This episode idea actually came from a question I got on Instagram. Someone asked me: "Carolina, I just got a big chunk of money. What do I do with it?" And my friend, the answer is not what most people think.

Whether it's a tax refund, a bonus, a big revenue month, or an unexpected gift — today we're talking about exactly what to do when money shows up.

Right now we are closing in on tax season. Maybe a refund hits your account. Maybe you're a business owner with a record revenue month — that's exactly what happened with one of my clients last month. Or maybe a family member sends you an unexpected gift. And instead of that money being a blessing, it turns into a source of anxiety because you don't have a plan for it.

I see this pattern all the time. Money comes in, and without a framework, it just gets absorbed into life. Three months later, people are looking around going — where did all of that go?

Here's what I believe with my whole heart: when God sends provision, He usually has a purpose behind it. Our job is to steward it well — not hoard it, not blow it, but steward it wisely and joyfully. So here is the framework my husband and I actually walk through when a big chunk of money lands in our account.

Step 1: Tithe and Pray

This is a non-negotiable. Off the top, we give 10%. Like I've talked about before, this is just obedience. It's an act of surrender — telling the Lord, this came from you and I trust you with whatever is left. And honestly, it releases the pressure and creates a supernatural peace that only He can provide.

Then, before anything else happens with the money, we just sit and pray. We ask — Lord, is this for something specific? Is there someone I'm supposed to bless? Is there a need I've been ignoring?

I know that might not feel second nature, and sometimes it isn't for me either. But sometimes God speaks so clearly in these moments. There was actually a time my husband and I received unexpected money and we both felt strongly called to give it all away to a family in need. We didn't follow the rest of this framework — we just gave it. So I share all of this to say, talk to the Lord first. If He gives you a clear direction, follow it. If He doesn't, this is the framework to fall back on.

Step 2: Attack Your Debt

I know this isn't the fun answer, but if you have consumer debt — credit cards, car loans, personal loans, student loans — I want you to use the rest of this money to take a real swing at it. This does not include your mortgage, which is a different conversation.

Every dollar you owe someone else is a dollar you cannot put toward your future. I want you to be so frustrated that you have to put this money toward debt that you never want to go into debt again. And I want you to use it as a reward — so that next time a big chunk of money comes in, you're so excited that you don't have to send it straight to a lender.

I hope it eliminates your debt entirely. But if it doesn't, it's a big chunk that gets the ball rolling.

Step 3: Build Your Cash Reserves

Still not the fun answer — but this is the foundation you are building your financial life on. Life is going to happen. An emergency is coming. And we need to be prepared.

Matthew 7 talks about the wise man who built his house on the rock — the rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew, but it did not fall because it had been built on a solid foundation. Think about what that looks like practically: your AC unit goes out, you need a new roof after a storm, or you have to fly across the country unexpectedly for a family emergency and you don't want money to be a stressor in that moment.

I'd recommend three to six months of bare necessities — mortgage, groceries, utilities. If you're a one-income household, lean toward six months. If you're a two-income household, three to four months may work. And for my business owners: I'd also suggest keeping at least two months of operating expenses in a separate savings account — and please, please set aside 25 to 30% of your profits for taxes. I cannot tell you how many business owners I've talked to who had a fantastic year on paper and then got completely blindsided by their tax bill.

Step 4: Put It Toward Long-Term Wealth

Now that the necessary things are handled, we can think about building. A few options to consider — putting 10 to 15% toward retirement accounts like a Roth IRA, SEP IRA, or Simple IRA. Making an extra payment toward your mortgage principal, which reduces your interest over time and builds equity faster. Investing into your kids' accounts. Or, depending on your goals and how much you have, exploring things like rental properties — though that requires more money and more effort, so it's just something to keep on the radar.

Either way, you are taking this provision and putting it to work for future you. That is good stewardship.

Step 5: Enjoy What's Left — Guilt Free!

You tithed, you prayed, you handled the serious stuff. If there's anything left, go enjoy it.

Book the family trip you've been putting off. Spend a day at the spa. Buy the thing you've been eyeing for months. Invest in an experience with your husband or your kids that you'll talk about for years. Because when you honored God first and handled your financial responsibilities wisely, you can spend what is left without spiraling into shame or second-guessing yourself. You were faithful. You were intentional. Now you get to enjoy it.

This is what it means to spend in alignment with your values.

If you liked this blog post, make sure to head over to our podcast and listen to the full episode!

Episode 1 | Feeling Confused About God and Money? How to Start with Stewardship

Listen To The Episode

I'd love to hear from you, especially if this changed how you're thinking about that tax refund. Send me a message on Instagram at @cashflowwithcarolina!