STORY

Flash Forward events, online challenge bring finances into focus

Learn strategy for your financial future, no matter your age
By Staff
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Flash Forward events, online challenge bring finances into focus

Whether you’re 25 or 65, making smart decisions about your money and debt now will benefit your entire future.

If you’re ready to get a clearer picture of your financial future and learn how to shape it, sign up for Flash Forward: a CU Financial Event, held on each University of Colorado campus between Feb. 27 and March 10.

There are three tracks – Participate, Plan and Prepare. Each one covers different topics relevant to your life and career.

“Throughout my career at the University of Colorado, I have had the privilege of seeing many employees transition into retirement. My hope is that all employees have a solid plan in place so they can be excited and prepared for retirement,” said Michelle Martinez, director of benefits administration in Employee Services. “You all work hard, so take some time out of your busy day and do this for yourself.”

Take a look at each category below to find out which group applies to you, then visit the Employee Services website to register.

PARTICIPATE

Did you just start your career? Get a late start saving? These presentations will give you tips on maximizing your money, managing your debt and getting on solid financial ground.

Talks include:

Student Loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Did you know that as a CU employee, you may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness? Be sure to stop by and discover information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, your student loan repayment and forgiveness options, and ways to deal with defaulted loans.

Max Out Your Credit (Knowledge): Credit affects many aspects of our lives including our ability to buy a car or even get a job. This presentation will help you ensure your credit report reflects the real you. Take steps to better understand credit fundamentals such as ways to improve your credit, information that affects your credit report, and implications of your credit score.

PERA Fundamentals: For PERA enrollees, this session presents a variety of topics that will help you get the most out of your money and PERA account. Learn about choices upon terminating PERA-covered employment, ways to access 401(k) and 457 voluntary tax-deferred savings plans, and the availability of post-retirement health insurance plans.

Find the full presentation schedule and register here.

PLAN

If you’re more established in your career, it’s time to start planning for retirement and thinking about conditions that affect your long-term goals. Take this opportunity to make sure you’re on track with your savings plan, budgeting strategy and credit knowledge.

Talks include:

Halfway There: A Retirement Checkup: Adjust your retirement plan and maximize savings with this personal evaluation. This financial checkup will assist you in evaluating your current savings, managing competing priorities and formulating a plan to reach your financial goals.

Wills and Trusts 101: Uncommon Solutions to Common Problems: You don’t have to be a millionaire to create a plan for your estate. Preparation can help you distribute your assets according to your wishes and the needs of your loved ones. Let us help walk you through trusts, the probate process, fees and more.

Other talks include:

  • PERA Fundamentals
  • Max Out Your Credit (Knowledge)

Find the full presentation schedule here.

PREPARE

If you’re preparing to retire, or maybe not quite ready, this track was designed to help faculty and staff within five years of retirement arrange the transition. Topics range from PERA and your 401(a) to income options after retirement.

Talks include:

CU's Process for Retiring: 401(a) Participants: Are you a CU 401(a) participant? Stop by to learn about your university retiree benefit options, the process behind becoming a university retiree, eligibility requirements for retirement and more.

Paying Yourself: Income Options in Retirement: You’ve finally saved enough and you’re ready to retire, what are your income options now? This discussion will provide you with all the information you need including when to tap into different assets and flexible income choices offered by TIAA.

Social Security: Social Security is a large part of retiring and often leaves people confused. This interactive lecture will give you the clarity you seek by addressing questions about Social Security retirement benefits, Medicare, working while retired and pre-retirement planning.

CU's Process for Retiring: PERA Participants: Are you a PERA participant? This presentation will help you learn about your university retiree benefit options, the process of retiring with CU, and your benefit options.

Preparing for Retirement from PERA: Planning to retire in the next five years? This insightful PERA session will give you the valuable information you need to plan accordingly to meet your retirement goals. We’ll discuss the availability of PERA-sponsored post-retirement life and health insurance, your monthly and lump-sum benefit options, and annual increases.

Other talks include: Wills and Trusts 101: Uncommon Solutions to Common Problems

Find the full schedule and register here.

TAKE THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGE

Don’t forget to take our Financial Challenge and test your financial know-how. Running from Feb. 10 to March 10, five challenges aim to boost your knowledge. For each one completed, you’ll be entered for a chance to win one of eight $50 prizes. You’ll even earn one entry by attending a Flash Forward talk.

Join us at a campus near you:

  • UCCS, Monday, Feb. 27
  • CU Denver, Wednesday, March 1
  • CU Boulder, Monday, March 6
  • CU System, Tuesday, March 7
  • CU Anschutz, Friday, March 10

Visit the website to sign up and see the full schedule. You can even sign up the day of the event, so bring along your spouse or a coworker.