1 Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

Faithful stewardship does not happen by accident. The choices we make with money can either create unnecessary pressure or help us manage God’s resources with wisdom, margin, and faithfulness.

Here are six financial choices that can help us steward well what God has entrusted to us.

1. Spend With a Plan

Proverbs 27:23 says, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”

For us, that means knowing what is coming in, what is going out, and whether our spending reflects our values. Without a plan, money tends to drift. A budget helps us practice faithfulness with what God has provided.

A spending plan is not about restriction for its own sake. It is about clarity. It helps us make decisions with purpose instead of simply reacting to whatever feels urgent in the moment.

2. Choose the Right Car for Your Budget

Most of us need reliable transportation. We need to get from point A to point B safely. But it is easy to confuse reliable transportation with a vehicle that strains the budget.

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle transaction price was more than $49,000. Experian reports that the average monthly payment for a new vehicle reached $770. And that is before insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation.

At FaithFi, we generally prefer being free and clear of car debt when possible. That may mean buying used, driving a car longer, or choosing function over status.

The point is not to impress others with what we drive. The goal is to get where we need to go safely and wisely.

3. Count the Cost Before Taking on Debt

Proverbs 22:7 says, “The borrower is the slave of the lender.”

That does not mean all borrowing is sinful. But borrowing should never be treated casually. If we go into debt, we should make sure the economic benefit outweighs the cost.

The question is not simply, “Can I afford the payment?” A better question is, “Will this strengthen my financial position, or will it create more pressure later?”

Debt often makes today feel easier while making tomorrow more difficult. Wise stewardship requires us to look beyond the monthly payment and consider the long-term cost.

4. Prepare for the Unexpected

Cars break down. Medical bills come. Jobs change. Homes need repairs.

Proverbs 21:20 says, “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.”

Saving is not hoarding when it is done with humility and wisdom. An emergency fund can help us avoid high-interest debt and make decisions prayerfully rather than desperately.

Preparedness does not mean we are trusting in money instead of God. It means we are stewarding what He has provided so we can respond wisely when needs arise.

5. Choose Housing That Leaves Margin

Homeownership can be a worthy goal, but owning a home is not the definition of financial faithfulness. Renting is not a waste when it provides affordable shelter and flexibility.

The danger comes when we feel pressured to buy simply to say we have “made it.” If the payment is too large, we may become house poor—owning a home but lacking margin for giving, saving, repairs, utilities, food, transportation, and other necessities.

We typically recommend keeping housing costs at 25-30% of take-home pay. We also generally recommend a 20% down payment when possible. But the goal is not simply to get into a house. The goal is to maintain affordable shelter and utilities while stewarding the rest of the budget.

Recent housing data shows why this matters. A typical family earning the national median income needed about 32% of its income to cover the mortgage payment on a median-priced home.

If homeownership is possible within wise limits, that is wonderful. But if renting allows you to maintain margin and faithfulness, do not despise it.

6. Make the Most of a Workplace Retirement Match

Investing may not feel urgent when there are bills to pay today. But if your employer offers a retirement match, failing to contribute enough to receive it may leave part of your compensation unused.

This is not about trusting in wealth for security. 1 Timothy 6:17 reminds us not to set our hopes “on the uncertainty of riches, but on God.”

But trusting God does not mean ignoring wise preparation. If a workplace match is available, it can be a practical opportunity to steward well what has been provided through your employment.

Start With Honesty and Surrender

So where do we begin?

Not with guilt or fear, but with honesty and surrender. Stewardship means being responsible in both the big and small financial decisions because everything we have belongs to God.

That includes the budget, the car, the debt decision, the emergency fund, the housing payment, and the retirement match. None of these choices is isolated. Together, they shape how we manage what God has entrusted to us.

If you need help setting up a budget, tracking your spending, or creating a plan, check out the FaithFi app at FaithFi.com/App.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I’m 70, and my husband is 71. He’s been self-employed for most of our marriage, and we’ve never really invested or saved much for retirement. We don’t have a 401(k), and if we retired, we’d mostly rely on Social Security and would need to cut back significantly. My husband doesn’t really want to retire, but I feel like we haven’t been faithful stewards and need to start doing something. Where should we begin?
My wife passed away in December, and I may be receiving life insurance proceeds. If I deposit that money into my checking account, will it affect my Social Security benefits in any way?
I have to take required minimum distributions from my IRA each year. I’ve heard that if I give to charity directly from my IRA, it can reduce the taxable amount of my RMD. Is that correct, and is there a specific way I need to do that?
I’m almost 70 and in a blended family. The money I earned and invested before marriage is separate from my husband and will go to my daughters. After I moved investments between firms and lost money, my current advisor put me into three annuities. I want security, wise stewardship, and a way to leave something for my children, but I’m confused about the annuities, taxes, and withdrawals from these pre-tax IRA accounts. I’d also like a Certified Kingdom Advisor to review my situation. What should I do?

Resources Mentioned:

Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.

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