When I launched my financial advisory firm almost three years ago, I decided that I wanted to integrate my faith into my practice. I started by integrating a Bible verse into my company motto and logo, and I researched faith-based investing. Beyond that, I didn’t have much of a framework for exactly how to move from a financial advisor who is a Christian to a Christian financial advisor so that I can truly help other Christians who want to live out their faith through their finances.
A turning point came for me earlier this year. In February, I attended a conference in Orlando hosted by Kingdom Advisors, a faith-based financial advisor group, and it sparked a new vision for my career. It wasn’t just about the latest investment trends or financial planning strategies, although those were valuable, too. The conference offered a whole new perspective: integrating faith with finances.
One of the breakout sessions was an informational one on the Certified Kingdom Advisor designation program. As soon as I returned home, I knew I had to pursue it. Being a Christian financial advisor wasn’t enough. I wanted to actively weave Christian principles into my practice, empowering clients to achieve their financial goals in a way that aligns with their core values.
This focus on values is important for everyone, not just Christians. Money can be a powerful tool, but it often ends up controlling us instead of the other way around. The CKA program is helping me become a guide, equipping clients to make financial decisions that reflect their priorities and aspirations.
I am now 11 weeks into the 20-week program and I want to share some of the takeaways with you.
Beyond the Numbers: Rethinking Tithing
A Barna Group study revealed a surprising statistic: only 5% of Americans tithe, meaning they donate 10% of their income to charity or to the church. Among Christians, that number jumps to 24%. However, even among Christians, the concept of tithing can be misunderstood.
The word “tithe” itself means “tenth,” suggesting a 10% contribution to a religious cause. But the question lingers: is this 10% of your gross income before taxes, or what’s left over after paying your bills? Proverbs 3:9–10 (the scripture referenced on my own company logo) offers some insight. It encourages us to “Honor the Lord with the firstfruits of all your crops . . .” This emphasizes prioritizing giving, not waiting until the end of the month to see what’s left.
Why We Hesitate to Give More
Regardless of religious background, we all have a natural urge to help others in need. Yet, two main factors often hold us back when it comes to giving:
Fear of Lack – We worry about setting aside money for charitable giving, fearing it will leave us with insufficient funds for ourselves and our families. This is where financial planning becomes crucial. By understanding your life goals, motivations and priorities, you can determine your true needs and identify what you can comfortably contribute.
Lifestyle Creep – As standard of living improves, former luxuries become new necessities. The Certified Kingdom Advisor program introduced a powerful framework called “Live, Give, Owe, Grow.” It categorizes money into four key areas:
Live: Funds used for your everyday expenses
Give: Donations to charities or causes you care about
Owe: Debt repayment and taxes
Grow: Savings and investments for future goals like retirement
The American dream often pushes us to prioritize lifestyle expenses, acquiring possessions and experiences. However, this “Live First” approach can lead to debt spirals and financial stress.
Flipping the Script: Putting Values First
The CKA program advocates for a different approach. It prioritizes “Give” first, encouraging us to allocate a portion of our income to charitable giving. Next comes debt repayment, followed by saving and investing for the future. Finally, what remains is used for your lifestyle expenses.
This might seem counterintuitive, but it can be incredibly empowering. By prioritizing giving and taking control of your debt, you free yourself from financial burdens and gain greater control over your finances. It’s about aligning your money with your values and creating a life that reflects what truly matters to you.
Taking Action on Your Financial Journey
Even if you’re not currently giving at the level you’d like, setting a goal to increase it from last year is a great first step. Focus on getting your finances in order and developing a plan that reflects your values. This journey can be transformative, and there’s help available. If you’re looking for guidance on aligning your financial goals with your values, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different, so consult a financial advisor.)
Top image by Karolina Grabowska / Kaboompics
