Many assume faith and managing finances operate in separate worlds when they invest assets for their future use. But for those who follow a faith-based financial planning approach, money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about stewardship, responsibility, and aligning financial decisions with biblical values.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of misconceptions about what faith-driven financial planning means:
- Does faith-based financial planning discourage wealth-building?
- Does faith-based financial planning limit investment choices?
- Does faith-based financial planning only apply to clergy?
As a team of San Antonio faith-based financial planners, we help individuals and families apply scriptural wisdom to their financial strategies, ensuring their money reflects all of their values.
In our blog, we’ll clear the air by debunking five common myths and exploring how faith and finances can work together to create a more secure financial future.
Myth #1: Faith-Based Financial Planning Means Minimizing Wealth
The Truth: Wealth Is a Tool, Not a Sin
One of the biggest myths surrounding faith-based financial planning is that it discourages wealth accumulation. Many assume that biblical teachings equate money to greed, but Scripture does not condemn wealth but warns about the love of money and placing it above God.
1 Timothy [6:10] states, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” This does not mean money is evil, but prioritizing wealth over faith can lead to problems.
How PAX Can Assist: As a San Antonio-based BRI financial advisor, we encourage our clients to build wealth morally and responsibly, so that it provides for their families, contributes to charitable causes, and honors God’s teachings.
Looking to enhance your charitable giving in 2025? Listen to our podcast on “Christian Donor-Advised Funds with Ryan Assunto.”
Myth #2: Tithing Limits Financial Growth
The Truth: Generosity Leads to Greater Blessings and Satisfaction
Many believe tithing or charitable giving will limit your financial success. Biblical teachings emphasize that generosity opens the door to blessings and financial stability.
Luke [6:38] reinforces this: “Give, and it will be given to you.”
Tithing should not be seen as a loss of income or assets but rather as a faith-driven act that fosters financial discipline and reliance on the teachings of God.
How PAX Can Assist: Many faith-based financial planners, including those at PAX Financial Group, should encourage you to prioritize generosity while focusing on practical financial strategies like saving, investing, and minimizing risk.
Myth #3: Faith-Based Financial Planning Is Just About Budgeting
The Truth: It Covers Every Aspect of Your Financial Well-Being
Some couples assume that faith-based financial planning begins and ends with budgeting—making sure your income is allocated responsibly, and that tithing is included in your budgeting process.
But the reality is that a faith-based financial planner takes a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Debt Management – Avoid excessive debt and develop repayment strategies to be debt-free.
- Investing – Aligning investments with the principles of Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI).
- Retirement Planning – Striving for financial security while maintaining a faith-driven wealth accumulation and preservation perspective.
- Estate Planning – Creating a legacy that reflects Christian values for multiple generations.
- Risk Management – Protecting wealth using reliable insurance and financial safeguards.
How PAX Can Assist: Consider working with a CFP ® in San Antonio who specializes in faith-based financial planning and will help you manage assets and create financial, retirement, and estate plans that align with your spiritual beliefs.
Check out this podcast: “Purposeful Planning: Using Reflection to Shape Your Future.”
Myth #4: Faith-Based Investing Means Avoiding All Stock Investments
The Truth: It Encourages Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)
A common misconception is that faith-based investing limits opportunities, in some cases, requiring individuals to avoid the stock market altogether. In reality, Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) provides a framework for ethical investing, ensuring that your portfolio reflects Christian values while still allowing for market appreciation and income.
Proverbs 21:5 – “The plans of the diligent lead to profit.”
How PAX Can Assist: As San Antonio BRI financial advisors, we can help you screen companies that engage in business practices that conflict with your values, such as gambling, pornography, or unethical labor practices, while seeking investments based on more ethical business practices.
This approach does not limit financial results—it redirects investments toward companies that align with your Christian values.
Listen to our popular podcast, “Three Paths to Faith-Based Investing.”
Myth #5: Faith-Based Financial Planning Is Only for Religious Leaders or the Wealthy
The Truth: It’s for Everyone, Regardless of Income Level
Another common myth is that faith-based financial planning is only for pastors, religious leaders, or high-net-worth church members. The truth is that anyone, regardless of age, income, or circumstance, can benefit from a financial strategy that aligns with their faith.
Luke [16:10] states, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
How PAX Can Assist: As faith-based CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERS ®, we work with you to help you pursue increased financial stability, eliminate debt, and create a plan for the future—all while honoring God’s principles.
How PAX Financial Group Supports Faith-Based Financial Planning
If you want a CFP ® in San Antonio who understands faith-based financial planning, PAX Financial Group provides financial guidance rooted in biblical values. Our team can help you:
✅ Align Your Finances with Your Faith: We create personalized strategies that reflect your beliefs and your family’s needs.
✅ Implement Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)—We help ensure your investments align with Christian principles and ethics.
✅ Manage Wealth Effectively – We provide comprehensive planning for retirement, estate management, and financial growth.
✅ Prioritize Generosity & Stewardship – We assist you with the integration of tithing, charitable giving, and financial discipline into your long-term financial plans.
If you’re looking for guidance from a San Antonio BRI financial advisor, PAX Financial Group offers decades of expertise and faith-driven insights that are needed to help you honor God while building a secure financial future.
Connect with a faith-based financial planner at PAX Financial Group today.
