing between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ and talking to others about our spending habits) that can help us to steer away from unmanageable debt. [11:30]Setting our own expectations for expenditure or articulating our budgetary boundaries to others (eg through ‘loud budgeting’) can also be helpful ways of putting sensible limits on what we spend. [16:59] Bex draws attention to previous podcast topics dealing with this area: Season 8 Ep9: Top 10 Money Tips for Teenagers with Dave Hall, Youth Pastor (‘loud budgeting’ at 25 mins 26 secs); Season 4: Talking About Money; and Season 2 Bonus Episode 2: Press 'Reset' on Some of our Major Expenses. [18:05]In response to a question from Bex, Simon explains how the concept of delayed gratification – deliberately waiting until costs have been covered before enjoying something – can help us not only to spend within our means but also to gain pleasure from the anticipation of looking forward to something that has been paid for. [18:42]In his closing comments, Simon speaks about how we can be good with money and do good with money when dealing with the topic of debt. [21:10] He also mentions ‘Christians Against Poverty’ and ‘Citizens Advice Scotland’ as two highly respected organisations that can provide assistance to individuals struggling with unmanageable debt. [22:18]Wrapping up the episode, Bex draws attention to previous podcast episodes about ‘Debt’. In particular, the content covered in Episodes 6 and 7 of Season 1 and Season 7 Episode 3 could provide some additional useful listening material. [24:21]Next week’s episode will focus on the topic of ‘Insurance’.Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast. Our Instagram page will also provide you with additional content and features.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting. You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the fourth episode of this ‘Good with Money’ season, Simon and Bex talk about the key role that pensions can play in assisting us to manage our money well, right through to the end of our lives.Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:Simon explains why pensions can be so important to our attempts to be good with money throughout our lives [00:51] despite the fact that, as Bex points out, it is now being reported that a significant number of working age adults are currently not paying into a private or workplace pension. [02:42]Simon outlines what a pension is [04:18] and then goes on to describe different types of pension, including the state pension, the defined benefit workplace pension, the Career Average Revalued Earnings pension and personal pensions. [06:17]Drawing on her own experience, Bex notes that personal pension providers have become adept at simplifying and streamlining pension arrangements for their customers. [09:18]In response to questions from Bex, Simon talks about the different factors that can influence our pension-related behaviour ranging from being in our 20s (when any pension contributions can ultimately yield a high return) [12:39], then progressing into the very busy and expensive middle stage of life [15:50], and finally into the pre-retirement phase. [19:33]For some people, the pre-retirement period can be a helpful time to seek professional financial advice. [20:14] Among the options that can be worth considering at this time are exploring the possibility of phased, or even ‘multiple’, retirements [22:05] and proactively planning the detail of what we would like our retirement to look like. [23:29]Concluding his comments, Simon stresses the importance of having a realistic and effective plan to manage money throughout retirement, for however long that may last [24:17]. He also notes the invaluable benefits, to family members in particular, of being organised and communicating well when it comes to putting our affairs in order in preparation for the end of life. [25:56]After a week’s break, our next ‘Good with Money’ episode will be on the theme of ‘Taxes’. [27:13]Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast. Our Instagram page will also provide you with additional content and features.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting. You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the second episode of this ‘Good with Money’ season, Simon and Bex talk about the advantages of including ‘Saving’ as a core element of the way that we manage and use our personal finances.Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:Simon introduces this episode by explaining that saving allows us to control our money by moving it through time so that it is available when we need it. [01:44] He goes on to explain that saving is a means of putting money aside while the aim of investing is to generate a financial return from money that has been placed into some kind of venture with that purpose in mind. [02:37]In response to a question from Bex, Simon comments that, generally, saving should be our second priority (after giving) when organising and deploying our money. [03:55]When it comes to deciding on a desirable size for an emergency fund being created by saving, Simon suggests that the key consideration is to go for a proportionate amount or ratio that suits our particular circumstances. [06:03]When asked to pinpoint a key benefit of saving, Simon talks about the resilience that it gives to our financial journey, for example by cushioning the shock of a sudden spike in expenditure that happens annually for most people at Christmas and which otherwise could push us into debt. [08:13]However, a saving strategy can only protect us against known future expenses [12:09] if we are able and willing to use our emergency fund when the need arises. [13:59]Being flexible in how we respond to financial pressure points or competing demands on our resources can be assisted significantly by maintaining a God-focused perspective of, ‘It’s His money; what would He have me do with it? [15:24]Simon remarks that the need to save is likely to be less of a priority for those who are approaching retirement or who are already retired. [17:57]When wrapping up the episode, Simon comments that the next stage after saving is to consider investing. He also addresses the issue of whether or not we should attempt to save if we are in debt. Regarding that latter point, he mentions that a number of previous episodes of the podcast have focused on the issue of debt; for example, , Season 8 Episode 6 looks at ten top tips for dealing with debt. [19:46]Simon’s final, final, final observation is that John Wesley, in his ‘Use of Money’ sermon, encourages his congregation to earn, give and save as much as they can – notably, omitting any mention of ‘spending’ as a significant priority. [22:30]Next week’s episode will focus on the topic of ‘Investing’. [23:23]Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast. Our Instagram page will also provide you with additional content and features.