How does Christian teaching on managing our finances well tie in with the modern UK financial system?
Your hosts, Simon Glazier & Bex Elder, will help you navigate the key issues of financial planning and advice with reflections on, and references to, key biblical principles that should underpin our approach to money, wealth and possessions.
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S13 Bonus Ep3 Talking Faith and Finance with Dave McCarthy, Lead Pastor of Westhill Community Church
Season 13
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 26:39
In the third bonus episode of Season 13, Simon and Bex talk faith and finance with Dave McCarthy, Lead Pastor of Westhill Community Church in Aberdeenshire.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Dave’ introduces himself [01:26] and describes how he became an unexpected convert to Christianity. [02:22]
Dave’s journey into church leadership also had some surprising elements, including dropping out of university but then being accepted for ordination in a remarkably brief time frame. [05:11]
Church leadership training at that time did not include financial understanding and management; instead, the relevant skills and knowledge had to be picked up on the job, once appointed to a position of responsibility within a church. [08:01]
A couple of Bible verses that have been particularly significant for Dave have been Matthew 6.21 (‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’) and Psalm 50.10 (‘For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.). Dave describes the latter as ‘a really powerful verse’ and one that ‘I always have… in my head’ when ‘we’ve got to find resources from somewhere’. [09:02]
For Dave, the best way of communicating godly truths about financial matters is to draw attention to examples of God’s provision within the local church. In one example, faith and encouragement were stimulated by a generous donation that enabled a building project to go ahead. [11:05] In another instance, a fundraising target prompted by the lack of a church toilet ended up being the means through which a congregation grew in belief and generosity after uniting in prayer and a willingness to give in response to that need. [12:34]
Dave benefited from being in supportive churches with a long history of being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit but he acknowledges that the financial ups and downs of church leadership can take their toll on individuals and wonders whether other leadership models need to be considered for the future. [14:51]
In response to a question from Simon asking him what he would say to a congregation if he were to be given free rein [16:41], Dave said that he would highlight the following points: generosity begets generosity, and God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9.6-7) [17:59]; everything that a church is able to do is funded by its congregation [18:30]; giving should not become a legalistic duty but should always come from the heart. [19:15]
When it comes to practical tips, Dave notes the importance of budgeting [20:52], of making our giving a primary consideration [21:07] and ensuring that we review our giving regularly. [21:15] There is also an onus on the church to provide appropriate information, teaching and encouragement for new Christians and church members regarding financial matters. [21:54]
Dave’s final tip, inspired by Proverbs 16.9 (‘A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.’), is to ensure that we take time to plan for the long term, especially as far as our retirement aspirations are concerned. [23:50]
Your bonus for reading these show notes is that you get to find out that the next season of the podcast, coming after our summer break, will be all about ‘Financial Crises’! [25:58]
S13 Bonus Ep2 Talking Faith and Finance with Kenny Primrose, Podcaster, Educator and Writer
Season 13
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 27:36
In the second bonus episode of Season 13, Kenny Primrose - Podcaster, Educator and Writer - shares insights into ways in which our lives – and our engagement with faith and finance matters - can be enhanced by asking better questions.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Kenny introduces himself [01:06] and talks about how he became a Christian. [02:05]
