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Financial Insights for University Faculty & Staff
If you’ve found my blog, chances are that you either work at the University of Michigan, have worked there in the past, or know someone that works there currently. Over the past several years of my career, I’ve realized that the University community is under-served as it relates to their personal finances. They are often overlooked when it comes to public information and guidance relating to their work benefits. Although my day job keeps me busy working directly with individuals and families to assist in leveraging the resources of the University to help pursue their personal goals, I also believe it’s important to share some of this information with the general public. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions you want to see answered in future blog posts!
We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with the University of Michigan, or any of its subsidiaries or its affiliates.
Protecting Your Identity: Next Steps after UofM Data Breach
As most people affiliated with the University of Michigan already know, UofM was subject to a significant data breach in August of 2023. Here are some tips to help protect your identity in the wake of this incident.
Read MoreA Retirement-Ready Budget
“When can I be done?” We have all faced unique challenges over the past three years, and for many people, that is making retirement sound a little more enticing.
Read MoreHeads and Tails of UofM FSAs
If you are actively employed at the University of Michigan, there is a high probability you have an opportunity to use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). While many people have heard colleagues mention these plans, they have never...
Read MoreUniversity of Michigan New Hires: Quick Tips for Your Initial Enrollment Window
Congratulations on starting your new job at the University of Michigan! Check out this blog post to learn more about your initial enrollment selections.
Read MoreThe Blessing and Curse of "Great Benefits"
The Blessing and Curse of “Great Benefits”One of the most significant advantages of working at the University of Michigan is the exceptional benefits and retirement package. One of the most significant DISadvantages...
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Retirement Plan Providers: TIAA CREF versus Fidelity
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. We have all heard this age-old adage our whole lives. In some instances, this makes a lot of sense. For example, if you are helping your son or daughter apply to colleges. It makes practical...
Read MoreDefining Financial Goals through the Lens of Personal Values
Someone once said, “When values are clear, decisions are easy.” When people come to see us, and we begin to discuss their goals and objectives, they often ask, “What do most people say?” This question is one of...
Read MoreReviewing Quarterly Statements: How am I Doing?
Have you ever asked yourself “How can I tell if I am doing well or poorly when it comes to investments within my retirement plan?” If you are like most employees at the University of Michigan (or any other employer for that...
Read MoreLessons Learned from a Global Pandemic
2020 will certainly be a year for the history books! If someone had told me a year ago that I would be working from home full time with two young kids at home during a global pandemic, I would never have believed them. I am not certain...
Read MoreUniversity of Michigan Retirement Plan Match Suspension: What Does This Mean for You?
On May 5th, 2020, Michigan Medicine announced a series of decisions that were made in order to curtail the financial impact of COVID 19 on the health system. One of the primary changes made was a one-year suspension of the 2 for 1...
Read MorePreparing Financially for Having a Baby
As I prepare to have my second child, this feels like the most appropriate time to provide some insight to those that are going through the same experiences. There are many fears that come along with becoming a parent. How will I...
Read MoreA New Way of Thinking About Retirement: Financial Independence
Many of us were raised to think that retirement was the ultimate goal at the end of our careers. Put your head down, get to work, put in your time, and eventually you can retire. Is that really what you want to be working towards?...
Read More4 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Legal Plan
Many of you may already know that you have a Legal Plan available to you through the University of Michigan. I find that most people don’t have a clear understanding of what types of benefits are available through the plan, or...
Read MoreConsidering leaving the University? Top 10 Reasons You Should Reconsider
If you are reading this blog because you have considered leaving the University of Michigan at one point or another, you are not alone! Working with University faculty and staff every day, I am often presented with the question of...
Read MoreWhy You Shouldn’t Use a Backdoor Roth
Ok, maybe shouldn’t is too strong of a word. The intention of this post is to share with you why there is most likely no reason for you to jump through hoops of making a backdoor Roth contribution when a far easier (and more...
Read MoreNew Year, New You, New Benefits
2019! A new year! A new you! At least that’s what I manage to convince myself of in January every year. I always seem to start off with that invincible feeling. I can do this! This year will be different! Whether it is 2 weeks...
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