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.
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.
Disability Insurance for Pastors: Protecting Your Income Without Overpaying
Disability insurance is often overlooked, but losing your income due to illness or injury can be financially devastating. Learn how pastors can protect their income while keeping costs reasonable.
Life Insurance for Pastors: How to Protect Your Family Without Overpaying
Life insurance is one of the most overlooked yet essential protections for pastors. Without it, your family could face financial hardship if something happens to you. This guide explains how much coverage you need, why term insurance is usually best, and where to find affordable policies.
Health Insurance for Pastors: Finding Affordable Coverage & Avoiding Medical Debt
Medical costs can be overwhelming, and without proper health insurance, a single emergency can lead to financial hardship. This guide walks pastors through affordable options, including ACA plans, employer-sponsored insurance, health-sharing ministries, and HSAs, helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
The Pastor’s Guide to Insurance: Protecting Your Family and Future
Are you financially prepared for the unexpected? This series explores the key types of insurance every pastor should consider to protect their family and ministry.
Sustaining Ministry in Changing Times: Thriving Amid Changing Attendance Trends
As church attendance patterns shift, pastors can embrace new strategies to grow their ministries, from digital discipleship to community engagement.
Side Hustles for Pastors: Creating & Selling Digital Resources (Part 5)
Discover how pastors can create and sell digital resources—sermon series, study guides, and leadership materials—to serve other churches while generating sustainable income.
Side Hustles for Pastors: Real Estate & Rental Income (Part 4)
Many pastors have developed valuable leadership and stewardship skills, but have you considered how real estate could provide long-term financial security? Whether through rental properties, house hacking, or passive investments, pastors can use real estate to supplement their income without stepping away from ministry. Learn how to get started, leverage housing allowances, and avoid common pitfalls in this latest installment of the Side Hustles for Pastors series.
Side Hustles for Pastors: Freelancing & Contract Work (Part 3)
Many pastors have developed valuable digital skills—social media management, video editing, and graphic design—that can be used as a side hustle. Learn how to turn these skills into freelance opportunities while staying ministry-focused.
Side Hustles for Pastors: Teaching and Coaching (Part 2)
Teaching and coaching can be powerful side hustles for pastors, providing financial stability while expanding ministry reach. Learn how to start coaching, teaching online, and leading workshops in this guide.
Side Hustles for Pastors: Writing and Publishing (Part 1)
Discover how writing and publishing can serve as a meaningful side hustle for pastors, helping to ease financial stress while expanding ministry impact.
The Importance of Starting Your Retirement Savings Now
Retirement savings may feel overwhelming, but starting now\u2014even small steps\u2014can lead to financial peace and stability. Learn why saving today matters and how to take action.
You Opted Out of Social Security: Now What?
Have you opted out of Social Security as a pastor? Discover practical steps to protect your financial future, along with important considerations for anyone considering this decision.
Are You Making These Financial Mistakes?
Are financial missteps holding you back? Learn how to avoid common money management mistakes with practical, biblically inspired strategies to build a stable financial future.
Pastor, Are You Ready for Your Next Chapter?
Retirement isn’t the end of your calling—it’s the start of a new chapter. Discover how pastors can prepare financially and spiritually to embrace this season with confidence and purpose.
Making the Right Move: 403(b) Rollover Options for Ministry Leaders
Navigating a 403(b) rollover as a ministry leader can feel overwhelming, but it’s an important step in aligning your financial decisions with your faith and calling. Discover practical guidance to make confident, informed choices for your financial future."
Pastor, Are You Paying Too Much in Taxes? Discover the Hidden Benefits of an HSA
Taxes, retirement, and healthcare costs—are they weighing you down? Discover how a Health Savings Account (HSA) can be the financial tool pastors need for smarter savings and future security.