In response to a question from Bex, Kenny talks about his professional involvements, including his podcast, ‘The Examined Life’, which invites guests to ‘distil their wisdom into a question we should be asking ourselves’. [03:55] Favourite episodes of the podcast have included Oliver Burkeman on life’s finite nature, Anna Lembke on our dopamine saturated culture, Iain McGilchrist on ‘What is my culture preventing me from seeing?’ and BJ Miller on ‘Loss, Meaning, and Learning to Feel’. [06:49]
When it comes to faith and finance content, two podcast episodes have stood out for Kenny: Elizabeth Oldfield on ‘Who is it that I want to be becoming?’, in which she explores the formational nature of our interaction with money; and Peter Singer on ‘How ought I to live?’, a question that prompted Kenny’s friend, Aaron Moore, to sell all of his possessions in a piece of performance art called, ‘. [11:13]
S12 Ep3 Family Matters: Parents
Season 12 · Episode 3
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 24:11
In the third episode of this ‘Family Matters’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various financial matters that can arise from the interactions that we have with our parents, especially later on in life.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Simon and Bex start off by talking about the importance of establishing an updated, shared understanding when adult children and their parents discuss money matters. Pete Scazzero’s ‘Emotionally Healthy’ resources are very helpful in this respect, and our own season on ‘Talking About Money’ may also be of interest. [02:17]
It can be helpful for an adult child to consider how best to broach the topic of money with a parent as it can be an emotive subject, and the motivation for raising it can sometimes be called into question. For their part, parents can often make the situation easier if they are willing to take the initiative and introduce a conversation on a money theme. [03:38]
The principle of honouring and respecting our parents is crucial to this whole area, with the most desirable outcome being an ability to tackle issues collaboratively rather than combatively. [06:38]
It can be a complete nightmare if financial affairs are not left in order, so Simon suggests ways in which the necessary conversations and subsequent action points can be implemented in a timely and appropriate manner. [08:36]
In response to a question from Bex, Simon talks about the importance of sharing relevant information with at least one other person if others are going to be affected practically and financially by your death. [11:03]
For those wishing to find out more about legal matters such as wills and power of attorney, Bex draws attention to the input given by Fiona Clarke, a private client solicitor, when she appeared on Season 3 Bonus Episode 2 of the podcast. [12:27]
S2 Ep7: Retirement
Season 2 · Episode 7
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 • Duration 24:15
In Episode 7 of the ‘Key Life Stages’ season, Simon and Bex explain that the nature of retirement can vary from person to person and they discuss how to thrive in retirement.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
Simon identifies four factors that can come into play when considering what ‘retirement’ means for each individual [02:09]: Age [02:44]; Stage [03:25]; Health [03:57]; Income. [04:38]
Simon explains that the process of ‘retirement transition’ requires people to weigh up their priorities regarding matters such as money, career, health, family and other relationships. [06:19]
In response to a question from Bex, Simon provides some top tips for doing retirement well, based on his experiences of working with clients over the years. [10:34]
Bex draws attention to the relevance of the Season 3 episode on ‘Decumulation’ (which is being released next week) because of its focus on managing money in retirement. [17:02]
Using Numbers 8.24-26 as his starting point, Simon comments on what the Bible says about retirement and then puts forward some suggestions for inclusion in a Christian perspective on retirement in the 21st century. [20:02]
The final 'Key Life Stages’ episode will be devoted to the topic of ‘End of Life Planning'.
