In the final episode of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Jim Grimmer, founder of P3 Business Care shares his top ten faith and finance priorities for Christians in business.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Jim introduces himself and talks about P3 Business Care (a community interest company and social enterprise) [01:17], before going on to explain how he became a Christian. [03:25]
• Jim’s first top tip is to have integrity in all transactions, ‘doing the right thing even when no one’s watching’. Proverbs 10.9 adds weight to this point: ‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.’ [05:20]
• Top tip number two is to approach every aspect of business through the lens of being ‘a good steward’ of the finance and resources with which God has entrusted us. [07:04]
• Thirdly, Jim highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God (James 1.5), ethical decision-making and standing firm on our convictions. [08:46]
• Next, Jim talks about generosity and giving as ‘a heart issue’, as illustrated by 2 Corinthians 9.7: ‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’ He goes on to suggest a number of ways in which businesses can be generous in both financial and practical ways. Bex draws attention to the additional content on ‘Giving’ that was covered in Season 5 of this podcast. [10:28]
• Jim emphasises the importance of valuing employees, treating them fairly and upholding dignity in the workplace. [11:44]
• Jim suggests that financial literacy and education should be prioritised in order to equip employees to carry out business tasks and to help them deal with challenges and issues that could otherwise have a detrimental effect upon their wellbeing. [14:31]
• From personal experience, Jim describes some of the benefits – including accountability, collaboration and mutual encouragement - of developing faith-based, business-related communities and networks. [16:51]
• Another key point from Jim, and one that epitomises how P3 Business Care operates, is faith integration: weaving our beliefs into business practices. As well as enabling Christians to be fully themselves in the workplace, this approach can create nurturing and inspiring environments. When, for example, leaders model faith-driven decision-making, prioritising people over profits, this can set the agenda in a stimulating and very positive manner. [18:46]
• Jim’s penultimate tip is to avoid debt, not least because a business taking on debt can become obligated to those from whom they borrow, as suggested by Proverbs 22.7: ‘The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.’ Jim and Bex go on to mention Christians Against Poverty, which is a debt charity that can provide great support for anyone grappling with debt issues. [21:58]
• Jim’s final top tip, and the hundredth of this season, is to seek God’s guidance in decision-making through prayer and discernment. He explains some of the practical ways in which P3 Business Care seeks to put into practice the verses from Proverbs 3 that led to ‘P3’ being used in its name: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ [24:56]
• The next season of the podcast, airing in 2025, will look at financial matters associated with churches and charities; anyone involved in those areas is encouraged to send in requests for topics to be discussed. [28:43]

Suggestions or feedback...

