Navigating Market Volatility with Confidence
The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq just had their best weeks of the year—only one week after suffering their worst weeks of 2024. During times of market volatility, we want to remind you of tried-and-true investment strategies that can help you weather the ups and downs.
The Crucial Role of the Housing Allowance in Credentialed Ministry Compensation
Servant Solutions continues to uphold its mission of “Serving Those Who Serve” and strives to improve the financial security of all church staff. One invaluable tool we advocate for is the incorporation of the Minister’s Housing Allowance into compensation packages—a critical step towards enhancing retirement planning and overall financial well-being.
Volatility and The Difference Between Investing and Trading
Volatility is a measure of how fast and how far things move in the market. We know that market movement is a part of investing. Yet, market volatility can be disconcerting to our emotions. In this article, Dr. Brock Vaughters offers some strategies to help you deal with Market Volatility.
Three money decisions that have made all the difference – Pastor Jim Feirtag
When I graduated from Anderson University School of Theology in 2003, we accepted the assignment to leave Indiana and come to Texas. We had been married four years and had a one-year-old little girl. It was my first (and so far, only) Senior Pastor role. It was an adventure and we had a lot to learn about life, marriage, parenting, ministry and stewardship of our finances.
Social Security: It Pays to Delay
You probably already know that you’ll take a permanent cut if you claim benefits before your full retirement age. Take Social Security when you need the benefit, but for those that can wait, the big cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) made in the last two years will bring an even greater advantage.
Health care records that can help protect your finances
documents and the conversations that go with them can be hard and uncomfortable. But completing them now and having those talks while you’re able can help ease burdens if you become ill or after you’re gone. Servant Solutions is able to help through a free service provided by our recordkeeping partner, Principal Financial Group. Principal has teamed with ARAG* and now provides a package of estate planning documents available to you at no additional cost.
Gathering Their Thoughts
Research shows that people who work with a financial planner have significantly more income, net worth, and retirement savings than those who do their own planning. Here are some thoughts from people who have completed the Financial Roadmap process through our resident Certified Financial Planner (CFP) at Servant Solutions, Bob Haymond.
Money Talks with Family
Money can be a polarizing subject to discuss. We all have different perspectives, attitudes, goals, and habits when it comes to how we think about money and how we use it. Ultimately, money is a tool that we each have the opportunity to put to use for a more noble purpose. Conversations around the use of money can become even more divisive in the context of family. Our families see the best and worst of us, can love us the best and hurt us the most, and play a huge role in shaping what our lives ultimately look like. Conversations about money in the mix of family life can quickly highlight competing goals, desires, and attitudes. However, these conversations can also be an opportunity for a family to come together for a united purpose. Families that have conversations about money set themselves up well for handling the financial stresses of life that are sure to come.
Now Is The Time For A Financial Plan
When it comes to a retirement date, you may have less of a choice than you think. For many people, retirement comes earlier than they expect. While you may understand that it’s important to get your retirement investment portfolio in order sooner rather than later, it can be hard to know where to start or even what questions to ask. Are you overdue for a conversation?