Category: Fiscal Wellness

Fiscal wellness is the ability to understand our financial situation. This involves being able to control and maintain a balance of income and expenditures. It is important to make financial decisions that allow one to save, invest and plan for the future.

Mental Health Support Available Through Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employer-paid mental health and other well-being resources for UW System employees and their household family members.

Mental health is a critical part of overall health. Everyone faces challenges in life that may impact their mental health. If life challenges are making it difficult for you to cope, how do you know if what you are experiencing is anxiety or depression? When is it time to get professional help? Are you turning to drugs or alcohol to help you cope?

Don’t wait to reach out for mental health support. Contact the EAP today for help.

The EAP is available twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year to help you connect with a counselor either in-person or virtually to discuss your concerns. Household family members are also eligible for counseling. EAP counseling is confidential and solution-focused with the goal of bringing measurable improvement to the situation.

Grief and Loss Support: Grief and loss are difficult emotions that most everyone experiences. The past few years have been especially difficult. Your EAP can help you work through the emotions that may be causing you distress.

Financial Support: Financial struggles can be a significant source of stress. EAP financial advisors can address your specific concerns and help you determine solutions for managing your financial situation. Take advantage of this free service.

Daily Living Support: Stress associated with daily life can be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a cleaning service, realtor, new gym, dog walker, day care options or a moving company, contact the EAP. The EAP will conduct a search and present their findings to you so you can evaluate your options.

Legal Support: Seeking legal advice can be time consuming and expensive. Through the EAP, you have access to creating wills, and a free 30-minute legal consultation with an attorney with expertise in your matter. If you choose to retain the attorney, there will be a 25% reduction in the hourly rate.

Resources: The EAP webpage includes contact information and resources.

Source: UW System Human Resources

WRS Webinars in May

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.  Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement

Thinking about retiring in the next 12 months? We’ll walk you through the process.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Choose a termination date.
  • Request a retirement estimate.
  • Read the retirement estimate.
  • Schedule a retirement appointment.
  • Submit a retirement application.

Wed, May 5, 2021 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fri, May 14, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, May 20, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thu, May 27, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4030756165475866127

Additional Contributions

Looking to increase your WRS retirement? Learn how Additional Contributions can increase your WRS retirement benefit.

By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Define additional contributions.
  • Identify how additional contributions increase your retirement fund.
  • Arrange to make additional contributions to your WRS account(s).
  • Find and use ETF resources to calculate your additional contribution amount.

Mon, May 3, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tue, May 11, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Mon, May 17, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, May 27, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8087148129945512461

Understanding Your Annual WRS Statement of Benefits

Your annual Statement of Benefits shows you the current state of your WRS account. Not sure about something on your statement? Watch this webinar with your statement in hand. We’ll walk you through each section.

By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of the Statement of Benefits (ET-7365).
  • Analyze the sections of your Statement of Benefits.
  • Interpret your retirement benefit calculations.
  • Find resources for more information.

Fri, May 7, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wed, May 12, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2789840744542886411

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments

Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen.

By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Define WRS effective rate and annuity adjustment.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.

Thu, May 6, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mon, May 10, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wed, May 12, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, May 27, 2021 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6452814252490226444

Preparing for Your Retirement

Planning to retire in the next 1-10 years? Then this webinar is for you.

We’ll discuss:

  • The money you and your employer have put towards your retirement account.
  • How your retirement account grows through investments.
  • When you can retire.
  • Options for receiving your retirement benefit.
  • Rules you must follow if you return to work after retiring.
  • What happens to your account after you die.
  • Changes to your health and life insurance in retirement.

Learn in a way that fits your schedule. Attend this presentation in a live webinar!

Thu, May 13, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wed, May 26, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Fri, June 11, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mon, Jun 21, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Wed, Jul 14, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wed, Jul 28, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2273159340156240144

WRS Webinars in April

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.  Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

Annuity Options

When you get your retirement estimate, you’ll see that there are many options for receiving your retirement benefit. You can choose to receive the payment for your life or extend it beyond your life to your loved ones. The choice is yours. We’ll discuss how each option impacts the size of your payment and affects your loved ones.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Define and explain annuity, annuitant, beneficiary and named survivor.
  • Compare the different annuity options.
  • Find resources with more information.
  • Identify the next steps for you to choose an annuity option.

