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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
  • Ep103 - Why the Middle Class Stays Broke and the Wealthy Don’t

    Ep103 - Why the Middle Class Stays Broke and the Wealthy Don’t
    Apr 8 2026
    Why the Middle Class Stays Broke and the Wealthy Don’tProsper in the Kingdom • Episode 103Is your income going up but your bank account staying the same? In this episode of Prosper in the Kingdom, hosts Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee break down the real reason the middle class stays financially stuck — and it has nothing to do with how much money you make. Using their proven 3M Framework (Make, Manage, Multiply), Jon and Wendy reveal the critical difference between spending money and deploying it, and how a biblical mindset shift can set you on the path to building lasting, generational wealth.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy most middle-class families have a money behavior problem — not an income problemThe key difference between “spending” money and “deploying” moneyHow lifestyle inflation silently destroys wealth-building potentialWhy social media and consumer culture are accelerating the middle-class wealth gapHow to apply the 3M Framework (Make, Manage, Multiply) to your financial lifeThe biblical principle from Matthew 25 (Parable of the Talents) that calls you to multiply, not just maintainA simple mindset question to ask before every purchase: “Is this building my future or funding my present?”Episode HighlightsMiddle Class vs. Wealthy: It’s a Mindset, Not an IncomeJon opens with a powerful truth: you can earn $75,000, $100,000, or even $200,000 and still feel financially stuck. The culprit isn’t your paycheck — it’s what you do with it. The middle class spends money. The wealthy deploy it. Same income, completely different outcome.Lifestyle Inflation: The Wealth Killer No One Talks AboutWendy shares a relatable confession: every time she got a raise, her first instinct was to ask, “What can I add to my expenses?” Sound familiar? When income rises and lifestyle rises with it, you stay on the hamster wheel — just at a higher speed. The antidote is margin: the gap between what you earn and what you spend.Spending vs. Deploying: The Decision That Changes EverythingJon uses a vivid illustration: spending is like a bird eating a seed — it’s gone forever. Deploying is planting that seed so it grows and produces more. Every dollar you earn has two paths: consumed (feels good now, creates nothing later) or deployed (intentional, strategic, income-producing). The wealthy choose deployment consistently and it compounds over time.Social Media and Consumer Culture: Keeping Up With the Joneses on SteroidsWendy calls out the hidden financial danger of social media — platforms built to trigger instant gratification and fuel comparison. Fake before-and-afters, paid testimonials, and endless product promotions are engineered to keep you spending. Recognizing this manipulation is the first step to breaking free from the consumer cycle.The 3M Framework: Make, Manage, MultiplyJon and Wendy walk through their core framework for financial transformation:Make — Increase your income AND your margin (the real bottom line)Manage — Control cash flow intentionally; build a spending plan before money arrivesMultiply — Deploy dollars into income-producing assets: real estate, investments, businessesThe key insight: you cannot multiply the seed you eat. You have to plant it.The Parable of the Talents: You Are Called to MultiplyJon anchors the entire conversation in Matthew 25 — the Parable of the Talents. The servants who multiplied what they were given were rewarded. The one who buried his talent lost everything. As stewards of what God has provided, believers are called to multiply, not just maintain. Financial freedom isn’t just about wealth — it’s about the freedom to further the Kingdom.The Challenge: Every Dollar Forces a DecisionBefore every purchase, ask yourself this one question: Is this building my future or funding my present? The middle class spends. The wealthy deploy. That single distinction, repeated consistently over years, is what separates those who build legacy wealth from those who stay stuck.Key TakeawaysWealth is not about income level — it’s about money behavior and mindsetEvery dollar is either consumed or deployed — there is no neutralLifestyle inflation is the #1 wealth-building killer for middle-class familiesThe wealthy treat income as a seed to plant, not a reward to spendBiblical stewardship calls us to multiply what we’ve been given (Matthew 25)Ask before every purchase: Is this building my future or funding my present?Wealth is built through repetition and consistency, not one big winResources & Links MentionedFree Financial Plan — safemoneyroadmap.comBook Recommendation: Cashflow board game by Robert Kiyosaki — a hands-on way to teach wealth-building mindset to the whole familyScripture Reference: Matthew 25 — The Parable of the TalentsAbout Prosper in the KingdomProsper in the Kingdom is the podcast where faith meets practical strategies to help you become healthy, wealthy, and wise. Hosted by Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee, ...
