Catholic Money Talk
Welcome to Catholic Money Talk where we talk about all things money and finance. Many times we look at financial decisions and money matters in a vacuum. But here we try to look at these same items through a Catholic lens. If God made us to know him, love him, and serve him in this life so that we can be happy forever with him in the next, we need to determine how we can know, love, and serve him with our finances. We tackle topics like debt, home buying and other large purchases, insurance, budgeting, generosity, saving, and investing as well as educating our kids with good financial principles that will benefit them for life. We acknowledge that all we have belongs to God and we want to be good stewards of all that he has blessed us with.
Episodes
127 episodes
Episode 126 - Big Picture: How to Pay for College (Even if you didn't save enough)
Most families don’t have a perfect college savings plan—but that doesn’t mean debt is the only option. In this episode, we break down how to figure out what you can actually afford and build a plan to pay for college without student loans. If y...
Episode 125 - Happy Ever After Doesn't Happen Here: An Easter Reflection
It can feel like life is just one thing after another—when will it finally all work out? Why does it never seem to settle down the way we expect? This Easter, we’re reminded that our “happy ever after” isn’t here—and that changes everything.&nb...
Episode 124 - Financial Shame: Bringing It Into the Light
Money shame keeps a lot of us stuck. The hiding. The avoiding. The feeling that we should be better at this. But freedom doesn’t start when the debt is gone; it starts when the truth is spoken. You’re not alone—and it’s not as...
Episode 123 – Five Questions for Financial Discernment (Original date 2/13/23)
How should Catholics make financial decisions?In this episode of Catholic Money Talk, Paul shares five simple questions to help you prayerfully discern financial choices through the lens of your faith.Whether you're deciding about...
Episode 122 - Almsgiving: Expanding the Heart (Part 3)
Almsgiving is one of the three pillars of Lent, but it is often misunderstood. It’s not just about donating money or giving away what we don’t need. True almsgiving is love expressed in action.In Part 3 of the Catholic Money Talk Lenten ...
Episode 121- Fasting: Cleaning the Lens (Part 2)
Fasting isn’t about a “win-win” sacrifice — it’s about training the will. In Part 2 of this Lenten series, Paul explores how fasting cleans the lens of the soul, strengthens our prayer, and detaches us from the comforts and attitudes that contr...
Episode 120 - Pray First: The Foundation of a Faithful Lent (Part 1)
Lent is our training for a life in pursuit of Heaven—and every training season begins with prayer. In this first episode of a three-part Lenten series, Paul explores why we must “pray first,” how gratitude changes our perspective, and what it m...
Episode 119 - The Disney Delusion: How We Almost Bought a Timeshare We Couldn’t Afford
In this episode, Paul shares a “crazy” story from his own financial past — the time he and Taryn almost bought a Disney Vacation Club timeshare when they absolutely could not afford it. With honesty and humor, he walks through how emotion, sale...
Episode 118 - Integrity: Holiness Lived Consistently
Integrity sounds simple—but living it can cost us something. In this episode of Catholic Money Talk, we explore integrity as a virtue: holiness lived consistently. Through Scripture, real-life stories, and practical financial examples,...
Episode 117 - It's All About Our Hearts
Nearly half of Jesus’ parables deal with money, wealth, or stewardship—not because God needs our money, but because money reveals what is in our hearts. This episode looks at time, finances, generosity, and why making Jesus Lord of our money be...
Episode 116 - If I Say Yes to This, What Am I Saying No To?
Every time we say yes to a financial decision, we are also saying no to something else. In this episode, we explore opportunity cost through practical examples from family life and college planning, and why leaving margin matters. Living on les...
Epsiode 115 - Where do I start?: A Simple Guide to Budgeting
Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. In this episode, Paul shares the simplest way to get started with budgeting, drawing from his own story and the practical steps that helped him and his wife finally gain clarity and peac...
Episode 114 - The Purpose of Savings: Why We Save
Why do we save money—and where should it actually go? In this episode, we break savings down into three clear purposes: emergencies, large purchases, and wealth building. You’ll learn how these fit together, where to keep your money, and how sa...
Episode 113 - Seven Questions for a Financial Reset(original date 1/8/2024)
As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to pause and take an honest look at our finances. In this episode of Catholic Money Talk, Paul Scarfone shares seven practical questions to help you assess last year’s wins and chall...
Episode 112 - This wasn't the Plan: Learning to Trust Like St. Joseph
What do we do when life doesn’t go according to plan?Drawing from St. Joseph’s quiet trust and a personal Advent story, Paul reflects on how God works through interruptions, inviting us into deeper hope, peace, joy, and love—even when our p...
Episode 111 - Enjoying Restaurants without Financial Regret
Eating out can be a gift—or a source of quiet financial regret, especially during the busy Advent and Christmas season. In this practical episode, Paul shares how couples and families can enjoy restaurants, takeout, and celebrations while stayi...
Epsiode 110 - Stewardship, Wealth & Generosity: A Catholic Approach to Money - With Chris McMahon
Is wealth compatible with holiness? In this inspiring conversation, Paul sits down with Christopher McMahon—CEO of Aquinas Wealth Advisors and author of Faithful Finances—to explore what it really means to approach money through a Cath...
Episode 109 - Advent: The Church’s New Year - How to Prepare for Christ with Purpose
Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s year—a fresh spiritual start and a call to prepare our hearts with intention. In this episode, Paul explores what it means to slow down, pray, and live generously in a season that often pulls us toward...
Episode 108 - Thankfulness vs. Gratitude: The Key to a Full Life
In this Thanksgiving episode, Paul explores the powerful difference between a moment of thankfulness and a life built on lasting gratitude. While thankfulness reacts to the blessings we notice, gratitude roots us in God’s goodness even when cir...
Episode 107 - Lord, what are we going to do today? with Deacon Art: Part Two
This is the second half of my conversation with Deacon Art. Deacon Art says this prayer daily, "Lord, what are we going to do today?" It is such a simple prayer, but it changes everything. I am joined by Deacon Arthur Miller as we u...
Episode 106 - Lord, what are we going to do today? with Deacon Art: Part One
Deacon Art says this prayer daily, "Lord, what are we going to do today?" It is such a simple prayer, but it changes everything. I am joined by Deacon Arthur Miller as we unpack this prayer and how allowing the Lord to guide us through each day...
Episode 105 - Big Picture: Rules for Married Couples.....about Money
Discover five spiritual principles and five practical habits that every couple needs for financial peace. From prayer and communication to budget check-ins and “sleep-on-it” limits, learn how to build unity, trust, and purpose in your marriage ...
Episode 104 - The True Cost of Debt: What Borrowing Really Costs You
Debt seems normal—but the real cost is anything but. In this eye-opening episode, Paul breaks down how interest, minimum payments, and long loan terms quietly drain your future and steal opportunities you didn’t even realize you lost. Learn how...