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.

TIAA virtual meetings available in April

Meet with a financial consultant at the University of Wisconsin System in a Virtual Counseling Session

No matter where you are in life – just getting started or planning for retirement – a session with a TIAA Financial Consultant can help you create a plan for your goals.  And, it’s at no additional cost as part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

TIAA will be available these dates and times for a virtual one-on-one session.

  • Tuesday, April 6 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, April 7 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Tuesday, April 13 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, April 21 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, April 28 at 9 am – 4 pm

RSVP today, as space is limited.  Register for sessions at www.TIAA.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm (ET). We look forward to working with you.

Click here to register for a virtual consultation with TIAA

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute fiduciary investment advice under ERISA, a securities recommendation under all securities laws, or an insurance product recommendation under state insurance laws or regulations. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances.

Investment, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not bank deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity, and may lose value.

The TIAA group of companies does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributes securities products. Annuity contracts and certificates are issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), New York, NY. Each is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. 

Take the ETF Challenge: Build Your Financial Security

Take the Challenge: Build Your Financial Security

The Wisconsin Strong Financial Fitness Challenge is under way for all Wisconsin Retirement System members and their families. The challenge offers participants free access to financial wellness education, resources, and tools to build financial security.

Take the challenge now! Go to https://financialfitnessgroup.com/wi-strong/.

  • Start with a five-minute Financial Fitness Checkup, and then take advantage of hundreds of interactive courses, articles, and videos (a $1,000 value).
  • Complete and pass at least five Financial Fitness Academy courses with a score of 70% or higher to earn points and certificates of completion.

Challenge participants will receive a personalized playlist of courses on topics such as debt management, budgeting, investments, estate planning, and retirement planning. Courses and quizzes take about 15 minutes to complete.

“This program is a great way to learn about strengthening your personal and family finances,” said Robert J. Conlin, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds. “I encourage public employees, retirees, and their families to take the challenge.”

“We are thrilled to introduce this new comprehensive financial wellness program,” said Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. “This program will encourage and support healthy financial practices on an ongoing basis, not just in times of need or emergency, and it will help participants increase their preparedness for unexpected expenses and important financial decisions ahead.”

The Challenge: The Wisconsin Strong Financial Fitness Challenge is anonymous and only requires an email address and password to participate. Participants login to access the self-assessment checkup and academy courses anytime during the duration of the challenge beginning today and continuing through 2021. The secure site is powered by the Financial Fitness Group and will reach the entire Wisconsin Retirement System, including 260,000 employees and 215,000 retirees.

Wisconsin Strong: The Wisconsin Strong Financial Fitness Challenge is a part of the Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program to empower members and their families to build financial security and achieve financial wellness at any age. Visit etf.wi.gov/wi-strong and follow along at #WIStrongSecurity.

ETF and DFI were awarded a one-year grant, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation, to establish the Wisconsin Strong financial wellness program for state and local government employees, retirees, and their families. The grant is structured as a collaboration between the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources, the National Association of State Treasurers Foundation, and Wells Fargo.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds

WRS Webinars Offered 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. Visit our webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator
Curious about how much money you’ll get during retirement? Our most-used online tool, the retirement calculator lets you see how much money you may get in the future.


We’ll discuss:

  1. How to get to the calculator.
  2. What information you’ll need handy when using the calculator.
  3. How to use the calculator.
  4. What the results mean.
  • Thu, Apr 1, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Apr 8, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Apr 16, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Wed, Apr 28, 2021 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1071787855444602382

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:

  1. Explain the purpose of the Statement of Benefits (ET-7365).
  2. Analyze the sections of your Statement of Benefits.
  3. Interpret your retirement benefit calculations.
  4. Find resources for more information.
  • Thu, Apr 22, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Mon, Apr 26, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • 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:

