As fiduciaries who value our client relationships, we whole-heartedly participate as Kingdom Advisors. Being a Kingdom Advisor means integrating faith-based principles into every aspect of financial planning. We focus on the LIVE GIVE OWE GROW model, which is about aligning our lives and resources with God’s design. We are thrilled to be a part of this growing global movement of professionals seeking God’s glory at work and client success and bringing that to our clients.
LIVE
The LIVE component focuses on managing your daily finances in a way that reflects contentment and stewardship. It’s about living within your means, making wise spending choices, and ensuring that your lifestyle is sustainable. We believe that true financial peace comes not only from accumulating wealth, but from finding satisfaction in what God has already provided. By carefully budgeting and avoiding unnecessary expenses, we help you live in a way that honors God and prepares you for the future.
GIVE
GIVE represents the heart of generosity. We believe that giving is an essential expression of our faith and a way to participate in God’s work on earth. Whether it’s tithing to your church, supporting a cause you’re passionate about, or helping those in need, giving allows you to impact others positively. We work with you to develop a giving plan that aligns with your values and goals, ensuring that your generosity is both intentional and impactful. Through giving, you experience the joy of contributing to something greater than yourself.
OWE
The OWE aspect addresses the importance of managing debt responsibly. While some debt can be a tool for growth, such as a mortgage or business loan, it’s crucial that it doesn’t become a burden. We help you develop strategies to manage and reduce debt, ensuring that it doesn’t hinder your ability to live freely, give generously, or invest wisely. By prioritizing debt repayment and avoiding unnecessary borrowing, you can maintain financial freedom and stability.
OWE addresses two aspects of cash flow. Managing debt and paying taxes. Debt should only be used under these circumstances:
- You have assets to pay off the debt immediately.
- The opportunity you are borrow the money for will grow faster the interest on the debt.
- If married, spouses need to agree to use debt.
- There is no other option.
The use of debt always mortgages the future, but there are times when the use of debt can make sense. You borrow money with pretax dollars, but you pay back the debt with after tax dollars. Something to always consider.
Regarding “owing taxes”, the bible reminds us in Matthew 22:21 to “pay Cesar’s what is Cesar’s.” Taxes are a result of God’s provision in our lives. Although the initial shock of the amount of money being paid in tax can consume our thoughts and cause frustration and anxiety, we must remember that we are paying taxes because of God’s blessing in our lives and to be thankful for what we keep not overwhelmed with the tax paid. We can talk about strategies to manage one’s taxes more efficiently but allowing the tax conversation to rule your plan is not advisable.
GROW
Finally, GROW is about stewardship and the wise management of the resources God has entrusted to you. This involves investing in a way that reflects your values and aligns with your long-term goals. We focus on helping you grow your wealth through prudent investments, ensuring that your financial resources are working effectively for you and the causes you care about. Growth isn’t just about increasing your net worth; it’s about using your resources to make a positive impact on your life, your family, and the world around you.
One financial principle that the GROW piece addresses is the financial priorities are simultaneous not sequential. Life can happen all at once. The GROW bucket creates margin in our financial lives to work through the times when “life happens” at once. Proverbs 6:6-8 reminds reads, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and stockpiling food in preparation for winter.” By creating a plan and allocating a percentage of one’s assets into the GROW, we are being good stewards of our money in preparation for a day when financial obligations happen all at once.
Integrating Faith and Finances
By integrating the LIVE GIVE OWE GROW principles into your financial plan, we aim to create a holistic approach that honors God and enhances your financial well-being. This framework helps you navigate financial decisions with clarity and purpose, ensuring that your money not only supports your needs and dreams but also furthers the impact of God’s kingdom.
As Kingdom Advisors, our goal is to help you live out your faith through your finances, making sure that every aspect of your financial life is aligned with the values that matter most to you. Together, we can create a plan that allows you to live generously, manage debt wisely and grow your resources.
We’ve embraced God’s calling to serve him in the financial industry. Our hope is that by following this framework, we can help clients align their financial decisions with their faith, ensuring that every dollar is used purposefully to live out God’s plan. It’s about making your money work not just for you, but for something greater. Through this approach, we aim to deepen the impact of your investments, bringing peace of mind and purpose to your financial journey.
In the Word
“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.”
Leviticus 19:9
This verse reminds us to leave room for others in our lives. It’s about sharing our blessings and making sure we don’t hold on to everything for ourselves.
Think about the edges of your field—whether it’s your time, resources, or love. Let’s not just think of our own needs but also consider how we can support and uplift those around us.
In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in our own world, but there’s so much joy in giving and sharing. Let’s share the spirit of generosity and kindness, sharing it with those who might need it the most.
Have a blessed day!
Sources: Broadridge Investment Management Solutions
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