Identity theft affects 9% of the American adult population each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Although many are aware of tactics bad actors use to gain access to a credit card or bank account, you should also be vigilant with larger interests, such as your U-M Retirement Savings Plans.

TIAA, U-M’s trusted partner in administering its retirement plans, will offer a free workshop to help you better protect your retirement accounts. “Protecting Your Savings: How to Recognize and Prevent Account Takeover Schemes” is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in a virtual format. During this event, you will learn:

• What an account takeover is
• How to recognize account takeover attempts and schemes
• How to protect your accounts and prevent account takeovers

Learn through Livestream

Several webinars and podcasts are offered by 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 Time (ET). 

Events offered in October include:

Fidelity

• Money Unscripted: Roth IRAs – What to Know
  Tuesday, Oct. 8 – 8 a.m. and on-demand
  Roth IRAs: What are they? How are they different from a traditional IRA? What are the benefits? Who can contribute and how much? What are the income limits? These questions and more will be answered during this event, which will take place in podcast and on-demand video formats.
• Insights Live: Creating a Retirement Income Plan
  Thursday, Oct. 10 – noon
  As you approach retirement, it’s vital to map out a retirement income plan. During this event – the first of a 3-part series – you’ll learn how annuities, Social Security, bonds and other sources may fit into a monthly income plan; strategies to diversify your investments; and how to prepare for “what-if” scenarios, such as market volatility or retiring early.
• From Paycheck to Powerhouse: Lessons From Women Who Have Been There
  Wednesday, Oct. 30 – 2 p.m.
  Special guest Arianna Huffington, founder and CEO of Thrive Global, joins a Fidelity panel to share the lessons women wish they had known sooner, from insights about maximizing career opportunities to advocating for what you’re worth to getting more invested now to help your money work harder for the long haul.

View more webinars on Fidelity’s events page.

TIAA

• Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  Thursday, Oct. 17 – 2 p.m.
  HSAs can do more than cover current health care expenses. Learn how an HSA can be used for qualified medical expenses and retirement, as well as the importance of record keeping.
• Myth-busting: Planning and Managing Health Care Expenses
  Wednesday, Oct. 23 – 3 p.m.
  Health care costs can add up in retirement. During this webinar, you’ll become more prepared by learning about Medicare benefits; health savings accounts and how they can help you save money; and the realities of long-term care costs.

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

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.