Housing affordability has emerged as a vital issue in the U.S. And with good reason: The cost of homes for sale nationwide has skyrocketed for12 consecutive months.

Whether you’re saving for your first home or trying to upgrade, Fidelity Investments' live podcast/webinar, “Money Unscripted: Home Buying – A Strategic Guide,” can get you started on the right foot. During this event, Fidellity hosts will address whether you need the traditional 20% down payment; if borrowing from retirement accounts is on the table; and more strategies to build a blueprint toward your next – or first – home.  

“Money Unscripted: Home Buying – A Strategic Guide” is offered Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 8 a.m. wherever you get your podcasts, and at your convenience on YouTube.

Learn through Livestream

Several webinars and podcasts are offered by professionals at TIAA and Fidelity, U-M’s partners in administering its retirement benefits, each month. These events are designed to enhance your money know-how and are offered at no cost, with some available on-demand. All listed times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

Events offered in September include:

Fidelity

• Women Talk Money: Your Guide to Estate Planning Essentials
  Thursday, Sept. 5 – 1-1:45 p.m. 
  An estate plan can ensure that the money you worked a lifetime for will go to the people or causes you choose. During this webinar, you’ll learn the steps to set up an estate plan, break down terminology (will vs. health care proxy vs. trust), and review ways an estate plan can maximize the assets you leave behind.
• Insights Live: The Election, Tax Policy and Your Money
  Thursday, Sept. 12 – noon
  During this event, you’ll learn what elections have meant for markets historically; how different tax and economic proposals could affect your investments; and how the scheduled sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could affect estate taxes and long-term capital gains tax rates.
• Money Unscripted: Tackling Student Loan Debt
  Tuesday, Sept. 24 – live podcast 8 a.m.; video on-demand
  In 2024, Americans still owe more than $1 trillion in student loans. During this event, you’ll learn how to get organized, prioritize your payments and still save money to create the future you want.

View more webinars on Fidelity’s events page.

TIAA

• Women 2 Women: Charting Your Course: A Financial Guide for Women
  Wednesday, Sept. 11 – noon
  Your money shouldn’t be sitting around doing nothing — and during this event it won't be. You’ll learn how to evaluate your financial health; set financial goals; and make your money work for you.
• Attention to Detail: Financial Finishing Touches for Women
  Tuesday, Sept. 17 – 2 p.m.
  Financial success can sometimes complicate life. During this webinar, you’ll learn how to stay in control of your wealth through investment and allocation strategies. You’ll also get the right questions to ask your financial adviser.
• Write Your Next Chapter: 5 Steps to Setting Your Retirement Date
  Wednesday, Sept. 25 – 1 p.m.
  During this event, you’ll learn five steps toward deciding when the time is right to retire, including estimating retirement expenses, closing income gaps and understanding key milestones that can impact your retirement finances.

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

Check In to Check Out

Webcasts and podcasts 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 Fidelity and TIAA representatives 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.