SeedTime Money (Christian living & Personal Finances)

I have been getting emails from a bunch of readers asking what I think about the Tranzact rewards debit card. If you haven’t heard, basically it is a debit card that provides “Z-Bucks” that can be used to buy everyday items. In theory I love what Tranzact is doing, but in reality I will be really surprised if this is still around in a year… I have some friends who are using it and who are excited about it, but I always do my own due diligence and go with my intuition and I am not feeling good about it. These are the red flags and the reasons I am passing on Tranzact (and make sure you listen til the last one, because it is the nail in the coffin for me.)…   🎯Resources Mentioned: Tranzact Rewards Debit Card: An overview of the card, its features, and the claims made by the company - https://tranzactcard.com/  Our Courses: here at SeedTime - https://seedtime.com/courses/  Temu: online marketplace - https://temu.to/m/uzjjld5k7io  Richard Smith charged with securities fraud in 2010 - http://www.kleinutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Criminal-ProbCauseAff-Aug13101.pdf  (Please note: links mentioned may be affiliate links which help us support our podcast and website. Thanks for your support!) Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/KEEkZthci7E)!   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 600 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.

Today, we're diving deep into the Parable of the Talents and how it holds the keys to succeeding as a Christian—yes, even in your finances. So pull up a chair, grab your Bible, and let’s get started. Are you struggling with managing not just your money but your time, relationships, and other God-given resources? Do you feel like you're holding back from multiplying your God-given talents out of fear? Want to discover how divine mandates can shift your perspective and align your life more closely with God's purposes?   Here's What We're Covering: Intro to the Parable of the Talents Where to find it: Matthew 25:14-29 (New Living Translation for readability) The overlooked depth of this parable beyond just finances How this parable aligns with teachings on the end times The Characters and Their Significance The Master (God), The Servants (Believers), and The Talents (Resources) Delegating according to abilities: what does it mean for us? Key Themes You Can’t Ignore Stewardship: Managing what you’ve been entrusted with Investment: The principle of growing your God-given talents Accountability: Yep, you will be held responsible Modern-Day Relevance Pushing back on today's "me, myself, and I" culture The immediate application for Christians today Fear vs. Faith Personal stories of how fear held me back Why stepping out in faith isn't the same as taking a risk Divine Mandates vs. Good Advice This is not just some good life advice; this is about aligning ourselves more closely with God's purposes. By the end of this episode, my hope is that you won’t just think of this parable as a "money lesson" but see it as a guide on how to be more in tune with God's purposes in every aspect of your life, including your finances. Let’s bust some myths and dig into the life-transforming wisdom that this parable holds.   Resources Mentioned: YouVersion Bible App: Search for my plans under 'Bob Lotich' or 'SeedTime' to find our newly released devotional about the Parable of Talents. - https://www.youversion.com/  New Living Translation (NLT) Bible: The version I used for today's reading, which makes the text super accessible. - https://www.bible.com/versions/116-NLT-new-living-translation    Hey, if this episode blesses you, it's going to bless others too. So share it with your friends, your family, and anyone else you think needs to hear it. Until next time, take care and God bless!   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/1rFETI90xzA)!   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 600 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're diving deep into a topic that's both controversial and unavoidable: credit cards. Today, we just want to share our own take on credit cards. No fluff, no shaming—just our honest thoughts. What’s in this episode for you? Listen to this episode if you want an open, authentic discussion on a topic many consider taboo but is nevertheless something we all have to deal with. Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, after this episode, you’ll have a more nuanced perspective on credit cards. Trust us; you won’t want to miss this one!   Resources Mentioned: Our email list: The best deals, practical tips, and spiritual insights are all there. To join, head over to https://SeedTime.com/subscribe Bible Money Matters Blog: An old friend's financial blog that even got Dave Ramsey to comment once. - https://www.biblemoneymatters.com/  Our book: Simple Money, Rich Life -  https://SeedTime.com/smrl Our article: Our 3 Simple Rules for Credit Cards - https://seedtime.com/credit-card-rules/    P.S. If you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you won't miss out on any future episodes that will help you manage your God-given resources better!   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/g-HCqZrthXw)!   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 600 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, I'm unpacking some of my personal money-saving hacks that can keep your wallet happy during the most wonderful (and expensive) time of the year.    Resources Mentioned: 6 apps, tools, and ideas I have used to save thousands over the years!! Rakuten: $40 signup bonus, but you have to go through our link because they don't make it publicly available - https://seedtime.com/rakuten  Honey: A browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout for over 30,000 shopping sites - https://www.joinhoney.com/  CamelCamelCamel: Amazon price tracker that shows you the price history of items, so you know if you're getting a good deal - https://camelcamelcamel.com/  Slickdeals: A community-driven deals website where users share and vote on the best deals- https://slickdeals.net/  Our Real Money Method (un)budgeting course: this is the course where we go behind the scenes of how we actually manage our money month to month - and this method has kept us from NOT going into Christmas debt ever since we started using it - https://seedtime.com/realmoney/  Shopping during Black Friday window - this is generally when the best deals are, so focus your shopping around this time. 🎯Bonus Resource: Need some gift ideas for the person who has everything? Check this out: https://seedtime.com/the-top-10-christmas-gift-ideas/ (Please note: links mentioned may be affiliate links which help us support our podcast and website. Thanks for your support!)   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/vergtgUg-Ug)!   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 600 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 today's episode, we had a super raw and real conversation about how to change who you will become in the next five years. The key? Taking a hard look at the inputs in our lives. Before we dive in, a HUGE shoutout and Happy Birthday to Linda! 🎉   🎙️ In this episode, we cover: The importance of growth and change in our journey with Jesus. The iconic quote about how we are the sum of our five closest friends and the books we read. But is that all there is to it? How we can think about "inputs" in our lives more broadly - from friends, to social media, to the shows we watch, and of course, our faith. Why merely thinking positive might not be enough. The surprising power of avoiding negativity. Our thoughts on TikTok and a fun theory we heard (no shade to the TikTok lovers out there!). Three actionable ways to become a better version of yourself in the next five years: Decide to make an intentional change. Eliminate the negative inputs that hold you back. Increase positive inputs and surround yourself with those who lift you up. A personal story about the challenge of finding the right friends and how being intentional about it can make a world of difference. The underrated value of books and why I'll forever advocate for them. 📚 A mindset shift about the timeframe of change and how our lives can be radically different in five years.   Resources Mentioned: Jim Rohn - https://www.jimrohn.com/  Chris Farley's "Van Down by the River" SNL skit - https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/motivational-speaker/n9691  Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting - https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/meet01/visguide2023.pdf    💡 Final thoughts: Growth requires effort, intentionality, and sometimes discomfort. But remember, God's got you through it all. Whether you're in a season of growth or you feel a bit stuck, I hope this episode inspires you to evaluate, change, and march toward the best version of yourself.   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/8v7ro8pzrEs)!   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 600 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.

