Money Strategy With Kingdom Values: Prosper in the Kingdom Podcast By Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee | Christian Financial Strategists cover art

Money Strategy With Kingdom Values: Prosper in the Kingdom

Money Strategy With Kingdom Values: Prosper in the Kingdom

By: Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee | Christian Financial Strategists
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Prosper in the Kingdom is the go-to podcast where biblical truth meets practical money strategy and purpose-driven living. Hosted by Financial Strategist John Cleaver and Kingdom-minded coach Wendy Lee, this show empowers believers to steward their time, money, and calling with intention. Each week, we dive into Christian money management, financial strategy, and entrepreneurial purpose—equipping you to walk in abundance without compromise. Whether you're launching a side business, leading your family, or navigating a career shift, you'll find actionable insights, biblical encouragement, and money management strategies to help you prosper in every area of life. In Every Episode, You'll Learn How To: •Align your financial values with your faith •Develop money strategies for wealth building and debt freedom •Leverage your time intentionally for Kingdom impact •Build passive income with Christian financial strategy •Make spirit-led business and leadership decisions •Create momentum in your calling without burning out Real Questions We Answer: “How do I build wealth without compromising my values?” “What’s the biblical way to manage money and still pursue big goals?” “Am I being a good steward of my time, or just staying busy?” “Can I really start a business while working full-time and raising a family?” “What are smart, biblical steps for financial freedom in today’s economy?” “How can I overcome the fear of stepping into entrepreneurship?” “Is my job part of my calling—or just a paycheck?” This Podcast Is For You If: You're a Christian entrepreneur, side hustler, or business leader You crave a deeper connection between your faith and your finances You feel called to “more” but aren’t sure what to do next You want to shift from paycheck-to-paycheck survival to purpose-led money transformation You’re tired of worldly success strategies that leave your soul empty You desire financial management tools rooted in biblical wisdom You want to raise your family, run your business, and live your purpose—God’s way Tune in weekly to unlock Kingdom-aligned insight for your finances, leadership, and legacy. Visit prosperinthekingdom.com for resources, free financial planning tools, and to start your money strategy journey today.Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee | Christian Financial Strategists Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Ep. 100: Why the Banking System Isn’t Built for You + How to Build a Family Bank

    Ep. 100: Why the Banking System Isn’t Built for You + How to Build a Family Bank
    Mar 18 2026
    Episode Summary

    If you’ve ever felt like money is constantly flowing out—but never quite staying in—you’re not imagining it.

    In this milestone Episode 100 of Prosper in the Kingdom, Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee pull back the curtain on how the traditional banking system is designed—and why it often works against everyday families. They break down the hidden patterns of debt, interest, and financial flow that keep people stuck, and introduce a powerful alternative: the family bank strategy.

    This episode is a wake-up call and a practical roadmap. You’ll learn how wealthy families think differently about money, how to take back control of your capital, and how to build a system that allows your money to grow, circulate, and work for you—not the bank.

    If you’re serious about becoming a better steward, building real wealth (not just retirement), and aligning your finances with your faith—this is a must-listen.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    1. Why the traditional banking system is designed to benefit institutions—not you
    2. How interest quietly transfers wealth away from your household over time
    3. The difference between earning money and controlling capital
    4. What a family bank is (and what it’s not)
    5. How wealthy families keep money working inside their own system
    6. Why most retirement plans limit your access to wealth-building opportunities
    7. The 3 ways money grows: fixed, market-driven, and indexed strategies
    8. How to create liquidity so you can act on financial opportunities quickly
    9. Practical ways to “borrow from yourself” instead of relying on banks
    10. How biblical stewardship ties into building and multiplying wealth



    Key Takeaways
    1. The financial system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed. The problem is most people don’t understand how it works.
    2. Wealth isn’t built by income alone—it’s built by controlling and circulating capital.
    3. A family bank allows your money to grow, stay protected, and remain accessible.
    4. You don’t need millions to start—these strategies work at any level.
    5. True stewardship means multiplying what God has entrusted to you, not just saving it.



    Timestamps

    00:00 – Welcome + Episode Introduction

    02:00 – Why money always seems to flow out

    04:00 – How banks profit from your money

    06:30 – The mindset shift: earning vs controlling capital

    09:00 – What is a family bank?

    12:00 – Why traditional retirement strategies fall short

    15:00 – The 3 ways money grows explained

    17:30 – Real-life examples of using a family bank

    20:30 – How business owners can leverage this strategy

    22:00 – Biblical perspective on wealth and stewardship

    23:30 – Invitation to masterclass + next steps



    Scripture Highlight

    Proverbs 21:5

    “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance…”



    Resources Mentioned
    1. Family Bank Masterclass - https://links.prosperinthekingdom.com/widget/form/MU8fLAvlHdTS5cZMsrET?notrack=true
    2. Wealth Map: safemoneyroadmap.com
    3. Book reference: What Would the Rockefellers Do?



