Do you want to learn about retirement savings, college savings or simply "Money 101"?
Each day, U-M's retirement partners, Fidelity Investments and TIAA, offer a variety of free resources to refresh your knowledge, advance your existing know-how, or guide you from scratch about financial matters that interest you – and can help improve your life.
Learn the Fidelity and TIAA Ways
Fidelity 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. Both organizations provide YouTube channels, podcasts, webinars and tools to help you learn and apply what you learn:
Fidelity
TIAA
- TIAA YouTube Channel
- TIAA "Simplified" Podcast (last updated in July 2024)
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.
September Webinars
Upcoming Fidelity and TIAA webinars are listed below. All are free of charge and take place on Eastern Time.
Fidelity
Women Talk Money: Get More From Your Benefits
Wednesday, Sept. 9 – 2-2:45 p.m.
Your benefits may help you live better today and in the future. But are you making the most of them? Join Women Talk Money to learn more about the following:
- How to spot and prioritize the benefits that may matter most.
- What to know about employer retirement plans, including vesting, matches, contribution levels, Roth vs. traditional choices, after-tax savings, and planning support.
- Benefit trends that can help maximize time and offset costs, including caregiving, fertility, menopause, mental health support, legal support, and more.
HSAs: Beyond the Basics
Thursday, Sept. 17 – noon-12:45 p.m.
Take a guided, deep dive into HSAs to learn how to turn savings into strategy.
Topics will include:
- What is an HSA: How they work and how to make the most of one.
- The true value of an HSA: Strategies to take advantage of HSA flexibility and triple-tax advantaged savings.
- How HSA fits into different life stages: Maximizing growth potential and flexibility as your needs change.
- More advanced planning: Rolling over or consolidating HSAs, family use rules, inheritance considerations, and more.
To view more educational events, go to the Fidelity Special Events Learning Center web page.
TIAA
During National College Savings Month in September, TIAA will offer the following special webinars to help kick-start your higher education savings using the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) 529. Events include:
MESP 529 Unleashed: Maximize Your College Savings
Wednesday, Sept. 2 – noon Eastern Time
Learn about college savings strategies with the MESP 529 College Savings Program. This event will cover key MESP 529 advantages and provide time for participant Q&A.
Topics will include:
- College funding fundamentals
- Higher education cost considerations
- Education savings options overview
- MESP 529 plan features and considerations
- Getting started with MESP 529
- Account management resources and tools
Beyond Tuition: Your Complete Guide to 529 Qualified Expenses
Thursday, Sept. 3 – noon Eastern Time
Maximize your 529 savings by understanding what qualifies as an eligible expense. Discover how funds can be used for room and board, books, supplies, technology, K-12 tuition, apprenticeship programs, and even student loan repayments. This event is recommended for parents with high school students intending to pursue higher education.
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.
