Christian Financial Advisor

What is it, and how do I choose the one that is right for me?

What is a Christian financial advisor?

A Christian financial advisor helps individuals manage their money and achieve their financial goals, but does so from the basis of their faith, and to help you align your investments with your faith values.

Christian financial advisors don’t sit down once and throw your money into some investments. Rather, they offer a range of services and a tailored approach. Other services might include investment management, retirement planning, tax advice, and estate planning.

First, let’s start with what a financial advisor role can do.

There are different kinds of financial advisors, that might work best to fit your specific financial need. We will cover this more in a later section.

Financial advisors work closely with their clients to create personalized financial strategies that consider their unique needs, goals, and risk tolerance. Christian financial advisors take this one step further, working to apply their faith to their financial guidance for their clients.

Ultimately, Christian financial advisors provide expert guidance and regular reviews to help clients make informed decisions and stay on track to meet their financial objectives.

When looking for a financial advisor, it is important to first identify what kind of financial help you need. Once you have identified the type of help you need, you can pick a financial advisor who specializes in that area.

Here’s a list of ways that a financial advisor could help you:

  • Investment Management

  • Retirement Planning

  • Financial Planning

  • Tax Planning

  • Estate Planning

  • Insurance Planning

  • Debt Management

  • College Savings

  • Cash Flow Management

What kind of help do you need?

Beyond your financial needs, it is helpful to consider what you need in a financial advisor. Selecting a financial advisor that shares your faith can be particularly beneficial for a Christian because they share a common foundation of faith and values, ensuring that financial decisions align with biblical principles. A Christian financial advisor understands the importance of stewardship as outlined in Scripture, such as the call to manage resources wisely (1 Corinthians 4:2) and to care for the poor and needy (Proverbs 19:17).

Christian Financial Advisors can help you navigate ethical investing, ensuring your portfolio supports pro-life initiatives or other Christian values while avoiding companies that engage in practices contrary to Christian teachings. A Christian financial advisor can also provide guidance that considers both your spiritual and financial well-being, engaging in an approach that cares for you and seeks to manage wealth that honors God and advances His kingdom.

This alignment of faith and finances can lead to a more trusting relationship, as well as greater peace of mind and fulfillment, knowing your investments reflect your deepest convictions.

Further Considerations: What about faith?

Christian financial advisors incorporate concepts like stewardship, generosity, and ethical investing into their practice, helping clients manage their resources in ways that reflect Christian values. This might look like focusing on pro-life issues in investing, environmental conservation, or even initiatives working to eradicate hunger. This holistic approach means that Christian financial advisors make decisions with a sense of purpose, aiming not only for financial success but also to further the Kingdom of God.

Christian financial advisors provide a unique level of trust and understanding. They often share the same moral and ethical framework as their clients founded in the Christian ideal of Love. This creates a deeper connection and a stronger relationship. A shared faith perspective allows for more meaningful conversations about what truly matters to the client beyond financial returns, and by focusing on faith-driven financial advice, Christian financial advisors offer a distinctive and comprehensive approach to managing money that resonates deeply with those looking to align their finances with their spiritual convictions.

What sets Christian Financial Advisors apart?

  • A CFP offers holistic financial planning services that cover various aspects of a client's financial life, including retirement planning, investment management, tax planning, estate planning, insurance analysis, and more. They take a broad view of a client's financial situation and goals, integrating different areas of financial expertise into a cohesive plan. Additionally, CFP's fiduciary duty sets them apart from some other financial advisors.

  • A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a financial professional who specializes in investment management. They conduct thorough analyses of various investment opportunities, evaluate financial statements, and analyze market trends to make informed investment decisions. Additionally, CFA's help manage investment portfolios on behalf of individuals, institutions, or organizations. They develop and implement investment strategies that align with client objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Finally, CFAs utilize quantitative methods and financial models to analyze investments

  • A Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) is a professional designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) who specialize in personal financial planning. PFS holders focus specifically on personal financial planning within the context of accounting and tax considerations. They are trained to integrate tax planning with other aspects of financial planning.

  • Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are professionals who prepare and analyze financial statements, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and assist with tax preparation and planning for individuals and businesses. CPAs conduct audits to verify the accuracy of financial records and provide consulting services in areas like budgeting, financial forecasting, and internal controls. CPAs can help individuals with tax planning, budgeting and cash flow management, investment advice, retirement planning, estate planning, risk management and insurance analysis, and regular financial planning reviews. Overall, CPAs play a critical role in maintaining financial integrity.

  • The ChFC designation is awarded by The American College of Financial Services and focuses specifically on comprehensive financial planning. The curriculum covers areas such as insurance planning, income tax, retirement planning, investments, and estate planning.

  • A Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) is a financial firm or individual that provides investment advice and manages investment portfolios on behalf of clients. RIAs are registered with either the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or state securities regulators, depending on the amount of assets under management (AUM) and the number of clients they serve. They are held to fiduciary duty and focus on providing independent, objective investment advice and portfolio management services to individuals, families, and institutional clients.

What to Look for in a Christian Financial Advisor:

Certification

When looking for a Christian financial advisor, it's important to understand the different types available and the certifications they should hold to ensure they have the necessary expertise and standards. Check out this section for the main types of financial advisors.

When looking for a qualified professional, keep your eye out for these certifications:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

  • Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

  • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)

  • Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF)

How can you ensure that your financial advisor is certified and best equipped to handle your finances? Try these steps:

  1. Check for the designations to be utilized in their advertising. Does their business card, website, or resume list the certification you are looking for?

  2. Ask them. If the information is not readily available, it is perfectly acceptable to ask your financial advisor about their experience, education, and certification.