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    27 mins
  • Ep. 102: The Lie About Time in Wealth Building (And What It’s Costing You)

    Ep. 102: The Lie About Time in Wealth Building (And What It’s Costing You)
    Apr 3 2026
    Most people believe time is their greatest asset when it comes to building wealth. Start early, stay consistent, and let compound interest do the work… right?Not exactly.In this episode of Prosper in the Kingdom, Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in financial strategy: the idea that time alone guarantees wealth growth. They reveal how market volatility, recovery periods, and inefficient strategies quietly rob you of years—sometimes decades—of real financial progress.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not getting ahead, this conversation will shift how you think about time, risk, and true wealth-building strategy.What This Episode Will Help You UnderstandWhy the “just let it compound” advice is incompleteHow market losses cost you more than money—they cost you timeThe hidden danger of relying on average rates of returnWhy many investors lose 10–20 years of real growthHow to think differently about wealth using the 3M Framework: Make, Manage, MultiplyWho This Episode Is ForChristian entrepreneurs and business owners building long-term wealthAnyone relying on a 401(k) or traditional retirement strategyMillennials feeling behind financiallyGen Xers recovering from past market downturnsGen Z listeners navigating high-risk investment trendsKey Takeaways1. Time Isn’t the Asset You Think It IsThe traditional advice says time will grow your money—but that assumes steady, uninterrupted growth. Real markets don’t work that way.Market cycles include:GrowthLossRecoveryAnd during recovery? Your money isn’t compounding—it’s just catching up.2. Losses Cost More Than Gains ReplaceIf your portfolio drops 25%, you don’t just need 25% to recover—you need significantly more.That gap creates what Jon calls “opportunity slippage”—lost years where your money isn’t actually growing.3. The “Lost Decade” Is RealMany investors—especially Gen X—experienced nearly 10 years of no real growth between 2000–2012 due to:Dot-com crash9/11 economic impact2008 financial crisisThat’s not just a bad season—that’s a decade of missed compounding.4. Average Returns Don’t Reflect RealityYou may hear:“The market averages 7–10% annually.”But that average hides volatility.In reality:Big losses + recovery years = reduced actual growth timeYou may only experience 15–25 years of real compounding in a 35-year span5. Every Generation Faces a Different RiskGen Z: High risk, chasing volatility (crypto, trends)Millennials: Playing catch-up with limited timeGen X: Recovering from lost growth yearsBoomers: Relied on pensions (less common today)Different stage—same core issue: inefficient use of time.6. The 3M Framework for Smarter Wealth BuildingMake More (Increase Margin)It’s not just about earning more—it’s about keeping more.Example: reducing expenses or optimizing costs can instantly increase margin.Manage Better (Protect What You Build)Think:Risk protectionCash flow strategyAvoiding major financial setbacksMultiply Wisely (Focus on Efficiency, Not Just Returns)Don’t chase hype.Focus on:Consistent growthTax efficiencyLiquidityRisk management7. Avoiding Losses Is the Real StrategyWarren Buffett’s principle applies:Rule #1: Don’t lose money.Rule #2: See rule #1.Why? Because avoiding major losses protects your most valuable asset—time.8. Wealth Is Built by Strategy, Not the Clock“Wealth isn’t built by the clock—it’s built by how well you use the clock.”This is the shift:Not just time investedBut how efficiently that time is workingBiblical FoundationProverbs 21:5“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.”This isn’t about hustle—it’s about intentional, strategic stewardship.Resources MentionedFree Safe Money Roadmap: safemoneyroadmap.comMoney: Master the Game by Tony RobbinsListener Action StepsRe-evaluate where your money is sittingIdentify areas where you’re losing time (not just money)Diversify instead of concentrating riskReview your strategy annually—not just your returnsQuestions This Episode AnswersWhy doesn’t my money feel like it’s growing—even when I’m investing consistently?How do market downturns affect long-term wealth?What’s wrong with relying on average returns?How can I build wealth without taking unnecessary risk?Call to ActionIf this episode challenged your thinking, share it with someone who needs a better strategy—not just more time.And if you’re ready to get clarity on your own financial path, grab your free roadmap at safemoneyroadmap.com.
