Welcome to the Pastoral Finance Blog.
Here, you'll find practical financial insights tailored for pastors and ministry leaders. These articles are a free resource designed to help you navigate everything from tax planning to retirement, side hustles, and church financial management.
Looking for something specific? Use the search bar below to explore our library of content.
Will I Ever Be Ready to Retire?
Will I Ever Be Ready to Retire?
Retirement looks different for pastors. It’s not about escaping a job, but stepping into a new season of ministry with clarity and purpose. This post explores the spiritual, emotional, and financial questions pastors must wrestle with as they consider what retirement really means—and how to plan for it with confidence.
The 90-Minute Financial Reset
Feeling financially foggy? In just 90 minutes, you can clear your mind, get organized, and build a plan you actually believe in. No spreadsheets. No shame. Just one focused evening to reset and position yourself for your next step with confidence.
Why Your Budget Always Feels Tight (And How a Cash Flow Buffer Can Fix It)
Even when your budget looks good on paper, the day-to-day stress can feel constant. This post explains how a simple cash flow buffer can reduce anxiety and create space between paychecks and bills.
The 5 Money Questions Every Pastor Should Be Asking Right Now
Sometimes it’s not a new strategy you need. It’s the right question.
This post offers five essential questions every pastor should be asking about their money. From margin to mission, giving to emergency readiness, these questions will help you reflect on your finances through the lens of calling, clarity, and wise stewardship.
3 Tax Moves Pastors Can Still Make Before April 15
The deadline is here, but it’s not too late. Here are three strategic tax moves pastors can still make before April 15—including how to review your housing allowance, retirement contributions, and 2025 withholding plan.
4 Questions to Ask Before You Buy That Next Big Thing
Impulse spending doesn’t just affect consumers. Ministry leaders face financial decisions too. In this post, I share four wise, practical questions to help you pause, pray, and purchase with peace.
The One Money Habit That Changes Everything
There is one small financial habit that can bring clarity, reduce stress, and create momentum in your money life. It only takes a few minutes a week but can change everything. In this post, I’ll show you how to make it part of your weekly rhythm.
Retiring Before 65? Here’s What You Need to Know About Health Insurance Options
Health insurance is one of the biggest questions early retirees face—especially for those retiring before Medicare eligibility. In this post, we walk through practical options like COBRA, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and spousal coverage so you can plan with clarity and confidence.
Don’t Leave It to the Courts: Why Your Estate Plan Matters
Without a plan, the state decides what happens to your estate. In this post, we explore why wills, trusts, and legacy planning matter—and how ministry-minded individuals can take control of their financial future while leaving a legacy of faith and stewardship.
Should You Buy a House When You Move for Ministry?
If you’re a pastor preparing to relocate for ministry, buying a home can feel like the logical next step. But is it the wisest move right now? This post outlines five key things to consider before diving into homeownership in a new community.
Stop Waiting for More Income. Get Clarity With What You Have
It’s easy to think that a little more income would solve everything—but that’s not always the issue. For many pastors, the breakthrough comes not from earning more, but from finally seeing where they are financially. This post will help you move from stress to clarity.
Are You on the Same Page? 3 Conversations Every Couple Should Have
It’s easy to assume you’re aligned—until life proves otherwise. From knowing where important documents are to sharing a vision for your finances, these three conversations can help you and your spouse build clarity and peace of mind.
3 Common Bank Account Mistakes Pastors Make (And How to Fix Them)
Many pastors have bank accounts that make money management harder, not easier. In this post, I break down 3 common account-related mistakes and show you simple ways to fix them—without overhauling your whole system.
How Much Should Pastors Save for Retirement? A Practical Guide for Every Season of Ministry
Many pastors wonder, “Am I saving enough for retirement?” With unique challenges like housing allowance changes and Social Security opt-outs, pastors need to plan wisely. This guide breaks down how much to save at each stage, plus practical steps to build a secure future—no matter where you're starting.
What Financial Documents Should Pastors Keep and For How Long
Many pastors assume their tax return is enough to prove their housing allowance, but without the right documentation, they could be in for a surprise if the IRS comes calling. Knowing what financial documents to keep—and for how long—can protect you from unnecessary stress. This guide breaks down exactly what pastors need to save for taxes, ministry expenses, retirement, and more. Plus, grab a free document retention checklist to keep your records in order.
Tax Season Tips for Pastors: Maximizing Your Deductions
Tax season can be overwhelming, especially for pastors with unique financial situations. This guide breaks down clergy-specific tax benefits, including the housing allowance, self-employment taxes, and deductible ministry expenses. Learn how to keep more of your money and stay IRS-compliant. Need a tax checklist? Click here to request your free guide.
The Complete Insurance Guide: What You Need, What You Don’t, and the One Policy You Might Be Missing
Insurance can feel overwhelming, but at its core, it’s simply a tool to protect your financial future. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored health, life, disability, and long-term care insurance—now we’re wrapping it all up, including a crucial policy most people overlook: umbrella insurance.
Long-Term Care Insurance: What You Need to Know
Many assume they’ll never need long-term care, but the reality is that costs can derail even the best financial plans. In this post, we’ll break down when long-term care insurance makes sense, when it doesn’t, and what alternatives are available.
Disability Insurance for Pastors: Protecting Your Income Without Overpaying
Disability insurance is often overlooked, but losing your income due to illness or injury can be financially devastating. Learn how pastors can protect their income while keeping costs reasonable.
Life Insurance for Pastors: How to Protect Your Family Without Overpaying
Life insurance is one of the most overlooked yet essential protections for pastors. Without it, your family could face financial hardship if something happens to you. This guide explains how much coverage you need, why term insurance is usually best, and where to find affordable policies.