Category: Wellness

The Brain and Youth Sports – Well Wisconsin Radio

Well Wisconsin Radio – Monthly expert interviews on various health topics with professionals around the state. 

The Brain and Youth Sports 

Join your host, Morgan Meinen as she talks with Julie Stamm , Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Julie and Morgan will discuss the science behind repetitive brain trauma in sports, common misconceptions, and how parents can make informed decisions about sports to protect their children. We hope you’ll tune in!

  • Tuesday, August 24, 2021
  • Noon – 12:30 PM

REGISTER HERE

Episodes available on demand after the event!  Click here to access the Well Wisconsin Radio channel.

Just a reminder, participants would need to listen to two Well Wisconsin Radio shows in order to get credit for the Well-Being Activity. You do not have to listen to the program live in order to get credit – you can listen to the recorded program on the Well Wisconsin portal. 

WRS Webinars Offered in July & August

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:

Beneficiary Designations – What Happens to My Account When I Die?
Death is never easy to talk about, but it’s important to know where your money is going. Learn what happens to your WRS account when you pass away, why it’s important to designate a beneficiary and the importance of keeping your account up to date.

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

  • Define beneficiary and standard sequence.
  • Explain the importance of a beneficiary form.
  • Identify who or what could be a beneficiary.
  • Select the appropriate beneficiary form.
  • Update your beneficiary.

Thu, July 8, 2021 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Mon, July 12, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Mon, July 19, 2021 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2945405148965240335

Newly Retired? What to Expect
When you first retire you may experience several changes.

We’ll help prepare you for some of these changes by discussing:

  • When and how to change your retirement benefit payment option.
  • When you’ll receive tax information.
  • What mailings you will receive.
  • Why your monthly payment may change.
  • Rules you must follow if you return to work for a position under the WRS.

Thu, July 15, 2021 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Wed, July 21, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Thu, July 29, 2021 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/9085128655494175247

Overview of the Wisconsin Retirement System
Are you new to the Wisconsin Retirement System? We’ll let you know what to expect.

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

  • Identify and explain the elements of the Wisconsin Retirement System.
  • Explain how the WRS pension works.
  • Identify benefits available through the WRS.
  • Find resources for more information.

Wed, July 14, 2021 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Tue, July 27, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/7009006611178040077

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, Aug 9, 2021 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Wed, Aug 18, 2021 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Tue, Aug 24, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2243724316597313293

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 presentation, 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.

Wed, Aug 4, 2021 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Wed, Aug 11, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Thu, Aug 26, 2021 11:00 am – 11:30 am

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/2370337478582501389

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.

Thu, Aug 5, 2021 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Wed, Aug 11, 2021 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Thu, Aug 19, 2021 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm

To register, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/623379528302479885

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!

Wed, Jul 14, 2021 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Wed, Jul 28, 2021 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Tue, Aug 10, 2021 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Wed, Aug 25, 2021 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Thu, Sept 9, 2021 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Thu, Sept 23, 2021 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

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

Click here to register for a Webinar!

Wisconsin Strong Women Webinars in July

Register for Wisconsin Strong Women Webinars in July

Check out these Wisconsin Strong Women morning webinars, which are free of charge and presented by Summit Credit Union, a Wisconsin Strong partner. Register now!

Wisconsin Strong Women: Build Financial Courage and Redefine Your Life
Event: July 13
Every day, our money choices move us closer to or farther away from our goals and dreams. We’ll lead you through exercises that you can use to identify habits, emotions and relationships that are holding you back from what you really want to do. Leave inspired to redefine your feelings about money and claim your best life.

Register for session: July 13 at 8:30 a.m.

Wisconsin Strong Women: Exploring Your Life and Money Attitude
Event: July 20
Your life is a reflection of your thoughts. Positive or negative, they can impact your dreams, goals, and how you want to live your life. You might think positively about many areas of your life, but what’s your money attitude? If you are a saver, splurge spender, stasher, goal-setter or dreamer, all of these, can impact your life. In this session, you will explore your current money attitudes and behaviors. You’ll also create a plan to ask more questions, get advice, and own your money.

Register for session: July 20 at 8:30 a.m.

Wisconsin Strong Women: Money Feng Shui – Unclutter Your Life to Attract Wealth
Event: July 27
Do you have positive money energy or are negative money messages blocking your potential? At this session, you will get tips, tools, and advice for creating more intentional money habits to build wealth and invite abundance into your life. The activities and exercises will get you reflecting and give you time to create steps toward change. Rid yourself of money disorder to attract good energy and flow so you can shift your lifestyle and own your money.

Register for session: July 27 at 8:30 a.m.

Wisconsin Strong Women
The Wisconsin Strong Women financial wellness education series is a part of the Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program, offered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds. Wisconsin Strong is designed to empower Wisconsin Retirement System members to maximize their WRS benefits, save for the future, and achieve financial wellness at any age. You’ll find free financial wellness education, resources, and tools at etf.wi.gov/wi-strong. Follow along at #WIStrongSecurity.

Sustainable Fishing in Wisconsin – Well Wisconsin Radio

Well Wisconsin Radio – Monthly expert interviews on various health topics with professionals around the state.

Sustainable Fishing in Wisconsin

Join your host, Morgan Meinen as she talks with Sharon Moen, Eat Wisconsin Fish Outreach Specialist for the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant.  Sharon and Morgan will discuss why some fish choices are more sustainable than others, the health benefits of eating fish, contaminants, fish recipes and more!  We hope you’ll tune in!

