Help For Ukraine

04/29/22 • 25 min

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has entered its third month with no end in sight, taking a heavy toll on the population. Many are asking how they can help. We’ll answer that question today on MoneyWise. The U.N. estimates that more than two million Ukrainians are now refugees as they flee the violence in their country. Mostly women, children and elderly men, they have a critical need for basic commodities. The National Christian Foundation has prepared a list of U.S based organizations mobilizing to provide that aid. These charities have already been approved to receive grants through NCF’s Giving Funds. We’ll talk about a handful of them here in no particular order. CHARITIES HELPING UKRAINIANS Aerial Recovery Group: This organization with former U.S. Military Special Operators now use their unique skills to assist people after natural and man-made disasters. They perform high-risk extractions of orphans and the most vulnerable who are in imminent danger from the Russian invasion and subsequent fighting. They’ve also set up a food and supply distribution network. That’s the Aerial Recovery Group. AmeriCares: They provide support for refugees and migrants and they have an an emergency response team in Poland to support health services for families affected by the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Their experts are coordinating large-scale shipments of medicine and relief supplies and mobilizing emergency medical teams to help in hospitals inside Ukraine. That’s AmeriCares. International Rescue Committee: For nearly a century, this group has provided disaster relief around the world. That includes emergency aid, health and sanitation, and psychosocial support to refugees and migrants. On the ground in Poland, they’re providing emergency support for families fleeing Ukraine, including economic assistance, survival supplies, and protection services. That’s the International Rescue Committee. Medical Teams International: MTI provides life-saving medical care to people in crisis due to war or natural disasters. They provide care in frontline clinics, refugee camps, and remote villages. MTI says donations will allow them to coordinate with multiple partners to ship crucial medical supplies to Ukraine. That’s Medical Teams International. Mission to Ukraine: They’ve been working in that country for 25 years serving women facing crisis pregnancies and children with disabilities each year and sharing the gospel. With the Russian invasion they’re now providing food, medicine, diapers, heating oil, and emergency refugee resettlement and housing. That’s Mission to Ukraine. Samaritan’s Purse: Samaritan’s Purse has a major presence in Ukraine. They’ve set up an emergency field hospital there with an operating room, intensive care unit and pharmacy. They’ve staffed the mobile facility with doctors and nurses who see 100 patients a day. They’ve also supplied 100 tons of relief materials, including medical supplies, hygiene kits, winter coats, blankets, and other items to help those fleeing the escalating conflict. That’s Samaritan’s Purse. Project C.U.R.E: The world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies, equipment, and services to doctors and nurses. In one week alone they shipped to Ukraine 10 tons of medical aid, including trauma supplies, airway kits, sutures, gloves, surgical gowns, and surgical supplies. That’s Project C.U.R.E. World Relief: They work with churches to provide food, shelter, and supplies to those in the most vulnerable situations. They’re helping to resettle Ukrainian refugees and providing assistance to those already in the U.S. who are desperately trying to reunite with their families. Many of these organizations are faith-based, providing not only basic human services, but also spreading the Gospel. Some are more keenly focused on sharing God’s Word, such as the American Bible Society. They’ve had a strong presence in Ukraine since the end of World War II. For the last decade, they’ve focused on expanding Bible-based trauma healing work in Ukraine. They’re now working close to the frontlines helping families who’ve lost loved ones and are searching for truth and comfort during the ongoing conflict. There are many more worthy organizations providing desperately needed help in Ukraine. We just couldn’t name them all. Again, you’ll find a more complete list here. On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Does it make sense to sell a newly-built home? ● What is the best way to start investing on behalf of young pastors in training? ● What can a person do as a government employee to invest for the future? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected]. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this minis...

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Rising Auto Insurance Premiums

