Question

I will try and keep this short. My goal is to pay off 1 of 2 vehicles. hubs goal is to retire one day and not have to eat ramen to survive. Here is part of our budget $4, 284 take home single income. $430 to church - 10% $215 to kids college accounts- 5% $215 to savings for debt - 5% $100 to private non work ira Hubs wants to raise the ira to $300 I can do it reducing some expenses like fun money, and a few sinking funds reduce or eliminate those. I am really torn I want to save money so I can pay down a vehicle. Would you fund the ira or additional savings to pay towards debt? We have about 5 months in reserve living expenses and EF. The only debt we have are 2 vehicles. Car is 0% interest SUV is about 5% interest I believe

Answer 1

Lower your tithing and invest in your IRA. Offer your time and or services instead.  

Answer 2

I'd cut tithing, but that's me. There is a lot you can do for your church that isn't money- volunteer and donate foods for bake sales, kids room, etc.  

Answer 3

As is, you could split the difference and put an extra $100 towards IRA and an extra $115 to debt. Or cut fun money by $35/month and pay $150 towards debt.  

Answer 4

Pay down the car with interest. Its costing you money. Given the state of the market right now your return probably isnt going to be greater than your interest.  

Answer 5

Personally I’d never cut tithing but that’s me we tithe 10% of before tax income and bring home less than you listed above. I’d probably cut the college savings for now make sure you pay off debt and save for your retirement. It’s nice to have $ saved for kids, but it’s not a necessity you having a retirement fund is. Also, if you can get yourselves to a good place for retirement and no debt you can probably put more towards kids later.  

Answer 6

I would make my life a lot easier by cutting out tithing.  

Answer 7

I'd be working on getting rid of debt, then that money could go into your IRA once paid off. If you still have car payments while in retirement then having an IRA is just going to go towards continue to pay off debt.  

Answer 8

How old are you and your husband? I’m probably going to be the unpopular opinion here, but in almost every case, I vote contributing more to retirement. Always pay yourself first. It you wait too long to save, it’s nearly impossible to catch up.  

Comments

@lupelupee Niegum we are 38 him and 36 me. He does contribute to 401k at work and does have other non work retirement Roth type stuff. We both had parents who didnt start saving until wayyyy too late. So we have zero intention of stopping contributing to just pay off debt. I am just trying to be smart with what we have

---

@selfcontained That’s good to hear. We are about the same age. My dad has zero retirement and my mom has only been contributing to a plan for the last 5 years or so. They will have to work until they are physically unable to. It makes me sad. I work in banking, and I see it happen a lot, for a number of reasons.  

---

@lupelupee Niegum we have 2 young children so fear is there for me. 2018 was a rough year we had both car/suv totaled in our driveway. First time we have had 2 vehicle loans. It bothers me greatly but hubs says we can afford it. I just dont want to.  

Answer 9

Can you cut church ?  

Comments

@hampton9 not planning on cutting that unless hubs job goes away

Answer 10

I would also cut the church money. That money could go towards debt or even to the kids college fund. You could always pick it back up once you reached your goals. Kind of like putting the mask on yourself first and then helping other  

Answer 11

I wouldn’t cut out the tithing.  

Answer 12

I’d pay off cars then increase the ira or lower the savings to $200 instead of $300. Then you’re still saving more but have an extra $100 for debt.  

Answer 13

I really think since you’re already saving for retirement through work that you could benefit from paying down the car before increasing the external IRA. I’m a tither myself and definitely understand the no exceptions unless absolutely necessary. But you seem to have everything in place so i think that unless you’re struggling, you can just continue paying down the cars as normal and add a little extra every chance you can. and remember the car loans aren’t forever.  

Answer 14

I wouldn’t cut out tithing but maybe cut it down and give your time. You also have to be prepared for your future non-working life.  

