October 1, 2025 • 9 mins
Investing isn’t just for the rich folks in their fancy suits—it’s for everyone, including you! That’s why we’re starting this series by asking a big question: What Even IS Investing, and Why Does It Matter for Me? A lot of people think they need bags of cash to even think about investing, but that’s just not the case. It’s all about putting your money to work for you, no matter how small the starting amount is. Join us as we break down the basics of investing, making it super simple and totally doable, because trust me, you can totally do this!
Check the full podcast episode here
Investing is like this elusive treasure hunt that seems meant only for the big shots, right? But let me tell you, that's a total myth. We dive deep into that question that’s been buzzing in your inbox: ‘Is investing just for the rich folks?’ Spoiler alert: Absolutely not! Investing is for everyone, even if you think your pockets are a bit light. I share my own journey from thinking I needed stacks of cash to simply working with what I've got. It’s all about stewardship, not just hoarding your pennies. I mean, why bury your cash in a backyard can when you could be putting it to work? We break it down, starting with small steps, like starting an investment plan for just 50 bucks a month. You might be surprised at how that little bit can grow over time! Plus, I tackle some biblical wisdom because, hey, it’s not just about making money; it’s about being a wise steward of what you’ve got. So, get ready to flip that script on investing, because it’s way more accessible than you think!
Takeaways:
- Investing isn't just for the wealthy; it's a myth we need to bust, fam!
- You can totally start investing with just $50 a month, so no more excuses!
- Small steps in investing matter a ton, and they can really add up over time, trust me!
- Don't let the Wall Street vibe scare you off; investing is way simpler than it looks!
- Stewardship over greed is the name of the investing game, so keep it real!
- Understanding the basics of stocks and bonds is crucial; we're diving into that soon!
Links referenced in this episode:
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
I got this question the otherday in the email and I thought this
was perfect way to launch ournew series on investing. Ralph, investing
feels like it's just for richpeople, like some Wall street secret
club. Does it even matter tome? And I thought that was a great
question because so manypeople have this myth about investment.
Like you have to be in some,you know, highfalutin Wall street
(00:21):
crowd. Maybe you're feelingthat too. Maybe you're listening
right now. You're like, ralph,I feel the exact same way. Like investing
is out of reach, something forthem, but not for you. But here's
the truth. Investing isn'tjust for the wealthy. So many people
get hung up on that. Well,I've got to have thousands and millions
of dollars. That's just nottrue. It's one of the most powerful
(00:43):
tools that God has given youto really steward your money wisely
and to build a future filledwith peace and purpose. Well, let's
talk about getting started ininvesting and how you can build that
future of peace and purpose,all while stewarding what God has
given you. That's we're goingto talk about on today's show.
This is Financially ConfidentChristian, your daily dose of gospel,
(01:04):
grounded insight and faithdriven tips to help you break the
cycle of financial shame with confidence.
Hello there. Welcome toFinancially Confident Christian.
I'm super excited as we launcha brand new series for the next 30
days on investing. Today'squestion. A lot of people say this
to me that Ralph, investing isfor those wealthy people. It's for
(01:24):
those people who've got allthat bags of money. Let me tell you
right now, I don't have bagsof money. And I bet you're listening
right now, you probably don'thave bags of money either. And I
used to think investing wassuper complicated. I remember when
I was a sophomore in collegeat the University of Delaware, I
had to take this investmentsclass and man, I thought this stuff
was super complicated. And tobe totally honest with you, the professor
(01:46):
made it more complicated.Charts and jargon, all kinds of big
words and brokers wearingsuits like the typical movie Wall
Street. But over time, Ilearned something very valuable.
Investing is not thatcomplicated. It's really not. It's
just a way to put your moneyto work for you. You don't have to
carry all that weight foryourself. That's really what it's
(02:08):
come. It's kind of like abackpack. You put those things in
the backpack, you throw it onyour shoulder so you're not carrying
these bundles of Things,that's really all investing is. It's
no more complicated than that.And not forget when I was young in
my career, I worked with thisyoung couple. And I remember them
coming in to me. They werejust coming to get their taxes done.