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting. You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the second bonus episode of this ‘Money and Me’ season, Naomi Martin (previously an Intern and now a Trainee Financial Planner at Stewardship Wealth) reflects on ways in which she and her generation experience money and interact with it. Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:Naomi introduces herself, speaks about her Christian upbringing and explains how it came about that she completed a degree in philosophy and theology and then entered the world of finance and financial services. [01:02]In response to questions from Bex and Simon, Naomi talks about how her attitude towards money has been affected by living in a number of different countries [04:38] and also by examples of sacrificial generosity from the Bible and her own experience. [06:06]For Naomi, the last few years have been an interesting time of responding to new financial challenges and opportunities, as well as a period of trying to put in place good money management building blocks for the future. [09:56] Looking to the long-term, her hope would be that she would build up a track record of using money well, wisely and for the benefit of others. [11:13]When asked about the relationship that her peers currently have with money, Naomi suggested that a number of different trends seem to be emerging, including a genuine appetite to talk about money, a desire to deal with it well and to ‘work it out’. [12:29]Prompted by Simon, Naomi talks about an occasion when God’s provision for a mission trip came as a natural outcome of responding positively to what she felt that God was saying to her about getting a job. [16:09]When asked about practical money tips that have helped her, Naomi highlights the value of using written notes to help her plan ahead, coupled with an honest and pragmatic approach that ensures that she doesn’t ignore problems and neither is she unhelpfully optimistic about her financial position. [18:06] Naomi proffers some comments on her generation’s awareness of scams and also the extent to which they have embraced the variety of payment and purchase options available these days. [19:41]On the topic of things that money can’t buy, Naomi comments that ‘if money is your goal, you won’t ever achieve it,’ and observes that, as far as she is concerned, relationships – with others and with God – are priceless. [21:57]Despite Bex’s lack of awareness of what is next for the podcast, these show notes can reveal that Episode 1 of Season 11 (‘Good with Money’) of the ‘Where your Treasure Is…’ podcast will drop on Wednesday 1 October 2025! [23:21]Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast. Our Instagram page will also provide you with additional content and features.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting. You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the final episode of the ‘Money and Me’ season, Simon and Bex put money into its proper perspective, discussing a number of ways in which there is more to life than money. Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:Simon explains why, in the context of the ‘Money and Me’ season, it seemed worthwhile to have a podcast episode which explores what money can’t do. [01:20]Simon suggests that the familiar expression, ‘Money can’t buy happiness,’ isn’t entirely true as money can certainly make a difference by addressing basic necessities, enabling people to move beyond the lowest rungs of Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. [02:14]Money can also make a difference to our health, but it definitely can’t cover all the bases. [06:51]Similarly, money can help to support our social interactions, but it can’t, for example, buy a best friend! [09:47]Simon notes that if we are offering practical help to someone, it can make a real difference if we are specific about the ways in which we can help. [12:59] He also points out that creating time for people by the way that we provide support can be an invaluable gift for them [15:35], as can something that we are able to do for them because of a skill that we have. [17:27]Many of the things that money can’t buy can contribute to a sense of joy that is more deep-rooted and significant than just feeling happy. [18:05] Bex quotes from Philippians 4.11-13 to illustrate the nature of the deep contentment and trust that Paul suggests should be the experience and hallmark of Christians: ‘I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ [19:05]Simon suggests that a godly perspective (the Perspective Hack) can make all the difference to the way that we live our lives and the degree to which we feel a sense of purpose. [19:58]And, of course, as the Beatles sang, one vital element of life that can’t be bought is love! [21:30]Bex invites listeners to send in their ideas about ways in which we can help others [22:11], and also recommends listening to our 100th episode to learn about the charity giveaway that is currently taking place. [22:47]Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast. Our Instagram page will also provide you with additional content and features.This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting. You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6