“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding, for her profit is better than silver, and her gain surpasses gold.” - Proverbs 3:13–14

Making wise financial decisions early in life can set the stage for long-term stability, freedom, and generosity. But for students and young professionals just starting out, the question remains: Where do you begin?

On today’s episode, Bob Doll—CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Crossmark Global Investments—joined us to share practical, faith-rooted guidance to help young adults build a strong financial foundation from the very start.

Start With a Plan

Every wise financial journey begins with a plan.

Bob emphasizes that a budget is the starting point—simply knowing what’s coming in and what’s going out. Without a plan, it’s easy to drift financially. With one, you gain clarity and direction.

From there, establish an emergency fund—typically three to six months of expenses—to prepare for life’s unexpected turns. And just as importantly, avoid high-interest debt, especially credit card debt. Left unchecked, debt can quickly undo financial progress.

Learn From Others—and Seek Guidance

One of the fastest ways to grow in financial wisdom is to observe others. Look at those who are thriving financially—and those who are struggling. What patterns do you see? What choices led them there?

Bob encourages young adults to seek out mentors and wise counsel. A trusted advisor or a financially mature believer can help you avoid common pitfalls such as overspending or neglecting savings.

And don’t underestimate the value of learning. Reading solid, biblically grounded resources can shape your thinking and help you develop lifelong habits of stewardship.

Embrace a Biblical Perspective on Money

At the heart of financial wisdom is a simple but transformative truth: It’s not our money.

Everything we have—our income, possessions, time, and abilities—belongs to God. We are stewards, entrusted to manage His resources faithfully.

This perspective reshapes everything. It moves us from ownership to stewardship, from control to surrender, and from self-focus to God’s purposes.

Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Be Generous

One of the most powerful lessons Bob shared came from personal experience.

Early in his career, he and his wife avoided overspending—but they realized later they had accumulated more than they needed, missing opportunities to give generously.

His advice? Start giving early. As Acts 20:35 reminds us, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Generosity isn’t something to postpone until you have “more.” It’s a discipline that shapes your heart right now.

God often uses generosity to transform us—deepening our trust, increasing our joy, and aligning our hearts with His.

Harness the Power of Compounding

When it comes to investing, time is your greatest asset.

Even small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over time thanks to compound interest. Starting early allows your money more time to grow, making a dramatic difference over decades.

Bob encourages young adults to:

Begin investing as soon as possible
Take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans—especially matching contributions
Consider tools like a Roth IRA for long-term, tax-advantaged growth

Consistency matters more than timing. Regular investing—even in small amounts—can lead to substantial results over time.

Align Your Investments With Your Values

Today, investors have more opportunities than ever to align their portfolios with their faith.

That means considering not just financial returns, but also how companies operate and what they produce. As Bob points out, our investments should reflect the same values we aim to live out in every other area of life.

Faith-based investing allows you to steward your resources in a way that honors God—not just in giving, but in growing what He’s entrusted to you.

Build Rhythms That Last

Financial success isn’t built on one-time decisions—it’s shaped by consistent habits.

Set goals. Track your progress. Celebrate milestones along the way. And remember, balance matters. God invites us to enjoy His provision while also preparing for the future.

When progress feels slow, stay the course. Faithful stewardship over time leads to lasting fruit.

Prioritize Unity in Marriage

For those entering marriage or building a young family, communication around money is essential.

Financial disagreements are one of the leading sources of conflict in relationships. That’s why it’s crucial to:

Talk openly and regularly about finances
Set shared goals
Pray together for wisdom and unity

When couples align their hearts and decisions before the Lord, they create a foundation of trust and purpose that strengthens both their finances and their relationship.

Starting Strong

Starting strong financially isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction.

As you build your career and manage your resources, remember this: wisdom is more valuable than wealth. When you seek God’s perspective on money and apply it faithfully, you’re not just building financial stability—you’re cultivating a life that reflects His purposes.

And that’s a foundation that will last far beyond your bank account.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I’m 35, married, have no kids, and have no significant assets—do I still need a will, and how would I set one up?
My two sons have special needs and some retirement savings. Is there a way to withdraw that money without early withdrawal penalties?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.