Today, Ben welcomes KJ Smith—financial advisor, theologian, and founder of Ethos Logos Investments—for a conversation about what it means to bring Catholic social teaching into the heart of financial life. KJ shares how his unlikely pairing of finance and theology has become a vocation, shaping his mission to help Catholics invest in ways that honor both prudence and conscience. Their discussion explores the seven principles of Catholic social teaching—from the inviolable dignity of the human person to the call of solidarity and care for creation—and how these truths offer a framework for making money decisions that serve the common good. KJ reflects on the tension between growth and sacrifice, profit and responsibility, and why stewardship is never merely about returns but about loving one’s neighbor through economic choices. Together, they highlight how Catholic financial planning calls us to reject exploitation, embrace responsibility, and see investing not as speculation but as participation in God’s work of renewal. In the end, the conversation is both practical and deeply theological, inviting listeners to view their financial lives as a lived expression of faith, mission, and love in action.

Key Takeaways:

• Many Catholic institutions follow U.S. bishops’ investment guidelines, but their employee retirement plans often fail to reflect those same values. 

• Faith-based investing does not necessarily require Catholic-only funds—it requires avoiding violations of Catholic teaching.

• Catholic investing is not simply about avoiding sin but about directing capital toward companies that contribute to human flourishing.

• Stewardship of creation is a moral responsibility because natural resources are gifts meant to serve present and future generations.

• Solidarity requires recognizing that the suffering of one impacts all, calling us to mutual responsibility.

• Ultimately, Catholic financial planning integrates prudence, justice, stewardship, and love, transforming money decisions into expressions of faith and service.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00 ) - KJ Smith's Background and Education

(04:00 ) - Catholic Social Teaching in Financial Services

(08:46 ) - Human Dignity and Economic Inequality

(14:09 ) - Social Responsibility and Community Participation

(16:39 ) - Rights, Responsibilities, and the Common Good

(21:41 ) - Balancing Rights and Responsibilities

(24:07 ) - Personal Discernment and Sphere of Influence

(28:45 ) - The Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

(33:21 ) - Solidarity and Care for God's Creation

(36:27 ) - Integrating Faith and Finance

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances

Mentions:

Website: https://www.elinvestments.net/ 

Mentions: Story of a Soul by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

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