    Call to Action

    Ready to take control of your money and build a system that actually works for you?

    👉 Register for the Family Bank Masterclass

    👉 Get your personalized Wealth Map

    👉 Share this episode with someone who needs a fresh perspective on money



    Listener Takeaway

    Stop playing defense with your money.

    Start building a system where your money works for you, supports your family, and fuels Kingdom impact.
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    25 mins
  • Ep 99: 5 Financial Surprises Parents Face When Kids Go to College

    Ep 99: 5 Financial Surprises Parents Face When Kids Go to College
    Mar 11 2026
    Episode OverviewSending a child to college is one of the most exciting milestones a family can experience—but it can also be one of the most financially complex. In this episode of Prosper in the Kingdom, hosts Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee break down the five biggest financial surprises parents face when their kids head off to college. From hidden first-year costs to co-signing off-campus leases, this episode gives parents a practical, faith-based financial strategy to navigate college expenses without sacrificing their own financial future.Whether you have a high school senior filling out FAFSA right now or a toddler you’re planning ahead for, this episode gives you the biblical money management tools and real-life strategies to face college costs with confidence and wisdom.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe hidden costs beyond tuition that catch most parents off guardHow to create a full-year college budget (not just semester tuition)Why off-campus housing leases are a bigger financial risk than most parents realizeHow to teach your college student money management and financial responsibilityWhy draining your retirement to pay for college is a costly mistakeWhat to know before converting federal student loans to private loansThe 5 Financial Surprises Parents Face at College TimeSurprise #1: The Real Cost of Year One Goes Far Beyond TuitionMost parents budget for tuition—and stop there. But the true cost of the first year of college includes dozens of expenses families never see coming. Jon and Wendy break down the real line items that hit your wallet hard from move-in day forward:Textbooks: Individual books can cost $150–$300+, adding up to thousands over a degreeTechnology: Laptops, software, and computer lab fees—especially for specialized programsMeal plans: Required for most freshmen in dorms, but not cheapDorm setup: Bedding, appliances, organizers, and supplies—it’s essentially furnishing a small apartmentTravel home: Flights or drives for holidays, spring break, and college sports gamesParking passes & tickets: A surprisingly common (and costly) expense on many campuses💡 Pro Tip: Create a full-year cost estimate before the semester starts. Use Excel or a free template from vertex42.com to map out every anticipated expense—not just tuition.Surprise #2: Your Student Has Never Managed Money Alone BeforeFor many students, college is the first time they’ve had to manage a real budget. Without guidance, debit cards drain fast, credit card offers pile up in the mailbox, and small habits like daily fast food add up to hundreds of dollars a month.Set up a monthly budget for your student before they leave—and stick to itConsider sending money twice a month like a paycheck (Jon’s approach with his college student)Avoid giving your student an open-ended credit card with no spending limitsHave honest conversations about spending priorities, debt, and long-term financial valuesTeach them that money decisions today shape financial freedom tomorrowSurprise #3: Off-Campus Housing Is a Legal and Financial MinefieldBy sophomore year, most students want out of the dorms. But moving off campus introduces a whole new level of financial complexity—one that even financially-savvy parents often miss. Jon draws on his experience managing hundreds of rental properties and working with a hedge fund that purchased 130 rental units monthly to walk parents through the real risks:Co-signing responsibility: As a co-signer, you are liable for the entire lease—not just your child’s portionRoommate risk: If a roommate drops out or moves out, you may be on the hook for their shareIllegal fees: Late fees applied before the legal grace period (typically 5 days in most states) are illegal—know your state’s tenant lawsPlatform switches: Property management companies changing payment portals without notifying co-signersDamage liability: Parties, careless guests, or accidents can result in costly claims against the lease💡 Pro Tip: Before signing any lease, run the entire document through an AI tool to flag unusual or potentially illegal clauses. Jon also recommends having access to an attorney network before you ever need it.Surprise #4: Paying for College Can Quietly Destroy Your RetirementOne of the most dangerous financial surprises isn’t about the student—it’s about the parent. Many parents unknowingly put their own financial future at risk in an effort to support their children’s education. Jon and Wendy address several common mistakes:Parent PLUS Loans: Useful in some situations, but a long-term financial burden if over-usedDraining retirement accounts: Never do this. The Rule of 72 shows that even “small” early withdrawals can cost you hundreds of thousands in future growthPausing contributions: Taking even a 3–5 year break from your wealth strategy can set you back significantlyRemember: Your children can take out loans for college. You cannot take out loans for retirement. ...
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    36 mins
  • Ep 98: The Illusion of “Doing Fine”: The Hidden Cost of Financial Drift

