2025 Best Christian Finance Podcast in the U.S., awarded by Best of Best Review.
Financially Confident Christian

Craig Van Slyke

Craig Van Slyke Profile Photo

Professor

Craig Van Slyke is the Mike McCallister Eminent Scholar Chair in Information Systems at Louisiana Tech University. Prior to joining Tech, he was professor and dean of the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University, and before that, professor, associate dean and department chair at Saint Louis University. He has also held faculty positions at the University of Central Florida, and Ohio University. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of South Florida. His current research focuses on behavioral aspects of information technology, cyber security, and privacy. Dr. Van Slyke has published over fifty articles in respected academic journals including Communications of the AIS, Decision Sciences, Communications of the ACM, European Journal of Information Systems, The DATA BASE for Advances in Information Systems, and Journal of the Association for Information Systems. The fifth edition of his fourth co-authored textbook, Information Systems in Business: An Experiential Approach, will be published in 2024.

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June 8, 2025

When the Numbers Hurt: Can Faith Truly Heal Our Financial Fears?

In this special live show episode of Financially Confident Christian, Ralph and co-host Craig respond to real listener questions about the emotional weight of money struggles. From the shame of past financial mistakes to the fear of facing your current numbers, this episode offers compassionate, faith-rooted guidance for the moments when budgeting isn’t just hard—it’s personal. Whether you’re frozen in fear at the thought of checking your account or discouraged by what your budget reveals, you’l...
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May 25, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY: Is That Brand Name Really Worth It?

Joined again by his good friend Craig, Ralph dives into practical money-saving strategies that go beyond surface-level tips. From rethinking the urge to always buy new, to confronting debt, to starting your first emergency fund, Ralph walks through real-life examples and listener questions that bring biblical wisdom into everyday decisions. The episode also challenges listeners to reconsider Smart Spending, Debt Payoff, and Is That Brand Name Worth It, Really? Read today's blog article Check out...
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May 18, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY Are You Truly Living Below Your Means or Just Barely Getting By?

Ever feel like you’re doing all the “right” financial things but still falling short? In this special live episode of Ask Ralph, Ralph and Craig unpack six powerful, everyday habits that faithful stewards can use to find more peace, freedom, and consistency in their finances. From packing lunch and canceling unused subscriptions to the 24-hour impulse rule and shopping your house first, they revisit key moments from a week of shows and listener questions. Whether you’re a seasoned budgeter or ju...
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May 11, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY - Are Your Spending Habits Aligned With Your Values This Week?

Do your money habits reflect what matters most? In this episode of Ask Ralph, Ralph and Craig revisit key takeaways from recent episodes on budgeting, meal planning, impulse spending, and more, all rooted in the challenge to live below your means with joy and purpose. They respond to real listener questions and offer practical encouragement for tracking expenses, meal prepping with grace, and sticking to a plan that fits your life. If you’re trying to reconnect your faith with how you handle mon...
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April 20, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY - Are You Ready to Break Free from Financial Shackles?

Are you tired of feeling chained by your finances? In this episode of Ask Ralph, Ralph and Craig dive deep into the habits, mindsets, and spiritual principles that keep so many of us stuck in a cycle of financial stress. From debt and impulse spending to budgeting misconceptions and misplaced identity, they break down what’s really holding people back—and how to start walking in freedom. This episode will help you take that critical first step toward living free from financial shackles. Read tod...
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April 6, 2025

LIVE REPLAY: What are 11 Surprising Things the Bible Says About Wealth?

Ralph Estep Jr. and Dr. Craig Van Slyke dive into the world of biblical financial wisdom, tackling the heavy stuff like financial shame and anxiety. The main point? Wealth isn’t the enemy, but our relationship with money can seriously mess with our spiritual health. So, if you’ve ever felt weighed down by your wallet or anxious about your bank balance, you'll be interested to know what the Bible Says About Wealth! Read today's blog article Check out the full podcast episode here Ralph Estep Jr. ...
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March 15, 2025

LIVE SHOW REPLAY: What's Changing in Your 401(k) in 2025—and What Does It Mean for You?

Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of financial freedom, and spoiler alert: it’s all about breaking free from that pesky financial stress. Our financial evangelist, Ralph Estep Jr., is here to guide us through some serious financial discussions, whether you're eyeing that Secure Act 2.0 and how it impacts retirement savings or pondering the mysterious Form 8606. We're also covering the wild world of side hustles—yes, those little gigs that can help fatten your wallet without taking over y...
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March 8, 2025

Is the 30% rule for housing costs still a wise guideline today?

Is the 30% rule for housing still practical in today’s economy? In this episode of the Ask Ralph Show, Ralph Estep, our financial evangelist, is joined by Craig Van Slyke to unpack this widely accepted guideline, exploring how rising living costs and individual financial situations impact its effectiveness. They also break down the tax implications of inherited savings bonds, offering straightforward advice to help you make the most of these financial gifts. Plus, Ralph and Craig dive into the w...
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March 1, 2025

Could Diligence and Discipline Slash Your Shopping Bill?

It's all about breaking free from that pesky financial despair today! Ralph Estep Jr., our financial evangelist, tackles the real-world struggles of living paycheck to paycheck, crushing debt, and the dream of a stress-free retirement. So grab your favorite snack and get comfy as we explore how discipline and diligence can transform your spending habits and bring you closer to financial freedom. Plus, we’ll dish out practical tips to help you conquer debt, decide whether to invest or pay it off ...
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Feb. 22, 2025

What’s the secret to deducting home equity loan interest? Find out now!

Feeling trapped by debt and living paycheck to paycheck? Well, there's a light at the end of that tunnel! In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into how to break free from financial stress and align your cash flow with what really matters in life—like God’s purpose. Ralph Estep Jr., our financial evangelist, shares tips on managing home equity, saving at the grocery store, and tackling everyday expenses that can drain your wallet faster than you can say "budgeting." So grab your favorite snack, ...
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Feb. 3, 2024

Capitalize on Strengths, Overcome Weaknesses: A Conversation with Professor Craig Van Slyke

In this conversation, Ralph and Professor Craig from the Live Well and Flourish podcast discuss how to capitalize on strengths and overcome weaknesses.