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

2026 Financial Breakthrough: Habits, Hope, and Holistic Workplace Wellness

• Crusaders for Change, LLC • Season 4 • Episode 92

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In this episode of Yahweh’s Money, we’re preparing for a financial breakthrough in 2026 by exploring the habits, faith practices, and workplace support systems that create lasting financial wellness.

Host Shay Cook, CEO & Founder of Crusaders for Change®️, LLC, is joined by Client Success Manager Bethany Hawkins and Lead Financial Counselor Adriana Lopez for an honest panel conversation on stewardship, discipline, and healing our relationship with money.

Together, they discuss why financial freedom isn’t just about budgeting — it’s about awareness, preparation, mindset, and spiritual grounding. From practical debt strategies and saving habits to the growing importance of employer-supported financial wellness programs, this episode offers guidance for individuals and organizations ready to step into 2026 with wisdom and intention.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 • How faith-based principles support budgeting, saving, and long-term planning
 • Why awareness of spending and debt is the first step toward financial healing
 • Practical ways to stop accumulating debt and build consistency
 • How tithing, saving, and giving can start small and grow over time
 • Why financial wellness programs benefit both employees and employers

Featured Scripture

Psalm 90:12 — “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Action Step

Choose one small money habit to practice consistently in 2026 — tracking spending, automating savings, or pausing before purchases. If you’re a leader, consider how financial wellness support could strengthen your team and workplace culture.

Learn more about Crusaders for Change, LLC, and how their financial wellness programs support individuals and organizations at crusaders4change.org.

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Our podcast is proudly sponsored by Crusaders for Change, LLC (C4C) and hosted by our CEO and Founder, Mrs. Shay Cook. At C4C, we provide customized corporate financial wellness programs for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Our services are tailored to create happier, healthier, and more productive work environments. We also empower individuals and couples to overcome debt, improve their credit, boost savings, and more. Ready to learn more about how C4C can impact your life? Contact us today at https://www.crusaders4change.org/!

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Music by: Lamonte Silver - Owner of essentialmusicclub.com | Previously by ROA - roa-music.com

Shay Cook [00:00:00]:

People talking about, oh my God, it was such a year. I can't wait till it's over. Please do your work and don't bring this ish back into or into ‘26, because that is the problem. We keep bringing stuff into each year and not doing the work spiritually, mentally, physically. And I'm talking to myself too. So if we want to go into 26 with some good habits, we need to think about what we have been doing the last few years and start changing some things. I'm just going to put that out there. 

Shay Cook [00:00:25]:

Ever felt those awkward vibes when religion and money come up, you're not alone. Welcome to Yahweh's Money. The podcast where we tackle the crossroads of faith and finance. I'm Shay Cook, an accredited financial counselor and the CEO and founder of Crusaders for Change, llc. Join us on our journey as we discuss topics like tithing, saving and conquering debt through religious perspectives. Let's get started. 

Shay Cook [00:00:53]:

Hey, everyone. Welcome back to another episode of Yahweh's Money. We're gonna talk about a financial breakthrough in ‘26 because it's almost 2026: Habits, hope and holistic workplace wellness. As we step into ‘26, the call to be a good steward of our resources is stronger than ever. But financial freedom isn't just about what we do individually. It's about the support we receive from the communities and companies we serve. Today we have a special panel from Crusaders for Change, aka C4C, to help us build good money habits for the new year and understand the powerful organization shift toward employee financial wellness. We'll discuss the key habits that align with faith based principles and how C4C is partnered with organizations to foster a culture where financial peace is possible for every worker. So our main scripture for today is Psalm 9012. So teach us to number our days that they may get a heart of wisdom.

Shay Cook [00:01:57]:

This verse applies perfectly to our finances. Numbering our days is akin to budgeting our money and planning our future. Acknowledging where our resources go with the goal of gaining a heart of wisdom is the fundamental act of Christian stewardship. This wisdom benefits us as individuals and when prioritized by organization, strengthens the entire body. So today I have my team here, y'all.  Part of the team. Not everybody. But we have Bethany Hawkins. Hey, Bethany.

Bethany Hawkins [00:02:30]:

Hello.

