For pastors, clergy, and church administrators, serving others often comes before everything else, including personal financial planning. Yet ignoring your own financial health can create challenges that affect not only you, but also your family and the people you serve.

As financial advisors who work with faith leaders, we see common themes among church staff and clergy when it comes to personal finances. Here are three red flags you shouldn’t ignore, and how the right guidance can help you address them.

1. Not Yet Investing

Many pastors and church administrators dedicate their lives to ministry, but often delay investing for their own future. The reality is that time is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to building wealth. Even starting small can make a big difference.

An advisor can help you take that first step with personalized guidance, whether that’s choosing the right investment accounts, setting up retirement contributions, or identifying faith-aligned investment options that reflect your values.

2. Little to No Retirement Savings

If you’re approaching retirement age—or even in retirement already—without a solid plan, you’re not alone. Many clergy and church staff don’t have access to traditional employer retirement benefits. Major life events, such as health challenges or changes in church roles, can make this situation even more urgent.

Working with a financial advisor can help you create a roadmap. From establishing a retirement savings plan to making decisions about IRAs, annuities, or other accounts, the goal is to align your financial strategy with your stage of life and long-term goals.

3. Lack of Financial Organization

Budgeting and financial management can feel overwhelming, especially when your focus is on ministry responsibilities. But without a clear system, it’s easy to lose track of expenses, miss opportunities to save, or become unprepared for unexpected needs.

An advisor can help you put structure in place, help create budgets, set up expense tracking, and streamline your finances so you can focus less on financial stress and more on faith and your life’s calling.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Church leaders are entrusted with guiding their congregations, but it’s just as important to care for your own financial wellbeing. With the right plan and support, you can reduce financial uncertainty and build confidence in your future.

If you’re a pastor, clergy member, or church administrator looking to strengthen your financial foundation, we’d be honored to guide you. Together, we can create a plan that reflects your goals, your values, and the people who matter most.