Larry Burkett (1939-2003) was an influential American author, speaker, and radio personality specializing in financial counseling from a Christian perspective. Born on March 3, 1939, in Winter Park, Florida, he grew up in the southeastern United States and served in the U.S. Air Force during the early 1960s. After his military service, Burkett worked in various business roles but encountered personal financial difficulties that prompted him to study biblical principles of money management. In 1976, he founded Christian Financial Concepts (CFC), an organization dedicated to teaching debt-free living, stewardship, and generous giving based on scriptural teachings. CFC later evolved into Crown Financial Ministries, which continues his work today. Burkett was also a co-founder of the National Christian Foundation (NCF) in 1982, supporting charitable giving among Christians.

Burkett became a prominent voice in evangelical circles through his prolific writing and media presence. He authored over 20 books, including bestsellers such as 'How to Manage Your Money' (1982) and 'The Coming Economic Earthquake' (1991), which emphasized financial responsibility as a form of spiritual obedience and warned of economic instability. His daily radio program, 'Money Matters,' aired nationwide and reached millions, providing practical advice on budgeting, debt reduction, and investing while integrating Christian ethics. Burkett's teachings influenced churches, families, and individuals, promoting the idea that true financial freedom comes from aligning one's finances with God's will. He spoke at conferences and seminars across the U.S., building a network of influence in conservative Christian communities.

Burkett's health declined in his later years due to heart issues and cancer, and he passed away on July 4, 2003, in Gainesville, Florida, at the age of 64. His legacy endures through his books, which have sold millions of copies, and the organizations he helped establish. Critics occasionally noted his predictions of economic doom were alarmist, but his core message of fiscal prudence and faith-based stewardship remains widely respected in Christian financial education.