Mormon Family Finances: Principles and Practices
Finances within Mormon, or Latter-day Saint (LDS), families are often guided by core religious principles emphasizing self-reliance, thrift, and charitable giving. These principles, frequently taught through church lessons and leadership messages, aim to promote financial stability and peace of mind.
Tithing: A cornerstone of LDS financial practices is the principle of tithing. Members are encouraged to donate ten percent of their gross income to the Church. This money is used for various purposes, including building temples and meetinghouses, funding welfare programs, and supporting missionary work. While tithing is a commandment, it’s framed as a blessing, believed to open doors to further financial and spiritual prosperity. This commitment often influences how families budget and prioritize spending.
Self-Reliance: The LDS Church places a strong emphasis on self-reliance. This extends beyond financial independence to encompass spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Regarding finances, families are encouraged to avoid debt, live within their means, and save for the future. The Church provides resources, such as self-reliance courses, to help members develop skills in budgeting, debt management, and career planning. These courses are free and available to members and non-members alike.
Education and Employment: Education and gainful employment are highly valued within the LDS community. Families are encouraged to support their children’s educational pursuits and to seek opportunities for personal and professional growth. This emphasis contributes to higher earning potential and increased financial stability over time.
Family Home Evening and Financial Discussions: Mormon families are encouraged to hold a weekly Family Home Evening, often including discussions about important family matters, including finances. This provides an opportunity to teach children about budgeting, saving, and the importance of hard work. It also allows families to collaboratively set financial goals and track progress.
Welfare Principles: The LDS Church has a robust welfare system designed to assist members in need. While this system is primarily intended as a safety net, its underlying principles promote self-sufficiency and responsible resource management. Members are encouraged to contribute to the welfare system through fast offerings (donations made in lieu of eating two meals each month), which are used to provide food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need.
Potential Challenges: While the LDS emphasis on financial principles generally promotes stability, some challenges exist. Large families, often encouraged within the LDS faith, can strain resources. Balancing tithing with other financial obligations, such as mortgages, education expenses, and healthcare costs, requires careful planning and discipline. Furthermore, the emphasis on traditional gender roles (historically, men as primary breadwinners and women as homemakers) can, in some cases, limit earning potential and create financial vulnerabilities, although this is evolving as more women enter the workforce.
In conclusion, Mormon families often navigate finances through a lens of religious principles, prioritizing tithing, self-reliance, education, and charitable giving. While challenges exist, the emphasis on these principles generally fosters financial stability and a sense of security.