January Insights! 

1. It's a New Year, which means new payroll deductions. Clergy should make sure their treasurer/payroll person knows what to have deducted for their UMPIP, health insurance personal portion, etc. for the first payroll of the new year. 
   A REMINDER - Premiums Payment and Non-Payment:  NIC will be following the rules stated in our official documents with Wespath regarding our HealthFlex program and pension program. 
   If you choose a plan that requires a clergy/personal portion to be submitted to the Conference office, this amount must be paid each month. Anyone who does not make their monthly personal portion of their premium is in danger of being terminated from our insurance coverage. Since it is a choice of the clergy to choose which plan the clergy wants, the clergy needs to pay his/her/their portion.  The Conference will not pay your personal amount.
2. In January some of our attention turns to refreshing our space (taking down the Christmas decor, organizing things) so in the spirit of organization and having things lined up properly, please, please review your BENEFICIARIES in Wespath. You can do this on your Benefits Access. It just makes sense to have this all taken care of so if anything does happen, no one is scrambling! 
3. The January Lunch and Learn is not to be missed! It will be on Wednesday, January 15th at 11:30 a.m. This month it's a discussion on clergy mental health with Rev. Debi VanDenBoom, MAPCC LPC, Deacon Pastoral Counselor. We're talking about why New Year, Same You isn't a bad thing. Find more information here.
4. Taxes. Clergy taxes is a unique issue and it's important that you and/or your tax professional understand the nuances. We, at the Conference office cannot give tax advice. We would like to know if you have a tax person who understands clergy taxes and is taking new clients, please send that information to the Benefits office (cweaver@niwumc.org) we are currently building a resource list and are finding there are not many out there. This list will be out on the website under Benefits. 
5. Speaking of finances, EY, through Wespath, has some great resources on financial wellbeing.

   Your monthly financial plan to thrive in ’25
   Learn how to improve your financial wellbeing one month at a time in 2025. In this 30-minute webinar, “Your monthly financial plan to thrive in ‘25,” we’ll walk you through a plan to address various areas of your finances throughout the year. Learn how to set goals, reduce your debt, tame your spending, and more.
   Register for one 30-minute session below using Wespath as the name of your employer:
   - January 8 at 10:00 a.m. CT Register here.
   - January 16 at 10:00 a.m. CT Register here.
   - January 8 at 3:00 p.m. CT Register here.
   - January 16 at 3:00 p.m. CT Register here.

Have a great January!!