The Greatest Inheritance You Can Give

What if the greatest gift you leave your children isn’t your money, but your wisdom? At FaithFi, we teach that God owns it all and we are merely stewards. But have you ever stopped to consider who will manage what God has entrusted to you after you're gone? Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” That inheritance can be a beautiful blessing—but without wisdom, it can also become a source of confusion or conflict. That’s why, as faithful stewards, we must focus on transferring wisdom before we transfer wealth.

So what does that look like in practice? Think of it as a series of intentional wisdom investments throughout your children’s lives. Whether they’re toddlers learning to share or grown adults managing a budget, here are three practices that have shaped my own journey as a mom and stewardship coach.

1. Help Your Children Discover and Work in Their Giftedness

Regardless of how much wealth your children inherit—or don’t—God designed them to work. Made in the image of the Creator, we reflect His character through meaningful labor. Helping your children understand their unique wiring and encouraging them to pursue it is one of the most powerful investments you can make.

In our family, that looked different for each child. My youngest was teaching her dolls by the time she was three—it was clear early on that her gift was in teaching. My oldest, on the other hand, explored various paths—marriage counseling, administrative roles—before landing on her true passion: preschool education. She didn’t find her calling until 30, but the journey was just as important as the destination.

Our role as parents isn’t to dictate their path but to walk with them, pray with them, and trust God to reveal their strengths. Don’t underestimate the value of encouragement, conversation, and tools like career assessments to help your children discover how they’re wired.

2. Let Them Experience the Consequences of Poor Financial Choices

This one’s tough. As parents, our instinct is to shield our children from pain. But sometimes, the most loving response is to step back.

I’ll never forget when our son made a poor decision involving a bicycle. It was heartbreaking to watch him deal with the loss. My husband and I had to remind ourselves: we’re not just parenting—we’re preparing a future steward. And that painful lesson stuck with him far more than any lecture could have.

Allowing children to experience the natural consequences of their financial decisions helps them develop discernment and responsibility. It’s not about punishing them—it’s about equipping them to become wise, faithful stewards.

3. Give Them Real Experience Managing Money

Theory matters, but practice is where the lessons stick.

We started teaching our kids about money when they were in preschool, using three simple envelopes: give, save, and spend. As they grew, we added categories, eventually helping them manage a full spending plan before they left for college.

And since most of our kids are digital natives, we love using tools like the FaithFi app to help them track their spending, build a budget, and develop a deeper understanding of stewardship. It also keeps the money conversation going—because it’s not just about how much they have, but how they’re using it.

It’s Never Too Late to Start

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’ve missed your window—take heart. It’s never too late. Wisdom isn’t a one-time lecture—it’s a lifelong journey.

Start with grace—for yourself and your children. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. Have a conversation over dinner. Invite your child to help with the family grocery list. Share something from your own financial journey—the wins and the mistakes.