How we paid off our mortgage in 9 months

One of our listeners, Michael, is weighing the pros and cons of staying in a beloved ministry job that pays $45k or switching gears for a $90k corporate gig. He asked our advice, so here goes...

🔍 Key Highlights: 

• The Big Decision: Michael's predicament and the universal challenge of choosing between financial security and fulfilling work.

• Asking the Right Questions: We discuss five crucial questions to help you (or someone you know) navigate similar crossroads with clarity and faith.

• God's Guidance vs. Financial Gain: How to align your career choices with your calling and ensure your work serves a higher purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

• Real Money Method Course: A guide for those seeking practical steps to manage finances effectively. 

• "Simple Money, Rich Life" Book: Dive into our philosophy on money, giving, and living a life aligned with God's calling.

Looking for more Bob and Linda? Connect with us for a 6-week journey with your small group or church. Find out more at https://seedtime.com/true or hit us up on Instagram @seedtime. Let's bring faith, finances, and fun into closer alignment in your life!

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, 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 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 chatting with Greg Baumer, co-author of "True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart" and "God and Money." This is a thought-provoking discussion as we explore the intersection of faith, finances, and finding true contentment in Christ.

🔍 Key Highlights: 

• Greg Baumer's Journey: Discover how Greg and his co-author, John, navigated the world of wealth and business at Harvard and how this journey transformed their understanding of money and faith.

• Confronting Materialism: A candid look into how our culture is deeply entrenched in materialism and how this affects our spiritual lives.

• The 'Christian Halo' Over the American Dream: Challenging the common Christian financial narrative that focuses more on material success than spiritual wealth.

• Generosity vs. Coveting: Greg discusses the dangers of coveting and the powerful impact of true generosity in our lives.

• Financial Choices Reflecting Faith: How our spending, saving, and giving can be a testament to our faith and values.

• Identity and Possessions: A personal story from Greg about redefining identity in Christ, not in material possessions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Book: "True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart"  by Greg Baumer  and John Cortines

• Book: "God and Money" by Greg Baumer and John Cortines

• Generous Giving: An organization focused on spreading the message of biblical generosity and offering retreats like the Journey of Generosity

Subscribe to the SeedTime Money Podcast for more episodes that empower you to live a financially free and purpose-driven life.

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, 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 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.

Back with part 2! And the 10 most common questions we get about adoption.

🔍 A few AI generated Key Highlights: 

• Our Adoption Journey: Hear why we chose to adopt, the challenges we faced, and our biggest mistake – not fully understanding the difference between adoption and placement agencies.

• Adoption vs. Placement Agencies: Learn from our experience about the crucial differences between these two and why it matters in your adoption process.

• Costs and Legal Aspects: We delve into the financial and legal sides of adoption, providing real numbers and insights to help you prepare.

• Handling Social Worker Responsibilities: Discover the unexpected role Linda had to play in our first adoption and why having a social worker is vital.

• Emotional Preparation and Faith: We discuss the importance of prayer, trust in God, and emotional readiness for the adoption process.

• Adoption Agency Selection: Insights into choosing the right agency and how to make your profile stand out to potential birth mothers.

• Open vs. Closed Adoptions: Learn from our experiences of having two different types of adoptions and how they impacted us.

 Common Questions Answered:

• Eligibility Requirements: What you need to know about being eligible for adoption.

• Legal and Custody Issues: Our experience and advice on handling legalities.

• Can Birth Mothers Change Their Minds?: Understanding the legalities and emotional aspects.

• Adoption Process Duration: Insights into timelines and preparing yourself.

• Adoption Costs: Real numbers and tips for financial planning.

• Adopting with Biological Children: What you need to consider.

• Role of Birth Parents: How birth parents are involved in the process.

• Preparing Emotionally: The importance of prayer and an open heart.

• Matching Process: How agencies match children with families.

• Starting the Adoption Process: Practical first steps to take.

Resources Mentioned:

• Adoption Agencies: American Adoptions and Angel Adoptions

• Financial Aid: MediShare (and government programs)

• Scriptural Reference: James 1:27 (on caring for orphans)

(Please note: links mentioned may be affiliate links which help us support our podcast and website. Thanks for your support!) 

🌱 Connect with Us:

• Instagram: @seedtime

• Email: bob@seedtime.com

Visit seedtime.com/true for more details on joining us for a six-week small group or church session.