    Ep 98: The Illusion of “Doing Fine”: The Hidden Cost of Financial Drift
    Mar 4 2026
    Episode OverviewAre your financial values actually reflected in where your money goes every month? In Episode 98 of Prosper in the Kingdom, hosts Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee tackle one of the most dangerous traps facing Christian families today: the comfort of “doing fine.” When bills are paid and retirement contributions are happening, it’s easy to assume everything is on track—but that quiet contentment may be quietly costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.This episode unpacks the concept of “opportunity slippage”—the slow financial erosion that happens when you don’t have an intentional kingdom money strategy. Jon and Wendy walk you through their proven 3M Framework (Make, Manage, Multiply) and give you three concrete action steps you can implement today, whether you’re a DIY planner or ready to work with a financial coach.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy “doing fine” is one of the costliest financial mindsets in biblical money managementHow financial drift—not crisis—is the real enemy of building kingdom values wealthThe hidden math of missed opportunity and how compounding works against you when you delayHow to align your spending with your financial values and kingdom values as a ChristianThe 3M Framework: Make, Manage, and Multiply—and why all three must run concurrentlyWhy overcoming money fear starts with simply looking at your numbers without emotionPractical money strategy for young adults and those starting later in lifeHow to reduce taxes legally as part of your Christian financial strategyKey Topics & Timestamps00:32 — Welcome & The “Doing Fine” TrapJon opens with a candid question: Are you building wealth, or just maintaining your lifestyle? Most people aren’t in financial crisis—they’re simply drifting. And drift, left unchecked, can cost millions over a lifetime. This is the foundation of sound biblical money management.03:36 — Opportunity Slippage & The Cost of Financial DriftUsing a personal story about cashing out a 401k early, Jon illustrates how a single drift decision—just $12,000—could have multiplied five times over. When every unassigned dollar defaults to consumption, compounding works against your kingdom values wealth goals.06:35 — The 3M Framework: Make (Income Expansion)Income matters—but income without a plan creates leaks. The common trap: “When I make more money, I’ll start.” Jon and Wendy challenge this myth and share why a Christian financial strategy must begin before the money arrives. Action Step #1: Identify one income expansion opportunity in the next 90 days.12:06 — The 3M Framework: Manage (Every Dollar Gets a Job)This is where opportunity slippage accelerates. Wendy shares her own story of auditing her spending and discovering her personal care budget ($550/month) didn’t align with her financial values at all. The fix? Give every dollar a job—on paper, not just in theory. Action Step #2: Audit the last three months of spending and ask: does this move me closer to or further from my real goals?18:37 — The 3M Framework: Multiply (Don’t Wait to Invest)Compounding rewards early consistency more than late intensity. Jon uses the “ATM with three levers” analogy to explain how time, contribution amount, and desired monthly income all interact. Even starting with $253/month in your 20s can create multiple seven figures by retirement. Action Step #3: Increase automated savings by just 1% this quarter.24:21 — DIY Financial Structure: Three Ways to Increase MarginJon outlines three margin-building moves: increase income, reduce debt, and—often overlooked—reduce taxes legally. A strong kingdom money strategy doesn’t just focus on earning more; it focuses on keeping more of what you make.27:02 — Why Most People Fail (It’s Not a Lack of Information)Most families don’t fail because they lack information—they fail because they lack structure. Jon and Wendy introduce the Safe Money Roadmap, a no-pressure financial clarity tool designed to show you exactly where you stand across the 3M Framework.3 Action Steps From This EpisodeAction Step 1 — MAKE: Identify ONE income expansion opportunity you can pursue in the next 90 days (a raise negotiation, a skill-based side hustle, or higher-value work). Decide where that money goes before it arrives.Action Step 2 — MANAGE: Pull three months of bank and credit card statements. Look at every category without emotion and ask: does this spending reflect my financial values and kingdom values? Assign every dollar a job.Action Step 3 — MULTIPLY: Increase your automated savings by just 1% this quarter. Even $50–$100/month, invested consistently, will compound massively over time.Quotable Moments“Drift is not diligence. Drift is the default. No decision is a decision.” — Jon Cleaver“Doing fine today can quietly become your regret tomorrow.” — Jon Cleaver“Compounding rewards early consistency more than late ...
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    33 mins
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