Answer 15

Pay down debt first with extra then fully fund ira

Answer 16

I would pay off the cars then roll it to retirement. If hubby is set and so are you then compromise. Split it pay 1/2 to the loan and 1/2 to the retirement

Answer 17

I don’t have any advice. but good for you in tithing! God will bless you more than your tithe! I’m sure you’ve experienced it before! ❤️

Comments

@perfumery our church has blessed us tremendously. They bought clothes and toys for our boys at Christmas. It was a suprise but a blessing. At valentine's day someone provided a gift card for hubs and I to go out to eat and someone paid so the kids could attend the youth event sponsored child care to raise money for the mission trips they go on over the summer

---

@perfumery we dont have family near us they are 4 hours and 16 hrs away. So nights away from the kids are rare

---

@selfcontained What a great church family! That’s what it’s all about!  

Answer 18

I wouldn’t cut church out completely but maybe cut it down some! You would still be contributing and still benefiting your needs also ☺️

Answer 19

I feel like it is very honorable of you to tithe, And kind. but through the Dave Ramsey method you don’t tithe until you have paid off your debt and then you can tithe. That extra money could get you out of debt faster and make it easier and pleasurable to tithe to the church. Plus the average American tithes 2% of their income. You could lower it to that until you have paid off your debt if you don’t feel comfortable not tithing at all.  

Comments

Heather, no Dave always tithes so should you if you believe in it. 10% off gross is what he states.  

---

@khufu3538 thats not true.  

---

Dave Ramsey has always advocated tithing no matter the step, if that is something you believe in.  

---

Sorry I miss read it

---

@primogeniture in his original books he said after debt.  

Answer 20

You’re being obedient, by tithing and I believe God will make a way, for all other financial goals to happen, for being faithful in that area. ❤️

Answer 21

Guys, I doubt she'll cut tithing. It's listed first, probably a priority. Churches close doors because people don't support it financially like they should. I agree with the above statement. God will provide. Even in SUPER tight money situations, we don't cut back our tithing. And God has provided for needs many times abundantly. He is faithful.  

Comments

@barela all our money was Gods first so I will give him what he asks for with a happy heart. God is faithful.  

---

@barela thank you!  

Answer 22

Pay your debt before saving for the kids college. That 430 a month is over 5k a year. Raise the ira.  

Answer 23

Pray and seek what God would have you do. I'm a tither also. In the past I have found when I cut tithes I have not benefited from it at all. God will come thru when you honour him. X

Answer 24

Why not change around your church to a smaller amount until you pay off your debt

Answer 25

You should stop all three items on top until u pay car.  

Answer 26

I would ask hubs to reconsider IRA until a vehicle is paid off, than the vehicle extra funds can go into the IRA. If he dead set against it, then cut back on the kids college funds. You didn't say how old the kids are but looking at your pic I would say young. So pause on their savings. I would not touch your tithe. You are doing awesome with that. There have been times when things were super tight for us but we were faithful in our tithes and God always provided. The beauty about The Budget Mom is that you can modify and adjust based on what your priorities are, no rules on the method. Focus on that. Also, my motto is, you can do anything for a short period of time! So if it's a couple of days of bean soup to bring down the food budget, cutting out Netflix, holding off on kids savings, or holding off on IRA contribution amounts, you will get through it. Hugs

Answer 27

Can I ask why u give so much to church? I’m not asking to be rude but i give 20 bucks lol. I’m just wondering if u would consider give half of that and with less fun money u could pay off ur car faster and then once u get that done u can focus on retiring. Just a thought

Comments

@wed54309 the Bible says to give 10% of your money but I also believe that you give what you can even if it wasn’t 10% so if you normally do $400 but then your struggling and can only do $20/$40 then that is ok. However it’s a personal conviction so only you can decide

---

@wed54309 No one is “made to” tithe. It’s a personal choice and one we have made for the past two plus years. It’s amazing how right around the time we think it’s going to be tough to do, God provides in completely random and unexpected ways. I believe if we trust Him with our finances by thithing, He won’t let us down.  

