The Faithonomics Bulletin

Hey Reader, Yesterday, I worked through a list of chores that required me to stop by ACE Hardware, Valvoline, and Walgreens. At each checkout counter, I whipped out a coupon. But, it wasn't until I was almost home that I had a humbling realization - I've become my mother... My mother was the Coupon Queen. If we were shopping, we likely had a coupon. If we were dining out, we likely had a coupon. Even on a trip to the beach, my mother had a coupon ready. I remember her handing me a coupon once...

Hey Reader, Let's talk ice cream. In 1984, President Ronald Regan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. In his proclamation, Regan made two claims I found particularly interesting: "Ice cream is a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States." "The ice cream industry generates approximately $3.5 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands of citizens." I'm not here to...

Hey Reader, Earlier this week, I finished the last episode of Franklin on Apple TV. The series recounts the story of Benjamin Franklin's secret mission to France to secure the support of the French against the British Empire. During the final moments of the last episode (don't worry - not a spoiler), Franklin is in conversation with a young French aristocrat traveling to America to start anew after being disowned by his family. Seeking the wisdom of Franklin, the young aristocrat asks,...

Hey Reader, My bet is that you know Dave Ramsey - the popular financial expert who is known for his tough love and belief that if you follow his seven "Baby Steps" you can climb your way out of debt and build wealth. If you are unfamiliar with his Baby Steps here they are: Save $1000 for a starter emergency fund. Pay off all your debt (except your mortgage) using the debt snowball method. Save 3-6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund. Invest 15% of your household income in...

Hey Reader, This week I had the privilege of welcoming Rev. Dr. Angela Yarber, the author of Queering the American Dream, to the Faithonomics Podcast. Our conversation centered around her experience traversing the American landscape with her Queer Family in a small camper named Freya as she wrestled with her faith, her understanding of vocation, and the loss of her brother to addiction. For Angela and her family, the American Dream looked different. Instead of buying a home, they bought a...