At the time I used to just domostly focused on tax work. And this
young couple came in and Idon't think they had been married
(02:30):
six months, whatever it was.They're young couple just starting
out in their career. And oneof the things I always like to ask
them is, do you have anyinvestments? I needed to have that
information so I could dotheir tax return. And he said, oh,
no, you know, we're justgetting started, Ralph. We don't
have any investments. We'retoo small to invest. And I said to
them, no, wait a second, don'tthink like that. And I don't want
you to think like that. Ifyou're listening right now, there's
(02:52):
never too small amount. Nowthese big investment houses will
tell you, well, don't call usunless you've got a hundred thousand
dollars worth of money. That'sgreat, that's for them. But this
couple, I remember at the endof the meeting, they said, ralph,
would you help us with this? Isaid, absolutely. Now, I don't make
investment decisions, but Ican put you in touch with a broker.
But you can start withsomething as simple as $50 a month.
(03:13):
Well, guess what? They tookthe bait. That's what they did. They
started with just $50 a month.And I remember year after year they
would come in and they were soproud. They'd bring in their investment
statement and this thing justgrew and grew and grew. And I remember
each year they'd say, wow, Ican't believe it grew that much.
Just $50 a month, Ralph. Andthe truth is, small steps matter.
(03:34):
And see, investing is not morecomplicated than that. It's just
putting your money to work foryou. So many people get intimidated
by investing. Maybe you'resitting there right now, you're like,
Ralph, I. I don't evenunderstand a bit of investments.
Well, this series is going tobe for you because we're going to
break it all down piece bypiece. We're going to talk about
stocks, we're going to talkabout bonds, but I'm going to make
it super simple because guesswhat? It's not that complicated.
(03:55):
Let's get right intoscripture. I found this from the
Book of Matthew, chapter 25,verse 14. And it says this again,
it will be like a man going ona journey who called his servants
and entrusted his wealth tothem. See, that's what God has done.
I've said this on the showmany times. What you have is not
yours. God has entrusted youto do it. Just like in the Book of
Matthew, the parable thatJesus talked about. The wealthy landowner
(04:19):
had given each of them moneyto invest. He entrusted them with
wealth. Well, the Lord'sentrusted you with the same thing.
He's entrusted you with hisresources. And we're called to grow
them, not to bury him in somebackyard can in the middle of the
yard. And that's whatinvestments do. And here's the problem.
The reason that investingmatters is because if you don't do
(04:40):
anything with it, if you justbury it in the backyard, my grandfather
used to say it's like buryingit in an old coffee can in the backyard.
Well, first of all, themoney's gonna break down. It's gonna
get moisture and maybe getsome worms in it. But investing matters
because money loses value overtime. Because what do we have? We
have inflation. Not fortoday's show, but inflation erodes
the value of that money. Butwhen you invest it, you protect it.
(05:03):
And, hey, look, my youngcouple Learned, even at $50 a month,
that investment multiplies.And a lot of people who are Christians
say, oh, wait a minute, Ralph.You're talking about investing, man.
That's greed. You're talkingabout how to get the most. Like this
Wall street guy. They havethis picture that these people are,
you know, doing all kinds ofcrazy stuff to get greedy about stuff.
(05:24):
But that's not at all what I'mtalking about. Investments aren't
about greed. It's aboutstewardship. And scripture calls
us a stewardship. Look at theBook of Luke, chapter 16 ver. It
says this. And I've used thison this show a million times because
this is the most importantthing to remember. Whoever can be
trusted with very little canalso be trusted with much. If God's
(05:45):
given you just a little bit,you might be looking right, Ralph,
I am the definition of God'sgiven me a little bit. But guess
what? God has trusted you withthat. If you want him to trust with
more, you've got to understandhow to faithfully grow. That, like
my young couple Learned, evenat $50, with those small beginnings,
you don't need wealth to startinvesting. So many people think,
(06:08):
well, I've got to havehundreds and thousands of dollars.
No, that's not at all what youneed. You just need a little wisdom,
and you need a willingness tobegin so that's my action step for
today. Have that wisdom andhave a willingness to begin because
you can do this. Trust me. Ihave confidence in you. How about
we pray together? Lord, wejust thank you for the resources
you placed in our hands. Helpus to steward them wisely, Lord.
