Video – Christian Financial Advisors®

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1756840899262{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]

Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on August 26th, 2025

The Bullet Points for September are:

1. Ready for Year-End Tax Planning: Why mention this in September? November and December focus on holidays, so by September, we know it’s better to start strategies earlier. We’re here to help with strategies that must be done before year-end, and Clayton or Mariah will contact you for RMDs soon.
2. Costco Stops Selling Abortion Pill: Costco announced they are no longer selling the abortion pill mifepristone after influence from religious groups, including Inspire ETFs, which most clients have in their portfolios. This massive victory in protecting unborn children shows your impact as a Biblically Responsible Investor!
3. The Fed’s Annual Meeting: The Federal Reserve’s Annual Economic Policy Symposium was held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, August 21-23. Main topics were inflation, interest rates, with tariffs and immigration policies added. Chairman Powell indicated conditions ‘may warrant’ rate cuts as the Fed proceeds ‘carefully’. By publication, we may already have a cut.
4. The 10-Year Treasury Rate: This misunderstood, significant rate determines mortgage rates, home prices, and stock market direction. It’s a benchmark for corporate bonds and loans. Today, this rate is precisely where it was two years ago. We watch it closely for portfolio allocations. Short-term rates don’t affect the 10-year, so the Fed can lower rates, but mortgage rates may stay the same unless the 10-year changes.
5. Home Prices: Higher mortgage rates have won the battle over housing inflation. Home prices have fallen steeply in California, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast. Existing homes are staying on the market much longer than average, with sellers believing their homes are worth more than what buyers are willing to pay at today’s higher mortgage rates.
6. Procrastination: It has been the biggest reason for financial failure for decades. Psychologists say people procrastinate due to emotional regulation, task aversion, and avoiding negative feelings like anxiety or fear of failure. It’s our job to help you avoid procrastinating on critical financial decisions.
7. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 231 – 9/9/25 – Financial Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
  - 1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

Please join us in prayer for our brothers, sisters, and communities that were impacted by the recent floods in central Texas. May the Lord be glorified and may He bring peace that transcends all understanding.

Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1753565426904{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on July 26th, 2025

The Bullet Points for August are:

1. Schwab Notice for Bank Accounts: Schwab has recently sent out an annual reminder detailing all bank instructions linked to Schwab with Investment Advisor Money Movement authority. If you wish to remove or add banking instructions, please call our office. This verification process helps protect your assets as part of our commitment to good stewardship. If you haven’t received this notice or have questions, our team is ready to assist you.
2. Tariffs Taking Shape: Following the recent U.S. trade deals with both the U.K. and Vietnam, the month of July has seen many other trade agreements take shape, including Japan and South Korea. China, India, and the European Union remain top priorities for the administration. We’re monitoring these developments closely, however our focus remains on long-term investment strategies rather than reacting to short-term market fluctuations.
3. Big Beautiful Bill Act: Signed on July 4, the well publicized law comes with several changes to tax credits and deductions. Taxpayers with children, over the age of 65, or who have income from tips or overtime stand to benefit the most. The long-term impacts on the federal budget will continue to be debated for years to come. We’re analyzing these changes to help our clients understand how they might affect their personal financial planning and stewardship goals.
4. Inflation: As anticipated by Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chairman, the Consumer Price Index for June increased 0.3% month-over-month. This brings the annualized inflation measure to 2.7% as economists suspect that the recent tariffs will begin impacting prices in the second half of 2025. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us that “The plans of the diligent lead to profit,” which includes thoughtful planning for economic changes.
5. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 230 – 8/12/25 – Emotional Investing
  - Matthew 6:20-21 – “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1750780222161{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on June 24th, 2025

The Bullet Points for July are:

1. Giving to God’s Kingdom: As we enter into the second half of the year, it is a good time to review your annual goals, including your giving. Giving breaks the power of money, and the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Those who have an IRA may be able to optimize the tax efficiency of their giving through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. Seek the Lord’s Will on maximizing generosity and ask Him what He would have you do.
2. Summer Travel: Oil prices increased to the highest levels since February after the Israeli-Iran conflict began on June 13. This overlaps with the seasonality of increased demand for gas for summer travel, as well as the increased supply chain risk that comes with hurricane season in the Gulf of America. Budgeting travelers should prepare.
3. Favorable Economics…For Now: Many economic data releases in the first half of June were favorable relative to expectations, including Consumer Sentiment, Producer Price Index, Consumer Price Index, and most components of the monthly jobs report. Simultaneously, uncertainty around global trade continues, raising inflation expectations for the second half of 2025. Consumers should monitor and be prepared.
4. Housing Market: On average, 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain around 7%. As of May, the annual inflation rate for shelter (housing/rent) was 3.9%, and homes are staying on the market an average of 51 days, the highest May reading since 2020. Home builder sentiment for June was among the lowest monthly reading in over a decade. The housing market remains in a difficult place for both buyers and sellers, and either mortgage rates or home prices need to budget.
5. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 226 – 7/1/25 – The Flaws of Comparing Investment Returns
  - 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“

Remember, we moved to releasing episodes every other week to give people more time between episodes to listen or watch. To tune in, search “Christian Financial Perspectives” on almost any podcast platform or YouTube.

Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1748474496365{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on May 23rd, 2025

The Bullet Points for June are:

1. Stay the Course: Investors who abandoned their long-term investment strategy due to market volatility in April likely find themselves remorseful after the rebound that has occurred late-April and most of May. During times like these, it is okay to re-evaluate your risk tolerance at the margins, but reacting to short-term market events is often a losing strategy.
2. Inflation: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 0.2% for the month of April, marking the third straight month that month-over-month CPI came in below expectations. This also coincides with President Trump’s first three full months of his second term. Year-over-year CPI came in at 2.3%, the closest to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target since March 2021.
3. Trade Deals: The US has reached trade deals with the U.K. and China, bringing some clarity to the global economy that the markets have applauded. These agreements are likely to serve as the barometer for other trade partners of the US over the coming months.
4. Corporate Engagement: Your Biblically Responsible Investment portfolio is about more than just excluding companies that go against God’s Word. Companies like Inspire and Eventide are ‘playing offense’ as well, engaging with senior leadership of organizations across the land in an effort to change the culture of corporate America. They are shining Light in darkness in an effort to redeem territory for God’s Glory.
5. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 227 – 6/3/25 – Christian Stewardship and Investing
  - Ep 228 – 6/17/25 – History Lessons of the Markets
  - Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 tells us that there will always be good times, tough times, and good times again. Stock markets are a lot like life and the weather. It’s beautiful one day, followed by thunderstorms the next, followed by a beautiful day again. The wise know panicking causes more harm than the actual cause.

As we navigate these dynamic market conditions, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to biblical stewardship, trusting that faithful management of the resources God has entrusted to us will bear fruit for His Kingdom regardless of short-term market fluctuations.

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1745598343535{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on April 25th, 2025

The Bullet Points for May are:

1. Buying & Selling: An old quote by Charlie Munger (Warren Buffet’s partner before passing) was, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” Our interpretation: Consider lightening up some when everyone wants in and buying a little more when everyone wants out, while also continuing to focus on the long-term. Run the opposite way of the crowd.
2. Historical Week: History shows that large stock market declines and increases often occur closely together, and April was no different: April 3rd and 4th were two of the largest stock market point declines in history, followed by the largest ever point increase in the Dow Jones less than a week later on April 9th. Those who sell out often miss out. It’s not about timing the market; it’s about time in the market.
3. Tariffs, Tariffs, Tariffs: In the last few months, we’ve heard nothing but President Trump and his tariffs in the news. This has caused massive stock market speculation about what may or may not happen in the economy in the short term. Our position is that over time, it will all work itself out, and in 1-2 years, the tariffs will be old news, and the media will be on to something else to be negative about.
4. Inflation & Oil Lower: Inflation is getting closer to the Fed’s 2% target. The Consumer Price Index for March was negative (-0.1%), and the year-over-year measure came in below expectations at 2.4%. This was reported on the same day (April 10) when oil prices dipped below $60 a barrel for the first time in four years.
5. Major Purchase? Call Us First!: We are here to assist you with various decisions related to your finances, including significant purchases. Beware of commission-based salesmen! Before deciding to purchase that new car, make a home improvement, or commit to any large purchase, please allow us to provide wise counsel to assist you in being the best steward of the Lord’s provision.
6. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 225 – 5/6/25 – Examples of an Orderly Financial Household
  - Ep 226 – 5/20/25 – Why Rental Home Income is Not Worth the Hassle
  - Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV – “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Until next time, have a wonderful May.

