The Loser’s Game That Can Make You a Winner
For many investors, the secret to winning may be in not trying to win. SMI’s Just-the-Basics approach can help you achieve success by playing “the loser’s game.”
Inflation Soars…Bond Market Snores
Another massive inflation report (PDF) came in last week, and once again the markets brushed it off. The year-over-year increase in the Consumer Price Index hit 5.0% last month, but bond yields were basically unchanged on the news. May (i.e., this
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
You have opportunities to live and give boldly for God. Don’t let the time slip by.
Non-Cash Donations: Worth More in Tax Savings Than You Might Think!
In 1917, members of Congress worried that a tax increase imposed to fund America’s involvement in World War I might prompt people to cut back on charitable donations. So, along with the increase, Congress created a tax deduction for giving.
Subscriber Testimonials
I'm a charter member of Sound Mind Investing, so I have been following the strategies for a long time. SMI helped me reach the point where I felt comfortable retiring in September 2018.
Chuck Sneddon, Springfield, MO
I started subscribing to SMI in the 1990s. I liked their articles but never took the time to investigate their investment strategies because most of my investing was done via a workplace retirement plan. Looking back, I probably would have made better investment choices and reaped more gains in that plan if I had implemented the SMI approach. Now I’ve thrown myself into understanding SMI's investment strategies, and I really appreciate the philosophy and soundness of their approach. Not only that, but I like that they write their articles in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.
Neal Adrian, Hermosa, South Dakota Member since 1999
SMI is about more than just the numbers, as important as those may be. A true heart for God comes through. As a young man with a young family trying to get on a good track financially, I appreciate the wisdom SMI offers.
David Ashley, Cumming, Georgia Member since 2009
"Because of a previous bad experience, I was scared to death of investing in mutual funds. Then we found out about SMI. We started getting the newsletter more than 20 years ago and we've been with SMI ever since!"
Bill and Sharon Mierau, Halstead, KS Members since 1996
"Sound Mind Investing is a constant source of information (and comfort during the market downturns). The more I learn from reading your articles and newsletter, the more confident I am in managing the resources God has given us."
Margaret Reith, Prospect Park, NJ Member Since 2003
"My appreciation of your ministry and my confidence in the value of your counsel grows stronger each year. Thank you for what you have meant to me and my family."
Ron and Betty Scarbrough, Jackson, MS Member since 1999
"Your 401k Personal Portfolio Tracker is worth the subscription price alone! I remember when I attempted to rank our choices myself - but you make it easy!"
Tim and Julie Wallace, Charlotte, NC Member since 2004
"Thank you for the blessing you and your staff have been to me and my family. Because of you, I have my "Investing/Retirement House" in order. I read your articles every day and feel like you are family."
Doug Vanderpool, Anecortes, WA Member since 1993
"SMI's Biblical financial advice and direction has been incredibly influential in leading my family to serve the Lord full time as missionaries in Eastern Africa. Through SMI's principles we became aware of our finances and how we are merely stewards of God's resources. We learned how to work together as a family to become completely debt free - including our home. We were then able to, without distraction, hear the Lord's calling on our lives. The incredibly effective and profitable investing advice and methodology of SMI allows us to continue serving Him being reasonably sure our future is financially secure."
Macgruder Family, Rwanda Africa Member since 1993
"I have been an SMI subscriber since the beginning and have been educated, spiritually enriched and blessed in many ways."
Donny & Cindy Horton, Tiplersville, MS Member since 1992
"Let me say that I consider myself blessed to be a member of the SMI family. I appreciate the integrity you bring to the financial arena."
Ken Hayes, Gastonia, NC Member since 2004
"The Sound Mind Investing newsletter has given me access to a proven investing method that is simple to follow and will return the cost of my annual subscription many times over. The Sound Mind Investing website and message board are a great place to ask investing questions and get great advice from other subscribers."
Craig Weeks, Round Rock, TX Member since 2005
"I so appreciate SMI! Thank you for all that you do. You are, without a doubt, the best 'one stop' resource for anyone's total financial needs. I tell everyone about you!"
Bobby and Carla Sullivan, Simpsonville, KY Member since 2005
"This year has been a rocky road, but I feel that I have a special guardian angel named Sound Mind Investing. Keep up the good work."
Alvin Gee, Houston, TX Member since 1992
"SMI was an answer to prayer! We've developed a workable budget, paid off debt, started a contingency fund, opened college savings accounts, and went from negative returns in our retirement accounts to positive returns — immediately. Best of all, we get our financial advice from a source that truly puts God first."
