Why Faith-Based Money Management? with Bob Doll

Oct 30, 2024

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Why do you suppose Jesus had so much to say about money and possessions?

Our Lord and Savior knew that how we handle money can reveal our spiritual priorities. Every financial decision has a spiritual component, which can even be true of our investing. Bob Doll joins us today to answer, “Why should we strive for faith-based money management?”

Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC.

The Mission of Crossmark Global Investments

Crossmark Global Investments is one of the few faith-based money management companies dedicated to helping people align their investments with their faith and values. They are faith-based money managers helping people align their investments with their faith or values while still achieving good investment performance.

The goal is not just financial gain but to ensure investments reflect biblical principles. Crossmark offers both screened and unscreened products to cater to diverse client needs, always seeking to provide risk-adjusted returns that align with Christian values.

Types of Investment Solutions: Steward Funds and Separately Managed Accounts

Crossmark’s investment solutions fall into two main categories: Steward Funds and Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs). Steward Funds are mutual funds designed to reflect biblical values by screening out companies whose business practices conflict with Christian principles. Crossmark currently offers nine such funds, covering a wide range of stocks and bonds.

Separately Managed Accounts allow for even more customization. Investors can exclude specific industries or companies that conflict with their personal convictions or include sectors they wish to support. Crossmark also offers unscreened investments for those who prefer to focus solely on financial performance. These flexible solutions allow investors to have a truly personalized faith-based portfolio.

What Is Faith-Based Investing?

Faith-based investing (FBI), or biblically responsible investing (BRI), integrates Christian values into financial decision-making. Investing is just one part of life, but all aspects of life should be aligned with God's Word. It’s a matter of holiness and becoming more Christlike.

This isn’t just about avoiding “bad” investments (like companies involved in industries that don’t align with biblical values). It’s also about positively investing in companies that act responsibly toward employees, communities, and the environment.

It also encourages us to think about the moral implications of our investments. How we earn, spend, and invest money reflects our hearts and faith. Aligning investments with Christian values is a practical way to live out our faith. By doing this, investors can be good stewards of God’s gifts and honor Him in their financial decisions.

Dispelling the Myth: Do Faith-Based Investments Sacrifice Performance?

One common misconception is that faith-based investing requires sacrificing financial returns. Studies from institutions like Wharton, Oxford, and Biola University have shown that faith-based portfolios can perform just as well as secular ones. Crossmark’s portfolio managers are measured against the same benchmarks as other investors, ensuring that faith-based investments can provide competitive returns.

It is essential to work with someone who understands the importance of aligning financial decisions with your faith. Kingdom-minded financial advisors, like those certified by the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) program, specialize in helping Christians invest in ways that reflect biblical values.

Aligning Your Investments with God’s Word

Crossmark Global Investments offers a range of solutions, from mutual funds to customized accounts, that allow individuals to invest in a way that reflects their faith.

As Christians, we must view money as a resource entrusted to us by God. By aligning our investments with His Word, we can ensure that our financial decisions honor God and serve others. We don’t have to choose between financial success and faithfulness—we can have both.

To learn more about Crossmark Global Investments or faith-based investing, visit CrossmarkGlobal.com and explore the resources available to help you align your values with your financial goals.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I have a small inheritance of $40,000 coming soon, and I’d either like to invest that into a rental property, like a three-bedroom residential home, or maybe just drop it into a mutual fund. I found that the FXALX fund with Fidelity has a really low expense ratio and is highly rated. I'm trying to get the best return on my investment.
I just turned 66 and plan to file for Social Security in 6 months. I have a good income of $100,000 per year but no pension. I would like to be debt-free in retirement. Would it be a good idea to use my Social Security benefits over the next couple of years to pay off my mortgages on my rental property and primary home?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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