In the first bonus episode of this ‘Good with Money’ season, Caralyn Nolan, a former Insolvency Accountant, shares thoughts about the issues created by out of control debts and some ways of dealing with the difficult situations that they create.
Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:
- Caralyn introduces herself, speaks about how she became a Christian and explains how her involvement in the insolvency profession came about. [01:19]
- Next, Carolyn describes the nature of the role that she fulfilled and the importance of being thorough but also sensitive when carrying out required tasks. [04:19]
- When asked about the factors that can lead to people finding themselves in significant debt, Caralyn explains that these can be wide-ranging and that situations can spiral downwards very quickly if they are not addressed directly. [07:13]
- Caralyn talks about the impact on individuals and those around them of a formal debt-related process, highlighting that the consequences can often be particularly unexpected and distressing for family members and employees. [11:20]
- In response to a question from Simon, Caralyn explains the circumstances under which bankruptcy might be viewed as an expedient, or even an appropriate and helpful, course of action. [13:36]
- Caralyn emphasises the importance of honestly acknowledging debt problems when they arise and of communicating promptly and well when seeking assistance to deal with them. [15:43]
- Certainly, the earlier that formal debt support activities, from the likes of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), can be triggered the better. [17:51]
- When asked about approaches that can lead to faith and finance interacting well, Caralyn referred to 2 Peter 1.5-8: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The development of such qualities, Caralyn suggests, will result in a greatly increased likelihood of managing our money well and responsibly. [18:23]
- Jesus' parable of the tower builder in Luke 14.28-30 is also helpfully pragmatic in the context of taking on risk, and business risk in particular. [19:41]
- When asked for her thoughts on living lives characterised by integrity, Caralyn suggests that intimacy with Jesus is a key element, mentioning John Mark Comer’s ‘Practicing the Way’ as a resource that she has found very helpful. [20:52]
- When drawing her comments to a close, and prompted by some reflections that had featured in Lectio365 that morning, Caralyn quoted from Isaiah 35.3-4: “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear; your God will come”. It is not easy to take advice, but having the courage to step up and be open about issues will go a long way to addressing any difficult situation in which we find ourselves. [22:40]
- For anyone concerned about debt problems, Christians against Poverty and Citizens Advice provide really helpful free advice. [24:02]
- A further bonus episode with a special guest will be published on 14 January 2026. [25:16]
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