Shay Cook [00:02:32]:

Okay. And we have Adriana Lopez. 

Adriana Lopez [00:02:36]:

Yay! Merry Christmas. 

Shay Cook [00:02:38]

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Whenever you're listening to this. So Bethany Hawkins is our client, success manager, business strategist. She's also our podcast producer extraordinaire and she's focusing on how financial wellness impacts our organizational health.

Shay Cook [00:02:53]:

And Adriana, our lead financial counselor, delivers the hands on solutions to the employees and clients. And of course, your girl here, Shay Cook, who's the CEO and founder of Crusaders for Change and accredited financial counselor, financial fitness coach, everything God wants me to be and the one who leads this mission. So how y' all feeling today?

Bethany Hawkins [00:03:12]:

This is like the all star team. Like air horns, we in here, we're making it. The audience doesn't know, but now they will. This is the third attempt of us trying to record this fabulousness. So everybody should pause this, get some pen, get a notebook, because the knowledge that we're going to drop is heavenly divine. It has to be, because it took us three times.

Shay Cook [00:03:36]:

Because the devil was trying us. But we rebuke you in the name of Jesus devil. You go somewhere with that, have several seats. That's all I'm saying. Adriana, how you feeling, girl?

Adriana Lopez [00:03:47]:

Feeling good, festive, excited for all the holiday stuff. I love this time of year, you know, it's not only, of course, a time for festivities and family and friends, but also to reflect, you know, on the birth of our dear savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

Shay Cook [00:04:02]:

Amen. Amen. And as a lot of people saying this year, especially in ‘25, people need this time of the year because it's mean. We need the love, we need the heart, we need the joy, because it's been a hell of a year. God knows he has a plan, but it's a lot going on. But let's get into our rapid fire questions. 

Rapid Fire Questions Jingle [00:04:21]:

Take your seat. Let the wisdom inherit. Hit the rapid fire questions.Say what's on your spirit? Take your seat. Let the wisdom inherit hit the rapid fire question. Say what's on your spirit? 

Shay Cook [00:04:46]:

All right, from a faith perspective, what is the one financial habit you urge people to prioritize on January 1st, starting with Bethany? And then we'll go to Adriana.

Bethany Hawkins [00:04:56]:

I would say one financial habit that will help you prioritize on January 1st is not having children. However,

Adriana Lopez [00:05:07]:

It’s how we’re starting off 2026?

Bethany Hawkins [00:05:11]:

But if you do have children, if you're coming into 2026 with children and you're going to continue to keep them, I would say just look at where your money is going. And the reason why I said don't have children is because my children think that my money's their money. Girl, they be talking about, oh, I'm getting so and so Christmas presents. You're 14 and you ain't got no job. What? I don't even know who that person is why are we getting them Christmas presents? So just look at who you are spending your money on and why you are spending your money. Look, look at your, where your funds are going.

Shay Cook [00:05:52]:

That's good advice, Adriana.

Adriana Lopez [00:05:55]:

I love that, having awareness. I think the one habit to start off 2026 that I could definitely recommend is to relinquish ownership. Understand that we do not any of it. You know, Psalm 24:1 tells us that the earth is the Lord's and all who live in it. And just in that, demote yourself in the coming new year in order to promote. Because God. But remember, you are the manager, not the owner.

Shay Cook [00:06:24]:

Not the owner.

Adriana Lopez [00:06:25]:

Just in that alone, it releases so much pressure, you know, because you can come to the owner with your heaviness and he will sustain you. So definitely recognizing that.

Shay Cook [00:06:37]:

Yeah. And I would add, I love all of that. Be still, pause before you purchase, y'all, before y'all submit the button or pay or buy something online or in place. Make sure you think about it. Be still, pause before you purchase, man, because it's, it's a lot of stuff out there and people are buying. I know I'm using my phone the other day at a vending event and playing with my phone everywhere and I was like, oh, this is too easy. This is getting people in trouble. So pause before you pay.

Bethany Hawkins [00:07:02]:

I love that. So I am going to ask you both a rapid fire question. What is the most compelling business case you make to an organizational leader for investing in a financial wellness program?

