Lauren Rilling is a visionary financial coach and educator dedicated to helping individuals and families manage their resources with wisdom, purpose, and faith. Through Savvy Stewardship, she empowers people to build financial confidence, align money decisions with their values, and live generously. Lauren’s mission is simple yet powerful — to turn everyday choices into lasting impact through innovative, spirit-led stewardship.SHOW NOTESThe Fortified Life Podcast with Jason DavisEP 205 — Lauren Rilling | Founder, Savvy StewardshipFinancial coach, fractional CFO, and educator on Christ-centered money management for life and businessEpisode SnapshotTheme: Becoming a savvy steward—aligning personal and business finances with God’s purposes.Guest: Lauren Rilling, founder of Savvy Stewardship (financial coaching, business finance coaching, and fractional CFO services).Why listen: Practical frameworks for cash flow, profit margins, and decision-making—plus an authentic journey of faith, family, and vocation.Meet the GuestLauren Rilling has spent a decade helping individuals and small companies simplify finances, get out of debt, and build healthy, profitable businesses. She coaches families and entrepreneurs and serves companies (typically < $10M revenue) as a fractional CFO, translating financial data into wise, faith-driven decisions.Website: savvystewardship.comEmail: [email protected]: Lauren RillingConversation Highlights1) A Stewardship Story (not a finance major!)Cash-flowed a master’s degree on a teacher’s salary while husband was in grad school—graduated debt-free the same month twins were born.Discovered the peace and freedom of not being forced into work by debt; began helping friends and family with budgets and goals.Trained at Ramsey Solutions (2015) → coaching grew from a side outlet into a calling.2) Why “Savvy Stewardship”?After industry advice to avoid “stewardship,” Lauren reclaimed the name in a relaunch, centering the biblical truth that everything belongs to God.“When we see ourselves as stewards, pressure drops and joy rises—our question becomes, Lord, what honors You?”3) How She Serves ClientsPersonal Finance Coaching: budgeting systems, debt payoff plans, cash-flowing education, retirement readiness, and navigating income changes.Business Finance Coaching: read P&L & balance sheet with understanding; set healthy profit targets; make data-informed decisions.Fractional CFO: monthly analysis, reporting, KPI tracking, and operational fixes tied to the numbers (pricing, COGS, capacity, offer mix).Analogy: “Don’t pour more water into a colander. Fix the holes first.” Translation: Optimize profit margins and systems before chasing revenue growth.4) 2025 Market Reality CheckTop challenge: Sales softness (especially B2B), longer cycles, tighter buyers.What to do now:Dial in sales focus and marketing strategy (ROI > spend).Allocate owner time to the highest-impact activities.Rebuild margins and cash buffers; know your numbers weekly.5) AI & Financial LeadershipAI is a tool, not a source of wisdom.Use it to speed up analysis and admin; keep human coaching & discernment at the center.Principle: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”—AI augments, it doesn’t replace stewardship.6) Vision & PaceA season of daily bread and patient vision—continuing to serve well while waiting on the Lord for what’s next.Encouragement to business owners: plan, yes—but don’t outrun God.Practical TakeawaysFor FamiliesStart with a zero-based budget; automate giving/saving; round numbers if needed—focus on progress, not perfection.Define one near-term “freedom goal” (e.g., cash-flow, a credential, a 3–6 months emergency fund).If married, schedule money meetings as a regular rhythm (15–30 minutes, weekly).For Business OwnersSeparate business & personal finances; set a target owner’s pay that supports family and giving goals.Track gross margin and net profit monthly; compare to industry baselines.Fix operations causing margin slippage (pricing, scope, utilization) before scaling the top line.Reallocate budget to measurable pipeline drivers (lead gen, conversion, retention).Build a 13-week cash forecast to navigate slow cycles.Suggested Chapter Markers (approximate)00:00 — Opening & mission: Jesus in the marketplace02:15 — Lauren’s debt-free grad school & twins story08:40 — From volunteer FPU to professional coaching13:10 — Naming Savvy Stewardship & theology of ownership18:30 — Offers: personal finance, business coaching, fractional CFO25:45 — Profit before revenue: fix the “colander”31:10 — 2025 climate: sales slowdown & focus tactics37:20 — AI as helper, not wisdom42:15 — Waiting on the Lord for next steps45:30 — How to connect with Lauren & closing exhortation(Timestamps are guides for show editors and listeners.)Reflection & ActionPray: “Lord, show me where to steward, not strive.”Pick One: Family or business—choose one action this week (set a budget meeting, build a simple margin report, or draft a cash forecast).Calendar it: Block 30–60 minutes for numbers + prayer.Connect with LaurenWeb: savvystewardship.comEmail: [email protected]: Lauren RillingShow LinksPodcast hub: fortifiedlifepodcast.comLive: Wednesdays, 8:30 PM ETJason’s book: Fortify: Being Rooted in God’s Plan for Work & Business (Amazon)Closing Charge“Don’t compartmentalize your faith in the marketplace. From the boardroom to the bathroom—God is with you.” Be a savvy steward this week.

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