As Christians, we’re often taught to be faithful stewards with our tithing and generosity—but many of us were never taught what the Bible says about managing debt, investing, building a legacy, or planning for retirement. In this episode, we bridge that gap.
Today’s interview is a powerful reminder that God’s provision isn’t just spiritual—it shows up in how we lead, how we serve, and how we build. I sat down with Bill Jensen, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Certified Financial Planner™, Enrolled Agent, and Certified Kingdom Advisor®, to talk about faith-driven leadership, serving clients with wisdom, and how he’s growing his RIA by leaning on God—not marketing.
Scripture for the Episode: 2 Corinthians 9:8
God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
One of the biggest mindset shifts we all need is this:
God provides what you need—not always what you want.
And sometimes, God is protecting you by delaying what you’ve been praying for.
The “Cookie” Lesson: When More Isn’t a Blessing
Think about a child who receives one cookie… but complains because they didn’t get two.
A wise parent may hold back—not to be cruel, but to teach gratitude.
In the same way, God doesn’t withhold blessings because He doesn’t love you. Sometimes He withholds because:
- you’re not ready,
- you’re still healing,
- or the thing you want could harm you if it arrives too soon.
Prosperity without maturity becomes greed.
And greed always comes with consequences.
Meet the Guest: Bill Jensen
Bill Jensen brings a rare mix of credibility and humility.
- Retired U.S. Air Force Colonel (28+ years of leadership experience)
- Completed the University of Virginia CFP program
- Bachelor’s in Computer Science (Florida State)
- Master’s in Religion (graduated summa cum laude)
- Master of Military Operational Art and Science
- CFP®, EA, and Certified Kingdom Advisor®
But what stood out most wasn’t the resume—it was his heart for service.
Bill leads with respect, communicates with clarity, and serves clients like a shepherd—not a salesperson.
The Pentagon, Power, and Perspective
When you hear “the Pentagon,” most military members groan.
Bill didn’t.
He described the Pentagon as a place filled with the “best of the best”—a mission-driven environment where excellence is expected. But that environment also reveals something deeper:
Power can distort your identity.
Bill shared how rank comes with influence. In the military, your position is visible, and people respond to it automatically.
But that type of authority can become dangerous if you’re not grounded:
- praise becomes intoxicating
- respect becomes entitlement
- influence becomes a “God complex”
And those distortions don’t happen overnight. They happen slowly—one assumption at a time.
From Command to Servant Leadership
Bill’s transformation didn’t begin at retirement—it started when he accepted Christ early in his military career.
He explained a principle we don’t talk about enough:
Servant leadership is both spiritual and strategic.
Christ is the perfect example:
- fully a servant
- fully a leader
That overlap shaped Bill’s leadership style in uniform—and later, his approach to financial planning.
But retirement created a special turning point:
When Bill took off the uniform and became “Mr. Jensen,” he experienced something many high achievers struggle with:
the breaking of an idol.
Not because rank is sinful—but because identity can become attached to it.
Wisdom + Knowledge: The Core of Bill’s Planning Philosophy
Bill’s motto is simple:
“Wisdom and knowledge for your financial future.”
He ties that directly to Solomon’s prayer—when God asked Solomon what he wanted, Solomon didn’t ask for wealth or power.
He asked for:
- wisdom
- knowledge
And that becomes the standard Bill uses with clients:
A financial advisor’s job isn’t to control your choices.
It’s to help you make a fully informed decision.
That means:
- technical accuracy (knowledge)
- real-life application (wisdom)
- context for your family, your calling, and your future
The Client’s Role: Responsibility + Accountability
Bill structures planning into three phases:
- Discovery (gathering information)
- Design (building the plan)
- Direct (executing the plan)
Here’s where most people get stuck: the execution phase.
Some action steps belong to the advisor.
Other action steps belong to the client (like creating a will).
So Bill does something most advisors don’t:
He asks for permission to hold clients accountable.
And he said something surprising:
100% of clients say “yes.”
Why?
Because accountability is a form of care.
And many people don’t need more information—
they need someone to help them follow through.
Rules of Engagement: Setting Expectations Up Front
In the military, we call it ROE: Rules of Engagement.
Bill applies the same principle in his practice:
- how communication works
- response times
- meeting cadence
- priorities and sequencing
- what the client can expect from him
- what he expects from them
This matters because clients often come in thinking their biggest issue is one thing…
…but after reviewing the full picture, the advisor may see a different priority.
Bill prevents frustration by explaining the roadmap before the journey begins.
Financial Planning Is More Than Numbers
I also want to highlight something for anyone new to working with a financial planner:
If your advisor starts talking about investments immediately—without learning who you are—be careful.
A real fiduciary relationship requires:
- understanding your values
- aligning goals
- managing behavior and emotion
- creating structure
- building a plan you can explain and defend
Because if someone asks you why you’re doing something financially…
the worst answer you can give is:
“I don’t know. My advisor told me to.”
Bill said it best: if a client can’t explain the “why,” the advisor failed to educate them.
Growing Without Marketing: “God Brought Them to Me”
This is the part many people will rewind.
Bill shared that he’s growing his firm without advertising or traditional marketing—primarily through:
- referrals
- his website
- professional directories (CFP®, Kingdom Advisors, XYPN)
- accurate profiles
- consistent credibility
But the heart behind it is what matters.
Bill said when he tried to “drum up business,” it always fell flat.
So he stepped back, reflected on Job, and made a faith decision:
“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away… may the name of the Lord be praised.”
Bill decided that if clients came, they came from God.
And that posture kept him from taking credit—and kept his heart in the right place.
What Is a Certified Kingdom Advisor®?
Bill explained that the CKA® credential is rigorous and requires an existing professional credential (like CFP® or CPA).
So it’s not just “faith language”—it’s professional expertise with biblical integration.
How Bill integrates faith with clients
- opens and closes meetings in prayer
- uses Kingdom Advisors tools (communication, risk tolerance, values-based planning)
- encourages clients to pray through decisions and seek peace
- remains overt about his faith—but never pressures anyone
Important note:
Bill does not ask prospective clients what they believe.
He simply shows up as who he is—clearly and respectfully.
The Closing Prayer: Proverbs 3:5–6
Bill’s “one verse” for the audience:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
If one person takes that to heart, today was worth it.
How to Connect with Bill Jensen
- Website: AcadiaFS.com
- LinkedIn: William Jensen / William P. Jensen (Northern Virginia)
And as always, I’ll be sharing more of Bill’s insights and clips throughout the week.
Want Help Applying This to Your Finances?
If you’re struggling with your finances and want an advisor who shares your faith—not just your zip code—schedule a free consultation:
A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management
Website: abbrwealthmanagement.com
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Disclosure
A.B. Ridgeway is an investment adviser representative and owner of A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management LLC, a registered investment adviser. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Consult a qualified financial adviser, accountant, and/or attorney regarding your specific situation.
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.
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