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.

Onsite Health Screenings

Time to register for your onsite health screening!

Three free health screening* events have been scheduled at UW-Green Bay for employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.

These events are scheduled:

  • Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 7:00 am to 1:00 pm **CANCELLED**
    • Green Bay Campus – Phoenix Rooms, University Union
  • Friday, September 18, 2020 at 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
    • Sheboygan Campus – Wombat Room # 2114
  • Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
    • Green Bay Campus – Phoenix Rooms, University Union

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!

Wait – the StayWell website is new this year – do I need to create a new log in?  Yes – please see this blog post for details.

After logging in, you will see your StayWell dashboard.  In the middle right side, click on the arrows to scroll to the Quest Diagnostics information and click SCHEDULE NOW.  At the Location screen, search for UW Green Bay or select another screening location that is close to you (you don’t have to do the screening at the Green Bay campus – there are many screening locations throughout the state available).

Earn your $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive

Complete three activities by October 9, 2020, to earn the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.

1. Get a health screening*

Attend an employer sponsored event or if you see your health care provider, complete the Health Care Provider Form, available at wellwisconsin.staywell.com – click on Resources > State of Wisconsin > Health Care Provider Form.

 2. Complete the StayWell health assessment*

This online questionnaire takes about 10 minutes and is mobile and tablet friendly!  Find it on the StayWell website – click on My Incentives in the top menu bar and then Health Assessment.

3. Complete a Well-Being Activity through StayWell.

For more information on the Well Wisconsin Program or to complete your activities, log in to wellwisconsin.staywell.com – click on My Incentives in the top menu bar and you will see a list of activity options.

Questions? Review this FAQ document about onsite health screenings or contact us at wellness@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2390.

*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.

Source: The StayWell Company, LLC

StayWell Portal Change

StayWell, the administrator for the Well Wisconsin Program, has a new employee portal in 2020. Remember, the Well Wisconsin Program is available to you and your spouse in 2020 if you have enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program for 2020.

You and your spouse will need to create a new account through the new StayWell portal (http://wellwisconsin.staywell.com/).  Please click Sign Up in the upper right corner the first time you go to the new website to create your new account.

NewSTaywell

Note: The only information that will transfer to your new StayWell account is your 2019 biometric screening data.

Want to see a demonstration of the new portal?  Register for the StayWell webinar on Tuesday, January 14th at 12:00 pm by clicking here.

Please review the Well Wisconsin Program page to learn more about the Well Wisconsin Program.

‘WAIT … DIDN’T I READ SOMETHING ABOUT $150?’
Yes, you did!

All you need to do to earn your Well Wisconsin incentive* is complete three activities by October 9, 2020:

  1. Submit your 2020 health screening results (we will have onsite health screenings in 2020 like last year, and will let you know when the sign up is open, otherwise you can visit your primary care doctor as well)
  2. Take the 10-minute health assessment on the StayWell website
  3. Complete a well-being activity through StayWell

‘WHAT’S A WELL-BEING ACTIVITY?’
It’s a program, tool or educational session that helps you improve your well-being.

And we’ve got a ton of them for you to choose from, including challenges, health coaching, goal-tracking and more. Go to wellwisconsin.staywell.com for a full listing.

GET STARTED!
Just go to wellwisconsin.staywell.com to get started. It’ll only take a few minutes and you’ll be ready to start improving your well-being.

Download the new My StayWell mobile app: After you register on the website and join a team, you can download the app if you want. Search for “My StayWell” in the App Store or on Google Play.

Remember: The deadline to complete your activities and earn incentives is October 9, 2020—which may seem like it’s a long way off, but think about how quickly we got to the year 2020!

QUESTIONS? Contact the StayWell HelpLine at 800-821-6591 or wellwisconsin@staywell.com.

*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.

Source: UW System Human Resources & The StayWell Company, LLC

TIAA Individual Counseling Sessions

TIAAJan2020TIAA

You can meet with a TIAA financial consultant at UW-Green Bay.  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 a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

  • Am I invested in the right mix of investments to help 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?

