10 ways society programs us to stay broke (and how to break out)

10 ways society programs us to stay broke (and how to break out)

Author: Bob Lotich, Linda Lotich March 29, 2025 Duration: 29:53

Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you work, you're still not getting ahead financially?

You're not lazy. You're not broken.

You're just programmed.

In this episode, we unpack 10 sneaky ways society wires us to stay broke—and most of us don't even realize it's happening. From how we're taught about money in school, to why hustle culture keeps us exhausted but not wealthy, to the dangerous comfort that robs us of growth—this one is a wake-up call.

💡 We break down:

  • The mindset traps that make you fear risk but stay stuck in debt
  • Why chasing comfort might be the most expensive decision you ever make
  • The reason most people work hard but never build wealth
  • How to deprogram yourself and step into true financial freedom

 

📚 Resources & Tools  Mentioned:

 

BONUS: Ever dreamt of hanging out with us for 6 weeks in your small group or church? Head to https://seedtime.com/true for details or shoot us a DM on Instagram (http://instagram.com/seedtime).

 

Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/63aBPTZcGFA)!

 

If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 800 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." 

You can take it for a test drive for FREE at https://SeedTime.com/sample where you can download chapter 1 of the audiobook, grab the 1st 2 chapters of the ebook version, and even get the 5-week book study companion guide.


What does it look like to manage money well when your faith is the foundation of your life? That’s the central question explored in SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich. This isn't just another financial advice show; it's a conversation about integrating biblical principles with the practical realities of budgeting, investing, and building a secure future. Bob and Linda approach finances from a unique perspective, one that challenges conventional wisdom by framing stewardship as a spiritual practice. Their discussions move beyond spreadsheets to consider how financial health directly impacts your marriage, your sense of purpose, and your ability to live generously. Each episode aims to provide actionable steps to simplify your finances, eliminate debt, and cultivate a sense of peace and control over the resources you've been given. The goal is to shift your focus from anxiety about money towards freedom, allowing you to invest your time and energy into what truly matters. If you've ever felt that typical money advice misses the heart of the matter, this podcast offers a different path-one where faith and finances are seamlessly connected. Tune in for honest conversations that blend personal experience with practical strategy, all centered on building a life of purpose and provision.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich
Podcast Episodes
God Is Warning Us About AI (And Most Christians Aren't Listening) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:29
Is God Warning Us About AI? The Biblical Case for Preparing Now! Before every major disruption in Scripture—famine, flood, exile—God warned His people first. Those who listened didn't just survive… they thrived. So what…
The Bible's Hidden Habits for Financial Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:28
In this episode, Bob and Linda unpack spiritual habits found in Scripture that quietly shape financial outcomes—habits that have nothing to do with spreadsheets or hustle culture, but everything to do with becoming the k…
Even after spiritual abuse, THIS is why I still tithe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:55
Spiritual abuse around money almost made us stop giving altogether. We've seen manipulation from the pulpit. We've witnessed leaders mishandle funds. We've felt the tension between honoring God and distrusting institutio…
Why God's blessings can be dangerous (so burn the chariots!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:09
In today's episode, Bob & Linda explore one of the most overlooked spiritual tests in the Christian life: how to stay dependent on God in the midst of blessings. Drawing from Joshua 11, they unpack the strange moment whe…
Faith isn't what you think it is (Bible Study) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
Most of us were taught that faith means "trying really hard to believe" — especially with our finances. But in the Bible-study-style episode, Bob & Linda unpack Hebrews 11, Romans 10:17, and Jesus' "abide" teaching to re…
The Hidden Costs of Entrepreneurship No One Talks About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
Everyone online makes entrepreneurship look like the ultimate path to freedom—but the truth is far more complicated. After 18 years of building SeedTime, Bob & Linda open up about what most people never say out loud: the…