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S3 Ep6: Cash Flow Planning
Season 3 · Episode 6
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 • Duration 25:42
In Episode 6 of our ‘Practical Financial Planning’ season, Simon explains how cash flow planning can help to create a useful 'budget for life'.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Bex and Simon set the scene by quoting the following biblical references: Luke 14.28-30 & 12.31-41; Proverbs 31.16-21 & 21.5. These verses flag up a number of topics relevant to financial planning, including anticipating future needs, providing for family, inheritance and generosity, but also greed, laziness, haste and lack of planning. [01:05]
Simon starts talking about the concept of cash flow planning by explaining the long-term perspective that it provides when he uses it in a business capacity with clients. [04:13]
Software can be a great help when undertaking cash flow planning, so Simon draws attention to 'Truth About Money', a free version of a cash flow modelling tool that he uses professionally. [08:32]
Simon goes on to describe how a long-term cash flow model works and in what ways it can be helpful. [16:00]
Simon suggests that financial planning decisions should not be determined purely by monetary considerations. The faith perspective is vital for Christians and, in his final comments, Simon mentions the importance of seriously considering matters such as working out “how much is enough?”, being generous and serving God. [21:06]
As ever, please contact us via whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk, or on Instagram via @whereyourtreasureispodcast. The next ‘Practical Financial Planning’ episode will be ‘Decumulation Strategy’, which will be released after a break for Christmas. [24:42]
In Episode 6 of the ‘Key Life Stages’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various points to consider in connection with getting ready for retirement.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
Simon provides a brief overview of planning for retirement and explains why it is important to prepare well for that stage of life. [04:06]
The first, and most obvious, step is to build up your State Pension. [06:49]
The next key factor is to increase your pension(s), whether company pension schemes or personal pensions. [08:08]
The third main strategy to adopt is to make a conscious decision to decrease pre-retirement expenditure in a sensible and considered manner. [09:24]
Simon highlights the benefits to be gained from saving money in the final years before retirement and putting it into a pension. [12:06]
Simon acknowledges that there are many different factors that can affect people’s priorities and actions as they get ready to retire. [14:55]
Simon suggests that the best way of being able to retire at your preferred point in time is to set up a budget with that goal in mind. [16:55]
Simon concludes by listing five additional points, aka ‘nuggets of wisdom’, to consider when preparing for retiring: (1) the significance for couples of discussing retirement matters with each other beforehand [19:33]; (2) the benefits of including all relevant factors when making affordability calculations [20:36]; (3) the need to consider various principles and practicalities when considering leaving an inheritance [21:12]; (4) the advantages of taking a flexible approach towards ‘retirement goals’, recognising the benefits of putting some plans into effect before retirement itself actually takes place [21:32]; (5) the importance of considering being generous and planning how and when giving can occur during retirement. [22:38]
If you would like to contact us with some feedback, questions or requests, please do so via whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk (email) or @whereyourtreasureispodcast (Instagram). The next life stage episode will be devoted to the topic of ‘Retirement’ itself. [22:56]
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S3 Ep5: Providers and Platforms
Season 3 · Episode 5
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 • Duration 28:48
In Episode 5 of our ‘Practical Financial Planning’ season, Simon explains how an understanding of platforms (technology that enables us to interact with various financial elements) can help us to manage our money.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
Simon uses the analogy of buckets (places we put money) on a shelf (a way to organise our money) to explain how we can accumulate various products (bank accounts, pensions, ISAs, savings accounts etc) from different providers (banks; building societies; brands such as Visa, PayPal, Mastercard; insurance companies etc), which then require to be organised if we are going to manage them efficiently. [01:13]
Simon explains how platforms (‘integrated’ platforms in the first instance) were developed as technology enabled people to interact to a greater extent with financial matters. [09:55]
The DIY platform (sometimes called 'Fund Supermarkets') allows investors to hold different types of investment in one consolidated account, without having to go through a provider. [12:09]
The 'adviser facilitated' platform enables independent financial advisers and planners to manage their clients’ money in a manner similar to the DIY platforms, with the result that investments do not have to be restricted to a single provider's funds. [13:40]
When asked about the relative merits of a provider's own integrated platform, a DIY platform or an adviser platform, Simon explains that four factors need to be taken into account: Product [17:11]; Cost [18:11]; Funds [22:36]; Advice [25:11].
As ever, please contact us via whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk, or on Instagram via @whereyourtreasureispodcast. The next ‘Practical Financial Planning’ episode will be ‘Cash Flow Planning’. [28:07]
In Episode 5 of the ‘Key Life Stages’ season, Simon and Bex discuss various issues and opportunities connected with career progression.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
Simon introduces the topic of ‘Career Progression’, explaining what is going to be covered in this episode. [00:55]
Bex and Simon consider some of the things that the Bible says about work, referring to Genesis 2.15, Revelation 22.3, Colossians 3.23, 2 Thessalonians 3.10, Proverbs 14.23 & 16.3, and concluding with Ephesians 4.28, which highlights the potentially transformative effect of work. [02:27]
Simon suggests that any point at which our financial circumstances change is an opportunity to think about how generous we can be and to review our giving. [05:17]
Simon then covers four further topics that merit fresh consideration at this time: protection [09:39], debt [10:48], pensions [14:12] and saving & investing [17:28].