(06:31):
Give my friend courage rightnow as they're listening to begin
even with those small amounts,Lord. Show them how to multiply faithfulness
over time, Lord, and to havethe courage and the strength to do
that, Lord. Grant them thewisdom to make wise choices in those
investments. We ask this inconfidence in Jesus name. Amen. Friend.
Investing is for you. It's notfor them. It's not this we, them
(06:54):
mentality. It's for you. Andas we talk about this tomorrow, we're
gonna jump and talk aboutstocks, what they are and how they
really work, because a lot ofpeople do not understand. I got a
great question to talk abouttomorrow from a listener that said,
ralph, just what are stocks? Idon't understand it at all. Make
sure you join me tomorrowbecause I'm gonna break down what
a stock really is. And here'sa spoiler alert. It's not that complicated.
(07:14):
And if today's episode hasgiven you some clarity about investment,
you're like, Ralph, this iscool. I can actually be an investment
person. I'm gonna encourageyou right now. Share with somebody
else who thinks that investingis out of reach. Somebody who thinks
that. Oh, that's just for thewe. That's not something for me with
just meager things to have.Send them to our website. You can
send him an email, send him atext and just say, hey, Ralph, Ralph's
(07:35):
talking about investments.This is a show you don't want to
miss. Send them tofinanciallyconfidentchristian.com Again,
that'sfinanciallyconfidentchristian.com. and
hey, maybe you're listeningright now and you're like, ralph,
I've got a specific questionabout investments, and I would love
to have the answer becauseI've looked all over the Internet
and I can't find an answer.And you know, Ralph, you're always
one to just get it down intothe details that I can understand.
(07:57):
Well, I would love to hearyour question. Just send it to justaskralph.com
Again, that'sjustaskralph.com. just put your name
in your question. And guesswhat? I'll feature your question
on a future show. And here'sanother thing. I want to give you
something for free even as westart this new investing. I finished
my third book, and I've beentalking about this for a little bit,
but I'm still giving freecopies of my book away because I
(08:17):
want you to become afinancially confident Christian.
And I've got a guidebook tohelp you do just that. For 30 years,
I've worked with people justlike you who are trying to break
that cycle of financial shameand do it with confidence. Well,
get a copy of my book. You candownload it for free. Just go to
financiallyconfidentchristian.com/Becoming again,
that'sfinanciallyconfidentchristian.com/Becoming. Go
(08:40):
to the website, enter yourname and your email address, and
voila, you'll have a free copyof my book. And hey, share that with
as many people as you want,because I want people to gain that
confidence and I want them tobreak free of the financial shame
that they feel because there'sno financial shame in investing.
So today I want to encourageyou. Walk in wisdom. You have wisdom.
Have confidence in yourself,because I sure have confidence in
(09:02):
you. And more importantly thanthat, God is with you. So go out
there today and be thatfinancially confident Christian that
I know you can be. Stayfinancially savvy. God bless you.
And you have a great day today.
I got this question the otherday in the email and I thought this
was perfect way to launch ournew series on investing. Ralph, investing
feels like it's just for richpeople, like some Wall street secret
club. Does it even matter tome? And I thought that was a great
question because so manypeople have this myth about investment.
Like you have to be in some,you know, highfalutin Wall street
(00:21):
crowd. Maybe you're feelingthat too. Maybe you're listening
right now. You're like, ralph,I feel the exact same way. Like investing
is out of reach, something forthem, but not for you. But here's
the truth. Investing isn'tjust for the wealthy. So many people
get hung up on that. Well,I've got to have thousands and millions
of dollars. That's just nottrue. It's one of the most powerful
(00:43):
tools that God has given youto really steward your money wisely
and to build a future filledwith peace and purpose. Well, let's
talk about getting started ininvesting and how you can build that
future of peace and purpose,all while stewarding what God has
given you. That's we're goingto talk about on today's show.
This is Financially ConfidentChristian, your daily dose of gospel,
(01:04):
grounded insight and faithdriven tips to help you break the
cycle of financial shame with confidence.
Hello there. Welcome toFinancially Confident Christian.
I'm super excited as we launcha brand new series for the next 30
days on investing. Today'squestion. A lot of people say this
to me that Ralph, investing isfor those wealthy people. It's for
(01:24):
those people who've got allthat bags of money. Let me tell you
right now, I don't have bagsof money. And I bet you're listening
right now, you probably don'thave bags of money either. And I
used to think investing wassuper complicated. I remember when
I was a sophomore in collegeat the University of Delaware, I
had to take this investmentsclass and man, I thought this stuff
was super complicated. And tobe totally honest with you, the professor
(01:46):
made it more complicated.Charts and jargon, all kinds of big
words and brokers wearingsuits like the typical movie Wall
Street. But over time, Ilearned something very valuable.
Investing is not thatcomplicated. It's really not. It's
just a way to put your moneyto work for you. You don't have to
carry all that weight foryourself. That's really what it's
(02:08):
come. It's kind of like abackpack. You put those things in
the backpack, you throw it onyour shoulder so you're not carrying
these bundles of Things,that's really all investing is. It's
no more complicated than that.And not forget when I was young in
my career, I worked with thisyoung couple. And I remember them
coming in to me. They werejust coming to get their taxes done.
At the time I used to just domostly focused on tax work. And this
young couple came in and Idon't think they had been married
(02:30):
six months, whatever it was.They're young couple just starting
out in their career. And oneof the things I always like to ask
them is, do you have anyinvestments? I needed to have that
information so I could dotheir tax return. And he said, oh,
no, you know, we're justgetting started, Ralph. We don't
have any investments. We'retoo small to invest. And I said to
them, no, wait a second, don'tthink like that. And I don't want
you to think like that. Ifyou're listening right now, there's
(02:52):
never too small amount. Nowthese big investment houses will
tell you, well, don't call usunless you've got a hundred thousand
dollars worth of money. That'sgreat, that's for them. But this
couple, I remember at the endof the meeting, they said, ralph,
would you help us with this? Isaid, absolutely. Now, I don't make
investment decisions, but Ican put you in touch with a broker.
But you can start withsomething as simple as $50 a month.
(03:13):
Well, guess what? They tookthe bait. That's what they did. They
started with just $50 a month.And I remember year after year they
would come in and they were soproud. They'd bring in their investment
statement and this thing justgrew and grew and grew. And I remember
each year they'd say, wow, Ican't believe it grew that much.
Just $50 a month, Ralph. Andthe truth is, small steps matter.
(03:34):
And see, investing is not morecomplicated than that. It's just
putting your money to work foryou. So many people get intimidated
by investing. Maybe you'resitting there right now, you're like,
Ralph, I. I don't evenunderstand a bit of investments.
Well, this series is going tobe for you because we're going to
break it all down piece bypiece. We're going to talk about
stocks, we're going to talkabout bonds, but I'm going to make
it super simple because guesswhat? It's not that complicated.
(03:55):
Let's get right intoscripture. I found this from the
Book of Matthew, chapter 25,verse 14. And it says this again,
it will be like a man going ona journey who called his servants
and entrusted his wealth tothem. See, that's what God has done.
I've said this on the showmany times. What you have is not
yours. God has entrusted youto do it. Just like in the Book of
Matthew, the parable thatJesus talked about. The wealthy landowner
(04:19):
had given each of them moneyto invest. He entrusted them with
wealth. Well, the Lord'sentrusted you with the same thing.
He's entrusted you with hisresources. And we're called to grow
them, not to bury him in somebackyard can in the middle of the
yard. And that's whatinvestments do. And here's the problem.
The reason that investingmatters is because if you don't do
(04:40):
anything with it, if you justbury it in the backyard, my grandfather
used to say it's like buryingit in an old coffee can in the backyard.
Well, first of all, themoney's gonna break down. It's gonna
get moisture and maybe getsome worms in it. But investing matters
because money loses value overtime. Because what do we have? We
have inflation. Not fortoday's show, but inflation erodes
the value of that money. Butwhen you invest it, you protect it.
(05:03):
And, hey, look, my youngcouple Learned, even at $50 a month,
that investment multiplies.And a lot of people who are Christians
say, oh, wait a minute, Ralph.You're talking about investing, man.
