SPECIAL EVENTS

Healthy Weight 2020 Program Application

UNI Employee Well-being is now accepting applications for the Healthy Weight @ UNI 2020 program. All applications are due by January 24, 2020. To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit the Healthy Weight @ UNI webpage.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Financial Wellness: Investing 101

Human Resource Services will host two informational sessions on Investing 101. Learn the basics of investing and investment related concepts. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. The hour long sessions will be presented by Veridian: January 21 at noon and January 22 at 3 p.m. in the State College Room MAU. Please register in advance.

Retirement Readiness: Retiring from UNI

Are you thinking about retiring in the next 5-10 years or less? Human Resource Services will host two informational sessions on retiring from UNI. Join us to help you plan ahead and learn the requirements and benefits available at retirement from UNI. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. The hour long sessions will be presented by Human Resource Services: January 23 and January 24 at noon in the State College Room MAU. Please register in advance.

Retirement Readiness: SHIIP - Medicare 101

Human Resource Services will host two informational sessions presented by SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program). Learn the basics of Medicare and how to integrate healthcare into your retirement plan. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend. The hour long sessions will be held: February 3 at 3 p.m. and February 4 at noon in the Oak Room MAU. Please register in advance.

Please be advised the above sessions may be cancelled if 10 or more employees are not registered. If cancelled, you will be notified directly via UNI email or campus phone. Room location is subject to change. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UNI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact a benefits team member at 319-273-2954, or hrs-benefits@uni.edu, at least one week prior to the event.

HEADLINES

Four Ways to Reduce Financial Stress in the New Year

1. Pay-off consumer debt. Consumer debt typically includes credit card debt, auto loans, student loans, and payday loans. This type of debt is usually associated with high interest rates, is more difficult to pay off, and has a higher risk for default. If you have this type of debt, paying it down should be your primary financial goal. Once you have paid it off, make a commitment and plan to no longer carry this type of debt. For example, once you have paid off your auto loan, put your regular monthly payment into a separate savings account. This savings will be available in the future to purchase a future vehicle when needed, in lieu of taking out another loan.

2. Establish or add to your emergency fund. An emergency fund is a savings account used only during times of financial hardship. Other terms used for this type of fund are a “cushion” or “rainy day” savings account. This type of savings should be easily accessible in the event of an emergency. It is suggested you have three to six months of monthly expenses put aside in case of job loss, medical emergency, etc... If you do not have an emergency fund, commit to adding monthly savings to an account until you have at least enough to cover three months of expenses. If you have an emergency fund already, consider saving one additional months worth of expenses this year.

3. Save additional money for retirement. Regardless of what generation you are in, American’s are largely unprepared for retirement. Whatever amount you are putting aside already, try to add more to it. Even $25 a month adds up over time. Whether you selected IPERS or TIAA, UNI allows you to save additional funds both pre and post tax through a Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA) account. To learn more about enrolling in a TDA, or maximum limits for 2020, visit our webpage. Visit with a financial adviser to make sure you are on track to meet your retirement goals. To request a TIAA appointment call 1-800-732-8353. To request an IPERS consultation call 1-800-622-3849.

4. Plan for something fun. We work hard. It is okay to plan to spend some money just for fun, but it should be a part of a budget and planned expenses. Leisure time is important. It helps us relax and unwind while doing it, and just having something fun to look forward to increases our overall well-being. Just remember this “fun” should not be paid for with consumer debt, or the benefits will be lost by the stress of future debt.

Kicking the Tobacco Habit This Year?

If you’re looking to quit smoking or tobacco use this new year, you don’t have to do it alone. UNI provides cessation services to assist employees with quitting. 

• Nurse health coaches are trained to assist individuals in making healthier choices and have specific training in tobacco cessation. Benefit eligible employees can receive up to six sessions with a nurse health coach to help with quitting. Meetings are arranged at a time that works for you and can be held conveniently on-campus. Interested in learning more or scheduling your sessions? Contact employeewellbeing@uni.edu or call 319-273-4246.

• Those enrolled in a UNI health insurance plan are eligible for free prescription medicine or nicotine patches, to assist with quitting. To use this service, schedule an appointment with your personal doctor. If your doctor recommends a medicine or nicotine patches, have the prescription filled at your pharmacy, free of charge. Call the number on the back of your Wellmark ID card if you have any questions.

Use both services to increase your likelihood for success. Start this new year off right and breathe easier in 2020!

Eat More of This in the New Year!

With the start of a new decade it is time to throw-out all of the extreme diet fads that don’t work or aren’t sustainable. Let's remember that carbs are NOT inherently bad for us. They provide fuel for our bodies. Let’s STOP supplementing to add extreme amounts of protein than what is recommended for daily intake. Instead, let’s focus on eating more of what most American’s are missing...FIBER! Fiber can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.

We should all aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber daily, yet most American’s intake less than half of that each day. By focusing on eating more foods that naturally contain fiber, we set ourselves up to consume more nutrient dense and minimally processed foods. You may find yourself feeling fuller, improving your digestive health, experiencing more energy, and maybe even shedding a few pounds (if you are wanting to do so). This new year try to eat more fiber, and focus less on fads. If you’re looking for a program that supports this lifestyle, check out the Healthy Weight program and the new myWW.

Healthful Tip: When adding more fiber, be sure to drink more water too. Water helps our bodies process the extra bulk and of course keep us hydrated and feeling good too!

Taking Ownership

Flexible Spending Account Deadline for 2019 Contributions

March 15, 2020 is the final day for an eligible expense to count towards your 2019 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) reimbursement. Eligible expenses must have occurred between January 1, 2019 and March 15, 2020. Any remaining balance will be forfeited. You may use the convenient ASIFlex mobile app or upload claims through ASIFlex.com. Don't forget you may also use your remaining 2019 balance by visiting FSAStore.com to purchase eligible items such as sunscreen or first aid kits. If you have any questions about your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) email jesse.lahmann@uni.edu.

COMING IN FEBRUARY

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