1 New York Annual Conference Adult Education Program Financial Planning with a Christian Perspective It Works : Bequests Now = $3.9 Million, up 680% Prepared by: Ed Ruppmann

2 Objective  Empower our congregation to tithe  Develop Endowment Fund raising programs  Improve Church Operating Budget cash flow  Achieve measurable increase in apportionment receipts.

3 u Develop new approach to raise faith consciousness at local Church level –Start by commitment of time and talent. –Show Pastor and congregation the way –In time, donations and bequests will follow. –Convince skeptics “the more you give the more you receive.” Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

4 u What is Christian Stewardship? –GAIN all you can SAVE all you can GIVE all you can –Recognizes all life as a trust from God –Responsible management of all God-given resources –Dedicate a worthy portion of your time, abilities and money for the advancement of Christ’s mission –Giving is rewarding and enriches your soul –Therefore we lead by example and it will be so: “the more you give the more you receive.” Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

5 u Our Stewardship Philosophy: –We must do more for our congregation. –We must demonstrate that we truly care and share our members financial burden. –We care so much that we will provide free financial planning and elder care/estate planning services at up to 50% discounts. –When we help our congregation get on solid ground it’s a “win-win-win” for everyone. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

6 u Our Stewardship Philosophy Works: –We have educated over 800 laity and clergy. –We have improved our members livelihood. –In turn, people have increased their giving. In the last 9 Months: »Bequests have grown from 1/2 Million to $3.9 MILLION - UP 680% in 6 years. »Free will offerings have grown from $12 thousand to over $61 THOUSAND - UP 63% in 3 years. »We have provided financial education to 300+ MORE PEOPLE - UP 220% –It’s truly a “win-win-win” for everyone. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

7 u Our Stewardship Philosophy Works: –We have several testimonials from pastors. –From Rev. Betsy Ott – Ronkonkoma UMC »“You're doing a wonderful job. FYI our giving here has gone up in the past year and we are increasing in the number of pledgers. There is a much better sense of stewardship as a way of life and of the need for stability in giving so the church has stability in funding ministries.” –It’s truly a “win-win-win” for everyone. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

8 u What’s unique about this program? Not a sales pitch Entirely voluntary – you decide who implements plan Plan for yourself Don’t allow others to make poor decisions for you Get a free 1 st or 2 nd opinion Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

9 u Provide Financial Education Programs –Did you know: »Medicaid eligibility requires spending your life savings and selling your house to qualify. »At 65, 50% will require nursing home stays at a average cost of $100,000 per year. »Most people do not save enough for retirement. »People work 11,250 days, retirement plan 1 day. »At 65+, 55% of US population have income including Social Security below $15,000 per year.

10 u Provide Financial Education Programs –Did you know: »Without financial aid, most parents could not send their child to college. »College costs are growing at 8 + % each year. »Health care costs are climbing at double digit rates. »Disposable income has been flat over the last 3 years and for senior citizens it is declining. »Disposable income donated to the Church is down but somehow many not-for-profits are thriving. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

11 u Provide Financial Education Programs –Did you know: »US Govt. estate tax is up to 55% plus 16% NYS estate tax, Income tax average* is 30+% Capital Gains tax is 15%-8%. »Giving appreciated stock to the Church is tax free - it’s a “win win” for you and your Church.. »Leaving a bequest to the Church can eliminate estate taxes. »Most people and lawyers do not think about leaving money to the Church when preparing a will. * Marginal Rates for NY/CT Metro area including State taxes. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

12 u Provide Financial Education Programs –How do we change the mind set? »We must educate our congregations about their finances »Offer free individual financial & estate planning »Highlight areas of concern and develop a plan »Implement a plan that enhances financial security »Financial stability will lead to capacity and willingness to tithe and consider planned giving. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

13 u Provide Financial Education Programs –How do we begin? Select a Church/Cluster and: »Educate Pastor, Finance & Trustee Chairperson »Explain the planning process »Highlight appropriate savings vehicles »Discuss importance of starting early »Impact of inflation and taxation on savings Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

14 u Provide Financial Education Programs –How do we begin? Select a Church and: »Appoint coordinators to bring congregation together and offer similar services to all Church members »Promote awareness that our Church provides valuable services at no cost to the congregation »Promote seminar, insert fliers in Bulletin and mail invitations to Church members. »Conduct seminars at cluster level (3-6 Church groups) »Then we pray that people show up. Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

15 u Provide Financial Education Programs –What’s next? For those who are interested: »Construct personal financial plans that examine their unique individual needs. Individuals need to: u Provide income and expense data u Provide net worth data u Provide insurance coverage data u Provide risk appetite information u Discuss Elder Care and Estate Planning concerns Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

16 u Provide Financial Education Programs – Develop Financial Needs Analysis Plan »How much can I save with no change in life style? »How much do I need to save for college? »Will I have retirement savings to last until age 90? »Can I reduce insurance costs & invest the difference? »Are investment plans consistent with risk appetite? »How can I protect my life savings from Medicaid? »How can I transfer my life savings to my family and Church without paying 50+% tax to Uncle Sam? Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

17 u Provide Financial Education Programs – Execute the Financial Needs Analysis Plan Short Term: »Develop individual financial plans free of charge »Plan completion will compel goodwill thinking »Gladly accept a one time donation to our Church or Conference »Increased savings potential will create stability »Financial stability will increase tithing & planned giving Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

18 u Provide Financial Education Programs –Execute the Financial Needs Analysis Plan Long Term: »Increased savings potential will create stability »Financial stability will increase tithing »Elder Care Plans will compel one time donations »Estate Plans will permit bequest potential »Creation of secure retirement will allow bequest potential, providing Endowment Fund growth for years to come Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

19 u Provide Financial Education Programs Conclusion: “The more you give, the more you receive.” –Encourage sharing professional talents and skills within your congregation –This is a “win-win-win” for everyone; »Conference and Church Benefit, »Clergy and Congregation Benefit, »Professionals providing services Benefit Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance

20 u How Do I Sign Up: –Check Seminar Sign Up Sheet. –Coordinate a seminar for your church - talk to your pastor and set a date on the church calendar. Seminars are 3 hours. –Communicate importance of event to leadership. –Appoint a coordinator, preferably laity –Insert flyers into bulletin 4 weeks before seminar. –Talk it up – need an average of 20 families to insure success. –Any questions call Ed Ruppmann on Sower Seeds of Faith & Finance