Home | Rich Road Stewardship

Helping Parents Raise Grateful and Grounded Kids

through developing habits around Work, Finances, and Technology.

My name is Doug - welcome to Rich Road Stewardship!

As a parent of four kids I have developed a core belief that children who learn to take ownership and responsibility in the home, learn the basics of financial literacy, and get a foothold on healthy boundaries with technology... will become more grateful and grounded as adults.

Research shows (see stats below!) that children who are introduced to work and finances at home at a young age become more responsible, happier adults. On the

other side of the coin, unchecked technology and unclear boundaries can quietly undermine a child’s growth and maturity.

In other words, we should increase the presence of responsibility and financial literacy, and decrease the overreach of technology.

When families have a clear, thoughtful plan in these areas, it can change the trajectory of a child’s life—especially as we prepare them for a future that is changing faster than any generation before them.

I hope you find these resources helpful, and I would welcome the opportunity to connect—whether to support your family or to serve families in your church, school, or broader network!

Some Statistics (scratching the surface)

Technology

41 percent of teenagers say they are addicted to their mobile devices, and 36 percent say they sometimes wish they could go back to a time when there was no Meta (Jiang 2018).
94 percent of children who have received unsolicited nudes from adults did not report the perpetrator, even though 33 percent had previously predicted that they would do so (Thorn 2022).
In 55 percent of cases where children reported or blocked aggressors, their perpetrators found them again either by creating a new account on the same platform or by using a different platform (Thorn 2022).
Between 2010 and 2020 girls saw a 200% increase in Major Depressive Episodes while boys saw an even larger increase, albeit with much lower values overall (Digital Parenting Guidebook)
Over 75% of surveyed youth in a recent study said that they could access Internet pornography at home without their caregiver knowing. (Digital Parenting Guidebook)

Financial Literacy

Gen Z (young adults) scores the lowest of all generations on financial literacy assessments, correctly answering only about 38 percent of questions on a standard personal finance index. Source
32% of teens cannot correctly identify the difference between a credit card and a debit card. Source
74 percent of U.S. teens lack confidence in their financial education and foundational money skills. Source

Chores

Only 28 percent of parents require their children to do regular household chores, even though 82 percent of those parents themselves did chores when they were growing up. Source
In a University of Minnesota study of children and chores and later outcomes in life, based on 20 years of data following 84 children, the study identified specific long-term benefits for those who started chores early:
- These individuals were more likely to complete their education and achieve early career success.
- They developed better relationships with family and friends and were more likely to be self-sufficient.
- The study found a correlation with avoiding drug use in their mid-20s. Source

About Doug

I have been married to my wife, Ashley, for 18 years. We have four kids: Sam (14), Max (10), Josephine (8), and Johnny (6).

I first sensed God calling me to financial stewardship when I was a brand-new financial planner—an unmistakably clear moment that has shaped my life and work ever since.

I’ve spent ten years in financial planning and ten in nonprofit leadership. I served two years in full-time stewardship ministry and have continued to teach workshops, preach, write on biblical generosity, and serve on financial committees and nonprofit boards.

While working at a university, I completed a master’s degree in Intercultural Leadership and served in senior leadership roles. I taught courses including Stewardship of Fundraising and Career Development, reimagined global programs and donor development, and supported more than 400 missionaries in raising full financial support for overseas service.

I’ve accumulated hundreds of hours of speaking experience and love helping people reach “aha!” moments. I focus on making content clear, practical, and engaging—and I approach every room expecting to learn as much as I teach.

Education
B.A. in Economics, Saint Olaf College, 2008
M.A. in Intercultural Leadership, Bethany University, 2022