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.
7 of the Biggest Financial Blind Spots for Pastors in Their 50s
Most pastors reach their 50s with decades of faithful ministry behind them but with growing uncertainty about their financial future. This post breaks down the seven biggest blind spots pastors overlook at this stage of life, including retirement gaps, Social Security strategy, housing allowance issues, Medicare timelines, and more. Understanding these now can change your entire next season.
Why Pastors Cannot Afford Not to Have Ongoing Financial Planning
Most pastors rely on a one-time financial plan without realizing it becomes outdated almost immediately. This post explains why ongoing financial planning matters and how it helps pastors gain clarity and confidence as their lives and ministries shift.
When the Church Isn’t Contributing to Your Retirement: How to Start the Right Conversation
Most pastors assume their church is contributing to their retirement until they find out it’s not. For many who’ve only worked in ministry, the idea of an employer match or automatic contribution is completely foreign. In this post, we’ll unpack how to start a healthy, informed conversation with your church board about retirement contributions, what’s normal in the broader workplace (typically 4–6%), and how to build a plan that honors both your calling and your future.
The Financial Mistakes Pastors Often Make During a Move
Moving to a new church can be one of the most exciting and stressful seasons in a pastor’s life. But it can also be one of the most financially vulnerable. From housing allowance paperwork to delayed paychecks, even seasoned pastors can overlook critical details that lead to unnecessary stress. Here’s how to prepare wisely and keep your finances steady when ministry takes you somewhere new.
Understanding the 5 Buckets of a Pastor’s Financial Plan
Most pastors think about money in two simple ways: what goes out and whether there’s anything left. But good stewardship needs structure. Discover the five financial “buckets” every pastor should understand to bring order, clarity, and peace to their money.
Pastor are You Financially Healthy? A Simple Checkup for Pastors
Every pastor needs a financial checkup just like a physical one. These seven questions help you assess your financial health and build lasting stability in ministry and life.
The Retirement Mistake Most Pastors Don’t See Coming
Many pastors unknowingly sabotage their retirement by withdrawing money in the wrong order. Housing allowance, 403(b) distributions, Roth IRAs, and Social Security all interact in unique ways for clergy. Learn why a thoughtful withdrawal plan matters and how avoiding this common mistake can protect your future.
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.
Your Church Isn’t Your Retirement Plan
Too many pastors are quietly banking on goodwill, parsonage access, or a future board’s generosity to carry them through retirement. But what happens when the leadership changes, the promises weren’t written down, and the church can’t afford to do what they hoped it could?
In this post, we confront the myth that “the church will take care of me,” and offer five practical, pastor-specific steps to start building a secure future now.
Roth IRA vs. 403(b) for Ministers: Which Should You Prioritize?
Choosing between a Roth IRA and a 403(b) can be confusing for pastors. This guide breaks down what matters most like church match, tax treatment, and how to use strategies like the Backdoor Roth effectively.
Should Pastors Pay Off Their Mortgage Early? Key Considerations for Ministers
Wondering if you should pay off your mortgage early as a pastor? This guide explains how clergy housing allowance, retirement planning, and financial trade-offs impact your decision.