It’s easy to feel disorganized and scattered when thinking about your finances. Setting financial goals can be overwhelming, especially if your main focus is on ministry and those you serve.

A 2024 Caring.com study shows that 40% of Americans don’t think they have enough assets to create a will. The number of people who have a will has declined by 6% since 2023, which is the first decrease in estate planning rates since 2020.

Regularly reviewing your beneficiary designations to ensure they align with your current wishes and circumstances can prevent complications and disputes down the line and ensure that your assets are distributed as intended.

If you are pouring yourself entirely into serving your congregation, you may be neglecting your own health and financial well-being. Whether you are just beginning your career in ministry or have been serving in the UCC for decades, it’s important for you to have a strong financial foundation from which to answer your calling so you can prioritize your community’s needs without the fear that your most basic needs are at risk.

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A 2023 study by YouGov.com reveals that “two in five U.S. adults (43%) lack confidence towards their retirement provisions. This sentiment is especially pronounced among Gen X, where nearly half (48%) express doubt about their financial future. Unsurprisingly, the Silent Generation, the vast majority of whom are already in their retirement years, show the greatest confidence, but it’s still only half feeling secure about their retirement finances (48%).”