"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding, for her profit is better than silver, and her gain surpasses gold." - Proverbs 3:13-14
Making wise financial decisions early in life can set the stage for long-term stability and generosity. But where should students and young professionals begin? Today, Bob Doll joins us to share practical financial advice to help young adults start their careers on the right foot.
Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC.
Building a Life of Faithful Stewardship from the Start
Finances can feel overwhelming for students and young adults stepping into the world of work—budgets, debt, investing, generosity…where do you even begin?
Yet these early years are some of the most formative when it comes to your long-term financial health and spiritual growth. That’s why it’s critical to lay a foundation not just of financial literacy but of biblical stewardship. Here are some timeless pieces of practical wisdom for young adults who want to honor God with their money from the beginning.
1. Begin With a Plan—And a Budget
Without a clear plan for spending, saving, and giving, it’s easy to drift into debt or financial anxiety. A solid budget helps you take control of your finances before they start controlling you.
And you don’t have to do it alone. Tools like the FaithFi app make creating an intentional, faith-filled budget easy. It's not just about numbers—it’s about aligning your finances with your values.
2. Save for Emergencies—And Stay Out of Debt
After budgeting, build an emergency fund with three to six months of expenses. Life is unpredictable, and this cushion can keep you from turning to debt when the unexpected hits.
Also, make sure to pay off your cards in full each month and chip away at any student loans as quickly as you can.
3. Learn from Others—and Find a Mentor
There’s no substitute for wise counsel. Watch those who are succeeding with money—and those who aren’t. Learn from both.
Having a mentor or a financial advisor who shares your values is essential. Surrounding yourself with godly counsel can help you avoid pitfalls like overspending or failing to save.
4. Give Generously—Even When It’s Hard
Start giving now. Like Randy Alcorn says, “God prospers us not to raise our standard of living, but our standard of giving.” Even when budgets are tight, generosity opens your heart and reminds you that God is the true provider.
5. Start Investing Early—and Consistently
Compound interest is a powerful force—either for or against you. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. Even small, consistent contributions—what financial experts call “dollar-cost averaging”—can make a huge impact over time.
Start with low-cost index funds or retirement accounts like a Roth IRA. And don’t overlook your workplace benefits. If your employer offers a match, take it. That’s free money.
6. Align Your Investments with Your Faith
Today’s investors have more opportunities than ever to make faith-based investment choices. As the movement toward values-based investing grows, believers can increasingly steward their portfolios in ways that reflect biblical principles.
7. Embrace Rhythms and Celebrate Milestones
The journey to financial stability can feel long, especially when progress is slow. That’s why we suggest setting milestones and celebrating small wins. God wants us to enjoy things. We’re not meant to live like monks but are called to be wise.
These rhythms of budgeting, saving, investing, and giving aren’t just habits—they’re acts of worship.
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