That's greed. You're talkingabout how to get the most. Like this
Wall street guy. They havethis picture that these people are,
you know, doing all kinds ofcrazy stuff to get greedy about stuff.
(05:24):
But that's not at all what I'mtalking about. Investments aren't
about greed. It's aboutstewardship. And scripture calls
us a stewardship. Look at theBook of Luke, chapter 16 ver. It
says this. And I've used thison this show a million times because
this is the most importantthing to remember. Whoever can be
trusted with very little canalso be trusted with much. If God's
(05:45):
given you just a little bit,you might be looking right, Ralph,
I am the definition of God'sgiven me a little bit. But guess
what? God has trusted you withthat. If you want him to trust with
more, you've got to understandhow to faithfully grow. That, like
my young couple Learned, evenat $50, with those small beginnings,
you don't need wealth to startinvesting. So many people think,
(06:08):
well, I've got to havehundreds and thousands of dollars.
No, that's not at all what youneed. You just need a little wisdom,
and you need a willingness tobegin so that's my action step for
today. Have that wisdom andhave a willingness to begin because
you can do this. Trust me. Ihave confidence in you. How about
we pray together? Lord, wejust thank you for the resources
you placed in our hands. Helpus to steward them wisely, Lord.
(06:31):
Give my friend courage rightnow as they're listening to begin
even with those small amounts,Lord. Show them how to multiply faithfulness
over time, Lord, and to havethe courage and the strength to do
that, Lord. Grant them thewisdom to make wise choices in those
investments. We ask this inconfidence in Jesus name. Amen. Friend.
Investing is for you. It's notfor them. It's not this we, them
(06:54):
mentality. It's for you. Andas we talk about this tomorrow, we're
gonna jump and talk aboutstocks, what they are and how they
really work, because a lot ofpeople do not understand. I got a
great question to talk abouttomorrow from a listener that said,
ralph, just what are stocks? Idon't understand it at all. Make
sure you join me tomorrowbecause I'm gonna break down what
a stock really is. And here'sa spoiler alert. It's not that complicated.
(07:14):
And if today's episode hasgiven you some clarity about investment,
you're like, Ralph, this iscool. I can actually be an investment
person. I'm gonna encourageyou right now. Share with somebody
else who thinks that investingis out of reach. Somebody who thinks
that. Oh, that's just for thewe. That's not something for me with
just meager things to have.Send them to our website. You can
send him an email, send him atext and just say, hey, Ralph, Ralph's
(07:35):
talking about investments.This is a show you don't want to
miss. Send them tofinanciallyconfidentchristian.com Again,
that'sfinanciallyconfidentchristian.com. and
hey, maybe you're listeningright now and you're like, ralph,
I've got a specific questionabout investments, and I would love
to have the answer becauseI've looked all over the Internet
and I can't find an answer.And you know, Ralph, you're always
one to just get it down intothe details that I can understand.
(07:57):
Well, I would love to hearyour question. Just send it to justaskralph.com
Again, that'sjustaskralph.com. just put your name
in your question. And guesswhat? I'll feature your question
on a future show. And here'sanother thing. I want to give you
something for free even as westart this new investing. I finished
my third book, and I've beentalking about this for a little bit,
but I'm still giving freecopies of my book away because I
(08:17):
want you to become afinancially confident Christian.
And I've got a guidebook tohelp you do just that. For 30 years,
I've worked with people justlike you who are trying to break
that cycle of financial shameand do it with confidence. Well,
get a copy of my book. You candownload it for free. Just go to
financiallyconfidentchristian.com/Becoming again,
that'sfinanciallyconfidentchristian.com/Becoming. Go
(08:40):
to the website, enter yourname and your email address, and
voila, you'll have a free copyof my book. And hey, share that with
as many people as you want,because I want people to gain that
confidence and I want them tobreak free of the financial shame
that they feel because there'sno financial shame in investing.
So today I want to encourageyou. Walk in wisdom. You have wisdom.
Have confidence in yourself,because I sure have confidence in
(09:02):
you. And more importantly thanthat, God is with you. So go out
there today and be thatfinancially confident Christian that
I know you can be. Stayfinancially savvy. God bless you.
And you have a great day today.
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