It's December, and lots of financial professionals are talking with their clients about Roth conversions—but is that the best strategy for pastors? In this episode, we break down the "Super-Roth" concept: how your church 403(b) combined with housing allowance in retirement can actually beat a traditional Roth in terms of pure tax efficiency. But there's a catch (there's always a catch), and it has everything to do with what happens when you pay off your mortgage. Learn how to think strategically about your 403(b) balance, when Roth conversions make more sense, and why the legacy factor might tip the scales.

Resources mentioned:

• Pastor Refinance Calculator: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/refinance-calculator
• Pastor Tax Review: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/taxreview
• Sacred Capital Community: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/join
• Full article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/should-pastors-do-roth-conversions

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Most CPAs who make errors with clergy tax returns aren't failing pastors out of incompetence—they're failing because the system never equipped them to succeed. In this episode, I walk through what clergy taxation looks like from a tax preparer's perspective, the proactive questions they'd need to ask (but probably won't), and a spectrum of responses if you suspect your preparer is in over their head.

Resources mentioned:

• Free Interview Guide: shepherdswallet.com/tax-interview-guide
• Contact for CPA consultations: shepherdswallet.com/contact or seth@shepherdswallet.com
• Tax Mastery Training: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/taxes
• Sacred Capital Community: shepherdswallet.com/join
• Full article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/how-to-find-a-cpa-who-actually-understands-clergy-taxes

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Listen in as I make the case to your church board for investing in your financial wellness.

In this unique episode, I speak directly to church board members about why caring for their pastor's financial health isn't just compassionate – it's good stewardship. Pastors, this is designed for you to share with that "person of peace" on your board who could champion these changes.

I present a progressive action plan that any church can implement, starting with zero-cost corrections that save pastors thousands, moving through strategic investments that protect both church and pastor, and culminating in comprehensive care that prevents six-figure transition costs.

You'll discover:

• Why your pastor is your church's only appreciating asset
• The true cost of pastoral financial stress (hint: you're already paying it)
• Zero-cost fixes that save pastors thousands annually
• How key person insurance becomes a retirement blessing
• Three questions for your next board meeting

Whether you're a pastor hoping for change or a board member seeking wisdom, this 15-minute presentation could transform how your church approaches pastoral care.

Resources mentioned:

• Full Article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/what-pastoral-turnover-really-costs-your-church
• Free housing allowance calculator: shepherdswallet.com/housing-allowance-tool
• Pastor Financial Wellness Partnership: shepherdswallet.com/partnership
• Tax Review Service: shepherdswallet.com/taxreview
• Pre-order "Shepherding Your Finances": shepherdswallet.com/book

Perfect for sharing with board members, finance committees, and church leadership teams.

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

What if a single conversation could save you $1,500 every year for the rest of your ministry? In this tactical episode, we walk through exactly how to ask your board for a SECA offset: the game-changing compensation adjustment that transforms pastors' tax disadvantage into an advantage.

You'll get word-for-word scripts for:

• Making your initial request
• Handling the top 5 objections (including "we can't afford it")
• Responding gracefully if they say no
• Following up effectively

Plus: Pre-meeting preparation, timing strategies, documentation needs, and what to do if you've opted out of Social Security.

Whether you're dreading this conversation or ready to advocate for yourself, this episode gives you the confidence and language to address pastoral tax inequity at your church.

Resources mentioned:

• Full article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/2-ways-churches-can-reverse-pastor-tax-disadvantage
• Free Tax Comparison Calculator: shepherdswallet.com/tax-calculator
• Sacred Capital Community: shepherdswallet.com/join

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Ever felt guilty keeping a receipt from a ministry lunch? Like somehow you're being "too worldly", or taking away from the earnestness of your ministry? You're not alone. Many pastors struggle with the tension between faithful ministry and financial wisdom, often to their family's detriment.

In this episode, we dismantle the false guilt around expense tracking and reveals why proper documentation isn't about greed—it's about honoring the sacred capital flowing through your ministry.

Resources mentioned:

📝 Full Article: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/the-four-bucket-system-for-bivocational-ministers

👥Join the Sacred Capital Community (FREE): http://shepherdswallet.com/join

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Every parsonage pastor knows the sinking feeling: "Everyone else is building equity except me."

Today, I'm going to sit with you in that feeling—then show you why it's based on a lie. I've developed a simple strategy just for parsonage pastors that has the potential to build wealth faster than any mortgage ever could—all it takes is a mindset shift!

Resources mentioned:

📝 Full Article:

https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/the-phantom-mortgage-build-equity-in-a-parsonage

👥Join the Sacred Capital Community (FREE): ⁠https://shepherdswallet.com/join

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Think your housing allowance is free money? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, I reveal why treating your housing allowance like a spending target instead of a tax benefit could be sabotaging your financial future.

We'll explore:

• Why the "maximize at all costs" mentality is backwards
• The simple math that changes everything (hint: 12% off isn't free)
• The biblical perspective on stewardship vs. tax optimization
• How to think about your housing allowance the RIGHT way

Plus: Quick overview of how to properly calculate your Fair Rental Value.

Resources mentioned:📊 Free Housing Allowance Documentation Tool: https://shepherdswallet.com/housing-allowance-tool

📝 Detailed FRV Calculation Guide (blog post): https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/determining-fair-rental-value-2025

💰 Pastor Tax Review: https://shepherdswallet.com/taxreview

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

Your church board suggests reducing your salary to save on taxes. It sounds brilliant—lower salary means lower SECA taxes, right? Wrong.

In this episode, we expose why voluntary salary reduction arrangements violate IRS constructive receipt rules and could trigger audits, penalties, and financial chaos. Learn what the tax authorities actually say, and discover legitimate alternatives that provide better tax savings without the risk.

If you've ever wondered about creative compensation arrangements with your church, this episode could save you thousands in penalties and protect your ministry's financial integrity.

🔗 FULL ARTICLE: https://www.shepherdswallet.com/blog/the-salary-reduction-tithe-trap

RESOURCES MENTIONED:🏠 FREE HOUSING ALLOWANCE TOOL: shepherdswallet.com/housing-allowance-tool

📊 Pastor Tax Review: https://shepherdswallet.com/taxreview

💬 Join Sacred Capital Community https://shepherdswallet.com/join

📖 Pre-order "Shepherding Your Finances" (35% discount) https://shepherdswallet.com/book

This content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized tax or legal advice. Tax laws are complex and individual situations vary. Please consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.