---

@wed54309 It is something that varies by personal belief so I wouldn't feel bad if your giving is different from another's. We give a small amount at church and add more when they ask for specific needs. But I also believe tithing includes goods and services as well, so I divide between volunteering, financial giving, and donating of goods.  

---

@wed54309 No one is “made” to. Often pastors intentionally don’t know how much each person tithes.  

---

@consociate idk our tithing envelopes have our name on them from the church

Answer 28

I’m surprised at how many people actually give 10% to church! We are not religious, so if we go we throw a few dollars in the basket. I wouldn’t be ok with that much of our income going to churches that are tax free with the ministers driving Lamborghini’s.  

Comments

@raymond Oh my god yes. It’s ridiculous. (Like really, if you want to beef up the economy tax the fucking churches, and if you want to help your community I can think of about 20 ways that are better than this)

---

@raymond when my twins were born early (16-weeks) the pastor that i has grown up with came to the hospital at 2am to baptize they because they were in a dire situation. I gladly gave at the end of the year more than normal (we don’t go to church) because he didn’t have to. I also will say our pastor was a very modest one he drove a Ford Focus and was very down to earth and would talk about the struggles of having to fund his IRA. But there are others out there. not so much.  

---

@raymond I agree but I didn’t want to say anything cause it upsets ppl. I do think if u want to give then but all means but when there is financial responsibilities and that 400 can help ur finances then at the end of ur journey u can then afford more. But that’s just my opinion

---

@raymond I don’t tithe, and I’m not a believer in organized religion, but my sister is a pastor, and I can promise you that she does not drive a Lamborghini. She has a car that she can’t afford the repairs on. She has a minuscule salary that the everyone in the church has to vote on every year, and she lives in a tiny apartment. The money the church receives goes to keeping the building from falling apart, paying salaries of the few employees, and supporting the ministries the church provides to the community (meals, mission work, clothing, and so much more). I don’t fault anyone for being frustrated with organized religion and/or the giant Joel Osteen style churches as I share that sentiment. But I promise not all are like that by any means, and without contributions by caring members the church couldn’t stay open to provide desperately needed support in the community and to its members. Hope that helps ❤️

---

I've never met a pastor that was in it for the money. But they do alot of work to make church happen. And church isn't just a place, it's an environment of love and praising our amazing God. Whether you believe that or not is entirely up to you. But I believe if you truly knew what God could and will do for you. You'd change your opinion. But if you want "beef up the economy" maybe the polititians should be paid a whole lot less. Peace and prayers on your journey to financial freedom!  

---

@raymond girl, I always think that when I see these posts but, to each their own. I guess? But for real- the churches are not strapped for cash but I am. So. ‍♀️

---

The bible's teaches to give 10% of your money because really we live for God and he provided this money to us. If you dont believe in this or have faith in this, that is ok. But please dont be rude or hate.  

---

@oersted67 @agog0 Zuluaga I’m just curious what bible/religion y’all are referring to?  

Answer 29

Cutting tithing is a no brainer. ‍♀️ Or decrease the amount. Or give your time and talents. Those are just as good and are definitely more useful for the community. God doesn’t pay my bills or work for my money. I do. And I’m the only one who can make sure I’m set for my future.  

Comments

@maurilla agreed! I was going to say look for ways the whole family can come together and support the church more with their time and energy for a short time. Cook meals, landscape work, cleaning, or volunteer with organizations the church supports etc. Time is money. I know it’s likely not a debate for the poster, but this is how I’d look at it. Plus the stewardship is a wonderful example for children.  

---

@hanoi Absolutely! In almost every scenario I’d rather give my time. Even if it’s a combination of money and time (like shopping for a food pantry). That’s real work that helps people. Time is time is a valuable thing. And then you aren’t also faced with the incredible irony of giving so much $$$ to the church and then needing the church to buy your kids Christmas presents or food. Like, you could have done that yourself if you’d have tithed less or not at all. ‍♀️

---

Also, just saying it here to get it out of my system. Peoples kids are going to be pissed if you threw away their college money to throw it all at a church. Speaking from experience here. Stopping the college savings (and potentially making your kids unable to get that education) is stupid and reckless. Same with retirement.  

