Encouraging and Equipping You for Your Spiritual Journey:
Join us at our 4th annual Women's Conference on March 26, 2011 to deepen your connection to the presence of God.
FINANCIAL FITNE$$:
Two workshops on ways to get - and keep - your finances in good shape
On Sunday, March 14, 2010, about thirty members of the Long Green congregation stayed after Sunday School for a delicious pot-luck lunch followed by a two-part presentation on financial accountability given by Steve Bob, Director of Operations for the Church of the Brethren Credit Union. Brethren Benefit Trust provided our speaker and all of the materials used for the program.
During Steve’s first presentation,
“The Seven Biggest Mistakes People Make with Their Money,"
people of all ages were able to gain insights
about ways to responsibly plan for the use of their financial resources.
Investments were discussed, along with the benefits of joining a credit union.
In addition to some basic ideas to be considered during early years of employment,
the discussion also included having 80% of current income available after retirement
and purchasing disability or long-term care plans.
Seven “financial sins” (things to be avoided):
1. Setting no financial goals: Advice may be needed to balance fuzzy dreams or wants with specific, identifiable goals that can be worked on. (Matthew 7:7)
2. Having no plan for the future: We need to take inventory and take into account where we are financially.
3. Suffering from too much information about budgeting, being aware that “A confused mind always says, ‘No!’.”
4. Not having enough information on how to best use monthly income in checking and savings accounts, interest rates, credit card rates, stocks, retirement plans, or employer-matching benefits.
5. Not knowing the effects of “Two Dragons”: taxes and inflation. Financial planning can save on taxes due and protect investments from inflation.
6. Failure to assess risk: Insurance for health, property, and savings is important.
7. Failure to review credit history regularly.
And, last but not least:
Procrastination. (Putting off thinking about financial planning = No financial plan!)
[Suggestion: Make your list of things to do by stating each of the above in “positive language”. Example: 1. Set financial goals.]
Steve’s second presentation,
“Making Healthy Choices about Money and Debt”,
stressed tips to improve your credit score and avoid debt.
Reminding us that Proverbs 22:7 warns us, “The poor are always ruled over by the rich,
so don’t borrow and put yourself under their power”, Steve shared the following statistics:
- In 2008, the average American household had 5.4 credit cards and $8,329 in credit card debt which would take 47 years to pay off with 2% minimum payments.
- Using credit cards versus cash can raise discretionary spending by 12 %.
- Interest rates on credit cards are rising beyond 14.9% up to 23.9 % when payments are late.
Key points about actions to take include:
1. Reduce numbers and use of credit cards.
2. Live within your means, and be a regular saver (and a regular tither).
3. Pay off credit cards monthly (or pay off the balances resolutely).
4. Make a financial plan with monthly budget of necessary and discretionary purchases.
5. Establish special savings accounts for big purchases, Christmas gifts, and vacation.
6. Accumulate on-hand cash reserves equal to three months of your monthly salary.
We were reminded that school loans can be extremely handicapping to new graduates.
Free credit report reviews are available from www.ftc.gov/freereports or www.annualcreditreport.com.
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(Notes shared by Jean Sack)
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Information about FINANCIAL FITNE$$, The Church of the Brethren Credit Union,
and Brethren Benefit Trust are available at the “WELLNESS MATTERS” resource table at the church.
Demystifying Diabetes because Wellness Matters at Long Green!
“We, as members of the human race in this century, either have diabetes or are at risk for getting it. This is a current issue for everyone. Managing Diabetes means the difference between not only life and death. Not paying attention to factors related to Diabetes puts one at risk for the ‘in-between’: having to deal with the consequences of poor management” (quoted from a LGV member who attended the talk)
Three dozen members and friends stayed after church on November 16 to learn more about diabetes from Dr. Paul Sack who used short films, slides, and humor. We learned that type 1 and type 2 diabetes demand careful attention not only to balance sugar intake and insulin levels, but also to diet, weight-loss and exercise. Paul stated that the deliberately delicious recipes were wonderful but more importantly “it’s not so much what you eat but how much.” We need sugar and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, our lifestyle doesn’t include enough exercise at work or in leisure. 50% of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or harm reduced by modified diets and exercise (150 minutes weekly). Paul gave a refresher about blood sugar levels and new medicine as well as better prices on prescriptions. Long-term medicines sometimes need to be changed. He demonstrated improved testing lancets, the ease of a pencil insulin dispenser and discussed sugar and glucose tests. Diabetes does run in families but if one member has diabetes, the rest of the family can benefit from healthier diets and prevention activities. Several people “won” diabetes cookbooks with correct answers to basic understanding questions featured on the LGV website at http://www.lgvcob.org/wellness/resources.htm.
Diabetes follows the obesity epidemic, worldwide. Diabetes is a real public health challenge especially for children who are uninsured or who have parents who are not monitoring their children as carefully as needed. Many of the Asian and Hispanic community have difficulty getting the health care they need or sticking to a healthy diet -- their adolescents drink too many sodas and junk food like many teens. Paul explained why the consequences of diabetes include loss of eyesight, poor foot circulation and amputations, heart or kidney dysfunction, and possible side effects of medications. Endocrinologists recognize that the “scare factor” after a diabetic is diagnosed helps compliance with medications and diet but even that will wear off after a year. Therefore continuing education and follow-up with patients are necessary in his clinics.
One visitor was impressed by the level of sharing between people as a result of Dr. Sack’s presentation. Many easily-read brochures and actual recipes remain available in the wellness area.
Look for information relating to Diabetes prevention, treatment, and nutrition on our Resources page!
