Faithful with Much: Stewarding a Financial Windfall

Notice that inheritance and wisdom are meant to go together. Wealth without wisdom is dangerous. But wealth guided by wisdom can become a powerful tool for good.

Give yourself time to think, pray, and seek counsel before making any major moves.

Understand What You Have Received

From there, the next step is to understand what you have actually received, because not all wealth is the same.

If you received a life insurance payout, it may have come during a season of grief, which makes wise decision-making even more important. Those funds are often income-tax-free, but that does not mean the decisions are simple. It can be tempting to act quickly in an emotional moment, but this is a time to slow down and prayerfully consider how those resources can provide stability, meet immediate needs, and reflect the values of the one who provided them.

If you inherited a retirement account, such as an IRA, there are often specific rules to follow. In many cases, the account must be retitled as an inherited IRA, and the funds may need to be distributed within a certain timeframe, often within 10 years, depending on your situation and your relationship to the original account holder.

If you sold a business, what was once tied up in years of hard work may now be sitting in cash. That can feel both freeing and overwhelming. A sale like this may trigger significant capital gains taxes, so it is important to understand what you owe and when. Beyond that, this is a moment to think carefully about what comes next. You do not have to rush into new investments or big decisions. Take time to evaluate your long-term needs and consider how this transition can align your resources and your next season of life with God’s purposes.

And if you inherited property, there may be an opportunity, but also complexity. In many cases, the tax basis is adjusted to the property’s value at the time you inherit it, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate capital gains if you sell relatively soon. But the right decision depends on your full financial picture, your goals, and your family's needs.

The form of wealth may differ—cash, investments, retirement accounts, business proceeds, or property—but the need for wisdom remains the same.

Seek Wise Counsel

One of the most important steps you can take is to surround yourself with wise, godly counsel.

Understanding comes before wise action. That means asking good questions, getting clear on the details, and inviting trusted voices into the process before you make decisions that may shape your future for years to come.

This is especially important when taxes, estate issues, investment decisions, family dynamics, or charitable giving are involved. A financial windfall can create opportunities, but it can also create pressure. Wise counsel can help you slow down, avoid costly mistakes, and make decisions rooted in stewardship rather than fear, guilt, or impulse.

A Final Word

Unexpected wealth is not merely a financial event. It is a spiritual opportunity.

It gives you a chance to ask: How can I honor God with what He has entrusted to me? How can these resources provide wisely for my household, bless others, and serve God’s Kingdom?

The goal is not simply to preserve wealth or increase it. The goal is faithfulness.

Because in the end, what matters most is not how much you received, but whether you received it with humility, handled it with wisdom, and used it for the glory of God.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

• My car’s engine failed, and I need a replacement. I’m considering a $18,000 used car, but my original budget was $14,000. I have about $18,000 in savings and could pay cash, though it would nearly deplete it. Should I use my savings or finance part of the purchase?
• I’m almost 70 with limited savings, but I’ve always believed in tithing. Would it be appropriate to invest a set amount monthly—like $100—in a CD or fund and designate it as giving to ministries after I pass, or should I approach my giving differently?
• My husband and I are retired and nearing 80. As we transition out of real estate, we’re considering moving more into ETFs and index funds. What types of investments make sense for this stage of life?

Resources Mentioned:

• Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)
• SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) | iShares Gold Trust (IAU)
• 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