By: Alex Cook
Choosing a financial adviser is a big decision. As you search for the best professional for your situation, make sure you also add faith background to the list of considerations.
Why? Unlike other services and support you seek out, finances are incredibly personal and subjective. There are many different approaches when it comes to how people view money and its purpose and management.
As a Christian, it is important to work with a financial professional who truly understands biblical stewardship and shares your heart for God’s Kingdom. After all, you are asking that person to help you steward the capital that God has given you so that you can achieve good financial outcomes for you and your family, and ensure your money is used effectively for God’s kingdom. From starting a family and approaching retirement to meeting investment objectives and planning spending and saving, they are helping you make critical decisions about your future.
Thus, choosing a financial adviser that incorporates Christian principles and biblically responsible investing should be a top priority. If you need further convincing, here is a list of key reasons to search for a Christian advisor.
More Meaningful Conversations
Some of the first questions you will need to think through include your options, dreams, and goals – and then articulate a plan to finance them. This task will be much easier with someone who shares your value system and understands your worldview. You will be able to have more meaningful conversations, without feeling pressured to compromise your values.
Shared Values
As mentioned, this individual will be analysing where your money goes, giving investment advice and charting a plan for debt management. A Christian advisor will understand that your life as a Christian is going to lead the way on how you manage your finances. Each piece of advice they give will be grounded in the truth that all money is God’s money, and God alone is the true provider.
Ethics
A true Christian advisor will aim to be obedient to God and will seek to uphold God’s moral standards. In turn, they will hold themselves to a higher standard. Of course, no one is perfect, but you want to align yourself with someone that seeks to run their business ethically with your best interests in mind – not someone more interested in their own bottom line than your family’s financial health and success.
Biblical Stewardship
A Christian adviser should apply biblical principles to the way they manage money. A good example of this is Ecclesiastes 11:2, “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.” In other words, they should help you diversify and equip you to be financially and spiritually faithful with the resources God has entrusted to your care.
Eternal perspective
When they pitch themselves, secular advisers tend to zero in on how they can help you achieve your dreams. This is often material in nature, with little to no consideration given as to how money can be used to do enormous good. A likeminded Christian advisor can help you see a return on your money and, beyond that, invest with your values and make a lasting impact on the world.
Understanding Generosity
Many advisers want to help you reduce your costs so you can save more. The overall emphasis is on wealth, rather than purpose and service. A Christian advisor will share the same belief that generosity breaks the power of money in our lives, helping you master money rather than money master you. They can help you find ways to give, regardless of your level of assets.
Competence
Simply being a Christian does not guarantee financial competence, so you still need to do your homework and ensure the adviser you are dealing with is experienced. The right person will not only be equipped to assess your situation, but also help you make decisions that limit debt and create a secure financial future. Their experience can also help you avoid unintentionally investing in companies that support controversial beliefs.
So, do you have to choose a Christian financial adviser to achieve good financial outcomes? No, there are professionals out there that set aside their personal beliefs to assist their clients. But it is questionable as to whether they will truly understand how important faith is in your life and in how you intend to manage your money. For a God-glorifying outcome, find a financial expert you can trust with both your faith and your finances.
Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.
About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.
Feature image: Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash