To be honest, the better performance by the U.S. versus the rest of the world is not entirely unexpected after a strong year for international stocks in 2017. Tax changes and less regulation have stimulated the U.S. economy, but the markets have recently started to gravitate to the idea that the U.S. represents the only investment opportunity in the world. Although Pension Boards’ Funds are allocating a majority of assets to U.S. investments, most experts know the benefits of diversification over the longer term, and international markets should not be ignored, especially when they hold value for the longer-term.
We thought you would like to see a current assessment of emerging markets by GSAM. We will continue to keep you informed on trends influencing global markets and your retirement funds.
*The EM Comeback report is used with permission of Goldman Sachs Asset Management.
Have you ever walked out of a doctor’s office and forgot to ask a question about a symptom you’ve been having, or brought home a new medication and couldn’t remember if you were supposed to take it with a meal?
A little preparation before your next visit can help you ensure you’re getting the most out of your doctor visits, and ensure you’re being an active participant in your health – saving you time, money and worry. You can get more from your doctor visits by following these tips:
Before you go…
While at the visit…
As the days get warmer, it becomes increasingly important to stay hydrated and keep your body cool. Whether you are spending a leisurely day at the beach or going for an outdoor run, you should make sure that you are taking the proper steps to prevent dehydration and overheating.
Tips to stay hydrated:
Know the signs of a heat-related illness: Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Extreme Heat and Your Health website to learn about the warning signs of heat-related illness. If you suspect that you or someone you are with is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
With just a little planning and preparation, you and your loved ones can stay cool and refreshed on hot summer days. Enjoy the warm weather and stay safe!
The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC) has been accepted as a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), joining more than 1,900 organizations around the world that have publicly demonstrated their commitment to responsible investment.
"Becoming a PRI signatory is a testament of PBUCC’s witness of sustainable investment," said President and CEO Brian R. Bodager. "This further aligns us with organizations working toward the greater good and a just world.”
On March 8, the Pension Boards was notified that an agreement had been reached by Cigna to acquire Express Scripts, the pharmacy benefit manager for the UCC Non-Medicare and Medicare Supplement with Rx Plans. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year and is subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
A memorial service for Dr. John Ordway, past Executive Vice President of the Pension Boards who died on April 3, 2017, will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. (ET) at Naples Congregational United Church of Christ in Naples, Florida. A reception will follow the service.
In the United States, about 10,000 baby boomers reach retirement every day, and some are unprepared. Even though soon-to-be retirees are concerned with rising health care costs and retirement income, many have not planned for a secure retirement or examined the right health plans to meet their new standard of living and care.
Thankfully, Annuitant Visitors, who serve as ambassadors for the Pension Boards’ plans and benefits, offer United Church of Christ (UCC) retirees a listening ear and hands-on support in response to their questions or concerns about their UCC health plans and pensions, and more.
The Rev. Lawrence J. Rezash from Miamisburg, Ohio, has become quite aware of the pressing needs and concerns of retired UCC clergy in his years of faithfully serving the Church. Lawrence served six local UCC churches over the course of his career. He was also a Campus Minister at Carnegie Technical University, Association Minister for Southwest Ohio Association, and Vice President for Conference Relations for the Pension Boards.
He says, “In all these positions, health care issues and retirement income were always the priorities.”
Lawrence, a member of Harmony Creek Church in Kettering, Ohio, served as an Annuitant Visitor for three years. In that time, he says, most UCC retirees he visited understood the Pension Boards’ benefit plans.
A History of Caring
Since 1914, the Pension Boards has been a partner in ministry with those who serve the United Church of Christ. The Pension Boards delivers benefits and services from the intersection of faith and finance, providing clergy, lay employees, and all persons served with the peace of mind that comes through greater financial security and better health.
Annuitant Visitors become an extension of the Pension Boards, making sure that the needs of retired clergy are met, and that they maximize the Pension Boards’ benefit offerings. In this way, they can live the rest of their years with more financial security.
Lawrence shares, “One of my close friends wanted me to find out how he could donate his organs after death. I investigated how he could do that. When I told him about the paperwork he had to complete with a member of his family, he followed through all the right procedures. His goal was accomplished at the time of his death.”
Annuitant Visitors offer more than just paperwork assistance during a life change or decision; they also form close friendships and communicate appreciation for retirees’ lifetimes of dedicated service to the Church. They let retirees know that they are not forgotten and that the Church cares.
Learn more about the Annuitant Visitor Program here: https://bit.ly/PB_AVP_INFO.
Photo: Lawrence and his wife Clara of 60 years.
All of us at one time or another have experienced some type of personal crisis or life event that resulted in grief, stress, financial loss, and more. At the Pension Boards, we are fully committed to your health and personal well-being. We care when life throws you a curve ball.
At its November 2017 meeting, the Board of Directors of the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA) discussed the future of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) in response to its recent program evaluation. UCBMA Directors overwhelmingly affirmed NGLI and gave thanks for the vitality and vigor that pastors are stirring in the United Church of Christ from the mix of coursework, field trips, and cohort engagement.
Glenview, IL, November 30, 2017 — The Church Alliance commends Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for her introduction of an amendment to preserve important retirement security provisions for clergy and church lay workers that would be repealed by the tax reform legislation pending in the Senate. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) joined in co-sponsoring the amendment. The amendment is essential to provide employees of religiously-affiliated organizations with a meaningful opportunity to save for a secure retirement.