DATE: Wednesday, January 22, 2020

TIME: 9:00 am – 3:45 pm

LOCATION: Wequiock Room (#101A) in University Union

RSVP today, as space is limited. Register by visiting www.TIAA.org/schedulenow  or calling 800-732-8353, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).  We look forward to working with you.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice under ERISA. 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, Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., and Nuveen Securities, LLC, Members FINRA and SIPC, distribute securities products. ©2018 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America-College Retirement Equities Fund, 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017

Wellness Incentives are Taxable

The State of Wisconsin extends financial incentives to employees through the Well Wisconsin employee wellness program. If you are covered under the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance program, you and your spouse (if covered under the State Group Health Insurance Program) were eligible for the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive if you submitted a health screening result to StayWell, completed the StayWell health risk assessment and a Well-Being activity by October 11, 2019. StayWell is the State of Wisconsin wellness program administrator. Additionally, depending on the health plan you are enrolled with, you may also be eligible for financial reimbursements for wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, fitness classes, the cost to participate in Community Support Agriculture (CSA) programs and rewards for participating in health or wellness programs or challenges.

Per guidance from the federal government and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the wellness incentive benefits are classified as taxable fringe benefits. This means that any financial incentive you receive from the program is taxable income for state and federal tax purposes.

What this means for you: 

  • Financial incentives will be reported as taxable wages and subject to applicable withholdings and taxes. You will see withholdings for all incentives issued in the current calendar year reflected on your August or December earnings statement. This will include incentives issued to your eligible family members. Withholding may include 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare if the employee is FICA Eligible and may include federal and state withholding, depending on the number of exemptions you claimed on your W-4. Note: Some individuals may have met their Social Security Tax maximum in 2019 $8,239.80 and therefore, they may only have Medicare Tax withheld.
  • Withholding may include 7.65% for Social Security and Medicare if the employee is FICA Eligible and may include federal and state withholding, depending on the number of exemptions you claimed on your W-4. Note: Some individuals may have met their Social Security Tax maximum in 2019 $8,239.80 and therefore, they may only have Medicare Tax withheld.
  • Federal regulations require your employer to receive financial data regarding incentives issued to employees and their covered family members. Your health information is protected by federal privacy regulations and is not shared with your employer.

Even with the federal government’s tax regulations, eligible employees and their spouses are able to receive substantial financial rewards for using the wellness incentives offered by the State of Wisconsin and participating health plans.

For questions about the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive contact StayWell at wellwisconsin@staywell.com. For questions about incentives provided by your health plan carrier, contact your health plan carrier directly. If you have additional questions, contact wellness@uwgb.edu or (920) 465-2203.

WRS Webinars Offered in November and December

ETF (Department of Employee Trust Funds) 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 their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6177398674628200193

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, Nov 1, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 7, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Nov 13, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Mon, Nov 18, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.


Additional Contributions
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7275365489430033666

Find out how making additional contributions to your WRS account can potentially increase your retirement. This webinar also provides examples of how contributions grow over time with interest, how to pay additional contributions (payroll deduction or direct pay), etc.

  • Mon, Dec 2, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Dec 12, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Dec 17, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.


Choosing When to Retire
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2991479070862002947

This webinar will focus primarily on choosing your optimal termination and WRS benefit effective dates. The focus will include not only the “December versus January” decision, but also how retirement timing at any point during the year can affect your retirement annuity amount and other employee retirement benefits as well.

  • Fri, Nov 1, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thu, Nov 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 26, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Dec 5, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Dec 10, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Dec 17, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

 

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4105621899758973185

ETF’s online retirement calculator, one of the most-used tools on our website, allows you to calculate an unofficial projection of your WRS retirement benefit at any point in the future. This webinar will cover where to find and how to use the calculator, specific information required for data entry (e.g., desired retirement date, spouse or partner’s birthdate, etc.) and how to interpret the results. There will be time at the end of the webinar to ask specific questions on this topic.

  • Wed, Nov 6, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 14, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Nov 20, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

 

Preparing for Your Retirement
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7855498608381434113

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!

  • Wed, Nov 13, 2019 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

 

Retirement Annuity Options
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5945279676239897346

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.

