Large Family Finances

Can Catholic families still thrive financially while being open to life? In this inspiring interview, Rob and Sam Fatzinger—parents of 14 and authors of A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More—share practical wisdom on living within your means, raising a big family debt-free, and trusting God through every financial season.

When Big Families Meet Big Faith

In this special episode from The Catholic Money Summit, Amanda Teixeira sits down with Rob and Sam Fatzinger, a remarkable Catholic couple who’ve raised 14 children (12 biological and 2 adopted) while living debt-free in one of America’s most expensive metro areas—Washington, D.C.

From their early marriage in 1989, the Fatzingers chose simplicity and trust. Rob worked in banking while Sam stayed home to raise their growing family. They built their finances around two guiding principles: live within your means and be open to life.

“Every young couple should start off dirt poor,” Sam laughs, “because then you have no choice but to trust God.”

From One Income to Financial Freedom

The Fatzingers’ story shows how deliberate choices compound over decades. They lived on a single salary from the start, saving everything Sam earned part-time. That small savings eventually helped them open a Catholic bookstore—an act of faith that taught them how to rely fully on God’s providence.

They avoided consumer debt, paid extra on their mortgage every month, and taught their kids to pay for their own cars, college, and phones. Now, their grown children are financially responsible adults—some owning multiple properties, others serving as missionaries.

“We started with almost nothing,” Rob recalls, “but we always paid a little extra on the house. Those habits built stability and freedom.”

Living Simply in a Culture of Comparison

In the interview, Sam reflects on how not having smartphones or Amazon during her early motherhood made it easier to live with peace and contentment. She challenges young couples today to resist the temptation of social media comparison and unrealistic lifestyles.

“Stop putting your credibility as parents in your wallet,” she says. “Your children will learn joy from your presence, not your purchases.”

The couple’s life of frugality isn’t deprivation—it’s gratitude. They’ve found joy in sharing resources with their parish community, repurposing hand-me-downs, and teaching others to do the same.

Faith, Family, and Financial Formation

Beyond their own story, the Fatzingers offer wisdom for young Catholic families:

• Start small — Live on one income before you have to.
• Embrace community — Share, borrow, and trade within your parish.
• Teach stewardship early — Let kids earn and manage small amounts.
• Stay grounded in prayer — Financial peace flows from spiritual peace.

As Amanda notes, “They built their financial habits around their vocation—not the other way around.”

Where to Learn More

Rob and Sam’s book, A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More, expands on the principles shared in this episode and offers concrete tips for Catholic families at any stage.

Listen to the Full Interview

🎧 Large Family Finances (with Rob and Sam Fatzinger)
👉 Access more inspiring interviews from The Catholic Money Summit—now on demand at CatholicMoneySummit.com

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