Celebrating Shavuot earlier this month, I was reminded of how Ruth and Naomi combined their talents to their mutual — and the community's — benefit. The article "Ruth and the Alien Corn," states "Ruth realizes that, in order for a life to be well-lived, one must search energetically for both meaningful experiences and actions that permit and demand growth." What does this mean, I wondered, for the work that the JRB does?

This issue of the Financial Pulse offers two answers.

The first article describes what it means for us to "search energetically for both meaningful experiences and actions that permit and demand growth;" in our case, building financial security. The 13 plan benefits we describe go well beyond setting up and maintaining a retirement savings account. Anyone can do that. The JRB commitment includes personal financial consultations, life and disability insurance, access to end-of-life heath and estate documents, financial education and parsonage allowance in retirement for clergy. I urge you to let us know how we can support your effort to build financial security.

The second article is much more granular. An effective tax strategy is part of the "search" for financial security. This month's article describes updates and changes to popular tax provisions as well as the current marginal tax rates so you can see if you are withholding an appropriate amount from your paycheck. While Congress may update some of these rules before the end of the year, several tax credits are currently set to decline in 2022.

As always, please contact us to discuss specific financial questions via email or call us at 888-JRB-FREE (572-3733).

L'Shalom,