---

@maurilla Ok, that's what I was thinking but didn't say. If she didn't give 5k to the church she could buy her own gifts and food ‍♀️ I guess I just don't understand and to each his own

Answer 30

I would lower the tithe, while it is wonderful to give, I always recall the account in the Bible of the little old widow who gave what she could, 10% tithes was only if you can afford, not to mention it’s a donation, the apostles & jesus didn’t get paid to minister or teach, they gave that knowledge for free. That said ya gotta do what YOU & your family think is right. Also, I am sure it’s not a popular view but college would be reduced too. Then again I was raised that if I wanted to go to college I either earned the grades for a scholarship or I worked to get my schooling paid. But maybe your finances are better than most bc you have 5 months of reserve and 2 vehicles as your debt. Which is AWESOME! I would definitely pay towards debt before increasing IRA though.  

Answer 31

I think it’s awesome you tithe 10%! How long have you done that? I’ve just started but definitely at a lower number since just starting My husband is huge about IRAs so I totally understand what you’re saying. Put extra towards the car with interest and put the other half towards the IRA (no extra to 0$ interest car)

Comments

@freedman6 Tithing At all is amazing! So way to go! I’m a single mama and do 10% which isn’t a ton since I don’t make a ton but it took me awhile to build up to that.  

Answer 32

I'm surprised by the amount of people saying to cut tithe. It looks like your doing 10% and rounding up a bit. Someone commented here about the story of the widow and "giving what she could ". But both accounts in Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 21:1-4 state that she gave of her want, all her living. Tithing 10% goes back to Abraham when he promised God 10% back of all God had given him. Plus the house of Levi, the lineage of priests, did not receive wages for their service. The rest of the tribes were responsible to take care of their needs. Tithing is Gods way of providing for His shepherd. Praying that God will direct you in your decision. I hope you receive encouragement and support from fellow believers.  

Comments

@arlberg it’s because not everyone is religious. And because tithing doesn’t mean you’re any less or more of a Christian either.  

Answer 33

This is not an ideal answer. BUT, I'd cut the college savings. Not that you want to bog down your child(ren) with that debt, but you can borrow for college you can NOT borrow for retirement!  

Answer 34

What about a compromise? Increase IRA to $200 and put the extra $100 for debt

Answer 35

I would cut your emergency fund to one month and use it to pay on cars and then when paid off build it up again.  

Answer 36

Does your church offer a nursing home? $500 extra a month to retirement would be able to help secure long term care for you or your spouse. Perhaps give yourselves 6 months of physical stewardship and save the money- if at the end of the 6 months you feel you truly have a worse life by not giving financially to the church, donate that lump some saved and go back to giving money instead of time.  

Answer 37

Based on some of your responses of having the kids go to a youth event, I would say college is pretty far away. I would cut out college savings for now and split that between your car loans and your retirement savings. When the cars are paid off go back to your normal savings for college and the rest to the retirement account.  

Answer 38

I would cut giving to the church until everything you want paid for is actually paid for. If you REALLY need to give to the church, I’d cut it in half.  

Answer 39

Katie, I would probably use half of my EF to pay down on the debt and then try to cut from other expenses. maybe set a time frame for how long you will keep it that tight. During that time. say it is 1 year, I would not increase retirement and then I would probably cut college savings. knowing it will only be for this amount of time. whatever you choose. I loved what I posted said above about tithing. that is shows our dependence on God. so just encouraging you there. And. is there a way you can work in some part time work to help with this? If your children are young, I am guessing you are staying home with them. but there are ways to make PT work happen. it won’t be fun, but again, tell yourself it is only for “x” amount of time.  

Answer 40

Cut the tithes.  

Answer 41

I'm not going to try an convince you to give up tithing. But, I wonder does the tithing/church help its patrons if they fall into debt? Is there a way to give the church pre tax dollars instead? I just don't understand the large sum and if its applied in a way that ultimately benefits you. But maybe thats not the point of it either.  