  • Wed, Dec 4, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Dec 10, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thu, Dec 19, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

 

Variable Fund
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2212152925566071297

In this webinar we will discuss the Variable Fund – what it is, how it differs from the Core Fund, and the effect participation in this fund may have on your retirement benefit calculations. We will also discuss how to elect to participate in the Variable Fund, how to cancel Variable participation, and the impact the timing of these decisions may have on your Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.

  • Thu, Nov 7, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 12, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov 20, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Mon, Nov 25, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Register for a webinar

Please contact Human Resources at (920) 465-2390 or payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu with any questions.

WRS Webinars Offered in October and November

ETF (Department of Employee Trust Funds) 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 their webinar page to learn more about any of the following sessions.

5 Basic Steps to Your Retirement
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6177398674628200193

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, Nov 1, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 7, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Nov 13, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Mon, Nov 18, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Choosing When to Retire
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2991479070862002947

This webinar will focus primarily on choosing your optimal termination and WRS benefit effective dates. The focus will include not only the “December versus January” decision, but also how retirement timing at any point during the year can affect your retirement annuity amount and other employee retirement benefits as well.

  • Thu, Oct 17, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Fri, Nov 1, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Thu, Nov 14, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 26, 2019 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

How to Use ETF’s Online Retirement Calculator
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/4105621899758973185

ETF’s online retirement calculator, one of the most-used tools on our website, allows you to calculate an unofficial projection of your WRS retirement benefit at any point in the future. This webinar will cover where to find and how to use the calculator, specific information required for data entry (e.g., desired retirement date, spouse or partner’s birthdate, etc.) and how to interpret the results. There will be time at the end of the webinar to ask specific questions on this topic.

  • Wed, Nov 6, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 14, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Wed, Nov 20, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov 21, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Preparing for Your Retirement
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7855498608381434113

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, Oct 24, 2019 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tue, Oct 29, 2019 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov 13, 2019 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Variable Fund
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2212152925566071297

In this webinar we will discuss the Variable Fund – what it is, how it differs from the Core Fund, and the effect participation in this fund may have on your retirement benefit calculations. We will also discuss how to elect to participate in the Variable Fund, how to cancel Variable participation, and the impact the timing of these decisions may have on your Wisconsin Retirement System benefits.

  • Thu, Nov 7, 2019 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Tue, Nov 12, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov 20, 2019 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Mon, Nov 25, 2019 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Register for a webinar

Please contact Human Resources at (920) 465-2390 or payrollandbenefits@uwgb.edu with any questions.

ETF Retirement Presentations in November in our Region

ATTENTION: Any employee considering retirement within the next 12 months or any employee within 1 year of minimum retirement age (age 50 for protective category employees or age 55 for all other categories):

The Department of Employee Trust Funds will be in Manitowoc, at Lakeshore Technical College on November 4th and 5th, 2019 and Green Bay, at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College on November 19th and 20th, 2019 to provide an overview of the retirement process and answer questions regarding your WRS retirement. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:  calculating your retirement pension, explanation of monthly annuity payment options, filling out retirement applications and beneficiary forms, future annuity adjustments, life insurance, health insurance, returning to work, etc.

ETF has tailored group appointment retirement sessions for members planning (or considering) retirement in the near future.  These sessions are similar to an individual appointment in Madison, with the same information presented, as well as the opportunity for WRS members to ask questions of knowledgeable, experienced ETF staff.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED.  These sessions tend to fill up quickly. If you wish to schedule an appointment for one of these sessions, please contact ETF at the number below as soon as possible. Registration for the Manitowoc sessions will close on Monday, October 21st. Registration for the Green Bay sessions will close on Tuesday, November 5th.

You must already have a retirement estimate to schedule an appointment to attend this session.  If you do not currently have a retirement estimate, you may order one when you schedule your appointment.  Other dates throughout the year and other locations throughout the state are available, if these dates are not convenient for you.

Ordering an estimate or scheduling an appointment does not require you to retire.  This can be for informational purposes only if that is all you need.

CALL 1-877-533-5020 TOLL-FREE TO SCHEDULE.