Celebrate Financial Literacy Month: A guide to UW resources for financial health
April is not just about spring showers and blooming flowers—it’s also Financial Literacy Month! At the University of Washington, you have a handful of resources and financial experts at your disposal for education and support when it comes to your personal financial goals. We’ve rounded up a treasure trove of tools and resources to help you navigate personal finance.
Consultations
Need help planning for retirement or achieving other financial goals? The UW offers 1:1 consultations to help you set and achieve your savings goals. As a UW employee, you can meet with representatives from Fidelity Investments and TIAA to discuss your financial health.
Webinar Recordings
Not able to join us for a live event? We’ve got you covered with our Financially Fit YouTube playlist. Find a variety of sessions discussing building savings, investing, reducing debt and home ownership.
Continuous Learning
Tune in to The Whole U’s pillar Financially Fit for articles and web content centered around achieving greater financial security and personal growth in financial health. Financially Fit articles are supported by The Whole U and UW’s financial partners. Explore content here.
Credit Union Partners
As a UW employee, you qualify to join the University’s credit union partners. Learn more and explore savings opportunities with UW’s credit union partners, WSECU and Inspirus here.
Discounts
One of the best ways to maximize savings is to spend money where you get a discount! Access UW’s comprehensive discount network, with over 300 discounts across the PNW and beyond organized into a myriad of categories from tickets and events to services, travel and lodging, fitness, and beyond.
Housing and Home Loans
Finding the right type of housing in the greater Seattle area can be a challenge. The Whole U partners with UW Community Relations and UW WorkLife to bring you options and resources to fit your budget level. View resources for buying or refinancing your home, renting, and affordable housing here.
This includes the Affinity Lending Program from HomeStreet Bank – a great way to save thousands when you purchase a home, condo or refinance.
April Webinars
Last but not least, enjoy a variety of webinars with our financial partners this month. Each month offers something different!
HomeStreet Bank
HomeStreet Bank offers monthly webinars to the University of Washington discussing all things home buying through the Affinity Lending program.
Buying a Home with Down Payment Assistance
Are you interested in buying a home but want to keep your down-payment to a minimum? This webinar is presented by your HomeStreet Affinity Home Loan Benefits to help you learn about low down-payment programs and strategies, how to use down payment assistance and the eligibility requirements, which down payment assistance programs are in your area and how to assess your eligibility for programs.
Date: Thursday, April 11
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
TIAA
You can access TIAA webinars by creating a guest login at TIAA.org/webinars
Quarterly economic and market update
Hear from our chief investment officer about challenges investors are facing and tips on how to navigate them.
Date: Wednesday, April 10
Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Fine-tuning your retirement strategy: Investing toward a secure future
We’ll move beyond investing basics to help you fine-tune your saving and investing strategies for retirement.
Date: Tuesday, April 16
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Start to Finish: The early career woman’s guide to financial wisdom
Start caring for your financial well-being now. The sooner you start saving, the more prepared you may be down the road.
Date: Thursday, April 18
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Staying Safe in the Age of AI
Join us for a discussion on the growth of AI and what that means for protecting ourselves against scams and cybersecurity attacks.
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
BECU
In addition to offering a special discount for UW employees, BECU presents webinars quarterly to the University of Washington. You can also attend BECU’s community financial education classes, like the one below.
Building Strong Business & Personal Credit
Do you understand how business and personal credit affect you and your business? This webinar will offer advice on how to leverage them to your benefit. Register today, as space is limited!
Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sign up at BECU.org/seminars and to see more events.
Fidelity
Fidelity offers short AskFidelity sessions monthly, discussing varying topics. In addition, this April offers two featured webinars about supporting yourself financially throughout retirement, and planning out how to transition your savings into your ongoing income. These webinars are created specifically for our University of Washington community!
You can view and register for Fidelity webinars here.
Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning
Learn how the building blocks of an income plan can offset the key risks in retirement, as well as how you can use Fidelity’s resources to feel more confident as you prepare to make the move from saving to spending. Register here.
Date: Tuesday, April 16
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Time: Noon to 1 p.m.
Ask Fidelity: How to make the most of your retirement savings
How much saving is “enough” for retirement? Learn strategies that can help you save more today and tips for preserving and growing your savings in retirement. Register here.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the world of finance, we’ve got your back. Let’s make this Financial Literacy Month one for the books—literally. Happy saving!