Thorn Letters: $50k Weddings, Hiding Money & When to Say No to Family

Thorn Letters: College Debt, Credit Disasters & Unmotivated Partners

In this episode of 1322 Life (Season 3, Episode 4), Bri answers five thorn letters about college debt, credit disasters, marriage budgeting, unmotivated partners, and financial survival. 📬 LETTERS WE ANSWER: 1. “My daughter wants to go to an expensive school in Hawaii – she refuses community college. How do I stop her from drowning in debt?” – Bri says: she’s 18 and headstrong. Let her learn. Apply to 30 more scholarships. Love her through it. 2. “My ex‑wife’s bankruptcy hit my credit report – I was just an authorized user. 130‑point drop!” – Bri’s fix: pay off the small balance, dispute, get a letter from the card company. 3. “I freeze up when my wife talks money – she pays for everything, I give wrong numbers, and she’s frustrated. Help.” – Bri says: she can lead, but you must stay engaged. No more “yours/mine” – you’re married. 4. “My boyfriend (26) works a chill retail job, gave up on teaching music, no savings, and gets mad when I send him job leads. Should I move in with him?” – Bri: Absolutely not. Drop him. It’s not about money – it’s his mindset. 5. “We’re drowning financially in San Diego – two kids, behind on car loan, collections, husband has depression.” – Bri breaks down their income, shows the budget can work, and prays for them. 🙏 Opening and closing prayers included. ✉️ SUBMIT YOUR THORN LETTER: Go to 1322life.com [http://1322life.com] – anonymous or first name only. #1322Life #ThornLetters #CollegeDebt #CreditScore #MarriageBudget #RelationshipAdvice #FinancialStruggle #ChristianPodcast

Thorn Letters Episode 3: Marriage Struggles, Retail Therapy & Starting Over at 44

In this episode of 13:22 Life (Season 3, Episode 3), Bri answers five thorn letters about marriage struggles, financial selfishness, retail therapy, loneliness, and starting over at 44. 📬 LETTERS WE ANSWER: 1. “My wife wants a separation 4 months after marriage – and we’re in the middle of buying a house.” – Red flags, emotional distance, and a $10k non‑refundable deposit. Bri’s advice: don’t buy the house, and prepare for an annulment. 2. “My husband spends all his fun money AND our grocery budget – leaving me to cover essentials.” – Combined finances falling apart. Bri says: have a stern conversation, get a counselor, and stop letting selfish behavior slide. 3. “I struggle with financial discipline – retail therapy when I’m depressed.” – Removing apps doesn’t work. Bri recommends real therapy, healthy outlets (walking, free streaming), and creating new habits. 4. “I’m a 24‑year‑old scientist with no friends, no partner, and an empty life. Should I start over with a new career?” – Bri’s answer: your job isn’t the problem. You need people and God. Find community, hobbies, and a church. 5. “44, single, self‑employed, just ended a 2‑year relationship. Should I sell my beach house (doubled in value) and start over?” – Bri says: not crazy. You’re lonely and have no wife/kids – shake it up. Travel, move overseas, or find a remote role. 🙏 Opening and closing prayers included. ✉️ SUBMIT YOUR OWN THORN LETTER: Go to 1322life.com [http://1322life.com] – anonymous or first name only. 📲 CONNECT: Website: www.1322life.com [http://www.1322life.com] Instagram: @brismithcpa #1322Life #ThornLetters #MarriageAdvice #FinancialInfidelity #RetailTherapy #Loneliness #StartingOver #ChristianPodcast