  1. Define WRS effective rate and annuity adjustment.
  2. Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund effective rates are calculated.
  3. Explain how the Core Trust Fund and Variable Trust Fund annuity adjustments are calculated.
  • Wed, Mar 31, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Apr 9, 2021 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Apr 14, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Apr 20, 2021 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Apr 29, 2021 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.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:

  1. The money you and your employer have put towards your retirement account.
  2. How your retirement account grows through investments.
  3. When you can retire.
  4. Options for receiving your retirement benefit.
  5. Rules you must follow if you return to work after retiring.
  6. What happens to your account after you die.
  7. Changes to your health and life insurance in retirement.
  • Thu, Mar 25, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Apr 8, 2021 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Wed, Apr 21, 2021 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

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.

Wed, Mar 31, 2021 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2336760589469013771

Register for a webinar 

TIAA virtual meetings available in March

Meet with a financial consultant at the University of Wisconsin System in a Virtual Counseling Session

No matter where you are in life – just getting started or planning for retirement – a session with a TIAA Financial Consultant can help you create a plan for your goals.  And, it’s at no additional cost as part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

TIAA will be available these dates and times for a virtual one-on-one session.

  • Tuesday, March 16 at 10 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, March 17 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Tuesday, March 23 at 9 am to 4 pm

RSVP today, as space is limited.  Register for sessions at www.TIAA.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm (ET). We look forward to working with you.

Click here to register for a virtual consultation with TIAA 

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute fiduciary investment advice under ERISA, a securities recommendation under all securities laws, or an insurance product recommendation under state insurance laws or regulations. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances.

Investment, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not bank deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity, and may lose value.

The TIAA group of companies does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributes securities products. Annuity contracts and certificates are issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), New York, NY. Each is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. 

TIAA virtual meetings available in January & February

Meet with a financial consultant at the University of Wisconsin System in a Virtual Counseling Session

No matter where you are in life – just getting started or planning for retirement – a session with a TIAA Financial Consultant can help you create a plan for your goals.  And, it’s at no additional cost as part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to meet my goals?
  • Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
  • How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

TIAA will be available these dates and times for a virtual one-on-one session.

  • Wednesday, January 13 at 9 am – 12 pm
  • Wednesday, January 20 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Thursday, January 21 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Tuesday, January 26 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, February 3 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Tuesday, February 9 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Wednesday, February 10 at 9 am – 4 pm
  • Tuesday, February 23 at 9 am to 4 pm

RSVP today, as space is limited.  Register for sessions at www.TIAA.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 am to 8 pm (ET). We look forward to working with you.

Click here to register for a virtual consultation with TIAA 

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute fiduciary investment advice under ERISA, a securities recommendation under all securities laws, or an insurance product recommendation under state insurance laws or regulations. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances.

Investment, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, are not bank deposits, are not insured by any federal government agency, are not a condition to any banking service or activity, and may lose value.

The TIAA group of companies does not offer tax advice. See your tax advisor regarding your particular situation.

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributes securities products. Annuity contracts and certificates are issued by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) and College Retirement Equities Fund (CREF), New York, NY. Each is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. 

WRS Webinars Offered in August

Additional Contributions

Adding money to your WRS account, via additional contributions, can enhance your eventual WRS retirement benefit. Learn how contributions grow with effective rate interest crediting, how to deposit (payroll deduction or direct pay), and much more.

Thu, Aug 6, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mon, Aug 10, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thu, Aug 20, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 31, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3523075356874234379

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.

Fri, Aug 7, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Wed, Aug 12, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fri, Aug 21, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Aug 27, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4268226481646071051

WRS Retirement Benefit Calculation Methods

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

Wed, Aug 5, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Fri, Aug 7, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Thu, Aug 20, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Fri, Aug 28, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/3619511322725445392

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.