This simple story from my devotional has been one of the most impactful stories I have heard. Join us as we dive deep into an inspiring story that challenges our perception of faith and God's provision. This episode is not just about money or finances but about life's unexpected challenges and the miraculous ways God intervenes when we trust Him.   🔑 Key Topics Covered: The incredible testimony of George Muller's faith in the midst of adversity. What true reliance on God looks like, even in the densest fogs of life. Why we often limit our perspective to options A and B when God has infinite solutions. The significance of prayer in our daily lives and decisions. How faith challenges our worldly thinking and the importance of trusting God over our own understanding. Learn how to surrender to God's solutions rather than relying solely on our limited human reasoning.   Resources Mentioned:  ”Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman - https://www.amazon.com/Streams-Desert-Daily-Devotional-Readings/dp/0310353688/  George Muller and his testimonies of faith - https://guideposts.org/inspiring-stories/the-inspiring-life-of-george-muller/  "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer - https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Holy-W-Tozer/dp/1626309906  https://SeedTime.com/churches   Tune in to this episode to be uplifted, inspired, and reminded of the infinite ways God can provide, even when the path seems unclear. Whether you're facing financial struggles or personal challenges, remember that God has endless solutions beyond our imagination. All it takes is trust, prayer, and a bit of faith. Let's embark on this journey together, challenge our perspectives, and grow in our faith!   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/NIIYFpnW4Ss)!   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 600 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.  

Hey friends, I recently shared how God helped Linda and me pay off our mortgage in just 9 months, and while hundreds of commenters were thrilled at what God did, some questioned the intentions or priorities behind it. If you've ever wondered why God would answer "superficial" prayers over what might seem like more critical issues, this episode is a must-listen for you.   🎙 What We're Covering: Why Would God Help with "Selfish Prayers"? Addressing the doubts and concerns raised about why God would help someone pay off debt rather than solve world hunger or stop child abuse.  Linda and I get it, guys. We've cried our eyes out over the injustice in the world. We share in your heartbreak, and I talk about that emotional conflict If you've ever wrestled with the morality of praying for personal financial blessings, this is your episode. We're all about authentic and real conversations here, so no beating around the bush. We tackle tough questions head-on. For those of you who want to increase your financial giving, get inspired to see how financial freedom can exponentially grow your impact.   We're not just talking dollars and cents; we're talking about soul-stirring, life-changing stuff here. The kind that makes you rethink not just your finances but your whole life's purpose. Trust me; you don't want to miss this episode. It could very well be the paradigm shift you need to understand the intertwined beauty of financial stewardship and divine purpose. See you on the inside! 🎧   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/uFJexJu16no)!   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 600 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.   Note: As always, this podcast isn't just for informational purposes. It's an invitation to shift perspectives, to think a little deeper, and maybe, just maybe, get one step closer to fulfilling your God-given potential.  

