Whenever TBMs are questioned on why the church doesn't release financial information concerning how tithing is spent, you often hear the excuse that it is 'sacred funds'.

I agree - the hard earned 10% of members, particularly those who have really sacrificed all to make this payment should be treated as sacred. But isn't this ALL the more reason to release information about how is spent?

So, I propose that next time a TBM tells you that tithing is sacred funds (as if it therefore by nature has to be secret), agree with them and tell them that this is exactly why the church should be open with those who have donated. It's not like they are just blowing $millions of profit from their stock investments.

The church almost always puts tithing in literal terms of "It's God's money." That's the way you'll read things in the Ensign or hear 'em in GC.

Lots of televangelists use a similar trick to convince you to send them money for "The Lord's work" and so that "heaven will pour out blessings on you", even it's your last 10 bucks; the more they talk about money, the less they talk about Jesus...