GuideStone retirement introduces online financial education resource center for ministers
By GuideStone Staff
DALLAS (BP) – To mark the start of Pastor Appreciation Month, GuideStone announced Oct. 4 the launch of its free, online Ministerial Resources Center, [1] which provides assistance to ministers and church decision makers on how to enhance their financial security and resilience. This new resource center includes seven educational videos, providing guidance on navigating the unique IRS guidelines and benefits applicable to ministers, along with best practices for pastoral salaries, Social Security and insurance.
The Minister Financial Education Videos cover a variety of relevant topics, including: “What does it mean to be a minister for tax purposes? [2]” and “What is the difference between the lump sum “package” approach and a salary-and-benefits approach? [3]” Along with these videos, additional in-depth resources and articles will be available, designed to provide answers to common financial and tax-related questions specific to pastors.
“For over 100 years, GuideStone has been a trusted partner and advocate for pastors and ministry leaders,” said GuideStone President Hance Dilbeck. “Pastors tirelessly dedicate their time and resources to serving the Lord and caring for their congregations. It is GuideStone’s mission to provide expert guidance that will enable them to advance the Kingdom of God with financial security and resilience.”
GuideStone evaluates minister-specific IRS tax guidelines, insurance and approaches to pastoral compensation with financial expertise and a biblical perspective. These resources are designed to guide pastors and ministry partners on how to make wise financial decisions that strengthen both their individual financial security and the well-being of the church.
[4]“GuideStone is pleased to be able to provide a dedicated space with financial resources and tools to help ministers start well, stay well and finish well,” said Christy Teeter, chief retirement officer at GuideStone. “Providing financial security and resilience allows pastors to remain focused on the ministry to which they have been called.”
GuideStone tips for avoiding digital payment scams
By GuideStone Staff
DALLAS (BP) – Scammers continue to target digital money movement channels. While impersonating well-known companies and government agencies, scammers can contact you requesting payment through a wire transfer or by sending money with Zelle – these methods allow money to be sent quickly, and the funds are often difficult to recover. Of special note, be wary of any communications or money transfer requests from government entities or agencies relating to recent events in the financial industry.
You should never wire money or send money using Zelle or similar payment platforms to:
- Anyone claiming your account is compromised
- Anyone asking you to send money to yourself
- Anyone who claims to be from a government agency
- Any stranger, no matter what reason they give
- A telemarketer trying to sell you something
- Unauthorized, unverified cryptocurrency sites or salespeople
Visit GuideStone’s recently updated Security website for the latest fraud and security insights at: https://www.guidestone.org/About-Us/Security [5]
Stay vigilant to protect your personal accounts
- If you get a suspicious call, email, or text, don’t disclose any personal information until you verify it’s from a legitimate source. If you have any doubt, contact the company directly.
- Only allow remote access to your computer when you’ve initiated the contact with a company you know through a verified phone number or website.
- Always protect your User ID and Passphrase. Be sure it is not easily guessable, do not enter it on a non-GuideStone site, and remember that we will never ask for your passphrase.
- Set up 2-factor authentication (multiple ways to identify yourself) with the companies you work with to help keep your device and money secure. GuideStone already requires 2-factor authentication for certain transactions.
- If you suspect one of your accounts has been compromised, immediately change your user ID and passphrase for your GuideStone account and other important accounts.