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    29 mins
  • Episode 101: Why Millennials Are Falling Behind Financially (And What to Do About It)

    Episode 101: Why Millennials Are Falling Behind Financially (And What to Do About It)
    Mar 25 2026
    Episode 101: Why Millennials Are Falling Behind Financially (And What to Do About It)Podcast: Prosper in the Kingdom | Hosts: Jon Cleaver & Wendy Lee | Guest: Andrew ZinnEpisode OverviewAre millennials really falling behind financially — and if so, why? In this episode of Prosper in the Kingdom, hosts Jon Cleaver and Wendy Lee dig into hard data from the Federal Reserve showing that millennials carry roughly 20–40% less wealth than Gen X and Baby Boomers did at the same age. But this isn't a blame game — it's a roadmap.Jon and Wendy break down the five systemic reasons millennials are playing financial catch-up, then lay out five practical, faith-forward action steps to start closing the gap. They're also joined by millennial guest Andrew Zinn of Nashville, Tennessee — a real-world voice from inside the generation — for an honest, street-level conversation about what's actually going on and what it takes to turn things around.Whether you're a millennial trying to get ahead, a Gen Xer worried you're already behind, or a parent wanting to set your kids up for success, this episode is packed with biblical wisdom and practical strategy to help you build real, lasting wealth.🗺️ Ready to build your personalized wealth roadmap? Get your FREE Safe Money Roadmap at safemoneyroadmap.comWhat You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Federal Reserve data behind the millennial wealth gap (and why it's not a matter of laziness)5 systemic reasons millennials are behind — from student loans to the 2008 financial crisisWhy renting instead of buying is still paying someone else's mortgageWhy the old "save 10%" rule no longer cuts it — and what the new target should beHow to use side hustle income as seed for wealth — not lifestyle inflationThe difference between saving for retirement and building real wealthWhy liquidity matters and what to do beyond maxing out your 401(k)Andrew Zinn's firsthand perspective as a millennial — real talk on inflation, housing equity, and financial fadsWhat Proverbs 13:11 teaches us about building wealth little by little — and why get-rich-quick schemes never workKey Takeaways5 Reasons Millennials Are Behind FinanciallyStudent Loan Debt — Skyrocketing college costs and six-figure loan balances are crushing cash flow and eliminating investment capacity right out of the gate.Delayed Home Ownership — Real estate remains history's greatest wealth builder. Millennials who chose renting over buying missed out on equity, tax benefits, and fixed housing costs.Entering the Workforce in 2008 — Launching a career during the financial crisis meant lower starting wages and long-term compounding loss that's still being felt today.Cost of Living Outpacing Income Growth — With inflation peaking near 9.5%, wages simply haven't kept pace — and inflation doesn't come back down once it's gone up.Lack of Financial Structure — Most people were taught to "save 10%" and call it a day. That advice is outdated — and dangerous. Without a real wealth-building structure, income never compounds.5 Action Steps to Start Closing the GapIncrease Income Intentionally — Leverage your skills strategically through freelancing, consulting, or network marketing. Don't let a valuable skill go dormant.Control Lifestyle Expansion — Every windfall — a side hustle payout, a tax return, a sold asset — is seed. Plant it. Don't eat it.Move Toward 25% Wealth Allocation — Start where you are, but build toward directing 25% of your income toward wealth-building — not just retirement savings.Use Better Financial Structures — Not all dollars are created equal. Think tax efficiency, liquidity, growth potential, and protection — not just "what's my employer matching?"Think Like an Owner, Not a Consumer — Shift the core question from "What can I buy?" to "What can I build?" That mindset change is the foundation of generational wealth.Scripture of the Episode"Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it."— Proverbs 13:11About the Guest: Andrew ZinnAndrew Zinn is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and has worked alongside the Prosper in the Kingdom team as a financial advisor. As a millennial himself, Andrew brings firsthand perspective to the conversation — from entering the workforce right as the 2008 crisis hit, to building equity through strategic home ownership, to navigating the unique financial pressures millennials face today.Resources & Links MentionedFree Safe Money Roadmap: safemoneyroadmap.comFederal Reserve Data on Millennial Wealth Gap: Millennials median net worth ~$91K vs. Gen X at same age ~$132K — a 30% gapJim Rohn Quote: "Wait until your side hustle income doubles your full-time income before walking away."Warren Buffett's Rule #1: Don't lose money. Rule #2: See Rule #1.Student Loan Forgiveness Programs: Ask about qualifying for federal student loan forgiveness — contact the PITK team through safemoneyroadmap.comListen on: Iron Heart ...
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    36 mins
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