Greed, Generosity, & the True Meaning of Catholic Money | Tim Mayer

Today, Ben is joined by fellow Catholic financial planner Tim Mayer to unpack the meaning of “Catholic money”—a vision of wealth shaped by stewardship, detachment, and generosity. Grounded in their shared experiences in religious life, Ben and Tim reflect on how faith transforms financial decision-making, shifting the focus from accumulation to service. They explore money’s historical roots in the domestic sphere and draw on Catholic teachings, like via negativa, to clarify what Catholic money isn’t: greedy, self-serving, or fear-driven. Instead, it’s a practical tool meant to support family, community, and the building of God’s Kingdom. Along the way, they discuss the spiritual and emotional depth of financial advising, especially when clients face difficult questions around legacy, values, or sacrifice. This episode invites listeners to see money not just as a resource, but as a vocation—and encourages them to seek advisors who align with both their financial goals and their faith.

Key Takeaways:

• Catholic money is defined by stewardship, generosity, and spiritual detachment—not accumulation or greed. Money is not truly owned but temporarily entrusted to us; we are accountable for how we use it.

• True financial planning involves aligning one’s goals with eternal values, not just material outcomes.

• Catholic advisors can help clients navigate hard questions around marriage, children, and estate planning.

• Living generously is difficult before you do it, but deeply rewarding afterward.

• The best advisor-client relationships are built on shared values and mutual trust.

• Catholic financial planning is ultimately about building the Kingdom of God through intentional money choices.

Key Timestamps:

(00:00) – What is Catholic Money?

(02:00) – Tim’s Vow of Poverty

(05:00) – The Origins of “Money”: Roman Roots, Juno Moneta, and Domesticity

(10:00) – What is Money, Really? Function, Purpose, and Spiritual Implications

(14:00) – Via Negativa: Defining Catholic Money by What It’s Not

(16:30) – Greed vs. Stewardship: Where Money Fails and Faith Guides

(18:00) – The Role of Generosity and Detachment in Catholic Finances

(22:00) – Serving Others with Our Wealth

(25:00) – Creating a Virtuous “Flywheel”

(29:00) – Why Shared Values Matter in Financial Relationships

(33:00) – Helping Clients Practice Detachment with Wealth

(38:00) – Why Guidance Helps us Let Go and Give More

(40:00) – How Advisors Help Clients Align Money with Faith

Key Topics Discussed:

Catholic Money Mastermind, Catholic financial planning, Catholic financial planners, Catholic financial advisors, Ben Martinek, faith and finances

Mentions:

Website: https://www.primeaumayer.com/

More of Catholic Money Mastermind:

Catholic Money Mastermind Podcast is a personal podcast meant for educational and entertainment. It should not be taken as financial advice, and is not prescriptive of your financial situation.

Are you looking to hire an advisor? Browse our members.

https://catholicfinancialplanners.com/members/

Are you a Financial Advisor who is serious about the Catholic Faith? Join our network and email [e-mail]