Shay Cook [00:07:17]:

I mean, I would say, you know, a lot of people are just the workforce is distracted, they're stressed, they're looking for stability, they struggling, they need help. And you know, people are not going to disclose that to management, to supervisors, to leaders in an organization. So really having them understand that if you are not in that predicament as a leader, as a supervisor, manager, whoever is buying this financial wellness program for the people, for the employees, you need to reach out to your people and see that they probably do need it. And we have a solution at Crusaders for Change. So I'm going to leave it at that because I'm sure I can say a lot more. But, you know, just think outside of the box because people are struggling.

Bethany Hawkins [00:07:54]:

I love that. Shay. What about you, Adriana?

Adriana Lopez [00:07:56]:

I second that notion. And to add, people are hurting and you know, look for the signs, just a performance. If you're noticing absenteeism, increasing tardiness, disengagement, people are stressed out. So look for those signs if, you know, they might not disclose everything that is happening. But there are signs, so definitely pay attention. And like Shay said, you know, we're here to help them. You know, it's definitely being aware of what's happening to take care of your people, and your people definitely take care of you.

Bethany Hawkins [00:08:27]:

I agree with that. Reading between the lines, when somebody's asking for something, if they're asking for more hours, if they're asking for a raise, that is clearly an indication that they're having financial issues. And having that conversation with them and providing something like we offer at Crusaders for Change is so beneficial.

Shay Cook [00:08:46]:

Yeah. And I would just add, and I know we're going to get to the next question, but is that when people are not using their. Their subsidies or their reimbursements for health care or for whatever it may be, and because they need the cash, that's a clear sign that something's going on there. So I'm just going to say that.

Adriana Lopez [00:09:04]:

All right, I'm going to ask the next question. All right, Bethany, what's the simplest, most immediate action an employee/client struggling with debt can take to get a win in the new year?

Bethany Hawkins [00:09:17]:

Actually looking at their bank statements.

Adriana Lopez [00:09:21]:

That's good.

Bethany Hawkins [00:09:22]:

Having that conversation with yourself and saying this was 1000% a want and not a need. That goes a long way. And I am one that is say what I say and not as I do. So I'm preaching to myself, look at those bank statements and see where my money be going. Like, do I need the subscription to Spotify? Can I live with an ad? I can do I choose not to? Yes. So seeing what's truly a necessity and what's just that I'm a bougie person and I really like this.

Shay Cook [00:10:01]:

Are you just an American with first world, you know, privileges.

Bethany Hawkins [00:10:07]:

That part. That part. I'm a bougie American.

Shay Cook [00:10:12]:

I would second that and say, you know, definitely looking at what you're spending money on, a lot of us are spending money on food and subscriptions and stuff that we don't need. Alcohol, weed, all the other things, you know, hey, you do you boo? And then, you know, I still try to stop accumulating debt and come up with a debt repayment plan, start saving. There's a lot of things, obviously, because my mind starts going as a financial counselor, definitely the most simple way is to stop. And like I said, you know what? This applies to what I said earlier. Be still and pause. Like, sometimes we're just moving through the world too quickly. We need to take a step back and figure that out.

Shay Cook [00:10:45]:

So Figure out why we're spending and all that. And there may be some psychological stuff going on, but. Adriana, what are you saying? What do you think?

Adriana Lopez [00:10:52]:

I love that. Having the awareness, making sure you pause and definitely, you know, start small and just create your debt destroyer list. And on this list, list your debts, the creditors make sure you put the minimum payments, those APRs and the balances. Because there is power in just visualization and being aware of Sometimes, you know, we work with clients and they're not even aware that their APRs have gone up. They may guesstimate during a session that it's 12, and then we find out it's 25 or that the balance is is this, but then the balance is more. So just in that, you know, make sure that you make that list and then take a moment because it might be overwhelming just to have that awareness. It's hard to defeat debt if you're not.

Adriana Lopez [00:11:39]:

If you're not aware of what's happening. But if you need someone to help you through that, we're here. So you don't have to go at it alone.

Bethany Hawkins [00:11:45]:

I do have to add, though, sometimes you do need that THC and that CBD, and that is a need and not a want. I'm just gonna protect your peace and the peace of others around you. It's a worthwhile investment.