Thu, Aug 6, 2020 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Tue, Sep 1, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thu, Sep 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thu, Oct 8, 2020 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tue, Oct 20, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Mon, Nov 2, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Wed, Nov 18, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thu, Dec 3, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mon, Dec 14, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

Register for a webinar

WRS Webinars Offered in July

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. Visit our webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions. Here is what others have said about our webinars:

“My participation in the webinar was a first for me, and I just want to compliment you on how easy it was to connect, follow along, and provide questions or requests. Excellent job!”

“Thanks for having these valuable webinars. The professional but conversational style helped me to understand the presentation as easily as an “in office” meeting. Really appreciate that the presenter fully understands the subject. Wonderful job.”

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement

Consider this webinar your quick reference guide to starting the retirement process within the next 12 months. We’ll review: choosing a termination date, how to request a retirement estimate – and how to read and understand it. We’ll also cover how to schedule a retirement appointment and – drum roll here – how to submit the retirement application.

  • Fri, July 10, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, July 15, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, July 23, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Wed, July 29, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4847994564325705999

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?

Do you have a beneficiary designation on file with ETF and does it reflect how you’d want your WRS death benefits paid? This webinar reviews the importance of having a beneficiary designation on file and keeping it updated as life events occur. We’ll also review the process of how to correctly complete a designation form, what it means if you do not have one on file with ETF, and how to request a copy of your current form.

  • Tue, July 7, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Tue, July 14, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Mon, July 20, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Thu, July 30, 2020 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/8545692850466537999

Overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

This webinar will cover participation in the WRS, vesting requirements, how the WRS is funded and benefits available under the WRS. Also included is a brief overview of the Core and Variable Trust Funds and how the WRS is structured.

  • Thu, July 2, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thu, July 9, 2020 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Fri, July 24, 2020 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Tue, July 28, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2337923867322464783

Understanding Your Annual WRS Statement of Benefits

Your annual Statement of Benefits provides a summary of your Wisconsin Retirement System account information. Join us to learn more about the important topics addressed on your statement including:

  • How much you and your employer have contributed to your WRS pension
  • Your vesting status and years of service
  • Your beneficiary designation – what happens to your account if you die before taking a benefit

*** It is helpful to have your Statement of Benefits with you while participating in the webinar.

  • Wed, July 8, 2020 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4088832361488024588

Preparing for Your Retirement

Who should attend? Employees who are planning to retire in the next 1 – 10 years. Learn about your steps to retire with the WRS. Attend this event by live webinar! You will learn about the impact of contributions and investment returns on your account, when you can retire, your WRS annuity options, returning to work after you retire, what happens to your account when you die, health and life insurance, and more.  Questions are welcome during and after the event!

  • Thu, July 9, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, July 23, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Aug 6, 2020 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Mon, Aug 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Sep 1, 2020 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Sep 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

To register, go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/2062561071726664450

Register for a webinar

Health Savings Account: Contributions and Investment Options

Your Contributions
If you are enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP) through the UW System, your annual maximum contribution amount* to your Health Savings Account (HSA) differs based on your level of coverage (single vs. family), your age (younger or older than age 55) and how many months of the year you are eligible for the HSA.

Reminder: You may change your per paycheck contributions at any time throughout the year!

*If you are unsure what your annual maximum contribution amount is, contact your tax advisor. Penalties may apply if you contribute more than the calendar year maximum to your HSA.

Your Investment Options
Once you have a minimum balance of $1,000 in your HSA, you can invest contributions above that minimum balance. There are several investment options available. Take advantage of the investment options to use your HSA as another vehicle to save for retirement and earn a higher rate of return. The minimum balance of $1,000 ensures that you always have access to a cash balance to pay for qualifying medical, dental and/or vision out-of-pocket expenses.

To get started, log into your myCYC mobile app or online portal and indicate how much you would like to transfer to the available investment options.

Note: You may set-up your account so that money greater than the minimum balance requirement will automatically transfer into your investment account. You determine the amount that you would like to invest vs the amount that you have access to with your HSA debit card.

Reminder: Review the HSA frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your account!

Source: UW System Human Resources