In Episode 9 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, guest contributor, Dave Hall, shares his top ten money tips for teenagers.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Dave introduces himself [01:24], explaining how he became a Christian [01:57] and the steps that led him to become Youth Pastor of Catalyst Vineyard Church, Aberdeen. [03:26]
• Dave’s first top tip is to be a good steward. [06:12]
• Top tip number two is to live simply and to be generous with any surplus. [07:56]
• Thirdly, Dave highlights the importance of regarding money as a tool. Of itself, it is neither good nor bad; rather, it is ‘the love of money’ (1 Timothy 6. 10) that creates issues. [10:17]
• Next, Dave uses the example of King David (2 Samuel 24) to illustrate the importance of giving ‘until you feel it’ in response to God’s love and out of a desire to bless others. [12:31]
• Another key point for teenagers to take on board is to realise that the way that they use their money can have significant and far-reaching consequences. [15:26]
• Dave draws attention to the ways in which teenagers are influenced these days and suggests that they are more interested than we might think in receiving input from wise, genuine, trusted adults whom they know. [18:18]
• Arising from his own experience, Dave’s next tip is to learn budgeting, with the Christians Against Poverty Money Course being recommended as one good source of information and instruction on this topic. [21:57]
• Dave also feels that teenagers can benefit hugely from learning the value of saving and also of delaying gratification. [23:06]
• Dave’s penultimate tip is to be open and accountable about money matters, with ‘loud budgeting’ receiving a mention as a relatively new trend that could be helpful in this regard. [25:26]
• Dave’s final top tip is to have conversations about money little and often rather than relying on lengthy, one-off discussions. [27:28]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 8 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss ten top tips for Christians in the Workplace.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip is to know what we think about money and to have a good grasp of key values that will determine how we deal with financial matters in the workplace. [01:48]
• Top tip number two is to know why we are working, beyond simply to acquire money to pay the bills. Simon recommends ‘God at Work’ by Ken Costa as a book that can be helpful and thought-provoking on this theme. [04:16]
• Thirdly, Simon highlights the desirability of understanding the financial world and its challenges, issues and complexities. [07:52]
• Next, Simon talks about the importance of bringing our work before God on a regular basis. [10:08]
• Another key point is to talk openly with others about our work and, in particular, to endeavour to find peers operating in a similar line of work with whom we can share insights and queries. [12:08]
• Top tip number six is to embed generosity and giving into our beliefs and actions around work and the workplace. [14:37]
• In addition, the ability to develop and apply our values across a whole range of workplace situations can really help us to respond consistently in a godly and appropriate manner to new challenges and predicaments. [17:12]
• There can also be great advantages in building up a network of contacts with relevant skills and knowledge who can help us to anticipate issues, as well as being available to provide support, wisdom and encouragement in a bespoke and meaningful manner when necessary. [19:42]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to encourage us to be bold and courageous in the workplace, to respond to prompts from our conscience and to stand up for what we believe to be right. [21:47]
• Simon’s final top tip is to reread Proverbs regularly because it has so much to say about money that can bring wisdom, thought-provoking insight and a godly perspective. [24:25]
• In the penultimate episode in this season, a guest contributor in the form of Dave Hall, youth pastor, will be giving his top ten tips for young people wanting to manage their money well. [25:52]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 7 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss ten top tips in connection with preparing for retirement.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip when planning for retirement is to start early. [01:14]
• Top tip number two is to try to keep abreast of the current, basic rules affecting pensions. Various websites such as Gov.UK, Money Saving Expert and those belonging to debt charities, such as Christians Against Poverty, can be very helpful in this regard. [03:17]
• Thirdly, Simon stresses the importance of maximising one’s State Pension eg by buying additional years, if need be. The Money Saving Expert website has some particularly helpful articles on this topic. [06:10]
• A tip for those who are one or two years off retirement is to maximise their pension contributions during that period. [08:57]
• Because of the number of different pension schemes available these days, the next tip is to ensure that you understand fully the nature of your pension arrangements and, in particular, the best way of taking money out of your pension(s). [10:09]
• Simon explains why it is important to create a retirement budget and to take account of how the cost of living might change over time. [11:49]
• The next priority identified by Simon is to collate information about your possible sources of income during retirement so that your plans can be as realistic as possible. [15:32]
• Simon suggests that, depending on circumstances, a useful tip for some people could be to consider consulting a financial planner. [17:10]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to start applying for pensions early; don’t wait until just before you retire as it’s not an instant process. [20:15]
• Simon’s final top tip is to consider phased retirement, if that is an option for you. [21:51]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 6 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss ten top tips for dealing with debt.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip for dealing with debt if it has become an issue for us is to admit that we are ‘in debt’. [01:21]
• Top tip number two is to quantify and define our debt, including acknowledging the situation if the debt is best described as being ‘unmanageable’. [04:37]
• Thirdly, Simon stresses the importance of asking for help and support, especially if the debt is ‘unmanageable’, in which case professional assistance is available from the likes of Christians Against Poverty. [06:37]
• Next, Simon highlights the need to make a list of all our debts and their details because an effective action plan cannot be drawn up without that information. [08:50]
• When implementing an action plan, we should aim to create a balance between achieving our repayment goals as quickly as possible and building in budgetary resilience that will keep us on track even when unexpected expenditure occurs. [10:03]
• Simon outlines a couple of ‘snowballing’ options that can be used as the core element of a plan to pay down the debts we owe. [12:24]
• Tackling debt issues can be challenging and emotionally draining, so Simon encourages us to celebrate our debt-related ‘victories’ – which can come in a variety of different forms - in an appropriate and meaningful manner. [15:32]
• Simon explains how we can consolidate and rationalise our debts without having to pay a third party to do this for us. [18:08]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to avoid short-term thinking; taking the long view is a real key to success when it comes to debt management. [20:13]
• Simon’s final top tip is to allow our attitude to money to be shaped by the biblical principle of avoiding the love of money and, instead, use money as a way of expressing love to others. [22:05]
• The next episode in this season will comprise ten top tips about preparing for retirement. [24:32]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 5 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss their Top 10 Tips for Investing.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip on this subject is to consider the investing options for our financial circumstances only once we have put in place the foundational budgetary practices that best suit our needs. [01:36]
• Top tip number two is to be clear about our objectives (‘give every pound a purpose’) and to understand the timescale for each objective. [03:52]
• Thirdly, Simon explains the importance of understanding the nature of risk and of being able to evaluate the level of risk associated with the options available to us at any one time. [05:46]
• Next, Simon suggests that minimising investment-related costs is a sensible approach to take and, if done thoughtfully, can be achieved without compromising the benefits that we are aiming to receive from investing. [07:26]
• On a related note, Simon highlights the advantages of maximising the various tax efficiency options that are legitimately available to us. [09:50]
• When it comes to the practicalities of how and when to invest, Simon suggests that keeping things simple by automating our investing (and creating a ‘pound cost averaging’ approach through that process) can be helpful and cost-effective. [12:25]
• Simon would also encourage us to review our investments from time to time (eg annually) but would urge us not to check on them frequently because they are long-term processes that can involve significant, but irrelevant, fluctuations in the short-term. [13:36]
• In addition, Simon would advise against trying to ‘time the market’. [15:26]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to take an evidence-based approach so that we avoid being drawn into ‘speculating’ rather than ‘investing’. [18:27]
• Simon’s final top tip is to recognise the significance of investment decisions by researching the options thoroughly and by taking appropriate advice (which can generally be available without incurring cost). [20:29]
• The next episode in this season will focus on top tips for dealing with debt. [23:02]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In Episode 4 of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon and Bex discuss their Top 10 Tips for Giving and Being Generous.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip for giving and being generous is to give first and then budget with what is left. [01:17]
• Top tip number two is to decide how much to give before we decide to whom we wish to give. [04:34]
• Thirdly, Simon explains the principle of giving regularly but also on an ad hoc basis. [06:13]
• Next, Simon talks about the benefits of being deliberate in the act of giving even when it happens through an automated process. [07:01]
• Simon highlights the importance of using the likes of Gift Aid and automated money transfer options (such as standing orders and direct debits) to help us to be as efficient as possible in our giving. [09:37]
• Another important element to prioritise is to review our giving on a regular basis. [11:29]
• Simon explains why he would suggest that we commit ourselves to giving to a cause for a specific period of time and communicate that arrangement clearly to those to whom we are giving. [13:13]
• Simon encourages us to include others in our giving endeavours so that they can learn from that involvement and can be inspired to go on to experience for themselves the joy and benefits of being generous. [15:26]
• Simon’s penultimate tip is to be inquisitive about the charities to which we are giving and to develop a meaningful connection with them. [18:06]
• Simon’s final top tip is to recognise that giving isn’t just about money; there are many ways in which we can make significant contributions to the charities that we wish to support. [19:49]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.