  3. Utilize an online service or verify with the college they attended to check their credentials.

  4. Ask their colleagues. If all else fails, ask others in the field what experience they have with your financial advisor.

Fiduciary Duty

Fiduciary duty is at the heart of a trustworthy relationship between a financial advisor and their clients. This means that the advisor is legally and ethically obligated to act in the best interest of their clients, putting the clients' needs above their own. It's not just about making sound financial decisions; it's about building trust and ensuring that every recommendation is tailored to meet the client's long-term goals and ethical values. For pro-life investors, finding a fiduciary advisor is crucial because it guarantees that their investments will align with their moral convictions without any hidden agendas. This level of commitment to the client's welfare is what sets fiduciary advisors apart and makes them indispensable for anyone serious about ethical investing.

Compatibility

When choosing a financial advisor, communication and compatibility are crucial elements that cannot be overlooked. A good advisor should not only have the expertise to manage your investments but also the ability to clearly explain their strategies and decisions. Open and transparent communication ensures that you understand where your money is going and why. For pro-life investors, finding an advisor who communicates well and respects and aligns with your ethical beliefs is essential. This alignment fosters a trusting relationship, making it easier to navigate financial decisions together. In the end, the right advisor should feel like a partner who understands your financial aspirations and moral convictions, guiding you toward a future that reflects both.

Specialization

Financial advisors often have a specialization, and this can help narrow down your choice of financial advisor. It is important to find someone who specializes in the type of financial help that you need. For example, a financial advisor who specializes in ethical investing can significantly enhance your investment experience because they are well-versed in identifying companies and funds that align with pro-life principles. Ethical investment advisors can provide tailored guidance on how to balance financial returns with moral convictions, helping you achieve both your financial goals and your desire to make a positive impact on society. Their expertise in navigating the complexities of ethical investing means you can trust that your portfolio reflects your values, allowing you to invest with confidence and peace of mind. This specialized knowledge not only optimizes your financial growth but also ensures that your investments contribute to causes you care about deeply.

FAQ’s

  • Yes! Pro-Life Investing will act as your financial advisor as you seek to align your portfolio with pro-life initiatives and companies. We will help you to audit your current investments, identify areas of further impact for your portfolio, and then work to monitor those investments on your behalf over time to ensure that you are having the greatest impact possible on the pro-life journey. Schedule your Free Impact Report today!

  • Pro-Life investing has an intimate knowledge and experience in what allows pro-life initiatives to flourish. We know what to look for in the policies of the companies you have invested in to ensure that your investments are having the impact you intend for them to.

  • When you sign up for a free Impact Report with Pro-Life Investing, we take a look at the companies you are currently investing in, to understand what kind of impact your money is having. We look at travel policies, what financial contributions companies are making, if companies are profiting from abortion in any way and more. We will report back to you with what we find so that you can determine if Pro-Life Investing is the right partner as you pursue Pro-Life Investments that make an impact.

  • Fiduciary duty is a legal and ethical obligation requiring a person/ organization to act in the best interest of another party. Financial advisors with fiduciary duty are required to prioritize their clients' needs above their own. This requires avoiding conflicts of interest, transparency, and maintaining a high standard of honesty and integrity.

Questions to Ask Your Christian Financial Advisor:

When meeting with a Christian financial advisor, it's essential to ask questions that help you understand their qualifications, services, and approach to ensure they are a good fit for your financial needs and goals. Here are some good questions to ask your financial advisor:

Qualifications, Services, and Fees:

  • Do you have experience working with clients who have similar financial goals or situations as mine?

  • Do you provide comprehensive financial planning, or do you specialize in certain areas (e.g., retirement planning, investment management, tax planning)?

  • What is your fee structure (e.g., flat fee, hourly rate, percentage of assets under management)?

Fiduciary Duty and Ethics:

  • How do you handle conflicts of interest?

  • Can you provide a written statement of your fiduciary responsibility?

Client Relationships and Communication:

  • How often do you communicate with your clients, and through what channels (e.g., in-person meetings, phone calls, emails)?

  • Will I be working with you directly or with a team of advisors?

Investment Philosophy:

  • What is your investment philosophy and approach?

  • How do you determine the best investment strategy for your clients?

  • How do you monitor and adjust investment portfolios over time?

Performance and Benchmarks:

  • How do you measure the performance of my investments?

  • What benchmarks do you use to evaluate the success of my financial plan?

Faith Compatibility:

  • How does your faith inform your investment strategy?

  • Why do you choose to identify specifically as a Christian Financial Advisor?

  • How do you handle a situation where a client’s faith differs slightly from your own?

Next Steps

If you are looking for a Christian financial advisor, there are some online databases and tools that can help you find the right fit for you. See our list below:

  • CFP Board- This directory allows you to search for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals by location, specialty, and compensation method.

  • NAPFA Find an Advisor- NAPFA's directory lists fee-only financial advisors who meet stringent membership criteria and adhere to a fiduciary standard.

  • FPA PlannerSearch- This directory allows you to search for financial planners who are members of the FPA.

  • Kingdom Advisors- This organization is a database of Christian financial advisors aligning with biblical principles in their practice. You can find advisors by location and specialization.

  • Christian Wealth Management- This network connects you with advisors who are committed to integrating faith and finances. They offer a directory of Christian financial advisors.

If you want to invest according to pro-life values, Pro-Life Investing would love to partner with you in utilizing your investments to make a difference.

Get a free Impact Report with us, where we will review your current investment portfolio, and help you understand how your current investments are impacting the pro-life or pro-abortion cause.