Financial wellness in an uncertain world
By Colin Nass, CFP ®, AEP ®, RICP ®
Today’ s world is complex and unpredictable, making financial wellness more challenging than ever.
Financial wellness is not just about money— it is a balance of the mental, spiritual and physical aspects of managing financial resources.
So, what distinguishes those who constantly struggle from those who achieve long-term financial stability?
True financial wellness reflects a state of minimal stress about money, clear awareness of budgeting and cash flow, a strong financial foundation, and an ongoing plan for the future. Let’ s explore each of these four categories.
# 1: MINIMAL FINANCIAL STRESS Today, financial wellbeing isn’ t just about savings or investments— it’ s about how people feel about their money. Only 29 % of people felt hopeful about their financial future in 2025, down from 60 % the year before. Financial stress, anxiety and confidence are now essential parts of financial planning conversations.
Financial literacy and guidance can help people take more control of their money. A certified financial planner( CFP ®), who is required by law to make recommendations with their client’ s best interests in mind, can provide you with money management advice and resources.
# 2: KNOW YOUR BUDGET AND CASH FLOW An understanding of your total income and expenditures is crucial to achieving your financial goals. You must identify your individual compensation, which includes your cash salary and your spouse’ s compensation if you’ re married. If you’ re a clergyperson, it also includes your housing allowance and Social Security / Medicare tax offset.
# 3: A STRONG FINANCIAL FOUNDATION Resting on solid financial ground depends on three pillars: manageable or minimal debt, healthy savings habits, and living within one’ s means. Managing debt: Let’ s face it, many of us are on a tight budget or in some debt. What matters is learning to reduce debt strategically and stay under budget. Start by collecting financial records— pay stubs, bank
14 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | JAN / FEB 2026