Mormon Personal Finance: Principles for Temporal and Spiritual Blessings
Personal finance within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon Church) is deeply intertwined with spiritual principles. Members are encouraged to manage their finances responsibly, viewing it as a stewardship rather than mere ownership. This approach aims to foster self-reliance, financial security, and the ability to contribute to the well-being of others.
A core tenet is tithing. Members donate ten percent of their gross income to the Church. This contribution is seen as a commandment and a demonstration of faith. Tithing funds are used for building and maintaining temples and meetinghouses, supporting missionary work, and providing welfare assistance.
Beyond tithing, the Church emphasizes the importance of living within one’s means. Avoiding unnecessary debt is strongly encouraged. This often involves careful budgeting, prioritizing needs over wants, and making informed purchasing decisions. The Church provides resources and counsel to help members create and maintain budgets.
Emergency preparedness is another key aspect. Members are encouraged to build a financial reserve to handle unexpected expenses, such as job loss or medical emergencies. This often includes saving a specific amount each month and having readily accessible funds. The Church emphasizes having at least a three-month supply of food and essential items on hand.
Education and career development are considered vital for long-term financial stability. Members are encouraged to pursue education and acquire skills that will allow them to provide for themselves and their families. The Perpetual Education Fund is a Church-sponsored program that provides loans to members in developing countries to pursue education and training opportunities. These loans are offered at low interest rates, promoting self-reliance and long-term financial independence.
Avoiding debt is a recurring theme. While some debt, such as a mortgage or student loans, may be necessary, members are cautioned against accumulating consumer debt through credit cards or other high-interest loans. The focus is on using credit responsibly and paying off debts as quickly as possible.
Giving back through offerings and service is integrated into the Mormon financial philosophy. Members are encouraged to contribute to the Church’s welfare program by donating to fast offerings, which are used to assist the poor and needy within the local congregation. Service to others is also considered a form of investment, building community and fostering a sense of gratitude and purpose.
In summary, Mormon personal finance is not merely about accumulating wealth but about using resources wisely and responsibly to bless oneself, one’s family, and others. By adhering to principles of tithing, budgeting, emergency preparedness, education, debt avoidance, and charitable giving, members strive to achieve financial stability and spiritual growth.