Yahweh’s Money®️: The Crossroads of Religion & Money

When does helping a loved one become enabling, and how do we strike the right balance? Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley dive into this profound question as they share personal experiences and insights from their journey as financial counselors. Through the lens of scripture, such as Matthew 7:6, they explore the fine line between financial generosity that reflects love and the risk of fostering dependency. Vanessa shares a story about her brother, illustrating the delicate dynamics that play out in family relationships and the importance of setting boundaries while maintaining faith.
Breaking generational stigmas around self-care, especially within immigrant families, is critical in their discussion. They tackle cultural and gender norms that often pressure individuals to prioritize others’ needs over their own, sometimes to their detriment. By advocating for open communication within families, they aim to shift perceptions surrounding money management and self-care. Highlighting the sacrifices many make, especially women, they emphasize that personal well-being is crucial not only for oneself but for the benefit of everyone around them. Through this dialogue, they call for a cultural shift towards embracing personal growth and financial understanding.
They also confront the complexities of saying no and the role of accountability. Drawing from personal anecdotes and cultural examples, they highlight how constantly saying yes can create cycles of dependency. This episode underscores the necessity of financial literacy and responsible behavior. By promoting education on budgeting and financial planning, they empower their listeners to foster self-sufficiency and build a sustainable financial future. If you’re ready to transform your approach to helping others and learn how financial literacy can lead to healthier relationships, then this conversation is a must-listen.

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Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

Schedule a Free 15-minute Clarity Call Today!

Comments, questions, or suggestions on topics? Email [email protected]

and follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Music by:
Lamonte Silver - Owner of essentialmusicclub.com | Previously by ROA - roa-music.com

Welcome back to Yahweh’s Money!

In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden costs of higher education beyond tuition. I’m your host, Shay Cook, and I’m excited to introduce our new and improved format for more authentic, conversational discussions.

Joining me is Adriana Lopez, a military veteran, Accredited Financial Counselor®️, and the inspiration behind our podcast! Together, we break down overlooked college expenses—dorm furniture, textbooks, transportation, and unexpected fees—while offering practical budgeting tips to help you plan wisely. Inspired by Proverbs 27:23, we encourage financial stewardship and mindful preparation for these hidden costs.

Key Takeaways:

• Hidden Expenses Matter – College costs extend beyond tuition. Being aware of extra expenses can prevent financial surprises.
• Living Arrangements Impact Finances – Weigh on-campus vs. off-campus housing to determine the most cost-effective option.
• Smart Budgeting & Planning – Leverage student discounts, loyalty programs, and meal planning to stretch your budget and avoid unnecessary debt.

Did we miss any hidden college costs? Let us know at [email protected].

Episode Sources:

• Proverbs 27:23
• What Is the Average College Tuition in 2025?
• FINRA Foundation
• Average Cost of Food per Month for a College Student
• Students Save on UNiDAYS

Send us a text

💸⛪🕍📿💵

Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

Schedule a Free 15-minute Clarity Call Today!

Comments, questions, or suggestions on topics? Email [email protected]

and follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Music by:
Lamonte Silver - Owner of essentialmusicclub.com | Previously by ROA - roa-music.com

Welcome Back! It is Financial Literacy Month and we wanted to focus this episode on financial fraud which is rapidly raising in the United States. In episode 26, “Fed Up with Fraud” our cohosts discuss some of the common frauds and identity theft to be aware of. They also share their real-life experiences with both.

How do you know if you are a victim of identity theft? Have you checked? If not, this episode is for you! Our cohosts share what you should do if you suspect you are a victim of fraud or identity theft and what are ways to prevent you from becoming a victim in the future. Check out this episode and learn steps on how to fight and report fraud.

Send us a text

💸⛪🕍📿💵

Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

Schedule a Free 15-minute Clarity Call Today!

Comments, questions, or suggestions on topics? Email [email protected]

and follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Music by:
Lamonte Silver - Owner of essentialmusicclub.com | Previously by ROA - roa-music.com

What does your financial health have to do with your spiritual well-being? A lot, it turns out. Join us, Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelly, on a journey through the often-overlooked connection between money management and faith communities. We're peeling back the layers on how churches can serve as guiding lights for financial stewardship, offering up wisdom on counseling and guidance that aligns with life's financial hurdles. Discover how a church's fiscal soundness can ripple out, bolstering its capacity to nurture its flock and how embracing financial education can lead to empowered decision-making for individuals and families alike.
Transparency isn't just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of trust, particularly within church walls. In this episode, we share anecdotes and insights on why open finance meetings can revolutionize the way congregations engage with their finances, fostering trust and serving as a vital educational platform. We'll also navigate the intricate dance between tithing, financial security, and the biblical principles of stewardship, all while celebrating the joy of giving. Tune in to hear how a financially literate congregation doesn't just sustain its church—it extends its reach into the community, turning generosity into a powerful tool for growth and outreach.

Send us a text

💸⛪🕍📿💵

Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

Schedule a Free 15-minute Clarity Call Today!

Comments, questions, or suggestions on topics? Email [email protected]

and follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Music by:
Lamonte Silver - Owner of essentialmusicclub.com | Previously by ROA - roa-music.com

Welcome to a transformative journey on Yahweh's Money, where faith meets finances!

In this episode, my guest Tanisha Allen and I delve into conquering fear with faith to unlock financial freedom, career growth, and personal development. We share inspiring stories of taking bold financial risks, from selling homes to investing in personal growth. Embrace stewardship over ownership and trust God’s plan, even amidst life’s uncertainties.

Whether it’s transforming your mindset or building a family legacy, it’s time to stop letting fear control your decisions and start living abundantly.

🎙️ Here are 3 key takeaways from their insightful conversation:

1. Acknowledge Fear, but Overcome It with Faith: Fear is a natural human emotion that can impact financial decisions. Shay and Tanisha encouraged listeners to acknowledge their fears but reminded them that God provides the strength to overcome these fears through faith.
2. Stewardship Over Ownership: Everything we have is a gift from God. Shay and Tanisha emphasize the importance of viewing our resources as God's provisions, helping us to release the pressure of ownership and to focus on being good stewards of what's been entrusted to us.
3. Planning and Trust Go Hand-in-Hand: Understanding your financial situation—your income, expenses, and goals—provides a foundation for informed decision-making. Combining this awareness with trust in God's plan leads to peace and confidence in financial journeys.

Did we leave anything out regarding college expenses? Let us know at [email protected].

Episode Sources

1. 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind."
2. Yahweh's Money: Managing Money in a Marriage
3. Psalm 19
4. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God."
5. Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Follow Tanisha in these spaces:

Instagram - instagram.com/financialtheologian

Facebook - Facebook.com/financialtheologian

Send us a text

💸⛪🕍📿💵

Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

Schedule a Free 15-minute Clarity Call Today!

Comments, questions, or suggestions on topics? Email [email protected]

and follow us on:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Music by:
Lamonte Silver - Owner of essentialmusicclub.com | Previously by ROA - roa-music.com