If you've ever found yourself super excited about a new venture only to feel completely disillusioned shortly after, this episode is for you. It's a powerful deep dive into the emotional journey many of us take when starting something new, and it's filled with practical insights, anecdotes, and advice to guide you through. So plug in, lean in, and let's navigate this valley together. Blessings!    📌 Inside this episode, we'll unpack: The universal path many face when starting something new, be it a business, parenthood, or any other venture. The critical points where decisions are made and why these might be the worst times to decide. The importance of knowing your purpose and how it can anchor you during challenging times. A practical chart explaining the ups and downs of expectations vs. reality. How the biggest challenges can lead to the biggest growth. Why speed bumps, obstacles, and failures aren't necessarily setbacks but part of the journey.   ✨ Golden Nuggets: "When you have a strong enough why, you can endure almost any how." - Viktor Frankl Understanding The Valley of Disillusionment means you can navigate it better. "Every time we are doing things in line with God's will, there is a domino effect of side effects and positive benefits to that action." Quote of the Episode: "If you want to double your rate of success, you need to double your rate of failure." - Founder of IBM     Links & Resources Mentioned: Passive with Purpose workshop - https://seedtime.com/pwp  True Financial Freedom Course - https://seedtime.com/true/  Real Money Method Course - https://seedtime.com/realmoney/  SeedTime Community Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1156067904425625  Netflix's You vs Wild - https://www.netflix.com/title/80227574  Viktor Frankl's Book: Man's Search for Meaning - https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl-ebook/dp/B009U9S6FI    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/7Isf9aD9Cvo)!   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 600 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.

Today's guest is Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon with decades of experience and the author of an incredible book (Hope is the first dose) that covers everything about trauma, healing, and faith. Trust me when I say you won't be able to put his book down! If you're someone who's gone through a traumatic event or you're in the middle of one right now, this episode is going to provide a lot of value. And even if you haven't, knowing how to handle these situations can be life-changing. Let’s get into it!   Why You Need to Listen to This Episode: Ever faced a traumatic event in your life? Ever been in a situation that felt (or feels) hopeless? Learn how to navigate through it with wisdom. Get first-hand advice from Dr. Lee Warren on dealing with everything from emotional to financial wounds. Curious about how a neurosurgeon views trauma? The medical metaphors are incredibly relatable! Struggling with your faith in the midst of a crisis? Discover what scripture won't tell you but experience will. And much more, including practical first steps on what to do when you're in the thick of it.   Key Topics/Questions Covered: The role of faith and science in facing life's challenges. Real-life stories of how trauma can affect financial well-being. "First Aid for Emotional Trauma" – Dr. Lee Warren’s initial steps for dealing with emotional wounds. Addressing the awkwardness: What not to say to someone going through trauma. Is church always a safe place? How to identify what feels like a safe space for you during traumatic times.   Resources Mentioned: Dr. Lee Warren’s book: Hope is the First Dose - https://amazon.com/Hope-First-Dose-Treatment-Recovering/dp/0593445392    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/UV_5s-424Q8)!   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 600 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 we are chatting about the strategies and techniques I use for effective learning. I truly believe that the art of learning is one of the most powerful tools God has given us, and I want to share the process that has been helping me in case you find it valuable as well!   If you're looking to expand your knowledge, solve specific problems, or even just become better at what you do, this episode is for you!   Here's what we covered: My personal love for learning (spoiler: it's like Linda's love for milk chocolate chips! 🍫). The strategy I use when trying to grasp a new topic and how this compares to assembling a puzzle. How Tim Ferriss and his unique learning challenges inspire our perspective on gaining knowledge rapidly. The importance of recognizing where you have knowledge gaps and the humility to fill them. My recent journey into understanding soil macronutrients for better gardening (it's more fascinating than you might think)! The difference in approach between learning something entirely new vs. refining what you already know. Why the order or sequence in which you learn things is more critical than ever in today's age of information overload.   🔑 Key Takeaways: Approach learning with humility. Being open-minded allows you to absorb more and view things from different perspectives. Sequencing your learning is vital. Think of it as building a foundation and then constructing the house. Sometimes, it's about searching for that one game-changing nugget amidst the wealth of information you already know.   Resources Mentioned:  Tim Ferriss' unique approach to rapid learning - https://tim.blog/2014/09/30/the-tim-ferriss-show-tracy-dinunzio-on-rapid-growth-and-rapid-learning/  The parable of the talents and its application to lifelong learning - https://seedtime.com/the-parable-of-the-talents/  Our previous podcast episode on quarterly business planning - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_693Ux9Akc    Final Thoughts: In an age of information overload, it's not about what you learn but how you learn. Make sure you're not just collecting data but synthesizing it in a way that can truly enrich your life and help you achieve your God-given purpose. Tune into the SeedTime Money podcast and discover the techniques to elevate your learning process. And hey, if you're interested in a SeedTime pickleball tournament, let us know!    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://studio.youtube.com/video/oFC1ntw_7_8/edit#:~:text=https%3A//youtube.com/live/oFC1ntw_7_8)!   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 600 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.