Simon concludes by mentioning briefly some other topics (including inflation, and also individual and family considerations) that are worth thinking about in connection with career progression. [19:41]
If you would like to contact us with some feedback, questions or requests, please do so via whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk (email) or @whereyourtreasureispodcast (Instagram). The next life stage episode will be ‘Getting Ready for Retirement’. [21:28]
S2 Bonus Ep2 – Providing Support during the Cost of Living Crisis, with Ben Clift of Christians Against Poverty
Season 2
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 • Duration 31:52
In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex talk with Ben Clift, of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), about the Cost of Living Crisis and various ways in which support can be provided.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
Following an entertaining difference of opinion between Bex and Simon about whether or not Simon had foreshadowed Ben Clift as their guest in this episode [00:53], Bex asks Ben to describe his role as a CAP Debt Centre Manager and what an average day looks like. [01:17]
Ben explains that CAP is a national/international charity which operates on a significant scale but is also able to target support very effectively within communities as a result of being based in local churches. [02:41]
Ben goes on to talk about the biblical principles behind CAP’s activities [04:43] and how that translates into practical support, especially in connection with the charity’s endeavours to assist people to overcome debt-related issues. [08:00]
In response to a question from Bex, Ben provides information about the number of people who have been helped to become debt-free as a result of their contact with the debt centre in which he works. [10:05] He also speaks about the kinds of answers to prayer that people have experienced as a result of having shared their concerns, needs, aspirations etc with members of the CAP team. [11:24]
A couple of questions from Simon prompt Ben to explain some of the practicalities in which CAP representatives become involved when helping clients deal with financial correspondence [13:23] and negotiations with debtors. [15:14]
Ben talks about the fact that many people are experiencing an uncomfortable ‘squeeze’ as a result of the Cost of Living Crisis that has been precipitated by global factors (including the war in Ukraine), inflation pressures and political turbulence. [17:27]
Simon explains that the ‘wealthy’ are not immune from being affected by an unbalanced budget and can certainly experience financial shock under the kinds of circumstances that are affecting so many people at this point in time. [19:37]
Ben talks about the CAP Money Course, which is designed to provide people with money management skills that will help them to handle their finances effectively and wisely. [22:03]
S2 Bonus Ep1 - Can hobbits, a mellifluous poem and an extreme spreadsheet help us to press 'reset' on some of our major expenses?
Season 2
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 • Duration 34:21
In this bonus episode, Simon and Bex discuss practical approaches to budgeting for ‘big ticket items’ but also talk about ways in which we can ‘refresh’ our thinking regarding these expenses.
