Everyday Finances

Budgeting is key

A to-go lunch here, a coffee or candy bar there – while they may not seem like much by themselves, the everyday purchases we make are part of our total financial picture and they add up. That’s why budgeting and managing your money are so important.

Understanding budgeting basics can help you be more thoughtful about your money. Budgeting can help you save for your future, prepare for emergencies, give more generously and afford to buy what you need. We have a series of short videos to provide some basic information.

If you’ve never budgeted for your family before, you may not be sure where to start! That’s where our Financial Educators come in. They can help you create or review your budget so you can improve your financial well-being. Send us an email and a Financial Educator will reach out to you.

 

Not sure where to begin?

There are many budgeting resources available to you, so how do you know which financial tool is right for you? By answering a few simple questions, we’ll help you find it.

FINANCIAL NAVIGATOR

BeFine

BeFine™

You can be better financially prepared for the future by using our new BeFine™ app. This secure app will provide the ability to track your spending, identify ways to help you improve your finances, and help encourage you to reach your financial goals. Learn more about this app, created specifically for LCMS workers.

Get BeFine™ →



Personalized Resources

Visit the member portal to see your financial benefits and additional resources.

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LCMS Resources

Bringing the LCMS community together to care for you. Check out the resources that can make a difference for you.

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Money Management

This booklet guides you through a financial check-up so you can understand what you own and what you owe - then use the worksheets to create a saving and spending plan.

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MinistryFOCUS Loan Repayment Assistance

An LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO) that provides personal financial assistance to LCMS ministry leaders to help them pay off educational debt with grants from the Loan Repayment Assistance Program.

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Fidelity Student Debt Solutions

Log in to create a personalized plan to pay off your debt.

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Legal resources, ID protection and more!

You need to financially protect your family, and we can help. Your benefits include legal and eldercare resources, ID protection services and more.

Resources for you

LCMS Resources


  • LCMS Foundation
    Planned giving services for LCMS members, helping them be good stewards of the assets God has given them, that will not only leave a positive, lasting impact upon the people they love, but also the congregation or ministries they care about most.
    • Gift Planning Services
      The LCMS Foundation can help you create a gift plan, so that your assets (things like your retirement accounts, home or land) will leave a lasting impact upon the people you love, and the ministries you care about most. Learn more about creating a gift plan at LFND.org. 
  • Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF)
    The financial extension of the LCMS, offering funding and resources in support of the Church. Investors make it possible for LCEF to provide customized loans and support services to new and growing ministries, as well as loans for rostered church workers.
    • Family Emergency StewardAccount
      LCEF’s Family Emergency StewardAccount is designed to help prepare you for those unplanned expenses or financial emergencies. Your account builds over time with automatic deposits and interest earned. You can access the funds easily when you need them most.
    • Church Worker StewardAccount
      An exclusive investment opportunity just for you! If you are a rostered or lay church worker at an LCMS church, school or organization, you can open a Church Worker StewardAccount®. The 1.5% interest rate is good up to the first $10,000, and more importantly, your investment helps support LCMS ministry. 
    • Rostered Church Worker Mortgages
      Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) is pleased to offer home purchase and refinance loans to ordained and commissioned LCMS Rostered Church Workers on active or emeritus status. RCW mortgages are available in select states. 
    • Young Investors StewardAccount
      LCEF created the Young Investors StewardAccount® to help young investors ages 0-18 learn to be good stewards of their money and other God-given gifts. It offers opportunities to grow up knowing the habits of saving and sharing. 
  • HeartsforPastors.org
    Helps reduce the burden pastors face through financial grants, financial literacy tools and resource referrals to help with educational debt and relocation expenses.
  • Lutheran Federal Credit Union (LFCU)
    As the credit union of The LCMS, LutheranFCU offers everyday banking and lending needs to the people and organizations of the LCMS community. Started and supported by the LCMS, we are proud to have a growing membership that chooses LutheranFCU as their day-to-day financial partner. Connected to more than 30,000 network ATMs and 5,000 network branches, LutheranFCU serves members in all 50 states, which means YOU! LutheranFCU. Good for You. Good for the Church.