EP 120: Faith, Financial Freedom, and the Courage to Just Start

What if the biggest thing standing between you and your calling isn't a lack of opportunity, but the decision to finally begin? In this episode of the IBAM Podcast, host Tom Carter welcomes Sebastian Uzcategui, founder of Stocks University, for an inspiring conversation about faith, financial education, entrepreneurship, and finding freedom through purpose-driven work. Growing up as an only-child immigrant in the United States, Sebastian watched his family endure exhausting 12-hour shifts while searching for the American dream. Those experiences motivated him to explore investing and entrepreneurship as pathways toward financial independence. Today, Sebastian shares how he's using financial education to help others, including Christian students and church leaders, pursue greater financial stability. He explains how his investing work has helped support churches and mission trips, and why he believes wealth means far more than money. The conversation also explores the challenges Sebastian faced while building his business. Drawing from Proverbs 10:22, he shares how putting his faith, voice, and business purpose first led to an unexpected turning point in his entrepreneurial journey. And his greatest lesson? Just start. Whether you're considering a new business, seeking financial independence, or learning to live your faith more boldly, Sebastian's story offers encouragement to take that first step. **3. Five Key Takeaways** **01 Financial education can help break cycles of struggle.** Sebastian believes a lack of financial knowledge contributes to ongoing financial instability. His approach prioritizes education and helping students see results before charging for his services. **02 Business success can support Kingdom work.** Sebastian describes how investing has enabled him to generate funds for church leaders, churches, and mission trips, connecting financial progress with his desire to serve others. **03 Wealth is about more than money.** Reflecting on Proverbs 10:22, Sebastian describes wealth in terms of freedom, prosperity, family, and relief from the struggle of simply surviving. **04 Putting faith and purpose first can change how you approach business.** Sebastian recounts how embracing public speaking, Christian values, and the purpose behind his business preceded a fourfold increase in his business. **05 Don't let perfectionism keep you from starting.** Sebastian's most memorable advice comes from a question he heard at 18: "At what point is procrastination, disobedience?" His answer is simple: start, accept that you'll stumble, and learn as you go. 🎥 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/h6HZxEd4WJs 🌍 Join the mission here- [www.thirdfish.org](www.thirdfish.org)