Answer 42

I would definitely look at the amount going to the church but I understand that is personal.  

Comments

Sorry my comment makes you sad Emily. Like I noted, I understand it's a personal choice.  

Answer 43

That’s a lot of money for church- I’d pull from there or remove and find other ways to give back and or give back to your community. Maybe volunteer

Answer 44

Can you maybe compromise? $150 more to IRA and $150 more to debt? I'd revisit tithing but you've already gotten that advice 400 times lol. If you haven't recently maybe recalculate how much you need saved for college and when? I don't know how old your kiddos are/how much time you have.  

Answer 45

I’ve never understood why people “save” money to pay off debt. Don’t save it, just pay it toward your debt. Every month it sits in a savings account is another month your debts are accruing interest. I’ll also never understand tithing when you are barely making ends meet. I’d reduce or eliminate your tithing. Volunteer more in the meantime, and pay off your debts, fund your retirements etc. then resume tithing when it makes more financial sense to your family. Church isn’t going to support you in your old age or send your kids to college.  

Comments

@zapata this. The amount of interest you are making on the savings account is usually far less than the interest the debt is accruing. And the tithing. well it's a personal choice but giving back in ways other than money is an option. I would hope we are not spiritually judged by our ability to give dollar bills.  

---

@zapata I agree. I would hope that church would also understand this priority. If even temporary. They probably dont want to see their parishioners in a hard place and would advise them to pay their debts so they can be more present.  

Answer 46

So, we tithe and I 100% get that. Maybe put money towards the car loan with interest instead of adding more to the IRA for now?  

Answer 47

Good for you for staying strong on tithing. It is a very personal decision and that’s what TBM is all about - making your debt journey personal to you I agree with the ideas of compromising and putting some to the car And some to retirement, that way you both feel like your accomplishing your goals

Answer 48

I would only pay off the car with the 5% interest but you’re likely getting better returns from the IRA so I wouldn’t be in a hurry to pay it off either. Also would not be saving for debt, just make the payment. You’re more than likely not getting 5% interest in your savings account.  

Answer 49

God will provide whether or not you tithe. I know it’s a sensitive subject and to each his/her own but God’s blessings are not relative to the amount you give to a church. The modern church has people bound to that idea while they fly private jets and drive ultra luxury cars. You can “tithe” your time and many other ways to give your “tenth”. If you’re on a financial journey to be debt free with only one income you don’t have many choices. I’ve seen people with no food in their cupboards giving their last and the church they give faithfully won’t step in to pay their light bill if they needed it.  

Answer 50

Can I ask a silly question? Why do you pay your church more than you invest in your childrens education and future?  

Comments

A very valid question.  

---

@myca45714 I’ve never understood this.  

---

I dont mean it in a degrading way. This is a new journey to me, my kids at this point have pennies lol I am also not a very religious person. I believe there is a higher power but I dont believe I need to pay to pray to him. I'm just trying to understand.  

---

@myca45714 Yep. It doesn’t add up at all.  

---

@myca45714 because it’s really God’s money, not ours. For Christians and historically Jews as well, our faith has pivoted on the fact that God gives all blessings and giving our firstfruits is an act of obedience that builds discipline. As in, it helps us to creates habits of keeping our gaze and faith in God who is the maker and giver of all things and blessings. It’s not giving to the church, it’s giving so that God’s kingdom can be advanced by allowed preachers to preach the Gospel, missionaries to go to other nations and share the Gospel, and for people to have a building in which they can hear the word and be discipled.  

---

@myca45714 you’re not paying to pray to him, you are contributing to the work that is being done so others can learn about him too and it really is an outpouring of thankfulness for all he gives us. You could ask the same question about savings. we are not told to pay debt off before we start an emergency fund. Technically speaking the first $1000 in EF is the first step because if you don’t have savings, when an emergency comes you are gonna go swipe those credit cards again. All the buckets are getting a little something and as we pay off one thing the buckets get a bigger amount, but we still start somewhere.  