Shay Cook [00:11:56]:

I said do you boo? So sometimes some people need a lot more than just CBD. I'm just saying. So. And that's okay. No shame. No shame. All right, well, that was a good rapid fire question. Thank you, beautiful ladies.

Shay Cook [00:12:12]:

Let's get into our main discussion. So we're talking about good habits, y'all and ‘26, man, I know ‘25 was hard for a lot of people, and I'm telling a lot of people, and I've been consistent last few weeks. People talking about, oh, my God, it was such a year. I can't wait till it's over. Please do your work and don't bring this ish back into or into ‘26, because that is the problem. We keep bringing stuff into each year and not doing the work spiritually, mentally, physically. And I'm talking to myself, too. So if we want to go into ‘26 with some good habits, we need to think about what we have been doing the last few years and start changing some things.

Shay Cook [00:12:47]:

I'm just going to put that out there. So diving in ‘26 financial resolutions, including the faith aspect. So we're talking about budgeting as discipline, right? Discipline, self control, sacrifice. Always say we want to move from financial stress to spiritual discipline and consistent planning. Right, Adriana?

Adriana Lopez [00:13:04]:

Yeah, definitely. Instead of looking at it being a restriction to set a budget or a spend plan, look at it just like that. Just spiritual healing. The plan itself, making a spend plan. Of course, we want to make sure that, you know, we have one. Because the Bible definitely tells us, you know, in Luke 14:28 is, before you go ahead and build the tower, you want to make sure you know all the costs. So you want to do the same thing with your own personal finances. But understand that it's not the plan itself that gives you that peace.

Adriana Lopez [00:13:35]:

It's trusting God with it.

Shay Cook [00:13:37]:

Amen.

Adriana Lopez [00:13:38]:

And that is what's going to bring that peace on and being obedient, right? Because we just talked about him being, you know, the owner of it all and going to him, make sure that you are, of course, your petitions, you know, the desires of your heart and. And putting him in alignment with the plan. Because sometimes we're just making the plan and we're not including him in it. And remember, we're the manager. So just like, the way you, you know, you're at your job, you want to make sure you're checking with your CEO or president or supervisor about the moves you're making, the decisions you make. The same thing goes with your plan.

Shay Cook [00:14:12]:

You know what I've added there? Because I've been having a lot of conversations with God about things I've been struggling with personally. And I realized there was a missing component, though. I need to have a conversation with myself. You know what I mean? Like, I'm having all these conversations with therapists, wise old family and friends. I'm having all this with my spirit, Jesus, God, all that. But I realized, okay, And God's like, Shay, okay, I don't know how much more I gotta tell you. So I'm sitting there like, all right, Shay, we need to have a conversation. Like, when you looking at that budget, yeah, you can pray, you can do a plan, you can talk to all these people, but you really need to be looking in the mirror, okay? And say, like, why am I spending this money like this? Why am I so, so irresponsible? I mean, whatever it may be, you know, you might even be patting yourself on the back, you know, you're like, I did that thing, man.

Shay Cook [00:14:56]:

I got that savings. I did that. But, you know, a lot of us are not having that either. So I think you need to look at both sides. Like, I realized personally, I'm like, man, this is why I haven't been able to change certain behaviors. Because I've been talking to God about all this, and he's like, Shay, you got everything you need to change. So. And then everybody else is like, you need to do this.

Shay Cook [00:15:12]:

I'm like, I know all this now. It's time to be still with myself.

Bethany Hawkins [00:15:17]:

I think it's also good to remember the psalm that you spoke about at the beginning of this conversation, Shay, about teaching us to number our days. Because so many of us have been indoctrinated to live like there's no tomorrow. But the fun fact is tomorrow does come, and then the next day comes, and the next day comes. So if you don't have a budget and plan and there's no savings and there is some financial catastrophe that happens, you don't have anything that you have set aside because you were just living all free willy nilly, then there's more added pressure, there's more added stress, there's more added overwhelm. When if you had prepared for those days, you wouldn't. In addition to all of the overwhelm of dealing with that situation, you wouldn't have the financial component to it. So just recognizing that when you invest in yourself for the future, you're investing not only financially, but peace as well, I think is something that I want to bring into 2026 and I want to remember in 2026.

