Americans are feeling the effects of inflation – at the pump, the market, restaurants and more. How to offset this pinch to your pocketbook? Solutions are as varied as individual finances. Becoming familiar with the term “financial literacy” is a solid first step.
What is Financial Literacy?
Financial literacy is more than paying your bills and balancing your checkbook. It’s having the knowledge and skills to manage money effectively. This affects your ability to purchase a home, weather financial emergencies – such as higher-than-normal inflation – and save enough to retire.
Considering more than half of Americans feel some level of retirement insecurity and credit card debt continues to climb, financial literacy can literally make or break your budgets.
Fidelity Investments and TIAA, U-M’s partners in administering its Basic Retirement Plan and additional retirement accounts, also are offering free programs to increase your financial IQ this month.
Wolverine Webinars at Fidelity
Take advantage of four free webinars hosted exclusively for U-M employees. Register in advance, as space is limited.
Wednesday, April 13 – 10 a.m.
Five Money Musts
Monday, April 18 – 2 p.m.
Identify and Prioritize Your Savings Goals
Wednesday, April 27 – noon
Get Started and Save for Future You
Bonus webinar: Thursday, May 5 – 10 a.m.
Managing My Money: Budgeting, Emergency Savings, and Debt Basics
View more information about financial literacy and Fidelity resources.
Start with a Quiz at TIAA
TIAA kicks off Financial Literacy Month with a quiz to test your money mindfulness. You can win one of three $250 Amazon gift cards, so take the quiz today!
Free webinars also will stream throughout April:
Tuesday, April 12 – noon
Money at Work 2: Sharpening Investment Skills
Tuesday, April 12 – 3 p.m.
Looking to Turn Your Retirement Savings into a Paycheck for Life?
Thursday, April 14 – noon
Inside Money: Managing Income and Debt
Thursday, April 14 – 3 p.m.
Retirement Income Diversification – What, Why and How
Find more TIAA webinars to meet your needs.
All Fidelity and TIAA webinars are offered at Eastern Standard Time.
Check in for a Check Up
What’s better than free webinars? Meetings with financial reps from TIAA and Fidelity during your time, on your devices. Talk with knowledgeable reps from your office, your home or even your favorite getaway. All you need is a computer, tablet or smartphone to connect.
- Visit Fidelity's scheduling page or call (800) 642-7131, weekdays from 8 a.m. to midnight
- Visit TIAA's website or call (800) 732-8353, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
And watch UHR News for more information about Fidelity’s and TIAA’s upcoming plans to return to their Ann Arbor offices for in-person services.
Learn More
MHealthy offers several resources to assist faculty and staff with improving their financial literacy. These include education programs, coaches, and immediate assistance for those who need help now.
