As you're making gift lists this year, think beyond sweaters and video games. With a little knowledge, you can send love to yourself and others with gifts that have a longer shelf life than that sweater!

According to Fidelity Investments, U-M's longtime partner in administering its Retirement Savings Plans, the following gifts can have an impact many holidays down the road: 

• Boost contributions to your U-M Retirement Savings Plans. An increase of even a few dollars will add up to big dividends over time.  
• Gift prepaid services. Whether it's for yourself or a loved one, prepaid meal plans, grocery delivery and cleaning services are practical and appreciated. And some are discounted through the holiday shopping season. 
• Open or contribute to a Michigan Education Savings Plan 529 fund. Starting a 529 fund when a child is young yields substantial savings by the time they pursue higher learning or other educational opportunities. If you don't want to administer a fund yourself, offer to contribute to an existing fund for a loved one. 

Learn by Livestream

Fidelity and TIAA offer several 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: Gifts that grow – a holiday money chat
Wednesday, Dec. 10; 2-2:45 p.m.

Join a conversation about gifts that can help leave a lasting impact and/or pay it forward – whether it's starting a college fund, helping a loved one build savings, investing in your own future, or giving back to a meaningful charity. You'll learn about options that can be both heartfelt and tax-savvy. 

Insights Live: 2026 outlook for the markets and the economy
Thursday, Dec. 11; noon-12:45 p.m.

During Insights Live, you'll get a head start on financial planning for 2026. Topics will include: 

• The latest news about Fed policy, inflation, the labor market, and consumer spending
• 2026 outlook for stocks, bonds and other investment types
• Keeping news in perspective and managing your portfolio in uncertain markets
• How to determine risk tolerance and find an asset allocation that fits you
• Planning strategies to consider now, as well as year-round, tax-efficient investing strategies

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.