Shay Cook [00:16:27]:

Yeah, that's so good.

Adriana Lopez [00:16:28]:

Yeah. Tomorrow is definitely not promise. And I think that psalm is definitely speaks to us to be intentional with the days that we have, you know, and making sure that we're using our resources the right way and to indefinitely give yourself grace, because this definitely takes time. So that's also part of the process.

Shay Cook [00:16:48]:

Yeah. And get into another good habit of tithing and savings. Right. Just let's talk about practical advice on how faithfully saving 10% and giving 10% when income feels insufficient. And I know I always say this for at least 20 plus years of me consistently tithing, I have never went without. And I feel like that's just God, like Adriana was saying that we're just managers, Right. We're just stewards of this. God's given us.

Shay Cook [00:17:11]:

He owns all of this. And so knowing that I'm giving back my first fruits, whatever that looks like for you guys, it ain't got to be 10%, 5%. That could be time, that could be treasure, that can be a lot of things. But I know for me, giving back the first fruits to God, he always provides. And I believe that's because as a practice, but also saving, like, I know if something goes wrong in this house or something. My car.

Shay Cook [00:17:32]:

I got money saved. And that feels good because I ain't always lived like that. So what do you guys say about that? Practical advice around the tithing and saving?

Adriana Lopez [00:17:41]:

No, just like you said, does include also your. Your time and talents. And I think sometimes we forget that and start where you are. God. God knows your heart. And this is a matter of the heart, not ratio or percentage. So you could do 2% now and increase that every six months or 2% more. So you could get the amount of 10%.

Adriana Lopez [00:18:01]:

Or, of course, also make sure that you are, you know, not being hard on yourself about it, because I think a lot of people sometimes feel guilty. And, you know, God wants a cheerful giver. And not about guilt. It's about gratitude. You give because of gratitude. I know for me, it's that gratitude I have for everything that God does for me. And I feel blessed. You know, I always say that, you know, I'm blessed beyond measure.

Adriana Lopez [00:18:24]:

And it's that gratitude that I give willingly because I want to give back. I feel like, you know, like the Bible says, to whom much is given, much is making sure you have a cheerful heart with it.

Shay Cook [00:18:37]:

So good.

Bethany Hawkins [00:18:38]:

I believe that volunteer work is so undervalued, and it's so important, and it's so vital. So if you are in a situation where you have financial insecurity, still being able to volunteer and hear people's stories and put a smile on their face, that is worth its weight in gold. So just remembering that if you don't belong to a particular church, but you are connected to spirit and you want to do something, look into volunteers, look into shelters, look into passing out food to the homeless. Those are things that you can do without a large expense but still give back.

Shay Cook [00:19:18]:

Exactly. I love that, and I love volunteering and just giving back in that way. And, yeah, let's get into debt now, because a lot of us are struggling with debt, right? And there's many different ways to pay off debt, but we want to make sure that it aligns with your finances, goals, and minimizes your stress. Because, like I said, I know a lot of people. Tax debt, student loan debt, credit card debt, you know, collections, the list goes on, and people are really struggling. So, Adriana, how are we teaching our people about. What are we teaching them about debt strategies?

Adriana Lopez [00:19:47]:

Well, definitely starting off like we said with that plan, making sure that we're listing our debts, making sure that we're aware of everything is. And then figuring out how is this aligning with your goals, because that spend plan is going to be really important. We want to see if you have a surplus, if we have a way to pay this down. Picking a debt strategy that works, you know, for the client because some people prefer the debt snowball. They like to have those wins right away. Some people want to make sure they're getting the best savings. They might pick the debt avalanche method. Listing your debts and just getting that awareness and of course, sitting down with somebody.

Adriana Lopez [00:20:21]:

If again, if it's something that you don't feel like you could tackle on your own, you know, reaching out and getting help and for us, helping you figure out what is the best strategy moving forward with your debt. Because like you were saying Shay earlier, just trying to stop debt, stop the bleeding is definitely another big factor in order for any plan to work. Because if you're adding more debt as time goes on, then you, you may have the plan, but it's not really going anywhere because more debt is getting added on. So if you could definitely stop the debt from the beginning, that that's definitely going to help that plan move along.

