Depending on what sort of mentoring you do, the financial life of your mentee may or may not be a topic of conversation.
For those of us who mentor young adults just starting out in the world, finances often come up naturally—budgeting for the first time, learning how to save, or navigating debt. For those walking alongside people further down the road, it may not surface as often. And yet, for those mentoring people in Christian ministry, finances are frequently a source of stress. Living on a small budget is sometimes a reality, and money worries can become a hidden burden.
Why Talk About Money?
Jesus didn’t shy away from the topic. He repeatedly taught about money, generosity, contentment, and the condition of our hearts. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
How a person manages money reveals what they treasure, what they fear, and where they place trust.
Finances and Relationships
It’s not just the individual who’s affected by financial stress—those close to your mentoree are also affected. Research consistently shows that money is among the top sources of marital conflict. Disagreements about spending priorities, debt, financial roles, and what constitutes enough can all erode trust, communication, and closeness.
Additionally, if financial distress is experienced suddenly, as a result of a redundancy or marriage breakdown, for example, social isolation can quickly result as people are no longer able to continue with social connections in the same way.
Biblical Insights
These findings echo the Biblical concern with how money affects hearts and relationships:
- “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (Psalm 37:16) — Money isn’t everything; how we get it, use it, and share it matters greatly.
- “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) — Financial burden is a real burden; we can share the load.
Tips for Mentors
- Normalize financial discussions: Given how common financial strain is, talking about money is not a rare or shameful sideline—it’s centrally relevant to wellbeing and relationships.
- Equip with tools: Budgeting, planning, understanding debt, building emergency funds—all practical skills that help reduce relational stress. Check out the resources below.
- Encourage accountability & transparency: Encouraging mentees to be open with significant others about finances, set mutual goals, decide together, pray together, deploy wise stewardship.
Help is Available
In Australia there are services and tools to assist people with financial hardship, and help them develop wisdom in handling money:
- Financial Counsellors are available for free through the National Debt Helpline. Or you can call them on 1800 007 007 to talk to a Financial Counsellor directly. Financial counsellors can advocate with creditors and assist with debt problems.
- https://askizzy.org.au/ is a national database of support services. If your mentoree needs help with food, housing, legal aid or pretty much anything, this is your go to.
- https://moneysmart.gov.au/ is an Australian government website with excellent advice and resources around managing finances.
- CAP Australia is a Christian charity with a national network of Money Mentors who are available to walk alongside people in financial distress. You can request support from a Money Mentor through their online form https://capaust.org/gethelp/
– Kylie Brown
ACMN Committee Member & Professional Mentor