SeedTime Money (Christian living & Personal Finances)

Today we are looking at our 14-Point Checklist to Give Away a Million Dollars. We delve into our personal journey of giving away a million dollars and break down a 14-point checklist that guided us. This isn't just about our experience; it's about providing you with ideas and inspiration to reach your own financial and giving goals. So, see you on the inside!   Want our 14-point checklist? DM @seedtime (https://instagram.com/seedtime), or send an email to bob@seedtime.com and request your free PDF copy!   Links: Our book: Simple Money, Rich Life- https://seedtime.com/smrl/  True Financial Freedom Class- https://seedtime.com/true/  Real Money Method- https://seedtime.com/realmoney/  10x Investing Course- https://seedtime.com/10x/  How to find your REAL hourly wage in 10 minuteshttps://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/25268184    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/cqRrs9_GFf4)!   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 recently took a road trip and recorded this episode from our phone at a rest-stop.  But, if you want to know get to know us a bit better, this episode will give you a peek into who Bob & Linda are!  Enjoy!     Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel(https://youtube.com/live/bh3Qnv5LO1c)! 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.

Inside, I’m going to show you the 4-step process that can stop negative, reactive spending habits in their tracks and get you on the path to saving, giving, and enjoying more of your money: **Identifying** the biggest (and messiest) money opportunities with the ‘RFC’ matrix. **Managing** your biggest opportunity with the 80/20 Budget.  **Redirecting** the surplus where you want it to go (practicing JOMO instead of FOMO).   **Enjoying** the margin you create from decluttering (how to spend more on what brings you joy).     Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel(https://youtu.be/b__yWggOU5s)!   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 are taking a listener question and discussing some of the keys to handling money and our hearts when things are going well, as well as when they aren't. A little of what we are covering: Ever noticed how pride sneaks up on us during financial highs and evaporates during lows? Let's decode this emotional rollercoaster and the unseen challenges of financial success. The two tests I believe God throws our way to measure our real success. Hear personal stories from my life's highs and lows, revealing how gratitude and pride can change shades in different circumstances. Two practical actions and daily practices to infuse gratitude in your life and keep financial pride at bay.   This episode is not just about handling your financial blessings. It's about transforming how you perceive these blessings and what you do with them. Prepare to change your perspective on financial success, learn how to guard your heart against pride, and embrace gratitude with practical actions. If you've ever felt challenged by the delicate dance of success and humility, this episode will provide a new rhythm to your journey. It's time to redefine your relationship with money, balance your heart's pride and gratitude, and be a more mindful steward of the resources you have. Remember, building wealth isn't just about numbers—it's about nurturing your character and grace too. See you on the inside. God bless!   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/VTeHaiqN15s)!   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.

Have you seen "the Sound of Freedom" yet? Well, we just saw it and there is something we all need to be talking about with it.   🔑 Key Topics Covered: Awareness of human trafficking Impact of "The Sound of Freedom" movie The spiritual aspect of money management Motivation to "earn all I can" for giving  What you do matters on the earth Taking action with A21 and Our Rescue   Links: The Sound of Freedom Movie- https://angel.com/pay-it-forward/sound-of-freedom  John's Real Money Method story- https://vimeo.com/787744583  Our Book: Simple Money, Rich Life - https://seedtime.com/smrl  Our Courses at SeedTime- https://seedtime.com/courses  Tim Ballard and Our Rescue- https://ourrescue.org  A21 organization and ending slavery - https://seedtime.com/a21    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/yKyZbIGeNoo)!   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 is a bit of a personal episode where I am sharing my story of stepping away from social media for a year and the massive impact it had on my life.  Trust me, this episode is gonna make you rethink your relationship with social media and might even inspire you to take a break yourself.   What To Expect: The Art of Presence: Ever wondered what being more present could do to your relationships and spirituality?  Redefining Social Interactions: Are you afraid that losing touch with social media means losing connections? I was terrified! Join me as I share the unexpected turn my personal connections took during my social media fast.  A Pathway to Contentment: Discover how stepping away from social media led me to an unforeseen wellspring of contentment. I talk about how breaking free from the unending stream of comparisons and achievements on social media paved the way to more contentment.  The Continuum of Life: What happens when you go off the grid? I share a humble yet eye-opening realization.    Whether or not you decide to take a social media fast, this episode is an invitation to reflect on where your time and focus are channeled. Together, let's weigh the eternal impact and the higher calling beyond the quickly fading thrills of likes and shares.   Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/0qDAED8KoOY)!   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.

On our 10x Live investing workshop (https://seedtime.com/replays) we hosted last week we gave away a couple stacks of books that deeply impacted how I handle money. And a bunch of you kept asking for the list, so here we are.   Now at this point I have read about 100 money books over the last 15 years. And this list is the 10 or so that have made a significant impact on my thinking or behaving with money.  Some are written by Christians and some are not. I don’t agree with everything anyone says or writes regardless of whether or not they are a Christian, so I chew the meat and spit out the bones and encourage you to do the same thing! #1 https://amzn.to/3Py7JWn #2 https://amzn.to/46n9Q5v #3 https://amzn.to/3JA15Lt  #4 https://amzn.to/3Psn3ny  #5 https://amzn.to/42XHJa1  #6 https://amzn.to/3CNeoV1  #7 https://amzn.to/3JWbilV   #8 https://amzn.to/42XHJa1  #9 https://amzn.to/46jI6yN  #10 https://amzn.to/3XzVgDF  #11 https://amzn.to/3qZTqzH   Additionally, there are some other fantastic money books out there that are NOT on this list. But these just happen to be the ones that spoke to me most at the time I read them.  And as a little shameless plug to possibly save you a little time, part of why I wrote Simple Money, Rich Life was to be able to distill everything I learned in these 100 books into 1.  So if you want the best nuggets from most of these books you will find it all rolled up in our book Simple Money, Rich Life which you can get with free shipping here: https://seedtime.com/smrl It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 300 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. Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/fh2VLluLHQE)!

