Most people recognize the stress of an unanticipated expense or a dwindling account balance. What you might not realize is that the stress often lingers past the moment of worry.

According to TIAA, your financial health and your mental health are intertwined like the stripes of a candy cane. And although you might weather the financial stressor, an anxiety hangover can remain.

“Financial stresses, such as debt, significantly contribute to mental health challenges,” reads a portion of TIAA’s “Connecting Financial and Mental Wellbeing” report, published in February. “This stress affects personal wellbeing and has profound implications on workplace productivity and employee engagement, affecting personal relationships, work performance, and overall wellbeing.”

Resilience as a Remedy

No one is Teflon when it comes to money stress. A fender-bender isn't generally preventable, but your level of preparedness can give you a good foundation to cope. The more you know and grow with financial resilience, the better off you’ll be when those unexpected events happen.

First steps? Seek opportunities to learn. MHealthy will host a Financial Well-being Resource Fair Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University Hospital’s Towsley Lobby. Take this opportunity to engage with financial professionals, get your money questions answered and learn about university and community assistance to support your financial well-being.

MHealthy also offers several resources to assist the U-M community with mental/financial health. These include education programs and resources, coaches, and immediate assistance if you need help now.

Learn through Livestream

Several webinars offered by professionals at TIAA and Fidelity, U-M’s partners in administering its retirement benefits, can enhance your money know-how. These events are offered at no cost, with some available on-demand.

Webinars offered in August include:

TIAA

• Financial Wellness & Mental Health
  Wednesday, Aug. 7 – 2 p.m.
  During this judgment-free webinar, you’ll learn how to recognize financial issues that can cause mental stress; access mental health resources through your benefits; and find a qualified financial consultant to assist with money stressors.
• Live with Confidence in Retirement: 5 Steps to Creating Your Retirement Income Plan
  Wednesday, Aug. 21 – 1 p.m.
  This webinar will help you make concrete plans to transition from employee to retiree. You’ll learn how to estimate your expenses; understand your income sources; build a strategy for lifetime income; and more.

For info about more events, view TIAA’s Webinar Lounge.

Fidelity

• Couples and Money: Keys to Planning Together for the Future You Want
  Wednesday, Aug. 7 – 2 p.m.
  Join Women Talk Money as participants discuss keys to success in navigating finances as a couple, from making sure you’re on the same page about tackling life’s curveballs to topics that will help prepare and protect the future of your dreams.  
• Getting Ready for Medicare? Or Just Need a Refresher? Start with the Fundamentals
  Thursday, Aug. 15 – 1 p.m.
  There’s a lot to consider about Medicare – whether you’re enrolling for the first time or thinking of changing your coverage. During this event, Fidelity Medicare Services® professionals will share the basics, including the different types of Medicare coverage; how to balance cost and coverage; and tips for avoiding penalties.

View more webinars on Fidelity’s events page.