In a recent episode of Bartelle’s Money Talk, we had the incredible privilege of sitting down with the powerhouse of wisdom, faith, and financial experience—Chrystal Evans Hurst. If you know her, you know that she carries the legacy of biblical stewardship and intentional living. If you don’t, prepare to be encouraged, challenged, and empowered.
Chrystal shared her personal journey growing up in a financially intentional household, learning from her parents about giving, saving, and spending. These values followed her into adulthood, guiding her through seasons of abundance, challenge, and even carrying the role of the breadwinner in her family.
What follows are some of the key takeaways from our conversation—along with some bonus insights that will help you apply these principles to your own financial journey.
1. Give, Save, Spend: The Foundation of Financial Freedom
Chrystal recalls a childhood where finances were openly discussed at the dinner table. Her parents instilled a simple yet powerful principle:
Give first – Generosity is a foundational principle in the Bible. Tithing and giving create a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity.
Save consistently – Even if it’s just $25 a month, consistency is key.
Spend wisely – Needs before wants. Long-term stability over short-term pleasure.
Bonus Insight: Take an honest look at your spending habits. Are you giving, saving, and spending in a way that aligns with your faith and future goals?
2. Debt: The Chains We Must Break
"Nothing tastes better than freedom," Chrystal emphasized. Debt, especially consumer debt, can make you a servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7). While some debt may be necessary (such as a home or medical expenses), she warns against the cultural pressure to take on unnecessary financial burdens.
Bonus Insight: Before making any purchase on credit, ask yourself:
Is this a need or a want?
Will this debt move me forward or weigh me down?
Do I have a plan to pay this off quickly?
3. The Power of Waiting
One of the most powerful lessons from our conversation was Chrystal’s personal practice of waiting. She watched her parents wait on big purchases, and she adopted that mindset herself. She shared how she and her husband slept on a borrowed mattress for 20 years before investing in a quality one. They could have rushed the process, but they chose patience over pressure.
Bonus Insight: Contentment is a financial superpower. When you practice delayed gratification, you gain control over your finances instead of allowing them to control you.
4. Raising Financially Wise Children
Chrystal emphasized the importance of teaching kids about finances early. She put her own children through Dave Ramsey’s personal finance course and ensured they took college courses for free through dual credit programs.
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