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1743535921976{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on March 21st, 2025

The Bullet Points for April are:

1. Traders are NOT Investors: The financial media constantly misunderstands the words “traders” and “investors.” A trader is only concerned about minute-to-minute, day-to-day financial fluctuations, news, and opinions for the short term. Real investors are in for the “long term,” laser-focused on where they want to be in years, not days or months, and don’t get caught up in all the day-to-day media hype, daily opinions, and emotions.
2. Tariffs: A temporary market sell-off intensified in March as short-term traders speculated how President Trump’s tariffs could impact the global economy. This market adjustment is likely only temporary (6-12 months max) as tariffs are sorted out to make trade with other countries more balanced.
3. Gas Prices: Weekly US gas prices have been under $3.30 for almost six months, the longest stretch since Q3 2021. Consumers welcome this relief, while some economists warn this signals a potential recession.
4. Inflation: Inflation data released in mid-March was encouraging. All data came in below expectations, with preliminary Core PPI reporting negative for the first time since April 2023.
5. Stay The Course: Market volatility increased starting mid-February as short-term traders speculated how President Trump’s tariffs could impact the global economy. In times of uncertainty, staying disciplined in your long-term investment strategy is essential. Do not panic; stay the course; history has proven this repeatedly.
6. IRA Deadline on April 15th: Reminder that April 15th is the 2024 deadline for Traditional and ROTH IRA contributions regardless of whether or not you file an extension. You MUST have earned income in order to contribute to an IRA.
7. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 223 – 4/8/25 – Three Ways to Uncover ‘Free’ Money
  - Ep 224 – 4/22/25 – Understanding Investment Risk, Reward, and Time
  - 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

As Easter approaches, we look forward to celebrating what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. We pray the Lord blesses you and we praise Jesus for the gift of Salvation!

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1741101325990{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter; Prepared on February 21st, 2025

The Bullet Points for March are:

1. Corporate Engagement for God: As many companies remove their DEI initiatives, corporations are becoming more Biblically responsible. Tractor Supply and Lowe’s are two recent examples. Inspire, a Biblically responsible investment firm played a part in this by prioritizing engagement efforts to encourage organizations to remove practices that go against God’s Word. Investing in a Biblically responsible portfolio is one potential way for investors to support these efforts. President Trump’s agenda against corporate DEI policies is another reason companies are returning to merit-based practices.
2. Tariffs: President Trump has begun his second term with a series of changes, including imposing tariffs on imports from a few countries. While these tariffs may positively impact US revenue and assist in balancing the trade deficit, some companies paying these tariffs may offset them by elevating their prices and increasing consumer costs.
3. Inflation and Interest Rates: In February, the Consumer Price Index for January, a measure of costs in goods and services across the U.S. economy, accelerated at a seasonally adjusted rate of 0.5%, while the Producer Price Index, which measures what producers get for their goods and services for, increased by a seasonally adjusted rate of 0.4% on the month. This was more inflation than expected for both indicators, providing further incentive for the Federal Reserve to hold the line for any more interest rate decreases for a while.
4. The Trump Honeymoon: The honeymoon the markets had with Trump the first few months after the elections is now starting to wane over all the expectations of what he could do to drive the markets higher, especially concerning the 2nd point above about tariffs, which hurts free trade in the markets. Since the initial push higher in the stock market for about a month after the election, equity prices have gyrated up and down to almost breakeven since then.
5. Major Purchases and Significant Financial Decisions: Before you make that next big financial decision, like buying a new car or doing an extensive remodel, we are here to help you make the best financial decision and protect you from making poor ones or being taken advantage of.
6. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 221 – 3/11/25 – The Power of Compounding
  - Ep 222 – 3/25/25 – Tax Efficient Asset Location
  - Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1737493047262{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter; Prepared on January 21st, 2025

The Bullet Points for February are:

1. President Trump’s First Days: In his inauguration speech, the President outlined several financial actions he would begin to take early on, including controlling government spending (in part through the Department of Government Efficiency) and increasing energy independence (in part through increased oil drilling) to combat inflation and bring down the prices of goods and services.
2. High Market Volatility: The election outcome, inflation speculation, and interest rate movement caused higher-than-normal volatility in the last 6-8 weeks. As of this writing, January has made up nearly all of the downturn that began in December. This shows investors should stay focused on “time in the market” with a well-thought-out long-term financial plan, not “timing the market.”
3. Long-term Interest Rates: Since September 2024, the Fed has lowered the Fed Funds Rate by 1%. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury Bond yield has increased from 3.65% to around 4.65% today, indicating a normalizing yield curve (where long-term rates are higher than short-term). Longer-term yields drive fixed rates on real estate mortgages and other longer-term borrowing, which may affect the economy’s growth. It also impacted the stock market at the end of the year (as mentioned in bullet point 2 above).
4. Housing Real Estate Update: The house-buying ‘frenzy’ of the last few years appears to be over. Mortgage applications have dropped significantly since rates began increasing in mid-September. There is over a 12-month supply of housing inventory in some areas, and recent data shows an increase in Housing Starts, creating a lot of competition among sellers.
5. Financial Planning: January through April are some of the best months to update or start a financial plan from scratch, do long-term tax planning, and/or update a family estate plan. For most people, the summer is too busy with family vacations, and in the Fall, school activities, sports, and the holiday season get in the way of doing these very important tasks. Procrastination is by far the number one reason for financial failure.
6. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 219 – 2/11/25 – 10 Biblical Financial Scriptures
  - Ep 220 – 2/25/25 – The Parable of the Talents
  - Deuteronomy 8:11 – “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day.”