Are You Doing Something Wrong if You Aren’t Financially Blessed? That's the question we are tackling today and I promise you, this topic is just the tip of the iceberg of what we’re about to unfold.   Here's a little of what we are discussing today: Redefining Blessed: We tackle the big question - what does being “blessed” really mean? Is it just about the dollars in your bank account, or is there more? This episode might just change how you look at the world. Social Media Mirage: We’re spilling the beans on social media’s “highlight reels” and how they mess with our minds. You might think everybody’s killing it except you. But, is that really true? Count Your Blessings: No, seriously, count them. We chat about gratitude, the importance of cherishing the little things, and keeping your focus on what truly matters. Sometimes, it’s about re-centering your heart. Seed Time & Harvest: We explore the powerful concept of sowing and reaping. Sometimes you’re planting seeds and it doesn't seem like much is happening. But stay patient, my friends. There’s a time to reap what you sow. Asking the Right Questions: Are you asking, “What am I getting out of this?” Instead, let’s pivot to “What can I give or put into this experience?” We're flipping the script! Is It You, or Is It Timing?: We talk about those seasons when you feel like you’re in a rut. Is it because you’re doing something wrong, or is it just not the right time? Hang tight, breakthroughs are real! Wise Counsel vs. The Noise: It's important to surround yourself with people who can provide honest feedback and encouragement. Learn how to discern between genuine counsel and the noise. Embracing the Ups and Downs: Life is full of cycles. We discuss embracing the seasons of life, both the challenges and the triumphs. There's wisdom and growth in every season. Whether you’re looking to build wealth, find contentment, or understand the season you’re in, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Let’s embark on this journey together and remember - we're all in this crazy thing called life together. Hit play and let’s get this party started! 🚀    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/uvsXXLhX6bk)!   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 podcast, the hosts share seven crucial financial truths they wish they knew in their twenties, including the importance of becoming a money scholar, the power of discipline, demystifying debt, the long game of investing, living below your means, and the power of seeking help. They also discuss investing in stocks of products you love and the importance of not comparing yourself to others.

Guess what? SeedTime just turned sweet 16 today! 🎉 (Psst… we've got some cool gifts and bonuses for you today!) It's been a crazy ride these past 16 years, hasn't it?  I mean, by God’s remarkable grace, we've had the chance to connect with over 55 million folks through our website, the SeedTime Money Podcast, and our YouTube channels.  Can you believe that!?  And then we've seen more than 9,200 students pass through our courses https://seedtime.com/u and nearly 20k copies of Simple Money, Rich Life https://seedtime.com/smrl have found new homes. But even though I am admittedly a numbers nerd, the numbers aren't even close to the best part... From day one I have been collecting stories from people like you who have shared with me the things God has done in their financial lives.  And over 16 years I now have thousands of those stories that I treasure.  Every story, every success, is another reminder of the great things God can do. Looking back, it's pretty amazing seeing what God has done the last 16 years. But, it never should have happened…   The unlikely story of SeedTime On June 1st, 2007, SeedTime (or originally ChristianPF.com) was born.  It was just a little blog where I shared the personal finance lessons I was learning along with what I was finding in the Bible about money.  At the time I was stuck in a dead-end job and felt hopeless about my career and my ability to make any sort of impact in the world. And I had this pipe-dream that one day we could earn enough from the blog to eat and live indoors.  But the odds were terrible.  At the time earning money from a blog was incredibly difficult.  In fact, in 2007 I literally was only aware of 2 bloggers in the entire world that were earning anything close to a full-time income from blogging. And my millionaire mentor, who had taught me so much about money, told me going full-time as a blogger was a terrible idea. And He was right.  But here’s the thing. The Bible is full of “terrible ideas” that just happened to be exactly what God wanted.  Here’s one: “Hey, I have a military strategy for you. Just march around the city 7 times and then yell real loud. Oh and if it doesn’t work, you’ll probably die.” God seems to love to use “terrible ideas” because no one can take credit for it when it works out.   Today Linda and I are going into the full story of how SeedTime began.   How we went from being the financial messes that we were to following God into the unknown How we overcame our fears and insecurities and nay-sayers How we handled “stepping out of the boat” after I got laid off and became a “full-time blogger”. One critical mistake I made that should have sunk us And the most important thing we did to keep SeedTime alive and well 16 years later. And a lot more of the ins and outs of how God took 2 broke kids from Missouri and did something only He could do   Links: Enter the $2k giveaway: https://seedtime.com/2k-giveaway    Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/live/op3YbkB69j0)!   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.