What Does Tithing Look Like in Retirement? with Anthony Saffer

During our working years, giving often feels straightforward. A paycheck comes in, and many believers give a set portion from that income. But retirement can make the question more complicated. That’s why Anthony Saffer, CEO of One Degree Advisors, a Certified Financial Planner, Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®), and host of the Retire Confidently YouTube channel, joined the show today to help retirees think wisely and biblically about giving in this season of life. Instead of a single paycheck, income may come from Social Security, pensions, investments, rental income, or savings. Some of that money may represent new earnings or investment growth. Some of it may be money already earned—and perhaps already tithed on—during the working years. So how should Christians think about tithing in retirement? The goal is not to create a perfect formula, but to pursue faithful, joyful generosity before the Lord. Giving Begins with the Heart Before considering the practical details, it’s important to begin with the biblical foundation. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” While Christians may differ on how the Old Testament tithe applies today, Scripture consistently calls God’s people to generosity. Giving is not meant to be driven by guilt, fear, or pressure. It is a response to God’s grace. That remains true in every season of life—including retirement. For many believers, the tithe continues to serve as a helpful starting point. Randy Alcorn has called it the “training wheels of giving” because it provides structure, consistency, and a simple framework for generosity. But the tithe is not the finish line. It is a starting point for a life of open-handed stewardship. Why Retirement Makes Giving More Complicated In retirement, the question often becomes less about whether to give and more about how to apply giving wisely. That’s because retirement income can come from several sources. Social Security may reflect years of payroll taxes. Pension income may include contributions from both the employee and employer. Investment withdrawals may include both principal and growth. Brokerage accounts, IRAs, and rental income can blur the lines even further. This is where the distinction between “increase” and “return of principal” becomes helpful. Increase refers to new earnings or growth. A paycheck is typically easy to identify as an increase. Investment gains, interest, dividends, or employer-funded benefits may also fall into that category. Return of principal refers to money already earned or contributed in the past. For example, if you withdraw money from an account that was funded with income you already tithed on, part of that withdrawal may simply be returning money you previously set aside. That distinction does not answer every question, but it gives retirees a helpful lens for thoughtful giving. Approach One: Give on the Increase One option is to tithe on the portion of retirement income that represents new growth or increase. For example, someone withdrawing from an investment account may try to estimate what portion of the account represents original contributions and what portion represents growth. The tithe could then be based on the growth portion rather than the full withdrawal. This approach may be especially meaningful for those who tithed consistently on gross income during their working years and want to avoid “re-tithing” on money they already gave from. Of course, the calculation will rarely be exact. Many retirees may not have decades of contribution records available. In that case, it may be wise to review statements, consider contribution history, and choose a reasonable estimate that can be applied consistently. The goal is not precision for precision’s sake. The goal is thoughtful, intentional stewardship. Approach Two: Give on Income as It Is Received A second approach is to tithe on retirement income as it is received, including Social Security, pension payments, and investment withdrawals. This mirrors the way many people gave during their working years: income comes in, and a portion is given back to the Lord. The benefit of this approach is simplicity. It avoids ongoing calculations and allows giving to remain consistent and easy to understand. For many retirees, that clarity helps them stay faithful in their generosity. Some may ask, “But wouldn’t that mean I’m giving again on money I already tithed on?” In some cases, yes. But those who take this approach often prioritize generosity over precision. They see every provision as a gracious gift from God and respond by giving systematically and joyfully. For them, the question is not, “What is the least I am required to give?” but, “How can I continue to honor the Lord with what He has entrusted to me?” Which Approach Is Best? There is not one answer that fits every retiree. Some believers value precision and want to avoid double-counting. Others value simplicity and consistency. Some are working with tight retirement budgets and need to think carefully about sustainable giving. Others may be able to give more generously than ever before. Married couples should talk and pray through the decision together. A financial advisor who understands biblical stewardship can also help retirees evaluate their income sources, giving goals, and long-term needs. What matters most is that the decision is made prayerfully, joyfully, and without compulsion. Both approaches can honor the Lord when they flow from a heart of gratitude and faithfulness. Faithfulness Is Not a Math Equation It is easy to overcomplicate giving in retirement. Some may feel pressure to find the perfect formula. Others may feel guilty because they are unsure whether they are doing enough. But Scripture points us back to the heart. Jesus warned against a kind of religious precision that counted every detail while neglecting justice, mercy, and love. Giving matters, but it must never become merely a calculation. It is an act of worship. So when the paycheck stops, and retirement income begins, the question is not simply, “What counts as income?” The deeper question is, “How can I continue to reflect God’s generosity in this season?” Retirement may change the way income arrives, but it does not change the calling to steward faithfully. Whether you give based on estimated increase or on income as it is received, the goal is the same: faithful, joyful giving that honors God and blesses others. In the end, tithing in retirement is not about perfect math. It is about a faithful heart. On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My mom is 78 and still manages her own finances, but we’re planning ahead. She doesn’t want a general power of attorney because she wants to keep control for now. She’s interested in a springing power of attorney, but I’m having trouble finding one. How can we get that set up? I live in Magnolia, Texas, where many families can’t afford youth sports like flag football, baseball, or jiu-jitsu. I’ve been meeting with kids at the park once a week, but the group is growing, and I need help with equipment. How do I ask NFL teams or others for sponsorship? Do I need to start a nonprofit first, or can I seek support as I am? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) One Degree Advisors | Retire Confidently | Anthony Saffer & Alex Okugawa Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.