Shay Cook [00:20:55]:

Yeah, that's so good. That's so good. Bethany, anything you want to add?

Bethany Hawkins [00:20:59]:

I'm not a financial counselor, so I'm heavy on the ignore.

Shay Cook [00:21:05]:

Lord Jesus, help us all. But that's real, though. A lot of people ignore that and then they just keep building and building. And then when they come to Crusaders for Change, it's like I didn't even realize I was in this much debt. Like Adriana was saying, they don't know the apr. They don't know how much debt. I met clients recently don't even know how much they really getting paid. So it's just like, it's crazy.

Shay Cook [00:21:24]:

It's real, though. It's real, but it's real.

Bethany Hawkins [00:21:27]:

But I love what Adriana had to say about not adding onto the debt. If you are serious about making this transition in this move, the number one thing that you can do that you can immediately start is not adding more debt to the debt that you already have. So if you're in debt consolidation and then you are getting another credit card because your FICO score has increased because you're in debt consolidation. What are we doing? What are we. What are we doing?

Shay Cook [00:21:53]:

Exactly. Exactly.

Adriana Lopez [00:21:55]:

Yeah, it's definitely, you know, can be a cycle and sometimes I see that people move the debt rather than deal with the habit. And so that's going to be really important to address what, what's causing some of this, you know, of course you know, the Bible tells us the ritual over the poor and the borrower is a slave to the lender. So God didn't want us to be enslaved by debt, so. Definitely.

Shay Cook [00:22:17]:

Exactly.

Adriana Lopez [00:22:18]:

We. We put a plan together.

Shay Cook [00:22:20]:

Mhm. That plan is important, y'all.

Shay Cook [00:22:22]:

All right, well, let's get into our vision now. You know, after attending the Goldman Sachs program or even before that, God has shown me, put a vision in for us to offer financial wellness programs to organizations. And we're trying to help with not being, you know, corporate stewardship and deal with the silent tax, but organizations missions fundamentally supported by employee financial security really helps them meet their mission and move forward and do great things. And that's what we're here for, to come in and in a time of need, when really a lot of employees, if not majority, are suffering, even the ones that are making good money with all the crap going on in the world, it's just hard out there. So being able to help them be good stewards and be able to support their team, putting people first. And the mission first is how our financial wellness programs. But Bethany, she is our client success manager, she's out in these streets trying to help us sell this program and, and just bring some joy to hopefully some organizations that are, don't even realize how this is really affecting them.

Bethany Hawkins [00:23:20]:

Yeah. So we are really speaking with senior care leaders and as you know, with senior care for nurses to people who are executives in the organization. It is already a hard position and it could be overwhelming, it could be stressful. You're dealing with people who have dementia who may potentially be sick, may not have many family members visiting, could just, they could just be honorary. And when you're dealing with financial stress, in addition to the caveats and different personalities for seniors, that is going to put you at a disadvantage because you're going to be less amenable to people's personalities. You're going to be high strung yourself. You're going to be quick to potentially comment in a way that isn't productive or not be your best self. So when we speak to senior care leaders, we inform them of the importance of talking to their employees and making sure that they have stability not only with the caregiving that they're giving to the clientele and to the residents, but also when they're financial as well.

Shay Cook [00:24:34]:

That's so good. Yeah, because people need help. I mean, and it really is helping with, you know, like the turnover, absenteeism, lower productivity. These financial programs that we're offering is really dealing with that and helping people to Heal. Because, God, I don't know how many times I got to say this, but people are suffering. And if they're suffering at home, obviously they suffer at work. What does somebody said recently? And they say it all the time.

Shay Cook [00:24:58]:

People bring home to work. Adrienne, I'm sure you've seen it. Even if it's, you know, you're on the practical side of solutions with this, with this company. But I know you, you when you're talking to your clients, right? They're stressed out about their money. I'm sure they're bringing it at work.

Adriana Lopez [00:25:13]:

Yeah, it's hard not to have it on your mind when you're at work. Especially clients that are working two jobs, they're pretty much leaving one to go to the next. And I talk about stress. I mean, it's just overwhelming. Especially around this time of year, a lot of people are doing side gigs to deal with their finances. So, you know, it's. It's just a tough time. And I think that it feels so good.

