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Self-Support Ratio: Net Worth / Expenses

This ratio is calculated by dividing your net worth by your annual expenses. It can indicate whether or not you can support yourself with your own assets.

Use it as a general guide to determine what might be appropriate for your situation. Each case is different. There may be factors in your specific case that can render this indicator misleading. See a financial counselor.


If your Net Worth / Expenses ratio is:
Approximate Category
  • Greater than 18 you likely can self-supporting your ministry/mission.
  • Between 7 and 18 you likely can partially self-supporting your mission needing travel and overhead funds, depending on the country of service.
  • Between 0 and 7 you should consider raising full support for your mission. Use the funds you have for eventual retirement.
  • Less than 0 you should get out of debt before you consider going into mission. It is more difficult, but possible, supporters will provide funds to redeem your former spending style.

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    This section has been developed by Master's Financial Associates, Lancaster, PA and the Finishers Project.