In the third episode of this Faith and Finance Top 10s season, Simon shares his Top 10 Tips for Practical Budgeting.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon’s first top tip for practical budgeting is to itemise carefully all of our income so that we know how much money will be coming in monthly and over the course of a year. [01:43]
• Because of the great importance of giving and being generous (as discussed in Season 5), Simon suggests that top tip number two should be to decide how much we are going to give. [04:02]
• Thirdly, Simon highlights the importance of prioritising budgetary items through a process of identifying essential payments and then discretionary items, with the latter category being ranked according to their importance to us. [05:33]
• Top tip number four is ‘Write it down!”. [07:33]
• Next, Simon suggests that we should ensure that we review our financial commitments regularly. [09:32]
• Simon explains the ‘three bank account system’, which can help us manage our money according to the type of expenditure involved; ‘pots’ that are available through banking apps can be used to achieve the same outcome. [11:06]
• Simon explains how we can put in place an arrangement for coping with less frequent, but potentially very significant, expenses [14:22]
• Another key principle is to focus on reducing and then eliminating any debts that we may have. [17:16]
• Simon’s penultimate point is that we should try to balance our budget on an ongoing basis so that we are living within our means. [20:39]
• Simon’s final top tip on practical budgeting is to develop the habit of saving to buy rather than borrowing to buy. [22:21]
• The focus of the next episode in this season will be on generosity when Simon and Bex will discuss ten top tips relating to giving well and effectively. [24:28]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

This show has been brought to you by Free Range Podcasting.

You can sign up to receive news and updates about this podcast by filling out the brief form to which you will be taken when clicking on this link.