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1735664859012{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter; Prepared on December 19th, 2024

The Bullet Points for January are:

1. Recession Avoided?: As we move into 2025, the US continues to avoid a recession that has dominated headlines for over three years. While still possible, a recession in the near term appears unlikely with inflation normalizing, GDP consistent, and a strong labor market.
2. Gas Prices: Weekly gas prices in the US hit a three-year low in mid-December 2024, with an average gallon costing $3.13 nationwide. The impact of the Trump administration’s economic and oil drilling policies on gas prices will likely take shape in the first half of 2025.
3. Referrals: By now, you should have received a few brochures in the mail from us to share with people you know that we can help. We would love to be introduced to your family, friends, loved ones, and any other brother or sister in Christ who wants to honor God with their finances. Thank you for your boldness and for encouraging others to allow us to serve them, all to advance His Kingdom and glorify His Name!
4. 2025 Financial Goals: Most people never hit their financial goals because they never write them down and look at them daily. Procrastination, by far, is the number one reason for economic failure. DON’T PROCRASTINATE, and write down just 1-2 financial goals on paper before you fall asleep tonight. Just come up with 1-2 goals today and add more tomorrow. Aim for nothing, and that is precisely what you will hit. People don’t plan to fail; they fail to plan. Listen to our recent podcast on successful goal setting, or watch it on YouTube.
5. Budgeting: January is always a great time to establish your monthly budget for the year. Spend time to account for any income changes, and make sure any holiday spending habits are brought back in check. As Christians, we want to prioritize tithes and offerings, and this is a great time to pray (and consider a fast) to seek what the Lord would like you to do regarding giving to His Kingdom this year. Podcast episode 204 ‘Budgeting Without Counting,’ is a great guide, and our team is here to help when needed.
6. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 217 – 1/14/25 – Ten Steps to Making Wise Financial Decisions
  - Ep 218 – 1/28/25 – Why Location No Longer Matters
  - Isaiah 43:19 – See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

We are so thankful to serve you on your stewardship journey for God’s glory. May God bless you as you seek Him in 2025!

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”20px”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1732922705881{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter; Prepared on November 20th, 2024

The Bullet Points for December are:

1. Elections: Now that the elections are over, we can look ahead to the upcoming “Trump Presidency/Economy.” Here’s what we can expect:
  – Deregulation of the oil and gas industry
  – A pro-business government
  – Continued low tax rates
  – Potentially higher inflation due to heavy import tariffs and a depreciation of the dollar
  – Lower interest rates, which could lead to increased demand for and appreciation of real estate.
2. Time is Running Out: In last month’s bullet points and Episode 213 of our podcast, we discussed several year-end tax strategies to help you lower your taxes. If you are 73 or older this year, you must withdraw your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) or make donations through a Qualified Charitable Distribution by December 31st. There is very little time left, so please don’t procrastinate! If you have any questions after listening to or watching our 2024 Year-End Tax Planning program, feel free to contact our office.
3. CD Alternatives: With CD rates falling, consider our Ultra-Conservative, actively managed fixed-income portfolio or our passively managed diversified dividend Real Estate Portfolio, both offering daily liquidity.
4. Christmas spending and debt: As Christmas approaches, remember that Jesus is the true reason for the season, not consumerism. A NerdWallet survey found that 28% of credit card users are still paying off last year’s Christmas debt. Avoid this trap by sticking to a budget and staying out of debt. Also, be sure to check out our ‘Eight Money-Saving Ideas for Christmas’ from our November newsletter.
5. Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
  - Ep 214 – 12/3/24 – 2024 Year End Tax Planning
  - Ep 215 – 12/17/24 – Teaching Children Good Money Habits
  - Matthew 1:21 – She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Until next time, enjoy this holiday season with all the Christmas parties, lights, festivities and have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family. Remember, Jesus is the real reason for the Season.

If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.

Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President

Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor

Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor

Christian Financial Advisors^®[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]