The 5 D’s of a Financial Reset with Sharon Epps

Dec 27, 2024

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The world is becoming more complex every day. Technology solves problems and creates new ones. How do you keep up?

Among so many other things today, maybe you’ve noticed that managing your finances is increasingly complicated and involves more than balancing a checkbook. Sharon Epps joins us today with some much-needed advice—the 5 Ds of a Financial Reset.

Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, FaithFi’s parent organization. Kingdom Advisors serves the broad Christian financial industry by educating and equipping professionals to integrate biblical wisdom and financial expertise.

1. Define Your Financial Vision

The first step in a financial reset is to Define your standard of living. This goes beyond just wanting financial health; it’s about understanding your deeper motivations. What is your “why”? The Bible reminds us in John 10:10 that Jesus came so that we might have life and have it abundantly. This abundant life isn’t about wealth but about living a life full of peace and purpose.

Define what that means for you and let it guide your financial decisions.

2. Declutter Your Life and Finances

Next, it’s time to Declutter—and not just your finances but your physical space as well. Spend a weekend going through your home, room by room, asking yourself if each item is still useful. If you haven’t used something in the last year, consider selling it or giving it away.

Decluttering your home can go a long way toward decluttering your life, making space for what truly matters.

3. Delay Impulse Purchases

The third step is to Delay your impulse purchases. Create a list of things you want to buy and note the date next to each item. Commit to waiting 30 days before making any purchase. More often than not, you’ll find that you didn’t really need or want the item after all. This simple habit can help you make more intentional spending decisions.

4. Detect Spending Habits

The fourth “D” is Detect. For 30 days, track all your spending and review your expenses. With today’s technology, this process is easier than ever since most of us rarely use cash. You can quickly review your bank and credit card statements online. As you do this, ask yourself what you would change.

The FaithFi app is an excellent tool for this. It allows you to combine all your accounts in one place and helps you and your spouse stay on the same page regarding your finances.

5. Decide on Your Spending and Giving Plans

Finally, it’s time to Decide on your financial future. Overhaul your budget, check your priorities, and decide where your money will go. Make “giving” an essential part of your budget. Consider where you can cut expenses to be more generous, whether to your church or a ministry you’re passionate about. This step is about re-establishing your priorities and returning to the basics—financially and spiritually.

The “5 Ds of a Financial Reset” offers a practical and spiritual approach to managing your finances in today’s complex world. By defining your financial vision, decluttering your life, delaying impulse purchases, detecting spending habits, and deciding on your budget, you can regain control of your finances and realign them with your spiritual values.

Remember, tools like the FaithFi app can make this process even easier, helping you stay organized and focused on what truly matters.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I have a pension fund that I'm no longer contributing to, and I can roll it over into either a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA. Which one should I roll it over into where I would have the least tax burden?
If I contributed to a traditional IRA, is there a waiting period before I can do a backdoor Roth?
I have a couple hundred dollars that I would like to invest somewhere, and I want to be able to put money into it occasionally. I need to figure out where to start or put that money.
I'm 67 and plan to work for 3-5 more years. I want to fund a traditional IRA, and I'm considering using it for QCDs once I turn 70.5. However, I've also been encouraged to put the money in a Roth IRA instead. What are your thoughts on that?

Resources Mentioned:

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