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Faith and finances are deeply personal topics—and when the two collide, emotions can run high. Many investors struggle not only with what to do with their money, but how to talk about it with the people they love.
In this episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things, we explore an important question every faith-based investor must confront:
When it comes to money, what matters more—the spirit or the numbers?
The answer may surprise you.
This article breaks down three key themes every Christian investor should understand:
- How to stop arguing about faith and money
- Why emotional intelligence matters just as much as financial knowledge
- The hidden dangers of chasing cheap stocks and “easy money”
Faith Before Arguments: Why We Must Stop Quarreling Over Money
Scripture reminds us in Romans 14:1:
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
This verse sets the foundation for how we should approach both faith and finances.
Many financial disagreements—whether about investing strategies, debt payoff methods, or faith-based principles—are disputable matters. Snowball vs. avalanche. ESG investing vs. traditional funds. Stocks vs. real estate.
None of these debates determine salvation.
None determine righteousness.
Yet they often divide families, marriages, and friendships.
The purpose of faith-based financial education is not to shame people for what they don’t know. It is not to argue over who is “right.” It is to create understanding, acceptance, and stewardship.
Ask yourself:
- Is this financial disagreement worth damaging a relationship?
- Is this conversation rooted in love—or pride?
- Am I trying to teach, or trying to win?
Paul’s message was unity—between Jews and Gentiles, believers at different stages of faith, and people with different convictions. That same message applies to how we talk about money today.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More Than IQ in Financial Advisors
When searching for a financial advisor, many people focus on credentials:
- Degrees
- Licenses
- Certifications
Those things matter—but they are not enough.
What many investors overlook is emotional intelligence (EQ).
Finance is emotional.
Money is personal.
Fear, greed, anxiety, and uncertainty all show up during market volatility.
As 2 Timothy 2:3 teaches:
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
A good financial advisor cannot control the market—but they can control how they walk with you through it.
Ask yourself:
- Does my advisor listen to my concerns?
- Do they acknowledge my fears instead of dismissing them?
- Do I feel supported when markets drop 10–20%?
Clients today are no longer willing to tolerate cold, dismissive, or transactional advisors. With virtual planning, geography is no longer a limitation. You can work with an advisor who aligns with your values—no matter where you live.
A strong advisor combines:
- Technical knowledge
- Emotional awareness
- Clear communication
- Genuine care for your family and future
The Hidden Danger of “Cheap” Stocks and One-Click Investing Apps
Investing has never been more accessible—and that can be dangerous.
With a few taps, anyone can buy stocks. Many new investors are drawn to cheap stocks because they feel approachable:
“Why buy one share when I can buy ten?”
This is where many beginners get hurt.
What Are Penny Stocks?
Penny stocks are stocks trading under $5. These companies are often:
- Unproven
- Financially distressed
- Highly volatile
Many professional firms restrict penny stock investing to experienced investors with:
- Significant net worth
- Years of experience
- Signed risk disclosures
Why?
Because penny stocks carry serious risks:
- Low liquidity (hard to sell)
- High failure rates
- Extreme volatility
A stock is not cheap for no reason.
A Smarter Alternative: Fractional Shares
If you don’t have thousands of dollars to buy high-quality companies outright, that’s okay.
Fractional shares allow you to own part of a strong company instead of gambling on weak ones.
Example:
- A $3,000 stock
- A $10 investment
- You own 1/300th of a quality business
Is it exciting? No.
Is it smarter? Absolutely.
The goal is not excitement—it’s sustainability.
Why Where You Invest Matters More Than How Much
Let’s look at the power of just $10 per week.
- Saving $10/week for 30 years = ~$14,000
- $10/week with an employer match = ~$28,800
- $10/week with modest growth (5%) = ~$66,000+
Same money.
Very different outcomes.
This is why strategy matters.
Key principles:
- Use retirement accounts when available
- Take advantage of employer matches
- Increase investments when income increases
- Watch fees carefully
- Invest consistently on a schedule
- Never invest emergency funds
Small habits create massive long-term differences.
Faith, Stewardship, and Wise Investing
Money is not evil.
Greed is.
As Christian investors, our goal is not quick gains—but faithful stewardship.
That means:
- Discernment over hype
- Planning over panic
- Wisdom over speculation
We are called to manage what God has entrusted to us with clarity, humility, and purpose.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Walk This Alone
If you feel overwhelmed by investing…
If financial conversations create stress…
If you want guidance aligned with your faith and values…
You don’t need more noise.
You need clarity.
👉 Listen to the full episode of Financial Advisors Say The Darndest Things
👉 Read the blog alongside the video for deeper insight
👉 Schedule a free consultation to review your financial strategy
About A.B. Ridgeway
A.B. Ridgeway is the founder of A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management and host of The Ridgeway Report. He specializes in helping individuals and families build confident financial plans rooted in faith, clarity, and stewardship.
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Prayer: Lord please guide us away from greed. Allow us to be prudent investors. Please give us discernment as we consume the advertisements and the marketing for easy money. Allow us to stay faithful to your vision and your plan for our lives. Lord, please provide us understanding as we accept those who may worship you differently. Like Paul states, we do all things for you. I pray that those whose faith is weak, that they continue to learn more about you and more about their faith.
About the Author
A.B. Ridgeway, CPWA® is the founder of A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management and host of The Ridgeway Report. He specializes in helping retirees and pre-retirees create reliable income, invest with clarity, and make confident financial decisions.
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About The Ridgeway Report:
As Christians, we were taught to be good stewards over our tithing and giving to the less fortunate. But when it came to our personal finances and investing we were left clueless on what the Bible says. What does the Bible say about managing debt, leaving a legacy, investing, and planning for your retirement? Mr. Christian Finance answers these and many other questions because we want to teach you how to become rich and righteous!
Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.
*Some elements in this blog was created, restructured, edited or summarized by AI and may have altered from the original content. Warning: There may be errors that were creating during this transition that were not in the original content. Please double check all information.
