According to a survey by USA Today Blueprint, the top four 2024 resolutions for Americans are saving for: a rainy-day fund, retirement, their kids’ education and a big purchase. Paying down credit card debt rounds out the top five items on Americans’ wish list.

Rely on the Pensions Boards as your trusted resource

As a UCC minister, you are called to a life of service, devoting yourself to the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of those in your congregation. This selfless commitment, however, can sometimes mean you will have to make financial sacrifices along the way. Changes in your ministry role, unexpected life events, or other personal challenges can impact your financial wellbeing and retirement plans.

For pastors, caring for the spiritual needs of older adult members of their congregations is a sacred task—a relationship of mutuality and blessing between pastor and elder. Among our pastoral colleagues, there are also those who are responsible for providing support and care to older people outside the congregation—their older adult parents.

By Rev. Bruce G. Epperly, Ph.D.

Rabbi Hillel, an older contemporary of Jesus, is known for his wise counsel. Over the years, and especially now as a member of the Medicare generation, Hillel’s words invite me to join self-care and self-affirmation with care and affirmation of others.

Have you ever considered what will happen to your loved ones after you have left this earth? It may be uncomfortable to consider, or perhaps you are so busy you have not had a chance to consider it. In either scenario, if you are reading this article, you have time to implement simple steps that will make you feel better about your ability to protect their future.