This monthly communication, “Financial Bullet Points,” will quickly and easily cover the main financial issues we see affecting the markets without being bogged down with a lot of details.
Written by Bob Barber, Matthew Barrovecchio, and Don VandeVanter
Prepared on June 24th, 2025
The Bullet Points for July are:
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- Giving to God’s Kingdom: As we enter into the second half of the year, it is a good time to review your annual goals, including your giving. Giving breaks the power of money, and the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Those who have an IRA may be able to optimize the tax efficiency of their giving through a Qualified Charitable Distribution. Seek the Lord’s Will on maximizing generosity and ask Him what He would have you do.
- Summer Travel: Oil prices increased to the highest levels since February after the Israeli-Iran conflict began on June 13. This overlaps with the seasonality of increased demand for gas for summer travel, as well as the increased supply chain risk that comes with hurricane season in the Gulf of America. Budgeting travelers should prepare.
- Favorable Economics…For Now: Many economic data releases in the first half of June were favorable relative to expectations, including Consumer Sentiment, Producer Price Index, Consumer Price Index, and most components of the monthly jobs report. Simultaneously, uncertainty around global trade continues, raising inflation expectations for the second half of 2025. Consumers should monitor and be prepared.
- Housing Market: On average, 30-year fixed mortgage rates remain around 7%. As of May, the annual inflation rate for shelter (housing/rent) was 3.9%, and homes are staying on the market an average of 51 days, the highest May reading since 2020. Home builder sentiment for June was among the lowest monthly reading in over a decade. The housing market remains in a difficult place for both buyers and sellers, and either mortgage rates or home prices need to budget.
- Continuing Education and Scriptures. This month’s programs for Christian Financial Perspectives are listed below along with our Scriptures for the month:
- Ep 226 – 7/1/25 – The Flaws of Comparing Investment Returns
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Remember, we moved to releasing episodes every other week to give people more time between episodes to listen or watch. To tune in, search “Christian Financial Perspectives” on almost any podcast platform or YouTube.
Visit our channel: www.cfa.lc/yt
If you would like further explanation of any of the bullet points mentioned, please call or text (830) 609-6986 during business hours or email us by clicking here.
Bob Barber
Senior Wealth Advisor & President
Matthew Barrovecchio, CFP®
Senior Wealth Advisor
Don VandeVanter, CPA
Wealth Advisor
Christian Financial Advisors®