Mon, April 4, 2022 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Wed, April 13, 2022 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Tue, April 26, 2022 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6609437492980238605

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments

Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Define WRS effective rate and annuity adjustment.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.

Wed, April 6, 2022, 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Mon, April 11, 2022 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Thu, April 21, 2022, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3882971913329974283

Understanding Your Statement of Benefits

Your annual Statement of Benefits shows you the current state of your WRS account. Not sure about something on your statement? Watch this webinar with your statement in hand. We’ll walk you through each section.

By the end of the webinar, you will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of the Statement of Benefits (ET-7365).
  • Analyze the sections of your Statement of Benefits.
  • Interpret your retirement benefit calculations.
  • Find resources for more information.

Tue, April 12, 2022 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Wed, April 20, 2022 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Thu, April 28, 2022 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2004521169178462732

Preparing for Your Retirement

Planning to retire in the next 5 years? Then this webinar is for you. Learn about your WRS benefits and the retirement process.

By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:

  • Explain how the WRS retirement benefit works.
  • Recognize eligibility and prepare to apply for benefits.
  • Identify the different types of annuity options.
  • Prepare for health and life insurance changes in retirement.
  • Find additional resources.

Thu, April 14, 2022 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Tue, April 26, 2022 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tue, May 12, 2022 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wed, May 25, 2022 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wed, June 15, 2022 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Tue, June 28, 2022 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2592441029449835020

Onsite Health Screening

Time to register for your onsite health screening!

A free health screening* event has been scheduled for employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.

At an onsite screening, you’ll learn your measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose, and be in and out in 20 minutes. Register today!

  • DATE:  Wednesday, April 6, 2022 or Thursday, September 22, 2022
  • TIME:  9:00 am to 2:00 pm
  • LOCATION:  University Union, Phoenix Rooms, Green Bay campus

Please register at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin by clicking Benefits, and then Get Started on the Biometric Screening card.

Earn your $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive

Complete three activities by October 14, 2022 to earn the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.

  1. Get a health screening or complete another health check option (ex. dental exam or coaching session).
  2. Complete the health assessment at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin – it takes about 10 minutes and is mobile and tablet friendly!
  3. Complete a well-being activity (ex. complete a challenge, listen to two 30 minute pod casts, etc.).

For more information on the Well Wisconsin Program or to complete your activities, log in to webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin­­.

*The Well Wisconsin incentive program is a voluntary program available to employees, retirees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program, excluding Medicare Advantage participants who have incentives available through their health plan. The Well Wisconsin incentive will automatically be issued to eligible participants upon completing the applicable activities. All wellness incentives paid to participants are considered taxable income to the group health plan subscriber and are reported to their employer, who will issue a W2. In some cases, the Wisconsin Retirement System acts as the employer. Retirees, continuants and their spouses will have some taxes withheld from the incentive amount earned.

WRS Webinars in March

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.  Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. To avoid connectivity issues during webinars, we highly recommend using Google Chrome as your web browser.

Annuity Options

Choosing a WRS annuity option is one of the most important decisions you will face. This webinar will cover all of the WRS annuity options and help you understand them so that you can make an informed decision. We will also explain the important differences between a beneficiary and a named survivor.

  • Thu, Mar 10, 2022 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Wed, Mar 16, 2022 11:00 am – 11:30 am
  • Tue, Mar 22, 2022 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6609437492980238605

WRS Effective Rates and Annuity Adjustments

Each year you may see changes to the amount of your retirement payment. We’ll discuss why and how these changes happen.

By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Define WRS effective rates and annuity adjustments.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
  • Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.