Cate Brizzell, Saratoga Springs, NY Subscriber since 2001
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Leaders you trust, trust Sound Mind Investing
“If you’re looking for an attractive, easy-to-follow investing guidance written in plain English, look no further. Austin Pryor writes without vested interests in any specific plan or fund. This means greater candor and objectivity. I’m frankly skeptical of a lot of stuff coming out of the financial realm with its short-term ‘for this life only’ perspective. Austin is a man with a larger and better perspective. May every reader seek to make wise investments of money and time in God’s kingdom, investments that will pay off not only in this life, but in the eternal life to come!”
Randy Alcorn
Director of Eternal Perspective Ministries. Author of Money, Possessions & Eternity, and Heaven.
“Sound Mind Investing is the ‘Consumer Reports’ for the Christian investor. They simplify the complex, so it’s easy-to-understand. They review thousands of mutual funds and financial products, so it’s comprehensive. Their long-term investment track record is impressive. And best of all, it’s biblically based, equipping readers to ‘have more so they can give more.’ Sound Mind Investing is helping Christians build eternal portfolios.”
Howard Dayton
Founder / Compass — Finances God's Way
“As a communicator, I’m always on the lookout for resources that speak clearly and knowledgeably to the point at hand. My long-time friend Austin Pryor does exactly that in his financial newsletter and The Sound Mind Investing Handbook. They are thorough, easy-to-understand, and grounded in 30 years of successful investing experience. Both are valuable sources of practical guidance for anyone who wants their financial decisions to line up with biblical principles. Austin and Sound Mind Investing get my highest recommendation.”
Josh McDowell
Christian Speaker & Author of 120 books including "More Than a Carpenter" and "New Evidence That Demands a Verdict"
“I am a huge fan of Austin Pryor, author of The Sound Mind Investing Handbook and his monthly newsletter. The knowledge you gain from them will give you tremendous confidence. Everything I know about investing I learned from
Austin Pryor.”
Mary Hunt
Founder / Debt-Proof Living
“When I wrote The Glorious Journey I had to include a quote by Austin Pryor in my book. Here is a man of great insight who has the ability to make difficult subjects easy to comprehend. It is obvious that Sound Mind Investing combines Biblical wisdom with very practical and understandable application.”
Dr. Charles F. Stanley
Senior Pastor / First Baptist Church of Atlanta
Chuck Bentley
Chief Executive Officer / Crown Financial Ministries
"Austin Pryor is a friend and an encourager! Not just to me, but to tens of thousands in the Christian community through his Sound Mind Investing Handbook and website. For more than 25 years, SMI has been successfully guiding Christian families with Biblically sound financial principles and objective investment strategies. His easy-to-understand explanations are really helpful, especially for a beginner like me with little investing experience. For clear, effective, and trustworthy financial advice, I can think of no better source than Sound Mind Investing."
Kyle Idleman
Author & Teaching Pastor / Southeast Christian Church Louisville, Kentucky
“I have had the privilege of knowing Austin Pryor since the beginning of my Christian life. There are few that I have as much respect for and confidence in than Austin. His counsel in the investment area has proven to be extraordinarily wise and discerning over a long time period. I can recommend this book without hesitation as a ‘must read’ for anyone interested in investing in very uncertain economic times. I consider it a privilege to be able to make this recommendation.”
Ron Blue
Founding Partner of Ronald Blue & Co.
“Here’s my checklist for what makes a great financial resource — consistent with God’s word, an easy-to-understand writing style, practical lessons that are relevant to my situation, and specific advice on investing for retirement. Fortunately, Austin Pryor has covered all these bases with his Sound Mind Investing Handbook and monthly financial newsletter. I heartily recommend Austin’s counsel to anyone who is ready to take control of their finances and manage them according to God’s protective principles. Not only has his monthly material caused my 401k to grow but, more importantly, Austin has taught me so many scriptural stewardship lessons that I’d overlooked before.”
Dave Stone
Senior Pastor / Southeast Christian Church Louisville, Kentucky
“Over the years, I have become very familiar with Sound Mind Investing: from reading the Handbook, to following its investment strategies, to meeting a few of the fine folks in the organization. Being a cheerleader of a similar cause, I am thankful to God for SMI’s faithfulness and dedication to its God-given mission. By helping people not only invest wisely, but invest for God-glorifying purposes, Sound Mind Investing is playing a vital role in the area of Christian finance.”
Bob Lotich
Founder / SeedTime.com