In the second episode of this season on ‘Money and Me’, Simon and Bex talk about the importance of identifying core values and principles at the start of our journey with money.

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

• Simon suggests that the first step in getting to grips with money is being willing to think and talk about it [01:25]; the second stage is to start exploring and understanding what we believe as a result of our faith and how that then affects the way that we think about money and how it should be used. [05:32]
• Simon talks about the importance of identifying a small number of key guiding values that tie in with our circumstances, experiences and personal priorities. We can test whether these values are likely to be appropriate and helpful for us over the long-term through the likes of the rocking chair test, which prompts us to evaluate our anticipated direction of travel by looking into the future and thinking about the kind of person we might become. [07:44]
• Simon comments that one of the biggest challenges that we face arises from the fact that the culture of the society in which we live can exert a huge influence on our attitudes towards wealth and possessions. If we are to exercise integrity in our dealings with money, we not only need to be alert to that factor, we will also need to make our own decisions, based on our view of the nature and purpose of money. [12:25]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon talks about possible ways in which we can find an appropriate balance between being responsive and generous with our money while, at the same time, managing it in a godly and wise manner. Two very significant principles for us to consider in that context are to include others in our money journey and to have a ‘stewardship’ mindset. [16:05]
• Next week’s episode, ‘Do I Need a Spreadsheet?’, will explore some of the practical tools that can help us to turn our principles into practice when it comes to managing and using our money well. [21:16]
• Bex rounds off the episode by encouraging listeners to pick up the challenge of having a money conversation this week and to get in touch to say how that went. [22:30]

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 here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the first episode of this season on ‘Money and Me’, Simon talks about key moments and turning points in his journey with money.

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

• Simon talks about a Peugeot 204 and the part that it played in the first ‘gripping memory’ that he has of money. [03:45]
• Simon's first significant experience of managing his own money was when he became a student. [06:06]
• Being left some money in his Gran’s will prompted Simon to consider the relevance of biblical teaching to what he did with his money. [08:32]
• Getting married was a really formative time in Simon’s journey with money, especially in terms of coming to appreciate the difference between ‘managing’ money and ‘using’ it. [13:19]
• Thinking of money as a tool helped Simon and his wife set goals for their mortgage and the kind of house that they wanted to buy that were in line with their desire to create a really good home for their family and to be hospitable. [16:04]
• Simon explains some factors that have influenced his approach to financial planning, highlighting, in particular, the need for people to identify and understand what is most important to them if they are going to use money well. [18:10]
• Simon concludes the episode by talking about why the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast exists. [21:05]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed through @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 here: https://where-your-treasure-is.kit.com/13c7b5fec6

In the second bonus episode of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Dr Yekemi (Kemi) Otaru shares her experiences of dealing with faith and finance challenges in her role as CEO of Aberdeen charity, Somebody Cares.

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

• Kemi introduces herself, explaining the steps that led her to become the CEO of Somebody Cares. Her achievements en route include becoming the first black woman to serve as a University Chancellor in Scotland. [01:09] Kemi goes on to talk about how Somebody Cares gives immediate relief and support for people in hardship and poverty in and around Aberdeen by providing furniture and running a food bank. [02:40]
• In response to a question from Bex, Kemi outlines her journey of faith from childhood, through her professional life and into the present day. [05:24]
• Kemi describes the nature of her role at Somebody Cares and the importance of finding time both for immediate, practical priorities and for long-term, strategic planning. [13:21]
• When asked about the significance of money to her role, Kemi speaks about funding, contingency planning and using the money well so that it makes the greatest possible impact. [16:43]
• Kemi drills deeper into funding arrangements and explains how listeners can support Somebody Cares and similar charities. [22:18]
• Kemi responds to a question from Simon about how her attitude to her own personal giving has been affected by her involvement with a charity. [27:45]
• As well as the website that explains charity VAT(!), Kemi has found www.goodfinance.org very helpful as it provides key performance indicators and examples linked to social impact reporting. [29:39]
• Kemi’s final piece of advice is directed towards anyone who feels that God may be calling them to some kind of involvement in the charitable sector. As well as praying about the options, Kemi would suggest exploring the possibility of becoming a trustee of a charity because that can provide such great insights into charitable activities while also being of huge benefit to a charity. [31:31]
• With this being the final episode of Season 9 of the ‘Where Your Treasure Is…’ podcast, Simon invites listeners to provide feedback and suggestions that will help to shape Season 10, which will commence after a short break. [34:40]

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.