Adriana Lopez [00:25:35]:

I could speak for myself to know that company that I work with has these programs in place for me that I know that I have financial counselor that I could reach out to and help me move along. I mean, just in that alone is comforting that that service is there. It just shows me as an employee. Wow. You know, they care about me, they care about my well being. It's not just about the work I do, but they're also worried about what's going on at home, that, you know, they care about all aspects of my life. So that's just an important thing I think that employees should definitely take into consideration when they're looking at these plans.

Shay Cook [00:26:07]:

Exactly. Yeah. And then when we're in act, you know, putting all this into action and really exploring what our core services we offer to organizations, I mean, we really offer customized solutions. Most of them have a mixture of everything that we feel like is impactful and needed. But definitely with the workshops, the financial counseling, and the resources that we offer to them. So the difference between a generalized workshop, whether it's budgeting retirement, buying a car, house, whatever that may be, versus one on one financial counseling, helping people get out of debt, improve their credit to save, is that the workshop offers a more of a cohort group experience, gives you somebody, maybe even introduce you to an accountability partner inside of those workshops, and a one on one is really going deep into what is personal to you and maybe a partner and family members really helping you figure that out, what you need personally for that. So, Adriana, you want to add anything to that?

Adriana Lopez [00:27:00]:

Definitely. That accountability partner piece is so important. I always tell my clients, if you don't have somebody that's there with you, like a family member or friend, of course I'm going to be your accountability partner. But it also does help when you have somebody there that can help you make sure that you're staying accountable, that can cheer you on. And it's so important to celebrate those wins because it builds confidence.

Shay Cook [00:27:22]:

Yeah. And then. And really, in all of that, we do, we're trying to empower the workforce. Right. Because our financial wellness programs fit of that is it builds morale, loyalty, and a productive culture. So people that are healthy and happy spiritually, physically, mentally, and financially, man, you're going to have a really strong workforce. So, Bethany, you want to add anything into that?

Bethany Hawkins [00:27:42]:

I agree. I love that you, as a person who's been an employee as well as an employer, you want to stay where you are seen, valued, and heard. And if they're providing benefits that meets that criteria and is helping you through this journey of life, not just worrying about what they can get out of you, but what they can also give you in value in addition to those foldable dollar bills for your salary. It's so vital and it's so important, and it makes you want to stay, and it makes you hesitant that if you get another offer to leave because they may be the next job, may be willing to give you a bonus, but are they going to give you the care and the love and the respect that this facility is providing to you now with these additional benefits?

Shay Cook [00:28:30]:

Yeah. That's so good. Because the last time I was, like, really into, like, working for somebody else, you know, which was the Coast Guard. I'm just going to be blunt. You know, for the first year, few years, I felt, and it wasn't even necessarily around these services, but I felt the compassion, the respect that they really care in that first leadership bunch. And then they switched leadership, and that went all the way out the door. And I was like, I can't wait to get out of here. So I know how important that is.

Shay Cook [00:28:55]:

And if you have an employer that's going to offer services like this, and I'm telling you, that says something that's different. That's different, y'all.

Shay Cook [00:29:03]:

Because you know what we say in some of our presentations around selling this package or these programs is that back in the day, healthcare was the main thing. That was it. But right now, people need more than healthcare. They need child care, they need dental, vision, always part of healthcare. But they need fitness programs, they need financial programs. So it's be holistic us, as employers need to be offering that. So yeah. So what are you guys looking forward to? I know this wasn't on the script, but what are you guys looking for in ‘26?

Adriana Lopez [00:29:34]:

Living in my purpose. That's, that's kind of, you know, we were talking about having an award for the year versus you know, having the goal, just walking in purpose. So I'm looking forward to letting God guide me through that.

Shay Cook [00:29:47]:

Yeah, Bethany?

Bethany Hawkins [00:29:51]:

Yeah, that's a heavy question. I am looking for calm waters, just for things to be calm and just enjoy the calmness. Enjoying the opposite of chaos.