Tue, Mar 8, 2022 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Thu, Mar 17, 2022 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Wed, Mar 30, 2022 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3882971913329974283

WRS Retirement Benefit Calculations

Have you requested a retirement estimate? Thinking about it? In this presentation we’ll discuss how we calculate your retirement benefit.

By the end of this presentation, you will be able to:

  • Explain the individual components of the two retirement benefit calculation methods.
  • Describe what affects your WRS retirement benefit for each type of calculation (money purchase and formula).

Wed, Mar 2, 2022 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Mon, Mar 14, 2022 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Tue, Mar 29, 2022 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/8987489829652547083

Preparing for Your Retirement

Planning to retire in the next 1-10 years? Then this webinar is for you.

We’ll discuss:

  • The money you and your employer have put towards your retirement account.
  • How your retirement account grows through investments.
  • When you can retire.
  • Options for receiving your retirement benefit.
  • Rules you must follow if you return to work after retiring.
  • What happens to your account after you die.
  • Changes to your health and life insurance in retirement.

Learn in a way that fits your schedule (workday or evening). Attend this presentation in a live webinar!

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2592441029449835020

Thu, Mar 10, 2022 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thu, Mar 24, 2022 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

REGISTER HERE

Well Wisconsin Radio Podcasts

Well Wisconsin Radio is back in 2022 and better than ever-podcasting! We are excited to share the first episode.  Listen in as host Morgan Meinen interviews Dr. Christine Whelan, clinical professor in the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about setting goals and finding purpose during times of uncertainty.

Check out the new Well Wisconsin Radio webpage. Episodes will be released monthly with a few bonus shows along the way. Last year’s episodes are still available.

You can be notified when new episodes are available by subscribing through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or the platform of your choice. While listening to an episode, you’ll hear a code that you can enter in the wellness portal. Entering codes from two episodes earns the well-being activity step towards your wellness incentive!

America Saves Week

SAVE THE DATE! AMERICA SAVES WEEK IS FEBRUARY 21-25

We hope that you’re having a happy and healthy start to the New Year! The America Saves team has hit the ground running and has quite a bit to share with you.

UW System is promoting financial well-being with the America Saves Week campaign February 21-25 with webinars, credit checks, and other resources.

America Saves Week encourages individuals and families to set a goal and make a plan to achieve financial stability.

Check out the UW System America Saves Week Website to have an incredible America Saves Week!

During this week, UW System will feature live webinars, presented by:

UW Credit Union will also offer virtual Credit Checkups.

See you there!

Source: UW System Human Resources

Kindness Calendars Available

UW-Green Bay has received 100 full-size 2022 Kindness Calendars as part of UW-System’s wellness initiative!  Each day includes an activity/thought/suggestion to help improve your life.

  1. Please email wellness@uwgb.edu to request a calendar and we’ll send you one!
  2. Complete and check off at least 21 of the activities.
  3. Complete this survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ESA2022) to receive your code.
  4. Enter that code on the Rewards tab at https://webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin/ under “My Reward” and “Employer Sponsored Activity” before October 14, 2022.  This would take care of the “Activity” step to get your $150 wellness incentive!

If you have any questions, please email wellness@uwgb.edu.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”
~ Maya Angelou

ETF Workshop: Student Loan Debt Relief

The final extension of the federal student loan payment pause will end on May 1. Find out how to prepare for repayment and avoid student loan debt relief scams at this free workshop, Student Loan Debt Relief.

The workshop is presented by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and Savi.

You will also learn how to use the free Wisconsin Strong Student Loan Repayment Tool, created by Savi. This tool can help borrowers navigate the complexities of federal student loan repayment plans, forgiveness programs, and lowering student loan payments.

Register for one of the following sessions:

January 20 at 6 p.m.

January 21 at 11:30 a.m.

DFI and Savi are partners in the Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Wisconsin Strong

ETF’s Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program is designed to empower employees to maximize their Wisconsin Retirement System benefits, save for the future, and achieve financial wellness at any age. Visit etf.wi.gov/wi-strong and follow along at #WIStrongSecurity.