BJH: What is your name and how did you get involved with LSJ?
Ilana Pleeter: My name is Ilana Pleeter, and I’m from Baltimore. My sister-in-law thought this would be a great role for me and encouraged me to apply. Over time, I developed a real passion for helping people in the frum community and seeing firsthand how LSJ provides clarity and guidance to couples and singles.
BJH: How many people has LSJ helped so far?
IP: To date, LSJ has coached over 4,000 families through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and educational programs.
BJH: When did Living Smarter Jewish begin?
IP: LSJ began approximately five years ago under the guidance and vision of Baltimore’s own Rabbi Moshe Hauer Zt’L, who was the Executive Vice President of the OU at the time. Rabbi Hauer felt that it was critical that there be an organization that was dedicated to providing the tools and education that would enable families to understand and value the importance of financial literacy and self-sufficiency from a Torah perspective. In the wake of other organizations deciding that they would only coach utilizing a fee-based model, Rabbi Hauer Zt’l encouraged and incubated the formation of LSJ under the Communal Engagement Department of the OU, led by Rabbi Simon Taylor.
BJH: What does Living Smarter Jewish offer?
IP: LSJ offers free one-on-one financial coaching for individuals and couples in the Jewish community. Our coaches help clients organize their finances and create a realistic budget so they can live within their means and make confident financial decisions. In addition, LSJ offers a high school financial literacy curriculum, which is available at cost for $15 per textbook.
BJH: How is the program offered for free?
IP: LSJ is a program under the Orthodox Union, and all of our financial coaches volunteer their time. Because of this model, we are able to provide financial guidance at no cost to the families we serve.
BJH: What makes LSJ different from a financial advisor?
IP: LSJ coaches do not tell clients where to invest and do not sell any financial products. Our focus is education, budgeting, and organization. We help clients understand their money so they can make informed decisions that align with their values and goals.
BJH: What does a coaching session look like?
IP: Coaching is done one-on-one, usually over Zoom. The coach works with the client to review income and expenses, build a clear budget, and identify practical next steps. The goal is to create clarity and reduce financial stress.
BJH: Why is budgeting such a big focus of the program?
IP: A written budget creates clarity, and clarity creates confidence. When people understand where their money is going, they are better able to make decisions that support their future rather than reacting to pressure from their surroundings.
BJH: How does LSJ help address the rising cost of the frum lifestyle?
IP: While LSJ cannot change the cost of living, we help families gain control over their finances by teaching practical skills. We help people make intentional choices, plan ahead, and live within their means.
BJH: Do you only work with people who are struggling financially?
IP: Not at all. While some clients come to us with financial challenges, many are doing fine financially but want structure, education, and guidance so they can plan responsibly and avoid future stress.
BJH: Do LSJ coaches tell clients how or where to invest?
IP: No, LSJ coaches do not tell clients how or where to invest. Our coaches focus on budgeting, organization, and financial education. For clients who are ready to invest, we can provide referrals to vetted investment advisors. These advisors are not directly affiliated with LSJ and do charge a fee, but they can help set up accounts and provide personalized guidance on where to invest.
BJH: What do you tell newlyweds?
IP: We tell newlyweds that it’s important to have a written budget and to understand their income, expenses, and priorities as a team. We emphasize the importance of saving and investing, not spending every penny they make, and intentionally setting money aside for the future. We also teach the power of compound interest and why starting to invest at a young age can have a meaningful long-term impact, even with small amounts.
BJH: What has been the most rewarding part of your work with Living Smarter Jewish?
IP: One of the most rewarding parts of my role is hearing directly from clients after their coaching sessions and seeing how much of an impact the program has had on their lives. We receive feedback forms after sessions, and nearly 99% of clients say they would refer LSJ to a friend. Many express deep gratitude for the clarity, confidence, and peace of mind they gain, especially knowing that the service is provided completely free of charge. Seeing that level of appreciation and real-life change is incredibly meaningful.
BJH: How can someone get started with LSJ?
IP: Anyone interested can reach out to lsj@ou.org or visit livingsmarterjewish.org to schedule a brief intake call. From there, they are paired with a volunteer coach who works with them one-on-one.
