A Word from the CEO

In the days following Tisha B’Av, many of us carry forward the themes of remembrance, loss, and honest reflection that mark the day. It is a time that calls us to look clearly at what has been broken and to consider how we rebuild with care.  With that same spirit, this issue of the Financial Pulse focuses on two important areas of long-term planning: protecting the purchasing power of your savings over time and approaching retirement income with greater tax awareness.

Rising costs continue to shape retirement planning for many of us. At an average annual inflation rate of about 3%, the purchasing power of $50,000 drops to roughly $23,880 after 25 years. Our article, Inflation: What Should a Long-Term Investor Do?, explores practical ways to build and manage retirement assets with inflation in mind.

Tax strategy is equally important. In Taxes and Retirement Income, we look at how to coordinate distributions from different types of accounts, the special planning considerations for clergy eligible for the parsonage allowance, and the role Roth assets may play both during your lifetime and for your beneficiaries.

I’m also pleased to share that the JRB Board of Trustees has appointed Rabbi Felipe Goodman to serve as Second Vice Chair, following the departure of Rabbi Melinda Zalma. Rabbi Goodman has long provided thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to the JRB. We are grateful for his continued service.

Finally, I encourage you to watch Hazzan William Lieberman’s testimonial. He speaks with honesty about the discipline, balance, steady commitment it takes to prepare for retirement, and the value of working closely with the JRB along the way. His advice is simple and enduring: begin early, not only for yourself, but for your family and your future.

If you would like to discuss the impact of inflation on your retirement plan, how to approach retirement distributions with taxes in mind, or simply have a conversation about your overall strategy, please reply to this email or call us at 888-JRB-FREE (572-3733). We are here to help.

L’Shalom,