Do you want to go “back to school” with your finances?

TIAA, a longtime partner in administering the U-M Retirement Savings Plans, is getting back to basics about money and how to make it work for you.

It’s “Essentials” series on YouTube is a free, valuable resource, whether you’re just starting your career or planning for retirement. New, compact videos (3 minutes or less) have dropped within the last few months about the following subjects:

• Mythbusting Healthcare: 3 Healthcare Cost Myths
• Social Security Benefits: 4 Key Principles to Know
• 5 Essential Budgeting Fundamentals for Financial Success
• 5 Major Life Events That Need Financial Planning

Take advantage of this free resource to help level-up your knowledge about money matters.

Or… Learn by Livestream

Fidelity and TIAA also offer live and on-demand events each month so you can learn more about topics of your interest. These online events are free and take place on Eastern Time.

Fidelity

Women Talk Money: How to Balance Saving and Tackling Debt
Wednesday, Sept. 10; 2-2:45 p.m.

Part 1 or a two-part series about money fundamentals, this event will cover the following:

• Steps to organize your financial priorities
• Tips to reduce spending and save more
• Debt management methods
• Working with a financial professional

Women Talk Money: What You Should Know About Investing
Wednesday, Sept. 17; 2-2:45 p.m.

In this second part of Fidelity’s “finding fundamentals” series, you’ll learn about investing 101 – from what to consider before opening an account, to getting one set up and funded, to choosing how to (and who should) manage your investments, and more.

Learn What an HSA Is – And the Reasons to Have One
Thursday, Sept. 18; noon-12:30 p.m.

Thinking about a health plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA)? This event will answer the following questions:

• What is an HSA, who can benefit, and when and how to make the most of one
• Key benefits, including investment potential and triple tax advantages
• How an HSA can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses now and in retirement

To view more educational events, go to fidelityevents.com/allevents/special.

TIAA

TIAA offers a curated library of on-demand webinars that address three main subjects: 

• Save for your goals
• Manage your finances
• Protect your future

To explore TIAA's webinar library and view events that interest you, go to the TIAA webinar scheduling 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 Fidelity's scheduling 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 tiaa.org/schedulenow 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.