Gilbert Wealth Articles

What the Bible Says About Budgeting: A Key to Faithful Stewardship

Budgeting isn’t just a modern financial tool—it’s a deeply biblical practice that reflects wisdom, responsibility, and faithfulness. While the Bible doesn’t use the word “budget” in the way we do today, it consistently speaks to the heart of budgeting: planning, managing, and stewarding resources well. In fact, budgeting is an essential expression of Christian stewardship—our call to manage everything God has entrusted to us for His glory. Our Role as Stewards of God's Resources At its core, stewardship is the belief that everything belongs to God—our time, talents, money, possessions, and even opportunities. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the…
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Is It Ever Okay to Have Debt? A Biblical Perspective

Debt is an ever-present reality in modern life. From student loans to mortgages, credit cards to car payments, few people live entirely debt-free. For Christians seeking to live according to biblical principles, this raises an important question: What does the Bible say about debt? Debt In the Bible The Bible talks a great deal about debt in various forms. There are many examples and illustrations across Scripture that can help us paint a picture of how to think about debt. One of the first references to debt is in Exodus 22, just two chapters after the 10 Commandments were given, “If…
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The Easiest Way to Make Estimated Tax Payments

For self-employed individuals, retirees with investment income, or anyone whose tax withholdings are not sufficient throughout the year, making quarterly estimated tax payments is essential to avoid penalties and interest. Fortunately, the IRS provides a convenient and secure method to schedule, view, and adjust these payments through its online portal at IRS.gov. Step-by-Step: Setting Up a Full Year of Estimated Payments on IRS.gov Step 1: Create or Log in to Your IRS Online AccountVisit www.irs.gov.Click “Sign in to Your Account” at the top right of the page.If you already have an account, log in using ID.me or your IRS credentials.If…
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What Can You Really Use Your HSA For? A Deep Dive Into Eligible Expenses

An HSA (Health Savings Account) is a special savings account available to individuals with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals are also tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses.This triple-tax benefit makes HSAs a powerful way to save for both current and future healthcare costs—especially in retirement. To learn more about the benefits of HSA's, see my article A Healthy Investment: Discover the Surprising Benefits of Health Savings Accounts – Gilbert Wealth. What Can You Use the HSA for? HSA funds can be used for a wide range of qualified medical expenses, as defined…
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What Does the Bible Say About Retirement? A Biblical Perspective on Aging and Purpose

Retirement, in the modern sense, is a relatively new concept—stepping away from paid work to spend your later years in leisure. The Bible doesn’t speak directly about retirement the way we do today. There are no verses that lay out a formal age to stop working, no discussions about pension plans or travel goals. And yet, Scripture speaks profoundly to what it means to grow older, to transition into a new season, and to live each remaining day with purpose. You may have finished the rat race—early mornings, long meetings, pressing deadlines. But if you’re reading this, you haven’t finished…
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Lifetime Gifting Without Regret: How to Give Without Compromising Your Future

Many individuals aspire to share their wealth during their lifetimes with family and friends. Lifetime gifting can be a meaningful expression of love, support, and generosity—helping children buy their first homes, supporting a grandchild’s education, or simply offering help when needed. However, these well-intentioned gifts can sometimes compromise the giver’s own financial security if not approached with thoughtful planning. The Impact of Gifting During Your Lifetime Unlike bequests that aren't received by the beneficiary until death, lifetime gifts allow you to witness and enjoy the benefits your loved one's experience from your generosity. For example, a gift toward a home…
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Discerning Between Trusting in God Versus Trusting in Wealth: A Christian Reflection on Stewardship and Faith

For Christians who have accumulated wealth—whether through diligent work, wise planning, or God's providential blessings—the question is not merely how to manage it, but how to relate to it. Financial success can open doors to generosity, influence, and legacy. Yet it also presents a subtle spiritual challenge: Am I still trusting in God, or has my security quietly shifted to what I possess? Scripture does not condemn wealth, but it does repeatedly warn against the spiritual dangers of misplaced trust. Stewardship or Misplaced Faith? It can be spiritually challenging to discern where stewardship ends and misplaced trust begins. Wealth can…
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What to Know About Claiming Social Security Early or Delaying Social Security

Social Security retirement benefits are designed to provide a steady income stream in retirement, but the amount you receive depends on when you claim. The decision to claim benefits early, at full retirement age (FRA), or delay past FRA significantly impacts the monthly payments you will receive for the rest of your life. Understanding how early claiming reduces benefits and how delayed claiming increases them is critical for optimizing Social Security as part of a broader retirement strategy. What It Means to Claim Early or Delay Social Security? Claiming early or delaying social security is simply the decision of when…
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How to Report Donations to a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) On Your Taxes

Donor Advised Funds (DAF) allows donors to contribute assets, receive immediate tax deductions, and later direct grants to their preferred charitable organizations. They are simple, yet powerful tools to use in a giving strategy. See Charitable Giving through a Donor Advised Fund – Gilbert Wealth for more information on why DAF's are so powerful.If you've decided to use a DAF, now you need to correctly reporting these donations on your tax return is crucial to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and to fully benefit from the available deductions. The Tax Benefits of DAF's Immediate Tax DeductionOne of the main advantages of donating to…
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A Brief History of the Ups and Downs of the Market

Investing in the stock market is a lot like riding a roller coaster—you know there will be drops, but that doesn’t mean your stomach won’t lurch when they happen. Every investor dreams of a smooth, uphill ride to wealth, but in reality, markets take detours, hit potholes, and sometimes feel like they’ve been hijacked by a mischievous toddler at the controls. Yet, history shows that those who hang on tight and resist the urge to jump off mid-ride are usually the ones who reach their destination with the best returns. On average, the S&P 500 has increased in price by…
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