Costs seem to be rising for almost everything under the sun these days. Unfortunately, auto insurance rates are no exception. Today on MoneyWise, we’ll tell you why and offer you some tips on how to lower your premiums. So NerdWallet is reporting that car insurance premiums are expected to increase even though the number of claims was down last year. Blame it on the far-reaching effects of the pandemic that’s led to supply chain interruptions, the shortage of new and used cars and a spike in reckless driving. Another reason for higher premiums is that vehicles are more expensive than ever, and that means repairing them is more expensive, too. The cost of used cars and trucks has jumped 37-percent over last year, and the average cost for a new, non-luxury vehicle is now $43,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plus, new vehicles now come with all kinds of fancy new gadgets that cost a fortune to repair or replace, driving up premiums. These include systems that help you park, cameras and all types of sensors. Repair shops are also charging more these days, driving up insurance rates. Much of that is due to the rising cost of parts. So what might seem like minor accident damage may come with a hefty repair bill. There’s also a shortage of qualified auto mechanics, which is expected to continue in the years ahead. This is due in part to the increasing complexity of automobiles and the need for more and better training programs. And would you believe that the pandemic has also caused premiums to rise? Even as people began to drive less as work-from-home opportunities became more available, they also began to drive more recklessly. Accidents caused by distracted drivers have been on the rise for several years, largely due to folks looking at cell phones, and it’s not clear yet whether hands free laws are having the desired effect. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that distracted driving accounts for nearly 10-percent of fatal car accidents. Then came the pandemic, and reckless driving seemed to go into overdrive as folks began to speed more. Erie Insurance conducted a survey of 500 U.S. drivers that revealed 1 in 10 drivers were driving much faster than before the pandemic up to 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. Now you’ve got to be wondering why that’s the case. Why would the pandemic cause people to speed? The survey asked that question, and here are the top reasons that drivers gave: ● The roads weren’t congested, so drivers felt safe driving over the speed limit. ● It seemed like there was far less law enforcement out, so folks felt they weren’t likely to get a ticket. ● And even the empty roads were a good opportunity to see how fast my car could go. All of these factors are causing auto insurance rates to increase. So what can you do about it? HOW TO LOWER YOUR COST First, check with your insurance company to see if there are any discounts that you’re not aware of. Examples might be signing up for electronic billing and auto pay. Your insurer might also offer a discount for taking an online defensive driving court. If there’s a safe driver discount, you’ll definitely want to avoid getting a ticket. You can also increase your deductible. That will lower your premiums. Just be sure to keep the amount of your deductible in your emergency fund. If you’re driving an older car, you can drop comprehensive and collision coverage. But again, you’ll want to have enough in savings to replace your car if need be. And finally, shop around for lower rates with other insurers. They typically offer lower rates to new customers, then gradually increase them over the next several years. So switch to another company could save you some money. On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● Should you move a pension or roll it over into something like an IRA? ● How should you manage I-bonds and are they a good gift for grandchildren? ● Can you sell a home that’s in forbearance? RESOURCES MENTIONED ● Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected]. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

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What Assets Can I Give to Charity?

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 When it comes to giving, Christians should always want to sow bountifully. But sometimes our giving is limited by not knowing what we can give. We’ll talk about that today with Bob Fry of the National Christian Foundation. Bob Fry is senior gift advisor with the National Christian Foundation in California. Bob previously served as chairman of the Merrill Lynch Trust Company’s Investment Committee, supervising $10 billion in assets. Most people earn a regular paycheck of some kind, but a lot of folks have assets that they may not think about when it comes to giving. TWO GIVING CATEGORIES There are really two categories of assets you can give: The first is anything that is considered a capital asset that the donor has held for more than a year. Those could be stocks, real estate, or business interests. The huge advantage of donating those is that you get a fair market value tax deduction, but you don’t have to pay any capital gains tax. The second category includes things that you can’t directly give away, but if you plan correctly, you can turn them into giftable cash. One example would be employment stock options. But if you exercise your options and donate the cash, the cash is deductible against 60% of your total income. GIVING A PORTION OF PROPERTIES There are also options to give away a portion of real estate property before you sell it. Often, donors will put their property into an entity like an LLC. They can then give away a portion of the LLC before selling the property. This also offers tax advantages. BARRIERS TO GIVING The number one barrier to giving is FEAR. Giving is always an act of faith, and part of the reason God wants us to give is to trust Him. So addressing that fear factor is the biggest barrier. Giving is a privilege that gives us an opportunity to grow personally and grow closer to God. TIPS FOR GIVING: ● Making a plan with your family is a part of intentional integration between your life and generosity. ● Go to Ncfgiving.com/strategy to learn how to become more strategic in your giving ● Check out the inspiration from NCF’s 2021 Impact Report, which they can find at NCFgiving.com. On today’s program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● How should you handle the repayment of loans when you may be eligible for loan forgiveness? ● How do you balance paying off debt against investing for retirement? Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to [email protected]. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. Like and Follow us on Facebook at MoneyWise Media for videos and the very latest discussion! Remember that it’s your prayerful and financial support that keeps MoneyWise on the air. Help us continue this outreach by clicking the Donate tab on our website or in our app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29