American Christians are slightly wiser and more generous with their money than the general population, according to a recent Thrivent Financial survey.
The nonprofit financial services organization found that 69 percent of Christians, as compared to 61 percent of the general population, would rather be called “generous” than “financially successful.” When it comes to planning for the future, Christians are marginally more likely than the overall population to have investments in stocks or bonds (32 percent to 28 percent), a long-term financial plan (25 percent to 21 percent), life insurance (54 percent to 47 percent) and a retirement fund (42 percent to 38 percent).
Still, a large number of Christians reported they are living without basic financial planning safeguards. Three-quarters (75 percent) say they have no long-term financial plan, 46 percent do not have life insurance, 58 percent do not have a retirement fund and 76 percent are without an emergency savings account. Only 27 percent of Christians say they are very confident about their money management decisions, which is the same percentage reported by the general population.
Only 24 percent of Christians have turned to a church, religious leader or faith-based financial education provider for financial advice, and less than half (40 percent) say they would turn to a faith community in a financial crisis. On the flip side, Christians who have sought money help from their faith communities are 15 percent more likely to have a long-term financial plan.
To read the full report, go to thrivent.com/moneymindset »
For insight on how churches can equip their members to be wise money managers, we recommend our interview with Dave Ramsey, called “How Can Churches Better Resource Their Mission” »