Everyday Finances

Budgeting is key

A new shirt here, a coffee or candy bar there – while they may not seem like much by themselves, the everyday purchases we make are part of our total financial picture – and they add up. That’s why budgeting and managing your money are so important.

Understanding budgeting basics can help you be more thoughtful about your money, helping you save for your future, prepare for emergencies, give more generously and afford to buy what you need.


If you’ve never budgeted for your family before, you may not be sure where to start! That’s where our Financial Wellness Educators come in. They can help you create a budget or review your budget with you so you can improve your financial wellbeing. Email us and a Financial Wellness Educator will reach out to you.

Not sure where to start?

There are many budgeting resources available to you, so how do you know which financial tool is right for you? By answering a few simple questions, we’ll help you find it.

Members

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Personalized Resources

Visit the member portal to see your financial benefits and additional resources.

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MinistryFOCUS Loan Repayment Assistance

An LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO) that provides personal financial assistance to LCMS ministry leaders to help them pay off educational debt with grants from the Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

Learn More


Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Webcast

Recorded webinar hosted by the Church Benefits Association and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau covering 2021 changes and a temporary waiver through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Watch now
Fidelity Student Debt Solutions

Create a personalized plan to pay off your debt.

Money Management

Get a financial check-up and set in place a saving and spending plan (find out what you own and what you owe.)

DOWNLOAD THE BOOKLET

LCMS Resources

  • LCMS Foundation
    Planned giving services for LCMS members, helping them be good stewards of the assets God has given them, that will not only leave a positive, lasting impact upon the people they love, but also the congregation or ministries they care about most.
    • Gift Planning Services
      The LCMS Foundation can help you create a gift plan, so that your assets (things like your retirement accounts, home or land) will leave a lasting impact upon the people you love, and the ministries you care about most. Learn more about creating a gift plan at LFND.org. 
  • Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)
    The financial extension of the LCMS, offering funding and resources in support of the Church. Investors make it possible for LCEF to provide customized loans and support services to new and growing ministries, as well as loans for rostered church workers.
    • Family Emergency StewardAccount
      LCEF’s Family Emergency StewardAccount is designed to help prepare you for those unplanned expenses or financial emergencies. Your account builds over time with automatic deposits and interest earned. You can access the funds easily when you need them most.
    • Church Worker StewardAccount
      An exclusive investment opportunity just for you! If you are a rostered or lay church worker at an LCMS church, school or organization, you can open a Church Worker StewardAccount®. The 1.5% interest rate is good up to the first $10,000, and more importantly, your investment helps support LCMS ministry. 
    • Rostered Church Worker Mortgages
      Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is pleased to offer home purchase and refinance loans to ordained and commissioned LCMS Rostered Church Workers on active or emeritus status. RCW mortgages are available in select states. 
    • Young Investors StewardAccount
      LCEF created the Young Investors StewardAccount® to help young investors ages 0-18 learn to be good stewards of their money and other God-given gifts. It offers opportunities to grow up knowing the habits of saving and sharing. 
  • HeartsforPastors.org
    Helps reduce the burden pastors face through financial grants, financial literacy tools and resource referrals to help with educational debt and relocation expenses.
  • Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU)
    As the credit union of The LCMS, LutheranFCU offers everyday banking and lending needs to the people and organizations of the LCMS community. Started and supported by the LCMS, we are proud to have a growing membership that chooses LutheranFCU as their day-to-day financial partner. Connected to more than 30,000 network ATMs and 5,000 network branches, LutheranFCU serves members in all 50 states, which means YOU! LutheranFCU. Good for You. Good for the Church.