Until next time, keep sowing your financial seeds and let’s grow together in God’s plan for our finances! 🌟

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, 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 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.

Adoption. While it might not seem like a typical 'money' topic, trust us, it's significantly impacted our lives, both personally and financially.

💡Episode Highlights 

• Our Adoption Story: We share our journey of adopting two of our children, including the emotional and spiritual revelations experienced along the way.

• God's Hand in Adoption: We discuss how adoption reflects God's love and our adoption into His kingdom, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of this journey.

• Challenges and Realizations: From emotional struggles to practical hurdles, we delve into the complexities of the adoption process.

• Debunking Myths: We challenge common misconceptions about adoption, emphasizing that it's not a 'plan B' but a beautiful, divinely-guided path.

• Birth Mothers' Perspectives: Understanding and respecting the birth mothers' experiences and decisions are crucial in the adoption journey.

• Listener Questions Answered: We address 10 frequently asked questions about adoption, offering insights from our personal experiences.

👋 Want More Bob and Linda?

• Join us for a 6-week journey with your small group or church. Visit seedtime.com/true or DM us on Instagram @seedtime.

📝Join Us Next Time: 

Don't miss the next episode, where we reveal our biggest adoption mistake and delve deeper into your burning questions about adoption.

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, 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 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.

Want 12 FREE flights on Southwest this year?  It is far easier than you think, and in this episode we are breaking down how we are doing this and how you can too.

Resources Mentioned:

• SeedTime’s Free travel article: Dive deeper into our exact travel strategies.

• Southwest Companion Pass: Get all the details about this extremely RARE promotion

• Our Passive With Purpose workshop: SeedTime.com/pwp

🔍 Key Highlights: 

• Our Journey with Free Travel: We're sharing our personal experiences and strategies for traveling for free. From flights to hotel stays, we've mastered the art of maximizing rewards.

• The 80/20 of Travel Hacking: We'll discuss how we focus on efficiency and simplicity rather than getting bogged down in complex travel hacking techniques.

• The Power of Points: Learn why not all points are created equal and how understanding the nuances can unlock incredible travel opportunities.

• Southwest Companion Pass Promotion: Discover how Southwest Airlines is offering a game-changing promotion that could land you a companion pass for a year.

• Credit Card Wisdom: While we're all about maximizing rewards, we'll also touch on the importance of responsible credit card use and share our three golden rules.

As always, thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to share this episode with friends and family who could use some financial wisdom. Until next time, stay blessed and keep thriving!

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, 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 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 excited to dive into the heart of why SeedTime exists and share our 40-year vision with you.

🔍 Key Topics & Questions Covered

• Clarifying the SeedTime Mission: Understanding the 'why' behind our brand and its evolving journey.

• Personal Reflections: How Bob and Linda's 18-year journey has shaped SeedTime's vision.

• The SeedTime Credo: A powerful statement reflecting our goal of inviting God into our finances.

• The Impact of Christian Generosity: Discussing the potential cultural and societal changes when Christians become the most generous faith group.

• Redefining Culture through Faith: The role of Christian values in influencing culture, with examples from Chip and Joanna Gaines.

• The Practical Side of Faith and Finances: How managing finances according to God's will can impact adoption, foster care, and personal decisions.

• The Personal Touch: Linda's insights on balancing material desires with spiritual commitments.

Resources Mentioned:

• SeedTime Website: Visit seedtime.com for more resources and information.

• SeedTime Small Group Experience: Learn how you can bring this transformation to your small group or church at seedtime.com/true.

🤝 Connect and Contribute:

• Have a prayer request or want to join a conversation? Reach out to us on Instagram at @seedtime.

• Your reviews help us grow and reach more people — please consider leaving one!

🌟 Special Offer:

• Interested in a 6-week group session with us? Visit seedtime.com/true for more details.

💬 Final Thoughts: This episode is not just about managing money; it's about shaping lives and communities through God-led generosity and wisdom. It's a call to action for every Christian to rethink their financial habits and its broader impact. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to align their financial practices with their faith.

🌱 SeedTime Money Podcast — where faith meets finance, and where your money journey transforms not just your life, but the world around you.

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, 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 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.