  • Tuesday, July 27, 2021
  • Noon – 12:30 PM

REGISTER HERE

Episodes available on demand after the event!  Click here to access the Well Wisconsin Radio channel.

Just a reminder, participants would need to listen to two Well Wisconsin Radio shows in order to get credit for the Well-Being Activity. You do not have to listen to the program live in order to get credit – you can listen to the recorded program on the Well Wisconsin portal. 

July Well Wisconsin Challenge – Summer Bucket List

Fill your bucket this summer by doing things that feel good to you! Our Summer Bucket List Challenge has some great ideas or create your own. Set a goal and then get to fillin’ your bucket!

Track your fun for 30 days by checking 10 days off your bucket list. Click here for the form. Email your completed form to wellness@uwgb.edu.  

Treat yo’ self!

Self-care

  • Stargaze—contemplate just how amazing life is
  • Use PTO to leave work early to do your own thing!
  • Enjoy a book or magazine at your favorite cafe
  • Tap in to your artistic side with sidewalk chalk
  • Take a nap or read in the warm shade
  • Say “no” to something that feels stressful
  • Say “yes!” to something fun and indulgent
  • Relax in the bath, pool, hot tub, lake—you choose
  • Sit outside, close your eyes, and just listen

I like to move it, move it!

Active living

  • Dance to music that moves you
  • Beat the heat—get up for an early morning walk/run
  • Start your day with yoga in the sunshine
  • Walk to do an errand or get a summer treat
  • Try a NEW activity—geocaching, paddle boarding, etc.
  • Grab a friend and go for a bike ride
  • Work in your garden or yard
  • Hand wash your car
  • Go for a hike and have a picnic

Get ‘er done!

Goals, productivity, professional development

  • Get rid of 25 items from your house
  • Organize a space—don’t forget before and after photos
  • Set one professional or personal goal for the summer
  • Don’t check work email when you are on vacation
  • Make an emergency/natural disaster plan with family
  • Aim for a no-waste week—reduce, reuse, recycle
  • Listen to a professional/personal development podcast
  • Read an article that will help you toward a goal
  • Plan a fall/winter vacation

Sunday—fun day!

Weekend ideas with friends and family

  • Go camping
  • Visit a museum—pose like an exhibit (pictures!)
  • Catch a summer blockbuster to escape the heat
  • Have fun with animals—zoo, aquarium, or your pet
  • Go to an outdoor concert, festival, fair or sports game
  • Try an outdoor ropes course or ziplining
  • Go to brunch or have a picnic in the park
  • Visit a pool, river, lake, or coast for a water adventure
  • Tour your local town or a new city you want to see

For the love of full bellies!

Food and drink

  • Make a healthy, cool summer treat—share the recipe!
  • Organize a progressive dinner with some neighbors
  • Enjoy a treat from an ice-cream truck
  • Make real homemade lemonade (no powdered stuff!)
  • Eat your favorite summer produce—savor every bite
  • Have a BBQ and snap a photo of the grill master
  • Try a cold summer soup recipe
  • Make fruit popsicles
  • Pick up fruits and veggies from a farmers’ market

You do you!

Create your own list

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Wisconsin Strong Women: Unique Challenges to Achieving Financial Security

Industry Experts Discuss Challenges Women Face in Achieving Financial Security

Women face unique challenges to achieving financial wellness and security throughout their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the problem. Find out why and more important, explore solutions on how to overcome the challenges at a special virtual discussion with industry experts, presented by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Thursday, June 24
12 to 1 p.m.

Kathy Blumenfeld, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, is set to moderate Wisconsin Strong Women: Unique Challenges to Achieving Financial Security. Panelists are:

Topics include women’s pay inequality, caregiving, access to Social Security benefits, outliving retirement income, and other factors that impact a financially secure retirement. In addition, panelists will recommend actions that women can take to navigate and lessen the challenges at every stage of their financial journey.

The event is free of charge. Register now!

Learn more about the presenters and event.

June Well Wisconsin Challenge: Financial Wellness, Wisconsin Strong

One of our main stressors in life is finances and being stressed about money impacts our health and mental well-being. That, coupled with the financial strains caused by the pandemic, has caused a lot of hardship and worry for employees across the nation. This month we encourage you to focus on your financial health.

Start by taking the online Wisconsin Strong Financial Fitness Challenge, offered by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds. After you complete a 5-minute Financial Fitness Checkup self-assessment, you’ll receive a code to enter in the Employer Sponsored Activity section of your rewards tab in your Well Wisconsin* portal. You will also gain free access to a personalized playlist of courses on topics such as debt management, budgeting, investments, estate planning, and retirement planning.

The Financial Fitness Challenge is a part of ETF’s recently debuted Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™, a free financial wellness program available to Wisconsin Retirement System members and their families. Wisconsin Strong is designed to empower members to maximize their WRS benefits, save for the future, and achieve financial wellness at any age.

Check out all of the Wisconsin Strong financial wellness education, resources, and tools at etf.wi.gov/wi-strong. Follow along at #WIStrongSecurity.

*Well Wisconsin rewards are only available to subscribers and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program, except for members who are enrolled in UHC’s Medicare Advantage plan.