During our working years, giving often feels straightforward. A paycheck comes in, and many believers give a set portion from that income. But retirement can make the question more complicated.
That’s why Anthony Saffer, CEO of One Degree Advisors, a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), and host of the Retire Confidently YouTube channel, joined the show today to help retirees think wisely and biblically about giving in this season of life.
Instead of a single paycheck, income may come from Social Security, pensions, investments, rental income, or savings. Some of that money may represent new earnings or investment growth. Some of it may be money already earned—and perhaps already tithed on—during the working years.
So how should Christians think about tithing in retirement?
The goal is not to create a perfect formula, but to pursue faithful, joyful generosity before the Lord.
Giving Begins with the Heart
Before considering the practical details, it’s important to begin with the biblical foundation.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
While Christians may differ on how the Old Testament tithe applies today, Scripture consistently calls God’s people to generosity. Giving is not meant to be driven by guilt, fear, or pressure. It is a response to God’s grace.
That remains true in every season of life—including retirement.
For many believers, the tithe continues to serve as a helpful starting point. Randy Alcorn has called it the “training wheels of giving” because it provides structure, consistency, and a simple framework for generosity. But the tithe is not the finish line. It is a starting point for a life of open-handed stewardship.
Why Retirement Makes Giving More Complicated
In retirement, the question often becomes less about whether to give and more about how to apply giving wisely.
That’s because retirement income can come from several sources. Social Security may reflect years of payroll taxes. Pension income may include contributions from both the employee and employer. Investment withdrawals may include both principal and growth. Brokerage accounts, IRAs, and rental income can blur the lines even further.
This is where the distinction between “increase” and “return of principal” becomes helpful.
Increase refers to new earnings or growth. A paycheck is typically easy to identify as an increase. Investment gains, interest, dividends, or employer-funded benefits may also fall into that category.
Return of principal refers to money already earned or contributed in the past. For example, if you withdraw money from an account that was funded with income you already tithed on, part of that withdrawal may simply be returning money you previously set aside.
That distinction does not answer every question, but it gives retirees a helpful lens for thoughtful giving.
Approach One: Give on the Increase
One option is to tithe on the portion of retirement income that represents new growth or increase.
For example, someone withdrawing from an investment account may try to estimate what portion of the account represents original contributions and what portion represents growth. The tithe could then be based on the growth portion rather than the full withdrawal.
This approach may be especially meaningful for those who tithed consistently on gross income during their working years and want to avoid “re-tithing” on money they already gave from.
Of course, the calculation will rarely be exact. Many retirees
