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

In the season 4 opening episode of Yahweh’s Money, I had an open and heartfelt conversation with my husband, Nathaniel Cook Jr., about the intersection of love, legacy, faith, and finances in Black marriages. 

Drawing on our 26-year journey together, we reflected on how biblical principles, patient partnership, and intentional money management have shaped our relationship and approach to generational wealth.

Here are a few key takeaw...

Welcome back to Yahweh's Money, the podcast where faith meets finance! 

In this final episode of Season 3 (we will be back with Season 4 and changes, y'all, in June!), I welcome back my special guest Adriana Lopez and together we dive into navigating the stormy seas of inflation. 

As prices rise and financial pressures mount, we explore how faith-based strategies can empower you to thrive financially. Drawing inspiration fr...

With headlines dominated by bank failures and economic crises, where do we place our trust? Let us lead you back to faith, focusing on Psalm 20:7 as a spiritual anchor: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." 

True security is found in a steadfast reliance on God's provisions. Get ready for rapid-fire questions, personal anecdotes, and spiritual reflections, all desig...

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 uncert...

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 furnit...

What if the choice between renting and buying could be guided not just by financial logic, but by faith as well? Joining Shay Cook on this fascinating discussion is Janessa Siegel, one of our Accredited Financial Counselors at Crusaders for Change, LLC. Listen as they explore the complex world of real estate investment versus renting through the unique lens of biblical stewardship. Drawing inspiration from Luke 16:10, they uncover ...

Discover how faith and finance can become your guiding light on the path to financial freedom. Join Shay Cook, alongside her insightful guest, Janessa Siegel from Crusaders for Change, as they unravel the profound impact of setting clear financial goals through a faith-based perspective. Together, they explore the transformative journey from financial stress to empowerment, emphasizing the critical role of stewardship and divine gu...

On this episode we revisit a pivotal episode, "Review, Reflect, and Reset Your Finances," where they share personal stories, such as selling a condo in Puerto Rico, to highlight the importance of reflecting on past financial achievements and setting fresh goals. Through a faith-based lens, they celebrate the wins and recognize their growth, offering hope and resilience for what's next.

Managing personal fina...

Have you ever pondered the delicate dance between faith and finances? Join Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley as they embark on a heartfelt exploration of how to steward wealth with grace in this episode of Yahweh's Money. They promise to share invaluable insights from biblical principles, particularly 1 Timothy 6:17-19, urging you to anchor your hope in God rather than fleeting riches. This episode uncovers the transformative pow...

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 abou...

Have you ever felt the pressure to give the perfect holiday gift without breaking the bank? Join Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley as they unravel the complex and often stressful relationship between holiday gift-giving and financial balance. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:7, they emphasize giving from the heart rather than out of obligation. They share personal anecdotes of navigating holiday traditions and the emotional tug-of-war bet...

Can financial decisions be acts of worship? Shay and Vanessa explore this intriguing question as they navigate the intersection of faith and finance. Together, they discuss how aligning your spending with God's purpose can bring fulfillment beyond material wealth. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 10:31-33, they delve into the concept of managing money not just for personal gain, but as a reflection of their spiritual values. Expect t...

Gratitude and envy—two powerful forces shaping our lives in unexpected ways. Imagine transforming the green-eyed monster into a companion of joy. In this episode, Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley share their personal stories and biblical insights, taking you on a journey to understand how gratitude can bring contentment and fulfillment into your daily life. Together, we'll explore why thankfulness should extend beyond the holida...

What if the real treasure isn’t found in your bank account, but in the love and relationships you nurture? Join Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley as they embark on a heartfelt exploration of what it truly means to prioritize love over material wealth. Inspired by Matthew 6:19-21, we reflect on the eternal versus the ephemeral, sharing personal stories that lay bare the impermanence of earthly possessions and the profound value of love...

When was the last time you truly let go and let God handle your finances? This episode of Yahweh's Money, hosted by Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley, tackles the challenging question of why so many faithful believers find it difficult to trust God with their financial decisions. We explore Proverbs 3:5-9, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's wisdom, timing, and provision. Vanessa shares a personal story from her ...

What if chasing material success is the very thing that's keeping you unhappy? Join Shay Cook and Vanessa McNelley on Yahweh's Money as we unpack how the pervasive issue of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) drives us into a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction. We lean on biblical wisdom, particularly from Matthew 6:19-21, and use relatable metaphors to illustrate the pitfalls of valuing possessions over spiritual wealth. Togethe...

Do you struggle with the emotional and practical challenges of caring for aging parents? Join us on Yahweh's Money as Shay and Vanessa share heartfelt personal experiences and explore the profound intersection of faith and family. Reflecting on the teachings of 1 Timothy 5:4, they discuss the balance of love, duty, and obligation that accompanies caregiving. They'll also navigate the tricky waters of manipulation and boun...

Can you imagine a world where nearly half of all households have women as primary earners? Today, we explore the transformative impact of women, especially women of color, stepping into the role of breadwinners. Join Vanessa and Shay as they discuss the role of education in empowering women to achieve career success and challenge traditional stereotypes. Through personal anecdotes and cultural references, such as the hit show "...

What if the key to your child’s future financial success starts with their first allowance? Join Shay and Vanessa as they uncover the powerful ways parents can nurture financial literacy in their children right from the start. Drawing from personal experiences and timeless wisdom like Proverbs 22:6, they discuss how early lessons in money management can set kids on a path to becoming confident and responsible financial stewards.