If you felt a pang of anxiety when scanning a household bill recently, you're not alone. According to a July 2026 survey, 53% of Americans are more stressed about their finances than they were a year ago.
While you don't have control over economic conditions, you do have control over your money. And with a little help, you can make your money work for you to alleviate that stress and feel more confident when you pull out your wallet.
TIAA, a longstanding partner in administering U-M's Retirement Savings Plans, will offer a free webinar Tuesday, Aug. 18, to help you manage your money. "Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt," takes place from 11-11:30 a.m. Eastern Time. During this event, you'll learn how to:
- Set your goals
- Know your spending
- Create a plan
- Manage credit and debt
- Practice healthy money habits
Invest now in 30 minutes toward better financial stability and peace of mind.
Learning the Fidelity and TIAA Way
Fidelity Investments and TIAA, U-M's longtime partners in administering its Retirement Savings Plans, offer monthly webinars and other educational forums to increase your knowledge about all things financial. These events can help you learn more about a subject that interests you, or freshen your existing knowledge about ever-changing money matters.
Fidelity and TIAA are both regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They also follow rules set by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the U.S. Department of Labor for retirement accounts.
Upcoming Fidelity and TIAA webinars are listed below. All are free of charge and take place on Eastern Time.
Fidelity
Women Talk Money: All About the Roth
Wednesday, Aug. 12 – 2-2:45 p.m.
Women Talk Money will unpack how different IRAs work and how to navigate the fine print, from income limits to contribution rules to withdrawal approaches in retirement. During this event, you'll learn:
- Key differences between Roth and traditional accounts, and how each may benefit you
- How taxes come into play across contributions, potential growth, conversions, and withdrawals
- What to know as you approach retirement about spending the money you’ve saved
Insights Live: A closer look at the costs of long-term care (part 1)
Thursday, Aug. 20 – noon-12:45 p.m.
This two-part webinar series will discuss ways to approach your future healthcare and long-term care expenses. On Aug. 13, you'll learn about the costs and decisions you should expect, whether in early retirement or your Medicare years, and discuss strategies to help you manage expenses.
Specific topics will include:
- Cost estimates and budgeting ideas for retirement healthcare expenses
- Why investing in a Health Savings Account (HSA) can be a tax-efficient strategy
- How to address healthcare costs before Medicare kicks in If you retire early
- Enrolling in Medicare and how to evaluate your options
- Other charges and factors, including the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA)
Part 2 of Insights Live: A closer look at the cost of long-term care is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, from noon-12:45 p.m.
To view more educational events, go to the Fidelity Special Events Learning Center web page.
TIAA
Live long and prosper: Your guide to understanding longevity
Thursday, Aug. 6 – noon
Learn how to consider your longevity across financial, physical, mental, and social dimensions; longevity's impacts on financial caregiving; and how longevity literacy can affect your retirement planning and saving. During this webinar, you'll learn about:
- Challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity
- How longevity literacy affects retirement planning and saving decisions
- Actions for maintaining an aging population’s health, wealth and happiness
To explore TIAA's webinar library, go to the TIAA Webinars web page.
Check In to Check Out
Events are great ways to increase your financial knowledge, but they can't replace personal connection with your TIAA or Fidelity retirement specialist. You can meet with a strategist virtually, by phone or in person for optimal convenience. Evolving technology allows them to screen-share so you can see your account information in real-time.
To schedule your one-on-one appointment:
- Visit the Fidelity Scheduler web page or call (800) 642-7131, weekdays from 8 a.m. to midnight. Fidelity offers appointments exclusively for U-M employees every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the TIAA scheduling web page or call (800) 732-8353, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Help at MHealthy
MHealthy also offers several resources to assist faculty and staff with improving their financial well-being. These include education programs and resources, coaches, and immediate assistance for those who need help now.