Seminarian Supporters

Most simply stated, financial counseling is appropriate whenever someone exploring call has a question about finances. These questions may cover a variety of topics related to budgeting, borrowing, credit or debt.

An easy way to begin a discussion about financial counseling is by using the flow chart titled How can financial counseling help me achieve financial wellness? By asking a number of questions about the financial situation of the individuals exploring call, the flow chart can open the door to the availability and value of financial counseling.

For many students and inquirers who might not otherwise consider financial counseling, the flow chart serves as a reminder that times of transition are particularly appropriate times to consult with a financial counselor. For example, before starting seminary, a financial counselor can help someone exploring call think about what it will mean to live on one (or in some cases, no) household income. Additionally, as a student – and potentially his or her family – prepares for a year of congregational internship, a financial counselor may be able to provide advice on reducing moving costs or living on less. Finally, as a student prepares to graduate from seminary, a financial counselor may be able to provide helpful ideas on how to effectively budget while anticipating his or her first call.

In addition to asking questions about a student’s or inquirer’s personal financial situation, the reverse side of the flow chart provides a number of frequently asked questions about financial counseling.

Another option for opening a conversation about financial counseling would be to use the infographic titled Achieve Financial Wellness. The infographic states the case for financial counseling and indicates how someone exploring call can begin participating.

Yet another option would be to use the infographic titled Your Neighbor’s Financial Wellness. A majority of Americans worry about financial issues. Financial counseling can facilitate healthy conversations about financial concerns with an individual or among couples, families and with members of a congregation or community. Even if someone exploring call does not see financial counseling as a good fit for themselves personally, it would be a valuable addition to their ministry toolbox.

Those exploring call, as well as rostered ministers and their spouses are eligible for up to six free confidential sessions with an expert financial counselor through Financial Choice, a service of LSS Financial Counseling, provided by Portico Benefit Services.

The first step to an effective referral is an initial discussion of financial wellness. You could start this discussion using the flow chart titled How can financial counseling help me achieve financial wellness?, the infographic titled Achieve Financial Wellness, or the infographic titled Your Neighbor’s Financial Wellness.

To increase the likelihood that someone exploring call will participate in financial counseling, you are encouraged to make the first call with the student or inquirer. LSS financial counselors indicated that the most effective referrals involve a three-way call among LSS Financial Counseling, the person exploring call and someone in your position (seminary faculty or staff, a bishop, synod staff person, candidacy committee member, or a Candidacy and Leadership Manager). This type of referral provides a soft handoff to LSS Financial Counseling, as well as indicates that no student or inquirer is alone in the process, but rather that partners provide accompaniment throughout.

To complete this three-way call, you, together with the person exploring call should call LSS Financial Counseling at 800-528-2926. This first call is to set up a financial counseling appointment, not to have a financial counseling session. The financial counseling appointment will be set for a future date, in most cases, in two days or less.

You can best help those exploring call prepare for their financial counseling appointment by working with them to generate a list of topics of concern or what they hope to achieve in financial counseling.

There is one additional way to contact a financial counselor at LSS Financial Counseling-by going online.

Financial counseling sessions last for one hour and are completely driven by the financial needs and questions of the student or inquirer. A financial counselor will begin the first session by asking, “What are you looking for?” “What has been going on in your life financially?” and “Where do you want to be financially?”

The financial counselor will then work with the individual to address his or her financial concerns. This may involve going through a credit report, discussing debt repayment options or reviewing budgeting techniques. What is discussed will depend on the individual’s specific concerns.

At the end of each session, the financial counselor will provide the students or inquirer with a specific action plan. This plan is unique to him or her and seeks to address the issues raised during the session. The student or inquirer may set an appointment right then with the counselor to review progress on the action plan, or he or she may call the financial counselor again to review the plan.

Yes. At the end of the first session, the financial counselor will provide the student or inquirer with his or her direct telephone line.

Financial counselors understand that many individuals bring feelings of shame or discouragement about their financial situations into a counseling session. The financial counselor will work with the individual to alleviate these feelings; they know it takes a lot of courage to make the call to a financial counselor. Financial counselors believe that the most successful approach in working with those exploring call is as members of the same team.