1. Today's story is a true testament to faith, trust, and the unexpected ways God works in our finances. 
2. Pardon the 'iPhone in a bathroom' sound of the mic today LOL - we had an issue and should have it fixed going forward!

A little of what we are talking about...

• A Surprising Email: Discover the story of a SeedTime listener who faced an unexpected financial dilemma—being overpaid by $20,000!

• A Test of Faith: Hear how this situation turned into a powerful test of faith and trust in God's provision.

• Deep Insights: Linda and I dive deep into what true financial freedom means and how it's more about heart condition than bank account balance.

• Real-Life Application: Learn how to handle financial surprises and tests with grace and trust in God.

Resources Mentioned:

• SeedTime courses - seedtime.com/courses

• Our Book: Simple Money, Rich Life -  seedtime.com/smrl

• Grab a copy of our Assets Under Management (AUM) sheet - seedtime.com/smrl-aum

🌟 Connect with Us:

• Share your stories and questions: Email me at bob@seedtime.com or DM on Instagram @seedtime

• Join our community: Interested in diving deeper into these topics with your small group or church? Visit seedtime.com/true for details on how we can serve your group.

Remember, this journey isn't just about becoming debt-free or accumulating wealth; it's about aligning our hearts and finances with God's purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that our financial journey intertwines deeply with our spiritual walk. So, tune in, get inspired, and let's continue to grow together in faith and financial wisdom!

Stay blessed and keep seeking God in all aspects of your life, including your finances!

Exciting News: We're working on SeedTime merch! Have any T-shirt ideas or know a great designer? Let us know!

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, we think you’ll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 400 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 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 thrilled to have my friend and teen money expert, Derek Kinney, join me for a deep dive into teaching teens about money management.

Whether you're a parent to teens or just starting to educate your younger kids about finances, this episode is packed with insights, strategies, and real-life examples to guide you through this critical journey.

📢Here's what you'll discover:

• Earnings vs. Allowance: Derek shares his philosophy on this crucial aspect, emphasizing the need for teens to understand the value of earning and contributing to the family.

• Financial Mistakes as Learning Tools: We discuss the power of sharing our financial failings with our kids, making us more relatable and teaching important lessons.

• Wants vs. Needs: How to help teens distinguish between these, using relatable examples like brand preferences and consumer behavior.

• Credit Card Wisdom: We dive into the responsible use of credit cards, teaching teens to view them as tools rather than temptations.

• Preparing Teens for the Real World: Derek introduces his program, 'Simple Teen Success', a comprehensive guide to equip teens with essential life, business, and money skills.

• Personal Parenting Insights: We share our personal experiences and epiphanies in parenting teens, especially during their crucial senior year of high school.

🎧Compelling Reasons to Listen:

• Discover practical strategies to teach your teens about financial responsibility.

• Learn how to use your financial mistakes as powerful teaching tools.

• Get insights on preparing your teens for real-world challenges, beyond academic success.

• Understand how to guide your kids in using credit cards wisely.

• Hear about an innovative program designed to equip teens with essential life skills.

🎯Resources Mentioned:

• Simple Teen Success Program: A subscription-based resource offering courses and live streams on business, money, and life skills for teens. More details at simpleteensuccess.com.

• Free Downloadable Guide: "Five Strategies to Win in Life for Teens," available at simpleteensuccess.com.

Final Thoughts:

In this episode, we've uncovered valuable insights and tools not just for teens, but also for us as parents. It's about partnering in our children's financial education journey, using our experiences and the resources available to us. Join Derek and me in this engaging conversation, and let’s empower the next generation together!

Connect with Us: If this episode resonates with you, or you know someone who might find it helpful, please share it. You can reach out to us at bob@seedtime.com or via Instagram: @seedtime.

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel! 

If you haven’t checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life, we think you’ll love it. It was named Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 500 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 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.

Broadcasting from sunny Hawaii, we're diving into a story that beautifully illustrates God's creativity and provision.

🎯Resources Mentioned:

• SeedTime's Net Given Tracking Sheet: A tool to track your blessings and giving. Available at: seedtime.com/ng

• Our Book, "Simple Money, Rich Life": Discover more about financial freedom and giving in Chapter 26.

• True Financial Freedom Class: Our flagship class designed for individuals and groups, focusing on fulfilling your God-given purpose and breaking free from hidden money beliefs. Details at seedtime.com/TFF

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel!