If more money is going out than coming in, it's time to take a good look at your spending. In this episode of the Faithful Finance podcast, Emily Stroud and her dear friend Alison Gengelbach tackle one of the most foundational and misunderstood tools in personal finance: the budget.Emily reframes budgeting not as punishment or restriction, but as clarity and freedom. Grounded in Proverbs 21:5, she explains why planning isn’t just practical, it’s biblical. Together, Emily and Alison normalize the discomfort people feel around money conversations and replace shame with honesty, grace, and actionable steps forward.You’ll hear a step-by-step breakdown of how to build a realistic budget that reflects real life, from housing and groceries to pets, vacations, Christmas, hobbies, and even Botox. Emily shares why every dollar needs an assignment, how discretionary spending can actually reduce conflict in marriage, and why couples must build a budget together to improve communication and unity.The conversation gets especially practical as Emily explains how to calculate a proper cash reserve, why three months of living expenses (not income) is the goal, and how automating savings and tithing “off the top” changes everything. Emily also walks through what to do when the math doesn’t work, when spending exceeds income, and outlines the hard but hopeful path forward: spending less, earning more, or a combination of both.From negotiating utility bills and grocery audits to side hustles, leftovers, and family dinners around the table, this episode is packed with real-life examples that make budgeting feel doable, not daunting.This episode is a powerful reminder that financial peace doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through awareness, discipline, faith, and a plan—so you can move from anxiety and overwhelm to confidence, margin, and peace.What You’ll Learn:➡️ Why a budget is a roadmap—not a restriction➡️ The biblical foundation for planning and diligence➡️ How to start a budget when you don’t know where your money is going➡️ Why couples should create a budget together to reduce conflict➡️ How to calculate a proper cash reserve (and why it’s based on expenses, not income)➡️ Why you should “pay yourself first” and automate savings➡️ How tithing fits into a faithful financial plan➡️ Common budget blind spots like dining out, credit cards, holidays, and vacations➡️ What to do when you’re spending more than you make➡️ Practical ways to cut expenses without lowering your quality of life➡️ How boundaries around money improve marriages and family peaceResources:Download Emily’s free budget worksheet and other practical tools at:https://faithfulfinance.com/resourcesBuy Emily’s Book:Purchase Faithful Finance by Emily Stroud on her website:https://faithfulfinance.com/resources/Support the Show:✅ Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode✍️ Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway📲 Share this episode with someone who feels overwhelmed by moneyConnect With Emily:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyGStroud/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygstroud/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@emilygstroudYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfulfinancepodcastConnect With Alison:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amgengelbach/Credits:A Faithful Finance production.Executive Producer: Emily StroudProduced by Greatlight Creative: https://www.greatlightcreative.comEmily G. Stroud, MBA, CFA is a Registered Representative.Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC to residents of: TX, UT, WV, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IL, KY, MT, and NC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated. Cambridge and Emily G. Stroud, LLC are also not affiliated.Check the background of this financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck: BrokerCheck.FINRA.org | www.FINRA.org | www.SIPC.org | Form CRS

Financial worry is loud. But it doesn’t have to be the voice leading your life. In this episode, Emily Stroud and her dear friend Alison Gengelbach  answer a big question: what is a financial adviser… and how do you know who to trust?Emily frames the conversation around "wise counsel" as a biblical principle rooted in Proverbs: plans fail without counsel, but succeed with many advisers. Together, Emily and Alison normalize asking for help, both from God and from qualified professionals, so you can stop spiraling about the future and start building a plan with peace.You’ll hear practical guidance on how to find the right adviser, what credentials actually matter, and how to do a quick background check through FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Emily also shares why she views herself as the “quarterback” of your financial team, doing things like coordinating insurance, estate planning, and long-term strategy so you’re not trying to piece it all together alone.The heart of the episode turns personal as Emily and Alison talk candidly about grief, loss, and life’s “fire seasons,” including Emily’s husband’s sudden heart attack and how having protections in place (like life and disability insurance) gave her the freedom to focus on family—not financial panic.This episode sets the foundation for the series: shame-free, faith-filled, and practical—so you can move from confusion and fear to clarity, confidence, and rest.What You’ll Learn:➡️ What a financial adviser actually does (and why you don’t have to do this alone)➡️ The biblical case for “wise counsel” and how it reduces financial anxiety➡️ How to find a trustworthy adviser, starting with referrals from people you trust➡️ How to use FINRA BrokerCheck to verify licenses and check for complaints or lawsuits➡️ Which credentials matter (MBA, CFA, CFP) and what they typically indicate➡️ When you should reach out for help: new seasons, new beginnings, and “wake-up moments”➡️ Why insurance and foundational planning must happen before a crisis hits➡️ How a financial plan can reduce stress and strengthen communication in marriage➡️ Why there’s “no shame in this game” and how small choices add up over timeResources:Visit faithfulfinance.com for free tools and practical guides to help you take your next step: https://faithfulfinance.com/resourcesBuy Emily's Book:Purchase Faithful Finance by Emily Stroud on her website: https://faithfulfinance.com/resources/Support the Show:✅ Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode✍️ Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway📲 Share this episode with someone who could use peace around their financesConnect With Emily:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyGStroud/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygstroud/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@emilygstroudYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfulfinancepodcastConnect With Allison:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amgengelbach/Credits:A Faithful Finance production.Executive Producer: Emily StroudProduced by Greatlight Creative: https://www.greatlightcreative.comEmily G. Stroud, MBA, CFA is a Registered RepresentativeSecurities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC to residents of: TX, UT, WV, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IL, KY, MT, and NC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated. Cambridge and Emily G. Stroud, LLC are also not affiliated.Check the background of this financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck: BrokerCheck.FINRA.org www.FINRA.org | www.SIPC.org | Form CRS

