Giving when money is tight sounds crazy, right? But in this episode of the Faithful Finance podcast, Emily Stroud and Alison Gengelbach tackle one of the most misunderstood and controversial topics in personal finance: tithing and generous giving.

Emily reframes giving not as a religious obligation or prosperity gospel, but as an act of worship and faith. Grounded in biblical principles, she explains why tithing is less about rules (10% net vs. gross?) and more about the posture of your heart toward God and others.

You'll hear honest conversation about the blessings of generosity, why you can't outgive God (and what that really means), and how to start giving even when your budget feels tight. Emily and Alison share personal stories—including a powerful reflection on the woman with the alabaster box—and tackle the hard questions: What if I can barely pay my bills? Does volunteering count as tithing? What about giving to nonprofits beyond the church?

What You'll Learn:
➡️ Why tithing is an act of worship, not a religious tax
➡️ The biblical foundation for generous giving
➡️ How to start giving when your budget is tight
➡️ Whether to tithe on gross or net income
➡️ The difference between tithes and offerings
➡️ How to include giving in your monthly budget
➡️ Why automating contributions builds consistency
➡️ The blessings of giving (and why they're not always monetary)
➡️ How to give as a couple with unity and intentionality
➡️ What to do when you're the one who needs to receive help
➡️ Why giving of your time can feel more sacrificial than money

Resources:
Download Emily's free budget worksheet and other practical tools at:
https://faithfulfinance.com/resources

Buy Emily's Book:
Purchase Faithful Finance by Emily Stroud on her website:
https://faithfulfinance.com/resources/

Support the Show:
✅ Follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode
✍️ Leave a review and share your biggest takeaway
📲 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement about giving

Connect With Emily:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyGStroud/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilygstroud/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@emilygstroud
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@faithfulfinancepodcast

Connect With Alison:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amgengelbach/

Credits:
A Faithful Finance production.
Executive Producer: Emily Stroud
Produced by Greatlight Creative: https://www.greatlightcreative.com

Emily G. Stroud, MBA, CFA is a Registered Representative.
Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC to residents of: TX, UT, WV, NY, OK, PA, SC, TN, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IL, KY, MT, and NC. Investment Advisor Representative Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Stroud Financial Management, Inc. are not affiliated. Cambridge and Emily G. Stroud, LLC are also not affiliated.
Check the background of this financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck: BrokerCheck.FINRA.org | www.FINRA.org | www.SIPC.org | Form CRS