Category: News

Don’t miss the next Social Security Workshop, scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2017, 11:30am – 1:00pm in the UW Tower

This popular seminar is presented by a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the eligibility requirements for Social Security?
• How does early retirement affect your benefits?
• What programs are administered under the Social Security Act?
• What is the future of Social Security?
• When do Social Security and Medicare benefits begin?
• How to use your “my Social Security Account” and other online services.

If you plan to attend this workshop, the SSA requests that you bring a printed copy of your Social Security Benefit Statement with you as this important tool will be referenced during the presentation. You can download a copy from the official SSA website at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Learn more and register at: https://ucs.admin.uw.edu/pod/Course/Details/BOSS1

Faculty and staff with less than 12 month appointments, and who may not work over the summer should be aware of the impact on their insurance benefits.

Few things in life are free but here’s one. Schedule time with a knowledgeable Fidelity or TIAA consultant and you’ll get free retirement planning guidance—no strings attached.

Save more and better manage your finances by joining a local credit union like Inspirus, (formerly School Employees Credit Union or Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU). As UW partners, both credit unions offer full-service, nonprofit financial products and services, and the following complimentary seminars on sound money management practices.

Spring into summer this year by signing up with SmartHealth, the HCA’s unique, interactive health and wellness program.
Through SmartHealth, you can create your own program, earn incentive points by following through on healthful activities, and virtually interact with other members for mutual support and encouragement.

Learn everything you need to know about homeownership. Provided by HomeStreet Bank, these seminars offer information on a variety of homeownership issues, from budgeting and buying, to maintenance and remodeling.

One of the first and most important major steps on your journey to home-ownership is an appointment with a loan officer or pre-purchase housing counselor to assess you financial situation. Based on your finances and the current housing market, a pre-qualification appointment will give you a realistic idea of what you can afford and/or how much you need to save.

As a UW employee, you can make an appointment to meet one-on-one with a HomeStreet Bank representative during a free prequalification appointment. The meeting is a great time to get your questions answered about your specific circumstances. Here are a few things you will want to bring:

• A list of current debts (Copies of current billing statements are the best)
• Current paycheck stubs
• Verification of funds to close (such as bank statements, retirement account information, gift deposits, etc.)

When the counselor or loan officer determines you are ready to begin your search for a new home, you can obtain a pre-approval letter from your loan officer that reflects your ability to qualify for a loan at the amount you wish to pay for a house. The fun begins once you have your pre-approval letter in hand!

The Hometown Home Loan Program offers even more discounts and resources to UW employees. If you’re considering buying or refinancing a home, check out the Benefits website for seminars programs and resources available to you.

Social media can help or hurt your child’s chances of getting into college, landing a job, and gaining financial independence. Universities and future employers often check applicants’ social media profiles. Focusing on Facebook, you’ll learn effective strategies for your child and the top 10 social media mistakes to avoid, as well as strategies to make sure your children  present themselves in the best light online.  Presented by Inspirus Credit Union     

May 11, 2017, Seattle – UW Tower. 

Register now.

If you’re planning to retire soon, consider attending, “Fundamentals of Retirement Income” to better prepare for the years ahead. Offered by Fidelity Investments.

Finding the right provider is important, but while planning for your medical needs, you should also consider finding a provider in your plan network.