---

God knows our heart. When we first started I only tithed 5% and as I got more accurate in my budgeting I started giving more but I still am super involved in the church and serve that way as well. ❤️ I don’t know if that makes sense.  

---

@myca45714 I was just gonna ask the same  

Answer 51

Just wanted to say good on you for titheing  

Answer 52

I would cut the tithing and tithe through service. Pay off your debt with that and increase funds to IRA.  

Answer 53

I don’t get the whole tithing either, especially if you have debt and children’s health and education still to pay for? If it’s what you want to do then it’s up to you, I like the suggestion of donating your time instead. If you want to donate then why not donate after your expenditures rather then a percentage of your net/gross income? Also i would pay that debt of straight away don’t save for it it earns nothing in savings. That’s just my opinion, best of luck  

Comments

@theirs umm Jesus never burned down the churches. he calls the Church his bride and laid down his life for The Church. Look I’m not gonna get into a theology debate here. Just let her do what she wants to do with her money and stop criticizing her for it. She asked about savings and IRA. her original post did not ask for any advice regarding tithing.  

---

@barretter8342 no body was criticising, the lady asked for help and we gave our advice. Please let’s all just leave it there.  

---

@depreciation calling it silly is definitely criticism. And she asked for advice regarding her savings not her tithing.  

---

@barretter8342 well that was how @theirs felt about it through her own faith and experiences, why are you getting so defensive? Like I said we are all different. Ive tried very diplomatically to lay this to rest cause I don’t want to upset any one with what I really think. Each to your own, we have all offered our advice with what we thought could help, that’s all . Good luck with your own budget journey after all that is what we are here for x

---

@barretter8342 my question is. do you see bank records for the church to show where the money is going? I don’t know that I’d put ALL of my faith in what they tell you. I think most churches line their pockets before they do any charity work. We’ve seen that time and time again. The churches are rich off of your dime. It’s no different than the government taking our dollars for taxes. They say it’s going back into the economy, but where’s the proof. Cause I don’t see it. My children would come first and I don’t think god would hold that against you.  

Answer 54

Pay the debt and forget the car till the debt is paid

Comments

You could also divide your car payment up and pay it twice a month and add $20 extra, you’ll save a couple of months off the end of your loan by doing this.  

Answer 55

It depends on what your total expenses are for the month and if there is no wiggle room, but given the info posted, so as long as you are already saving for retirement at work and taking into consideration that you have almost 20 more yrs to save. I’d stop saving for the kids college unless they are in high school and pay down the car with the 5% interest rate, once it’s paid off, put a little towards the IRA and the rest on the other car.  

Answer 56

Savings for debt? Also. $400 to church and $200 to debt makes me cringe a little. Swap the two

Answer 57

In the current moment, what is your priority? Children's future, financial freedom, saving for the future or tithing. I know it may not be a popular answer to say reduce the tithing, but I feel like my children's future and financial freedom supersede the tithing at this moment. I would think that God would want me to provide for my children and myself, but everyone's WHY is different.  

Answer 58

You guys, she has already said several times she is not changing their tithing. It’s non-negotiable. It is their top priority and their personal decision to make. As for the actual question, I would pay off the car loan with the fully funded emergency fund and then build it back up and then contribute to the IRA (basically the Dave Ramsey way).  

Answer 59

I say pay off the SUV with 5% interest and once it’s paid off add that payment to your IRA!  

Answer 60

Good for you for being faithful to tithing. The tithing is between you and GOD! GOD gives you 100% and in return, we give HIM 10%, not because HE needs it, but because we are telling HIM, we are trusting HIM and we are not in love with money. If we are faithful in the little, GOD will give us more than we can ever imagine. Abraham made it his priority to bless GOD with 10% of all his earns that by the way; those were given to Abraham by GOD. Abraham was the richest man there is. Whatever you give up to GOD, HE will multiply it richly and abundantly.