Learning Center
This Learning Center was created to help you make sound investment and savings decisions for your JRB account.
Whether you’re new to the Plan, have been contributing for several years, nearing retirement or in retired, you’ll find objective, educational information that clearly explains investment principles and strategies you can use to achieve your long-term financial well-being.
It’s essential to have a basic understanding of investing and retirement planning. That way, you can have more meaningful discussions about your account with your family, financial advisors and the JRB’s professional staff.
Plan Features
- The JRB Plan
- JRB Plan Member Benefits
- Complimentary Financial Consultation
- JRB Complimentary Insurance Program - A Benefit of Membership
- Manage Your JRB Account Online
- Create Your Own Will, Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directive and Living Trust
- Who is Alerus?
JRB Investment Options
- JRB Bond Funds
- JRB Large-Cap Funds
- JRB Mid- and Small-Cap Funds
- JRB International Funds
- JRB Stable Value Fund
- JRB Hybrid Fund
- JRB Target Date Funds
- State of Israel Bonds
Investment Fundamentals
- Understanding Market Capitalization
- Understanding Growth and Value Investing
- Understanding Inflation
- Active vs. Passive Investment Management: Which Strategy is Best for You?
- The Mutual Fund Style Box
- Understanding Stock Mutual Fund Benchmarks
- Introduction to Bonds
- Understanding Bond Mutual Fund Benchmarks
- Building an Investment Portfolio
- Understanding Investment Risk
- Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Financial Planning
- Financial Milestones – For Those in Their 30s
- Financial Milestones – For Those in Their 40’s
- Compounding: The Eighth Wonder of the World
- 5 Financial Housekeeping Tips
Parsonage Allowance
- Understanding the Parsonage Allowance Part 1:Parsonage and the Dual Tax Status of Clergy
- Understanding the Parsonage Allowance Part 2:Calculating the Parsonage Allowance
- Understanding the Parsonage Allowance Part 3:Claiming Parsonage Tax Benefits in Retirement
Taxes
- 12 Ways to Reduce Your 2024 Taxes
- Tax Brackets (and More) for Tax Year 2025
- End-of-Year Tax Tips – Tax Credits
- How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Records?
- Tax Credits and Tax Deductions — What’s the Difference?
- Who is Alerus?
- Three Tips to Lower Your Taxes
Saving for Retirement
- 2025 JRB Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
- A Simple Mind Trick to Save More for Retirement
- Defining – and Calculating – Your Net Worth
- Saving for Your Child’s Education
- Balancing Student Debt with Retirement Savings
- 6 Financial Planning Tips for Millennials
- 3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Raise
- Is Inflation a Problem? How Should a Long-Term Investor Respond?
- How Inflation Affects Your Retirement Savings: And What You Can Do About It
Retirement
- How Much Income Can My Retirement Account Provide?
- Spending Strategies in Retirement
- Planning Your Retirement Income: Taking Distributions with Taxes in Mind
- What is a Required Minimum Distribution?
- Managing Your JRB Portfolio in Retirement
- Managing Market Volatility Near Retirement
Social Security and Medicare
- Social Security Announces 2025 COLA
- Social Security for Married Couples
- When Should You Claim Social Security?
- Working and Social Security — What Are the Rules?
- Paying for Healthcare in Retirement
Estate Planning
- Estate Planning Tips
- 9 Mistakes to Avoid When Naming Beneficiaries
- Why You Should Review Your Beneficiary Designations
- Distribution Options for Beneficiaries
- Powers of Attorney and Advance Medical Directives