Matt Bell, Author and Father, on Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management (Ep. 82)

Oct 9, 2023

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Matt Bell is an accomplished author and father who has dedicated himself to helping parents prepare their children for a lifetime of god-honoring money management. Through his book, Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management, Matt emphasizes the importance of teaching kids about generosity and stewardship from a young age. He believes that every financial decision is a spiritual decision, and instilling the mindset of stewardship in children can have a profound impact on their future.

Matt’s own journey in teaching his children about generosity has been enriching and inspiring. He shares stories of children who have selflessly given their savings to those in need, like a six-year-old girl who donated her entire $30 savings to a coworker of her father who had lost his home in a fire. Matt also understands the power of compounding generosity, as he explains how developing habits of generosity early on can shape a person’s entire life, bringing joy and meaning to all relationships.

Matt draws from his personal experiences and spiritual growth to guide parents in their own journey teaching their children about money and generosity. He emphasizes the importance of being a role model and taking on the role of teacher, rather than outsourcing financial education. Matt’s insights and practical advice make him a trusted and invaluable resource for parents seeking to raise their children with a godly approach to money management.

In this episode:

What role should parents play in teaching their children about personal finance?
How is teaching personal finance from a biblical perspective different from other methods?
What are some practical habits and practices that can help children develop a mindset of stewardship?
How does generosity impact our relationship with money and our overall sense of joy and fulfillment?
What can parents do to encourage generosity in their children, even at a young age?
What are some practical ways parents can introduce their children to the concept of interest and banking?
What can you do if you feel unqualified or overwhelmed at the idea of teaching your kids about money?

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

“You can’t help but develop a relationship with Christ and not be drawn to living generously.”
“God will one day take an account of what I did with the resources he blessed me with.”
“Every financial decision is a spiritual decision because it all belongs to God.”
“We have to let kids do real things with real money and make some real mistakes.”
“We want to raise our kids with the identity of a steward or a manager.”
“Kids seem to catch a vision for generosity more quickly than adults.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

John 3:16 | For God So Loved

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Genesis 4:1-16 | Cain and Abel

Matthew 6:21 | Where Your Treasure Is…

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Colossians 3:23 | Do It For the Lord

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Jeremiah 29:7 | Prosperity for Your City

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

Proverbs 21:5 | Hastiness Leads to Poverty

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:20 | The Wise Man and the Fool

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Luke 16:10 | Faithful in Little

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

1 Timothy 5:8 | Providing for Family

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Matthew 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents

Luke 12:13-21 | The Rich Fool (Bigger Barns)

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