2012 Workshop Topics Offered by Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust

BBT staff members are eager to provide workshops and seminars to groups of members, clients, employees, or congregations. Our list focuses on a number of topics that are geared toward helping people be good stewards of their financial resources. For more information or to schedule a seminar, contact Loyce Swartz Borgmann at 847-622-3364 or at lborgmann@cobbt.org.

Click here to view and print a PDF of BBT's 2012 Workshop Topics.

On personal finance

Building a Solid Financial Foundation
Financial planning starts from the ground up. That’s why it’s important to build a  foundation that’s based on fiscal responsibility, not debt. Look at some practical methods that can be used to dig out of debt, cut expenses, and build the sort of discipline that will keep you on a sound financial path.

Faith, Family, and Finances
Often, money matters are considered too private to share with our families, or they become the source of arguments. Listen to ideas about the role money management plays in our lives and receive guidance on how to speak openly about your finances.

Living Faithfully Within Your Means
In this workshop, learn how to live “in” the world but not “of” the world, financially speaking, by eliminating debt and working with the resources you have. 

Help! There’s Too Much Month at the End of My Money!
Do you have trouble making ends meet at the end of a pay period? Look at cash management and budgeting from a Christian perspective, with an eye toward stewardship and simple living. Get to know the difference between financial planning and budgeting, and find out how to do both.

Long-Term Care Insurance: An Investment for Peace of Mind
Preparing for your future means making positive investments that will promote financial and physical wellness. Take a closer look at long-term care insurance and learn how to determine whether it is right for you and your family.

The “M” Word — Why Talking About Money is so Important
This will be a frank discussion about family finances and a look at how attitudes about money affect spending and saving habits. What are some ways to teach your children about money management?

On congregational finance

Church Endowments — A Primer
Explore a model for establishing a congregational endowment program, including sample documents. This workshop provides information for congregations that have already decided to implement an endowment program but need assistance in getting started. 

Helping Churches Invest in the Future
Get some insight into Brethren Foundation and its services.

On retirement planning

How Much is Enough?
It’s a question on many minds these days. The answer is often based on retirement income, desired retirement date, life expectancy, and other factors. The impact of taxes and inflation on retirement finances will also be discussed, as well as methods for developing a model to project a savings rate to help reach a secure financial future.

A Pension Plan Primer
Learn how Brethren Pension Plan works by attending this seminar. Get to know the options Plan members have, and take a look at what happens during accumulation years and when members retire. This session is tailored to the needs of each group.

On planned giving and stewardship

Are You an Invited Guest?   
Find out what birdseed, bridesmaids, and Heinz 57 have to do with stewardship. Using Matthew 25: 1-13 as its biblical context, this session examines the merits of planning for the financial and general vitality of the congregation. The concept of church endowment is introduced. This session is even suitable for those who have no interest in stewardship workshops.

Everyone Has One … What Will You Do With Yours?
If you’re not sure, attend this session. You’ll get a very basic review of things to think about as you consider what to do with everything you have accumulated during your lifetime. This session is only for the mortal.

“Wolde You Bothe Eate Your Cake and Have Your Cake?”
This presentation introduces the charitable gift annuity.