You're Not Broke — You Have a Leak. Here's the Framework That Finds It.

You're Not Broke — You Have a Leak. Here's the Framework That Finds It.

Author: Bob Lotich, Linda Lotich April 24, 2026 Duration: 42:03

You're not careless with money. You try to be intentional. But somehow at the end of the month, there's still less than there should be — and you can't quite figure out where it went.

What if the problem isn't discipline — but a type of spending leak that even the most careful budgeters almost never catch?

In this episode, I walk through the Cost vs. Frequency Matrix — a simple framework for identifying three invisible drains that quietly bleed most middle-class budgets dry.

We talk about value decay (purchases that made total sense once, but quietly stopped serving you), what the average American home's 300,000 items tells us about how we buy things, and how this all connects back to what it really means to steward what God has entrusted to you.

This is a workshop-style episode, so grab something to write with.

If you enjoyed this, we'd love to send you a free copy of our book — you just cover shipping. It has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon. Grab it at seedtime.com/free.

 

WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE

Here's a little of what we cover in this episode:

  • Why the average American home has 300,000 items — and what that tells us about how we actually spend money
  • The three types of invisible "drains" that bleed most middle-class budgets without anyone noticing
  • What "value decay" is and how to spot purchases that quietly stopped making sense in your life
  • How to use the Cost vs. Frequency Matrix as a practical tool in about 10 minutes
  • Why even the most disciplined budgeters often miss this category of spending
  • What it means to manage money as a steward — and how that single mindset shift changes every decision
  • The surprising connection between clutter, housework, and how much money is quietly walking out the door

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

 

DISCLAIMER

Obligatory legal disclaimer: I'm a financial educator, not your financial advisor, investment advisor, tax pro, or lawyer. This channel is for general education, not personalized advice, and nothing here should be taken as a recommendation to buy, sell, or use any specific investment, account, or financial product. I'm just sharing what I'm doing, what I'm learning, and what I find interesting.

Markets can be humbling. Investing involves risk, including the risk of losing money, and my results are personal, may not be typical, and are not guaranteed. Do your own research, use wisdom, and talk with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Some links are to our resources and some are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That helps keep the lights on around here, so thanks for the support.


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: 50

SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich
Podcast Episodes
The Biblical formula for paying off debt miraculously fast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:06
What if you don't need more money to pay off your debt? What if you just need to see what's already in your house? That's the pattern hiding inside a story in 2 Kings 4. A widow. A dead husband. A creditor at the door. A…
Does Financial Struggle Mean God Is Displeased? (The Honest Answer) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:31
When money is tight, a sneaky thought creeps in. If God was really pleased with me, wouldn't this be easier? I have wrestled with that question myself more times than I can count. So in this episode, Linda and I get hone…
Jesus Warned About Saving Money the Wrong Way [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:37
I used to hate everything about our finances. Then one thing changed and paying bills actually became fun. That thing is margin. Margin is the gap between what you earn and what you spend. It might look small, but that g…
Why You Never Feel Like You Have Enough (and How to Fix It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
Almost nobody actually feels like they have enough. Not really. We chase more money, more space, more results, and the finish line keeps moving. So why does that happen? And how do you actually fix it? In this episode Li…
Why You Can't Stick to a Budget (10 Real Reasons) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:02
If your budget keeps falling apart after two weeks, it's probably not your fault. I used to think I was just bad with money. Then I realized the budget itself was the problem, not me. In this episode, Linda and I walk th…
Should Christians Invest in Evil Companies? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:14
Most of us have no idea what our retirement money is actually funding. A few years ago I started wondering if some of mine was supporting things I would never support on purpose. So in this episode, I answer a question I…
7 Biblical money principles most Christians never hear (but should) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:31
Most Christians have heard the money advice about tithing and getting out of debt. But there are money principles in the Bible almost nobody teaches. And often times they are the ones that change everything for us!!! So…