Faith, Finance, and Future Growth
Q&A with Youth Saving Certificate Custodians
Parents and grandparents are bombarded with marketing and advertisements about saving for the future of their children and grandchildren. Navigating and choosing what avenue and method to use for this can be tricky though. To offer a faith-based investment option that supports ministry growth, the Brethren in Christ Foundation introduced the Youth Savings Certificate in August 2024.
“Our goal is to provide a competitive rate for long term growth,” says Sean Kleckner, account officer for the Foundation. “We want to facilitate a learning opportunity about saving for minors and their custodians.”
Over 130 Youth Savings Certificates were opened during the first 3 months of its offering. We recently connected with three custodians (adults who manage the certificates until the minor turns 21) to learn how they hope these investments will impact their kids and grandkids in the future.
Josiah & Katey Merola
Josiah and Katey Merola opened four Youth Savings Certificates, two for each of their young children. Neither were investors with the BIC Foundation previously, but these certificates offered something unique.
“We wanted to provide a way for our kids to learn the importance of saving money early in life and put some capital into a fund they could access when they’re old enough to put it toward an important cause,” said the Merolas. “Our aim is for these to help our kids learn good financial habits and have some money available to jumpstart their higher education, transition to adulthood, engage in short term missions, or any other passion they have as they grow up and become young adults.
“The Foundation has a mission we believe in and relate to as members of a BIC church. It gives us peace of mind to know the money we’re investing will be used to further the Kingdom as opposed to the business initiatives of a secular for-profit company. Youth Savings Certificates are a great opportunity to support the BIC Foundation, invest in your kids’ future and teach your kids the importance of saving money.”
Jason Oberholser
Jason Oberholser opened six Youth Savings Certificates, one for each of his children. As a BIC missionary and someone who already held a Health Saving Account (HSA), he took the opportunity to prepare for his children’s future.
“My wife Rebekah and I were motivated by the fact that our children are growing up so fast, and we haven’t done a lot to prepare for their futures,” says Jason. “These certificates give our children an avenue for saving when they are given financial gifts from relatives who also care about their futures. We want our children to be as prepared as possible for when financial emergencies arise. We also want our children to be financially healthy so that they can say ‘yes’ if God calls them into an adventure that requires sacrifice and great resources.
“We chose the Foundation because of its partnership with Brethren in Christ U.S. We like that our investments are making it possible for the Foundation to fund and support various ministries of the church. When you open a certificate, you’re not just investing in your family’s future. Investing with the Foundation is a very practical way to advance God’s Kingdom here in the U.S. and around the world!”
José Rodriguez
José Rodriguez is a BIC pastor and member of the BIC U.S. General Conference Board. As an existing BIC Foundation investor, he knew how impactful these certificates could be for his two grandchildren as they learn about finances and eventually plan for their future.
“The main goal is to teach my grandchildren the basis of saving,” says José. “The certificates will most likely be used as a college fund; however, a car may be another choice.
“Dealing with the BIC Foundation is a blessing. The Brethren in Christ are a family, and our experience is that the Foundation has always responded as one. Don’t miss the opportunity to invest with an organization that is based on principles and values.”
The Foundation not only values but also emphasizes long-term saving for minors. “We hope that the youth savings certificate can be a conduit to not only teach minors about saving for the future, but also supporting the greater Church,” says Sean.
Investments like the Youth Saving Certificate make impact beyond the initial investment dollars. Because of investments from congregations, organizations, and individuals, the Foundation can support many congregations, ministries, and ministers via facility loans and ministry grants. Whether through a Youth Savings Certificate or one of our many other offerings, we hope you consider investing with us.
