By: Alex Cook
Here are seven steps to help you start 2025 on solid financial ground with a Christ-centred perspective:
At the start of the year, it is always a great time to reflect on your financial journey and set a course that aligns with God’s purposes for your life. Managing finances isn’t just about numbers; it’s an act of stewardship, entrusting what God has provided to glorify Him and bless others.
1. Commit Your Finances to Prayer
Before diving into financial planning, take time to seek God’s wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our ways.” Pray for guidance in managing your resources and ask for discernment to make wise decisions that honour Him.
By putting God first, you’ll have a firm foundation for all your financial goals. Jesus said: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
2. Establish a God-Honouring Budget
A budget is a practical tool that helps you align your spending with your values. Start by assessing your income and expenses, then allocate funds for essentials, savings, and giving.
Jesus said:
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it” Luke 14:28
As 2 Corinthians 9:7 teaches, “God loves a cheerful giver,” so prioritize generosity in your plan. A Christ-centred budget ensures you’re managing money responsibly while leaving room to bless others.
To help you get started, please download our FREE budget planner.
3. Set Clear Financial Goals
Define what financial success looks like for you in 2025. Whether it’s paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or saving for a mission trip, write down your goals and commit them to prayer.
Philippians 3:14 encourages us to press toward the goal for the prize of God’s calling—keep your goals aligned with His purpose for your life.
What are your goals?
4. Eliminate Debt
Debt can be a significant burden, limiting your ability to give and save. Proverbs 22:7 warns that “the borrower is slave to the lender.” Develop a strategy to pay off debt quickly, starting with the smallest balance or the highest interest rate, and stay disciplined. Freedom from debt opens the door to greater financial peace and flexibility.
The past two years has seen a dramatic increase in interest rates across the world.
I’m passionate about helping you get out of debt so I’ve written an eBook on how you can destroy it. Please download my FREE ebook Debt Destroyer Planner & Guide. Likewise, download my FREE Debt Repayment Tool to get you on track to debt repayment right away!
5. Build an Emergency Fund
A recent bank survey indicated that the average person has just 40 days of available savings to survive an emergency. However, if you lose your job, it rarely takes just forty days to find a new one.
Unexpected expenses can derail even the best financial plans. And furthermore, if you are married it can create significant stress and conflict that could easily be avoided. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate account for emergencies.
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” – Proverbs 21:20
Preparing for the unexpected demonstrates wisdom and trust in God’s provision.
6. Invest in Your Future
Planning for the future is not contrary to faith; it’s part of wise stewardship. Consider saving for retirement, investing in education, or building wealth to support kingdom work.
Believe it or not, we can learn from ants……
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8
Don’t be afraid to seek advice from a trusted Christian financial adviser and ensure your investments reflect your values.
Remember the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 — God calls us to multiply what He’s entrusted to us.
That’s wise stewardship!
7. Give Generously and Joyfully
And my favourite….
Generosity is a reflection of God’s heart. Possibly the most famous verse in the bible, John 3:16 “God so loved the world that he gave…..”
He gave his son for you and me. The ultimate gift.
Therefore, as you manage your finances, make giving a priority. Whilst most of us aren’t naturally generous, it is a important faith response to God’s goodness and grace towards us.
Whether it’s supporting your local church, missions, or charitable causes, your generosity can impact lives and advance God’s kingdom.
Acts 20:35 reminds us that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Giving aligns your heart with God’s and reminds you that everything you have comes from Him.
Final Thoughts
Starting 2025 with a strong financial plan rooted in biblical principles will set you on a path of peace, purpose, and impact. By committing your finances to God, stewarding them wisely, and keeping an eternal perspective, you can honour Him while securing a bright future.
As Matthew 6:33 encourages, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Let this year be a time to grow in faith and financial stewardship, trusting God to guide every step of the journey.
Article supplied with thanks to Wealth with Purpose.
About the Author: Alex is a licensed financial planner and the founder of Wealth with Purpose a Stewardship Ministry that helps Christians handle their money God’s way.
Feature image: Image sourced from Canva