Shay Cook [00:30:07]:

Amen. Amen. And for me that's going to be a self care. I got to take better care of this temple God gave me. I, I just haven't been doing a good job of that and I think even a financial program, whatever that looks like, that might be self care for some people. So for me it's definitely self care. More in the physical side, I think I've been good, I've been obedient this year and you know, but I haven't.

Bethany Hawkins [00:30:28]:

Been taking care of that.

Shay Cook [00:30:29]:

And that actually starts to reflect in your budget because when you’re not take care of yourself, you'd be like, man, I'm eating a lot mind of this money going out of the house because of food. And so that's a clear sign that I haven’t been taking care of myself. So I want to flip that switch and you know, make sure that the food is right, you know, good and healthy and wholesome and whole foods, but also want to make sure that it reflects fun exercise, all of that good stuff. So. And shared in a previous episode, financial stress cost US employees an estimated $300 billion annually due to lost productivity absenteeism. Conversely, employees with access to financial wellness benefits report lower financial anxiety and are more likely to stay with their employer. Kind of like we were just talking about earlier, directly translating the investment into tangible business and human returns. So the pursuit of financial wellness in 2026 is a twofold endeavor.

Shay Cook [00:31:23]:

One, we need to have individual diligence guided by faith, and two, organizational compassion rooted in good stewardship. When we're taking responsibility for our habits and when the organizations we work for invest in our well being, we create a powerful ecosystem of stability. True prosperity is found when the workforce is secure, focused and free from the distraction of financial anxiety. So this week our call to action is to start the year right by partnering for prosperity. Choose one small money habit to implement consistently in 2026, whether that's tracking all your spending for 30 days or automatic automating a savings transfer $25 or more. And if you leader, visit the Crusaders for Change www.cforcrusaders the number four and C4Change, LLC or www.crusaders number4Change.org website and schedule a call to explore how this financial wellness program can transform your most valuable assets, your people. So, ladies, any final thoughts before we wrap today? This was a lot of great information. We were splitting out some wisdom.

Shay Cook [00:32:32]:

This is why the devil was trying to get in our way. But we won. Hello. Thank you, Jesus.

Adriana Lopez [00:32:36]:

Yes, praise the Lord.

Shay Cook [00:32:37]:

Praise the Lord.

Adriana Lopez [00:32:38]:

Definitely giving yourself grace. Again, have to emphasize that because sometimes there's just a lot of guilt and shame around finances. And so make sure that you definitely step back and find some healing for that. Also, to take it, you know, one step at a time. Even if you just can only write down what your income is and that's all you could do for the day. That's it. You know, then tomorrow you can start listing the house expenses. You know, it can be overwhelming.

Adriana Lopez [00:33:05]:

You feel like you have to get it all right from the beginning. And that's not really how this works. You know, take it one step at a time.

Shay Cook [00:33:12]:

Great. Thank you.

Bethany Hawkins [00:33:13]:

My final thought is I just have to honor that Shay, you walk the walk and you talk the talk. You very much invest and care about your employees and your contractors and the people that you work with and surround yourself with. So you are truly an epitome of an example of how you invest in your people. So for the people that are listening, they're like, ah, they don't really do all of that. Yes, you really do. We really do at Crusaders for Change. We don't only work with each other.

Bethany Hawkins [00:33:41]:

We actually enjoy each other. So I think that that is just a beautiful, beautiful part of being a part of the team for Crusaders for Change.

Shay Cook [00:33:50]:

Thank you. I appreciate that because I've been in many situations that ain't been true. So I'm trying to cultivate a culture that God wants me to have because, man, we. We take care of ourselves internally. We going be rocking out in this world and really helping people. So thank you beautiful ladies, for all you do. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year to everyone.

Shay Cook [00:34:11]:

We'll see you on the other side. Have a good day. Talk to you soon.

Adriana Lopez [00:34:15]:

God bless.

Shay Cook [00:34:17]:

A big thank you for listening to this episode. We hope you found today's chat about the intersection of religion and money insightful. We would love to hear your feedback. Hit that subscribe button or follow the podcast. And please feel free to leave us a review. For the latest Yahweh's Money content, visit us at crusaders4change.org or find us anywhere you listen to podcasts. Until next time, stay financially fit and spiritually inspired. And remember, it's always better Yahweh's way.



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Shay Cook

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