Thorn Letters: Co‑Signing, Inheritance Drama & Coming Back to God

In this episode of 13:22 Life (Season 3, Episode 2), Bri Smith answers four thorn letters – real financial and spiritual struggles from listeners (and Reddit). 📬 LETTERS WE ANSWER: 1. “Was I wrong for not co‑signing a car for my brother?” – We go straight to Proverbs. Four times God says: do not co‑sign. Run like a gazelle. 2. “AITA for refusing to pay for my sister’s husband’s surgery with my inheritance/college money?” – She spent her inheritance on cars and home renovations. Now she wants yours. Bri’s answer: No. She can sell her upgrades. 3. “Should I make my parents pay me back $100k for college if they want a relationship?” – They paid for your brothers but not you. Bri talks forgiveness, family, and what really matters before it’s too late. 4. “I feel like a stranger to God and don’t know how to come back.” – Depression, guilt, drifting away. Bri shares her own story: losing her grandmother, turning away from God, and the messy journey back. 🙏 Opening and closing prayers included. ✨ KEY SCRIPTURES: Proverbs 6:1-5, Proverbs 11:15, Proverbs 17:18, Proverbs 22:26-27, The Prodigal Son (Luke 15) ✉️ SUBMIT YOUR OWN THORN LETTER: Go to 1322life.com [http://1322life.com] – anonymous or first name only. We want to hear what’s really hurting your finances and your walk with God. 📲 CONNECT: Website: www.1322life.com [http://www.1322life.com] Instagram: @brismithcpa #1322Life #ThornLetters #ChristianPodcast #PersonalFinance #CoSigning #Inheritance #Forgiveness #ProdigalSon

Thorn Letters: $50k Weddings, Hiding Money & When to Say No to Family

Welcome back to 1322 Life – Season 3, Episode 1. We’re trying something new: THORN LETTERS. What’s a thorn letter? You tell us your financial struggle (that “thorn in your side”), and we answer it God’s way. In this premiere episode, we cover FIVE real questions from Reddit and online. 📬 LETTERS WE ANSWER: 1. “Are my ambitions for wealth and a good career compatible with serving Christ?” – A 29‑year‑old chemical engineer fears making her career an idol. Bri redefines success: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” 2. “Am I wrong for hiding $12,000 from my spouse?” – Six years of marriage, one spender, one saver. Bri calls this financial infidelity and says: be honest, don’t be a coward. 3. “Constant fights about money with my soon‑to‑be husband – $50k wedding, 50/50 split, feeling exhausted.” – Bri’s hot take: $50k for a wedding is “insane.” You’re playing house, not married. Get counseling before you spend another dollar. 4. “How do I say no to family who will need financial support because of bad choices?” – Mom (78) and brother (39) have 9 months of runway left. Bri’s advice: have the hard conversation NOW, not when they’re evicted. 5. “My husband earns 2x more but wants to split everything equally.” – Bri’s answer: “We don’t split. Roommates split. Married couples become one – ‘ours,’ not ‘mine.’” 🙏 Opening and closing prayers included. ✨ KEY SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.” ✉️ SUBMIT YOUR OWN THORN LETTER: Go to 1322life.com [http://1322life.com] – anonymous or first name only. Let us know what’s that thorn in your side. 📲 CONNECT: Website: www.1322life.com [http://www.1322life.com] Instagram: @brismithcpa #1322Life #ThornLetters #ChristianPodcast #PersonalFinance #MoneyAndMarriage #GenerationalWealth #Season3Premiere

Overcoming Past Financial Failures

In this deeply personal and transparent episode, Bri shares her journey from financial stability to nearly $100,000 in credit card debt — and back again. After leaving a high-paying job in obedience to God, she faced unexpected hardship, spiritual pruning, and what felt like failure. But God wasn’t done. You’ll hear: * The real cost of delayed obedience and emotional spending * Why even good intentions can lead to poor money decisions * How the story of the prodigal son mirrors modern financial struggles * What it really means to rebuild your finances with faith and wisdom * Encouragement for those silently ashamed of their past financial mistakes 📖 Featured Scripture: Luke 15, Proverbs 24:16, Isaiah 43:18-19, Joel 2:25 🔧 Tools Mentioned: The Making of a Monarch, Position to Prosper, Budget Worksheets 🕊️ Theme: Grace, Redemption, Obedience, Stewardship 📍Ready to start rebuilding? Visit: thewealthyparents.com [http://thewealthyparents.com] 💬 Leave a review and let us know how God moves in your life after this episode.