5 Money Habits That Honor God: A Faith-Based Guide for Millennials and Gen Z

In a world that constantly pushes “more, faster, now,” it’s easy to feel like your finances are never enough. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or somewhere in between, managing money can feel like a grind — especially when you’re trying to honor God with your decisions.

As a young adult navigating finances, faith, and future goals, I’ve learned that being intentional with money isn’t just good advice but it's a spiritual discipline. These are five money habits that have shaped how I approach wealth, contentment, and purpose. I’m still on the journey, but maybe these will help you take a step in yours too.

1. Live Minimally to Focus on What Truly Matters

I’ve chosen to live more minimalistically and not because I have to, but because I want to. Minimalism frees me from the constant chase of the next best thing and helps me focus on what I truly care about: my faith, my purpose, and the people I love. That doesn’t mean material things are bad. There’s a place for comfort, good food, and even the occasional splurge. But I’ve found that contentment is hard to hold onto when I’m always reaching for more.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

Hebrews 13:5

One thing I’ll always invest in is relationship-building with my girlfriend as the perfect example. We’re intentional about buying books for each other, reading together, and growing spiritually and emotionally as a couple. We recently read The 5 Love Languages and just started our next one, Attached. Those aren’t just purchases — they’re investments in something that lasts.

The same goes for experiences: museum dates, botanical gardens, beach walks, or deep late-night conversations. I don’t mind spending time or money when it strengthens connection, love, and joy. That’s the kind of wealth that really matters. Minimalism, for me, isn’t about restriction but it’s about freedom and focus. It helps me stay grounded, generous, and tuned into what God is doing in my life — not just what culture is selling me.

2. Give First, Not Last — Even When It’s Not Flashy

I believe giving is a foundational money habit for Christians. It’s not about how much but more about the heart behind it. Every month, I support K-LOVE, a Christian radio ministry that spreads hope and truth. Giving to them isn’t a grand gesture, but it’s intentional. And that’s what God honors — faithfulness.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”

Proverbs 3:9

3. Be Intentional with Every Investment (Even If It's Not Perfect)

When I invest in my Roth IRA or taxable brokerage account, I try to be conscious about what I’m supporting. That’s why I include faith-aligned funds like those from Eventide, GuideStone, or Sovereign Capital ETFs. These funds aim to avoid industries that conflict with biblical values and investing in them reflects a desire to honor God even through my portfolio. But I want to be transparent: not all of my investments are in faith-based funds. I still hold positions in broader ETFs and market indexes that aren’t faith-screened.

Here’s how I see it: it’s kind of like eating clean.

As a former personal trainer, I know that striving to eat 100% clean 100% of the time isn’t realistic. But if you're consistently choosing healthier meals, avoiding the obvious junk, and becoming more mindful over time — your health improves.

It’s the same with investing: I may not be perfectly “faith-aligned” in every investment, but the intentionality matters. The small decisions stack up.

This journey isn’t about guilt — it’s about growth. Being aware. Taking steps. Honoring God more fully as I learn.

4.  Don’t Fall into Debt Traps or Comparison Culture

Let’s be real it’s easy to fall into the trap of “I deserve it.” Credit cards, Buy-Now-Pay-Later apps, and peer pressure to keep up with friends can pull you into debt before you even realize it. That’s why I’ve worked hard to stay debt-conscious and comparison-free. I’d rather be called “cheap” than stuck in a financial pit. But here's the thing — I’m not stingy when it comes to what truly matters.

When it comes to my girlfriend, for example, I don’t hold back. Our experiences, joy, and relationship are worth every penny. That’s not waste — that’s investment in a life that matters more than material stuff.

“The borrower is slave to the lender.”

Proverbs 22:7

Freedom is better than fake flexes. Peace is better than pressure.

5. Stay Spiritually Grounded While Building Financially

The world will try to define you by your bank account, job title, or lifestyle. But your identity is in Christ, not in your net worth.

I’m learning that even as I set goals, invest, and build toward the future, my heart has to stay rooted in something deeper. That means regular prayer. Scripture. Journaling. Being open with God about my financial goals and trusting Him with the outcome.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

1 Timothy 6:10

I want to be successful but on God’s terms, not the world’s. That’s what keeps me grounded.

Final Thoughts

These habits aren’t a checklist but a mindset. A lifestyle. A journey. You don’t have to be perfect to honor God with your money. You just have to be intentional, prayerful, and faithful in the small things.

We all have different incomes, backgrounds, and challenges. But one thing remains the same: when you put God first in your finances, you’ll start to experience peace that money can’t buy.