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.
3 Signs You Might Be Too Passive with Your Money
Many people confuse faith with financial passivity. But stewardship is intentional. In this post, I walk through three subtle signs you might be too passive with your money—and how to shift into a healthier, more faithful rhythm of financial leadership.
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.
What Should a Pastor Do With an Extra $500?
An unexpected $500 can either disappear—or become the start of something intentional. Here are five ideas to help pastors put extra money to work with purpose.
3 Smart Things to Check on Your 2024 Tax Return
Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Before you hit submit, here are 3 areas every working pastor (or anyone in ministry) should review to avoid surprises—and potentially save money.
5 Things Every Pastor Should Know About Taxes (Before You File)
Tax season is different when you’re in ministry. From housing allowance to outside income and retirement contributions, here are 5 key things every pastor should understand before filing. These aren't tips for deductions — they’re reminders that could save you stress, money, and time.
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.
5 Simple Financial Wins to Start This Week
Most pastors need more than just small tweaks to their finances but big change starts with small, consistent steps. This post gives you five practical moves you can take this week to start building momentum toward financial health and peace of mind.
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.
Should Pastors Roll Their 403(b) into an Annuity? Stop and Consider These Risks First
I've recently spoken with pastors who rolled their 403(b) funds into an annuity while still working—only to regret it later. What seemed like a great decision at the time turned into frustration as they uncovered fees, restrictions, and tax complications they didn’t fully understand. Before making a move, take a moment to consider the real cost of an annuity and whether better alternatives exist.
Navigating the Clergy Housing Allowance: Best Practices and Pitfalls to Avoid
Many pastors receive a housing allowance, but not all understand how to maximize it or avoid costly IRS mistakes. This guide breaks down the best practices for setting up a clergy housing allowance, keeping records, and staying compliant with IRS rules. Learn what expenses qualify, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what documentation you need in case of an audit.
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.
A Second Chance for Pastors: The Clergy Act and Why It Matters
Many pastors opted out of Social Security, believing it was the right choice at the time. But years later, some find themselves financially vulnerable with no way to opt back in—until now. The Clergy Act, a new bill in Congress, could give pastors a one-time opportunity to re-enter Social Security. Learn how this legislation could impact pastors, the church, and why now is the time to take action.
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.