Financial stress has become epidemic, but it doesn’t have to define your life. In this episode, Emily Stroud practices what she preaches by inviting listeners into her home and into the heart behind the Faithful Finance podcast.Every financial journey has a story. In this opening episode, Emily shares hers: how more than 25 years in financial services, countless conversations over coffee, and one life-altering medical crisis shaped her conviction that crisis is the worst time to start financial planning.Through the story of her husband’s sudden heart attack, Emily explains why financial planning isn’t theoretical; it’s deeply personal. Because foundational protections were already in place, she was able to focus on her family instead of financial panic. That moment clarified her mission: to help people move from fear and confusion around money to peace, clarity, and confidence before life falls apart.This episode sets the tone for the entire season and invites listeners into a practical, shame-free approach to money rooted in wisdom, stewardship, and faith.What You’ll Learn:➡️ Why financial stress feels overwhelming for so many people. ➡️ Why crisis is the worst time to start financial planning. ➡️ The foundational protections every family needs. ➡️ How to move from fear to confidence around money. ➡️ Why your financial past doesn’t define your future. ➡️ How to begin finding trustworthy financial counsel. Resources:Visit faithfulfinance.com for free tools and practical guides to help you take your next step: https://faithfulfinance.com/resourcesBuy Emily's Book:Purchase Faithful Finance by Emily Stroud on her website: https://faithfulfinance.com/resources/Support the Show:✅ Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode✍️ Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway📲 Share this episode with someone who could use peace around their financesConnect With Emily:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyGStroud/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygstroud/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@emilygstroudYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfulfinancepodcastConnect With Allison: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amgengelbach/Credits:A Faithful Finance production.Executive Producer: Emily StroudProduced by Greatlight Creative: https://www.greatlightcreative.comEmily G. Stroud, MBA, CFA is a Registered RepresentativeSecurities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC to residents of: TX, UT, WV, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IL, KY, MT, and NC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated. Cambridge and Emily G. Stroud, LLC are also not affiliated.Check the background of this financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck: BrokerCheck.FINRA.org www.FINRA.org | www.SIPC.org | Form CRS

Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain when it comes to your finances? In this introductory episode of the Faithful Finance podcast, financial advisor Emily Stroud shares why so many families struggle with fear around money and how faith-centered financial planning can bring clarity, peace, and confidence.With more than 25 years of experience as a financial advisor, Emily walks alongside families navigating real-life financial concerns such as protecting loved ones if something unexpected happens, planning for children’s education, preparing for disability or loss of income, and supporting aging parents. As a wife and mom herself, Emily understands that financial decisions are never just about numbers. They are about people, purpose, and peace of mind.This episode introduces the heart behind the Faithful Finance podcast and the principles Emily shares in her best-selling book, Faithful Finance. Together with her dear friend Alison Ginglebach, Emily invites listeners into honest, practical, and faith-filled conversations about stewarding money wisely while trusting God fully.If you are looking for Christian financial guidance, biblical money principles, or a more peaceful approach to personal finance, this podcast is for you.What You Will Learn in This Episode:Why financial anxiety is so common for families todayThe most common money fears that keep people awake at nightHow faith and financial planning can work togetherWhy you do not have to live in fear when it comes to moneyWhat to expect from future episodes of the Faithful Finance podcastWho This Podcast Is For:Christians seeking faith-based financial guidanceParents planning for their family’s futureIndividuals worried about income protection, insurance, or disabilityFamilies caring for aging parentsAnyone who wants peace, clarity, and confidence with moneyResources:Faithful Finance book by Emily StroudSubscribe and Connect:Subscribe to the Faithful Finance podcast for weekly conversations on Christian money management, biblical stewardship, and practical financial planning. Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement and remember that you do not have to navigate money alone.Follow Emily Stroud:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygstroud/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyGStroudOn Threads: https://www.threads.com/@emilygstroudOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfulfinancepodcast© COPYRIGHT 2025 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Emily G. Stroud, LLCEmily G. Stroud, MBA, CFA is a Registered RepresentativeSecurities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC to residents of: TX, UT, WV, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IL, KY, MT, and NC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated. Cambridge and Emily G. Stroud, LLC are also not affiliated.Check the background of this financial professional onFINRA’s BrokerCheck: BrokerCheck.FINRA.orgwww.FINRA.org | www.SIPC.org | Form CRS