What Is a Biblical Financial Advisor?

If you have searched for help with money and added the word "Christian" or "biblical," you are not alone. Many believers want a financial professional who understands why their faith matters to their money. But the term "biblical financial advisor" is not a license, a credential or a legal category. So what does it actually mean?

This guide explains it in plain language, so you can decide whether that kind of advisor is right for you.

A biblical financial advisor is a financial professional who uses the same planning tools as any careful advisor, but who starts from a Christian view of money. That view usually rests on a few ideas found throughout Scripture:

• Everything belongs to God. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). We are managers, not owners.
• Stewardship. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), servants are trusted with resources and asked to use them wisely.
• Generosity. Giving is a normal part of the Christian life, not an afterthought.
• Contentment. "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). Knowing what is "enough" is part of the plan.
• Planning ahead. Proverbs praises the ant that gathers food in summer (Proverbs 6:6-8) and warns against hasty decisions (Proverbs 21:5). That is a principle of wisdom, not a promise of financial results.

The advisor's faith does not replace sound financial practice. It shapes the questions asked and the priorities set.

A biblical financial advisor still needs to know the technical side well. That includes:

• Building a retirement income plan
• Social Security claiming decisions
• Tax planning, including Roth conversions and required minimum distributions
• Investment management
• Estate and legacy planning
• Insurance and risk questions

Being a Christian does not make anyone qualified to give financial advice. Look for the same credentials and registrations you would look for with any advisor. More on that below.

Here is where a faith-based approach often shows up in practice.

1. Giving is built in

A biblical approach often puts giving first in the budget. In retirement, that might include giving from an IRA through a qualified charitable distribution after age 70½, or planning gifts of appreciated assets. (See Qualified Charitable Distributions: Giving from Your IRA.)

2. The "why" comes before the "how"

Instead of starting with "How much can you earn?", a Christian advisor may start with "What is this money for?" Your answers might include providing for your spouse, helping grandchildren, supporting your church, serving in missions, or simply being free from worry.

3. Conversations about "enough"

Contentment is countercultural. A faith-based planner can help you define a lifestyle that is comfortable and sustainable, so that extra resources can go toward purpose instead of more spending.

4. Values in investing, if you want it

Some Christians want to avoid investing in companies whose products conflict with their beliefs. This is sometimes called biblically responsible investing or faith-based investing. A Christian advisor can explain the options and their tradeoffs, such as cost, diversification and fewer choices. It is a personal decision, and not every Christian chooses it.

5. Family and legacy

Scripture talks about leaving an inheritance (Proverbs 13:22) and also about wisdom. A biblical planner will often help families talk about values, not just dollars, when they plan an estate.

Because anyone can use the label, it helps to ask direct questions:

1. What are your credentials? CFP® certification, for example, requires education, an exam, experience and an ethics commitment.
2. How are you registered? You can look up any advisor on FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) or the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site.
3. How are you paid? Fees, commissions or both. Ask for it in writing.
4. When do you act as a fiduciary? Ask what standard applies to each type of service.
5. How does your faith actually shape your advice? A good answer should be specific, not just a slogan.
6. Do I have to be a Christian to work with you? Many faith-based advisors serve everyone.

• Using faith to build trust in place of clear answers about fees and risks
• Promises of returns or "guaranteed" outcomes
• Pressure to decide quickly
• Unwillingness to put things in writing

Affinity fraud, where someone exploits shared faith to sell bad investments, is a real problem. The SEC and FINRA both warn about it. A trustworthy Christian advisor will welcome your questions.

It may be a good fit if you:

• Want your plan to reflect your faith and giving goals
• Value conversations about purpose and contentment
• Want help aligning investments with your values
• Prefer to work with someone who shares your worldview

It may not matter as much if you only need a narrow, technical service. Either way, check credentials first.

Our name comes from Matthew 25, the parable of the talents. Will Snodgrass, CFP®, works with Christian pre-retirees, retirees and business owners. Our office is in The Woodlands, Texas, and we work with Texas clients by secure video. Advisory services are available only where Will is properly registered or exempt from registration. If you are nearby, see our Christian Financial Advisor in The Woodlands page. If you are elsewhere in Texas, see Christian Financial Advisor in Texas.

A good first step is the Free Retirement Paycheck Readiness Scorecard at scorecard.matt25capital.com.

Related reading: How Faith-Based Retirement Income Planning Works | How to Choose a Christian Financial Advisor | Faith-Based vs. Traditional Wealth Management