Some key points covered in this episode include the following:
Bex asks Simon for some tips on how to deal with major expenses that can wreck a budget, such as birthdays, Christmas, weddings and holidays. [00:41] As part of his response, Simon explains that, as described in the writings of JRR Tolkien, hobbits have an unusual but thought-provoking way of dealing with birthday presents. [02:18] Bex is prompted by Simon’s comments about the dangers of ever-increasing expenditure on presents to share how her family has reduced the number of presents that family members are expected to buy for each other. [03:27] Simon goes on to highlight the importance of having conversations about expectations for presents etc as that can assist individuals and families to avoid falling into practices that can ultimately exert unhelpful pressures upon them. [06:29]
Thinking about the biblical reference to God giving good gifts to his children (Matthew 7.11 and Luke 11.13), Bex is prompted to reflect on the importance of expressing our love and appreciation to others in ways that are not dependent on money. [08:42]
Simon outlines five principles for dealing with major expenses in a practical and manageable manner: (a) Anticipate expenses [12:53]; (b) Budget for this expenditure [13:54]; (c) Cut down on credit [16:09]; (d) Delayed gratification: paying in advance, where possible [17:52]; (e) ‘Extreme organisation’ – using a spreadsheet, for example, as a means of planning and tracking spending on presents [21:13]
Bex and Simon develop further their discussion about alternative ways in which love and affection can be expressed [23:38], including reference to Gary Chapman’s book, , ‘The Five Love Languages’, [24:56], hand written notes from Bex’s mum [25:45] and a poetic tribute to mellifluousness! [27:56]
Bex and Simon conclude by sharing some thoughts about approaching Christmas (a potentially major source of expense) in a thoughtful and outward looking manner that can change the way that we do things and what we focus on at that time. [28:49]
On a personal level, Kenny is clear that money is a stewardship issue rather than an ownership matter, with one of the key messages of the Christian gospel being that life is a gift. The challenge, then, is to live out that principle in a culture which is driven by the market economy rather than by grace and generosity. [14:23]
When asked about the application of biblical wisdom to contemporary society, Kenny suggests that it can be helpful to concentrate on enduring themes such as justice, generosity and responsibility or, in the Jewish tradition, Tzedakah (righteous acts), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Chesed (charity or loving-kindness). [17:10] A particular challenge these days is that money is no longer directly associated with physical work; instead, it has become much more of an abstract concept, enabling it to take on a ‘value’ and role all of its own, often to the detriment of principles such as fairness, generosity and kindness. [18:15]
Kenny’s experience of churches is that they have generally been reluctant to broach financial topics. He feels that is a missed opportunity and would welcome more directness from the pulpit on this matter, especially as Jesus spoke so often, so radically and so passionately about money. [19:50]
There is a danger that we can be selective when it comes to absorbing biblical truths about money, so Simon and Kenny highlight the importance, for both society and the church, of being open and receptive to those messages, even if they are challenging to take on board. [23:01]
The importance of making room for conversations about money on a regular basis - and not just when a crisis strikes - is also highlighted. If professional assistance is required, to deal with debt or other financial issues, CAP (Christians Against Poverty) is recommended as an excellent source of free advice and support. [24:21]
Simon suggests that his own key question on a faith and finance theme would be, ‘How much is enough?’ For his part, Kenny’s choice is, ‘What does it mean for me to live in integrity? How do I integrate my beliefs with my actions and my words?’ [25:37]
When it comes to the question of whether we have a definite responsibility to support our parents in financial matters, Simon suggests that the starting point should be to have an honest and open conversation about the situation and then see where that leads. [12:46]
Similarly, timely and thoughtful conversations with other family members are often required, for example when issues arise of how best to care for and support parents when they are ill or can no longer live independently. [15:47]
Simon then shares some thoughts on possible care scenarios, with Age UK being mentioned as a possible source of helpful information and advice. [18:21]
Bex and Simon conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of taking opportunities to have financial conversations with family members, not least because the sooner those chances are taken the more likely it is that there will be positive outcomes. [22:26]
Next week’s episode will expand the conversation to include financial matters that affect the wider family. [23:34]
Bex asks Simon and Ben what they think that Jesus would say to people who are currently experiencing stress and turmoil as a result of financial pressures. [23:30]
Responding to a question from Simon, Ben explains how people can get involved with CAP and support its work in a variety of different ways. [26:45] (NB Such is the nature of the world at present that the details of the Prime Minister [27:58] have changed between this episode being recorded and then published, with Rishi Sunak now having taken over that role from Liz Truss!)
Information about Christians Against Poverty can be found at capuk.org, and feedback or questions regarding this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk or by contacting @whereyourtreasureispodcast on Instagram. [29:39]
Season 2 of ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ resumes on 23 November.
Feedback on bonus episode content and format was invited and can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk or by contacting @whereyourtreasureispodcast on Instagram. [33:10]
(NB A further bonus episode will follow on 16 November before Season 2 resumes on 23 November.)
