Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from Christians navigating money with a stewardship mindset, and from families exploring what it's like to work with a Christian financial advisor.
Biblical Money & Stewardship
What does the Bible say about money and stewardship?
Scripture is clear that everything we have belongs to God, and we are simply managers—stewards—of His resources (Psalm 24:1, 1 Chronicles 29:14). Passages like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30) show that God expects us to invest and grow what we've been entrusted with, not bury it out of fear. Stewardship reframes money from something to hoard or chase into a tool for faithfulness, generosity, and provision. For a deeper look, read our guide to biblical financial stewardship.
Is it wrong for Christians to invest and grow wealth?
No. Growing wealth isn't the problem; the love of money and how we use what we're given is (1 Timothy 6:10). The Parable of the Talents actually rebukes the servant who did nothing with what he was given. Wise investing, done with the right heart and purpose, is one way we steward resources faithfully and expand our capacity to provide and give. See our full breakdown of what Scripture says about investing.
How can I balance saving for the future with trusting God for provision?
Saving wisely and trusting God aren't opposites—Proverbs repeatedly praises the "prudent" who plan ahead (Proverbs 21:20). Trusting God doesn't mean ignoring practical wisdom; it means holding your plans with an open hand, saving faithfully while remembering that ultimate security comes from Him, not your account balance.
What does biblical stewardship look like in practical terms?
Practically, it means budgeting with intention, giving generously, avoiding debt that creates bondage, saving for the future, and making decisions that align your finances with your values rather than culture's definition of success. It's less about a single formula and more about consistently asking, "Am I managing this well for the One who owns it?" Our post on 10 biblical financial principles walks through this in more detail.
How much should Christians give, and where does giving fit into a plan?
Many Christians use the tithe (10%) as a starting benchmark rooted in the Old Testament, while others feel led toward sacrificial, above-and-beyond generosity as described in 2 Corinthians 9:7—giving cheerfully, not under compulsion. We help clients build giving into their plan from the start, rather than treating it as an afterthought once everything else is funded. If you're 70½ or older, don't miss how a Qualified Charitable Distribution can let you give to your church tax-free.
Is debt always wrong for a Christian?
The Bible warns strongly against the bondage of debt (Proverbs 22:7) but doesn't categorically forbid it. There's a meaningful difference between debt taken on wisely and with a clear payoff plan (like a reasonable mortgage) and debt driven by impatience or lifestyle inflation. We help clients evaluate debt through that lens rather than a blanket rule. Read more in what the Bible says about debt.
How should Christians think about retirement biblically?
Retirement isn't really a biblical concept—Scripture speaks more to seasons of life and continued purpose than to a finish line. We encourage clients to see retirement less as "stopping" and more as a transition into a season with more freedom to serve, disciple, and be present for family, fully funded by wise stewardship in the decades before. Explore this further in what the Bible says about retirement.
Can pursuing financial security ever conflict with my faith?
It can, if security becomes the goal rather than a byproduct of faithful stewardship. Jesus warns against storing up treasure as an end in itself (Matthew 6:19–21) and against anxiety over provision (Matthew 6:25–34). Financial planning done well doesn't chase security for its own sake; it frees you from financial anxiety so you can focus on what matters most.
What role does contentment play in a Christian's finances?
Contentment (Philippians 4:11–13, 1 Timothy 6:6) is the antidote to the comparison and lifestyle creep that derail so many financial plans. A biblically grounded plan isn't built around "more"—it's built around clarity on what you actually need, so your resources can go further toward your family, your generosity, and your calling. We unpack this more in how consumerism affects our relationship with God and money.
Working With A Christian Financial Advisor
What is a Christian financial advisor, and how is it different?
A Christian financial advisor brings biblical principles—stewardship, generosity, contentment, integrity—into the technical work of financial planning. The strategies (tax planning, investing, retirement income) are the same discipline any advisor practices; the difference is the lens they're viewed through and the goals they're built around. Learn more about what a financial planner does, or see our full list of services.
What does "fee-only fiduciary" mean, and why does it matter?
Fee-only means we're compensated solely by the fee you pay us—never commissions from selling products. Fiduciary means we're legally required to act in your best interest at all times. Together, they remove the conflicts of interest that shape a lot of the financial industry, so our advice is about what's right for you, not what pays us the most.
Will you try to sell me investment products or insurance?
No. As a fee-only firm, we don't sell products, earn commissions, or have sales quotas. Any recommendation we make is because we believe it genuinely serves your plan, not because it generates a payout for us.
Do I need a certain net worth or income to work with you?
We work primarily with households who have $50,000 or more in investable assets, though every situation is unique. If you're unsure whether you're a fit, the best next step is simply to reach out and have a conversation—there's no cost or obligation to find out.
Do you only work with clients in Indiana?
Not anymore. While Full of Grace Financial got its start in Northeast Indiana, we now work with faith-driven families and business owners nationwide. Most of our relationship happens virtually through video meetings, so wherever you call home, distance isn't a barrier to working together.
How do you incorporate faith into planning without being pushy about it?
We lead with the technical excellence any good advisor should offer, and we let faith show up in how we counsel, not as a sales pitch. For clients who want to talk explicitly about biblical principles as they relate to a decision, we're glad to; for those who simply want faith-aligned values reflected in the plan without a lot of conversation about it, that's welcome too.
What can I expect in an initial meeting?
Our first conversation is mostly about you—your goals, your values, your current financial picture, and what "well-stewarded" looks like for your family. There's no pressure and no obligation; it's simply a chance for both of us to see if we're a good fit to work together long-term. If you're not sure where to start, our post on how to start a financial plan is a good primer.
How are you compensated, and are there any hidden fees?
Our fee is a transparent percentage of assets under management, published on our Fees page, with a flat planning fee for households below a certain asset threshold. There are no commissions, no product kickbacks, and no fine print—you'll always know exactly what you're paying and why.
Do you work with retirees, business owners, or both?
Both, along with pre-retirees preparing for the transition. We specialize in helping families aged 50–70 turn a lifetime of savings into a reliable income stream, and we also work closely with business owners and farmers on tax strategy, succession, and integrating their business and personal financial pictures. Business owners often ask us about the S-Corp election and the Section 179 deduction.