Financial planning tools you told us you need

Here is what you want to learn more about at this stage of your financial wellness journey and how Stanford’s employee resources support you.

Our Quick Question in the January Insider asked what topics around financial planning and saving you would want to learn more about in 2023.

How you manage your finances and make financial decisions today can set you up for success in the future, but getting the information you need to make a plan is not always easy. Here is what you told us you wanted to learn more about at this stage of your financial wellness journey and how Stanford’s employee resources support you.

Help me plan and budget

Your financial journey can change each year, and many employees who responded to the Quick Question in the January Insider asked for help with saving on a limited salary, how to use savings to buy a home, and more. By regularly reviewing and updating your financial plan, you can adjust your spending habits and ensure you remain on track to reach your financial objectives. Benefits-eligible employees can schedule a free individual financial counseling appointment with Fidelity’s certified financial planners, who provide guidance on how to financially plan for a better future in 2023 and beyond. Get started today and make an appointment with Fidelity through Cardinal at Work.

Help me save and invest

Financial saving and investing are other topics respondents are interested in learning more about. Healthy Living is offering a free one-hour Take the First Step to Investing webinar on Monday, Feb. 6, at noon PST. You will gain an understanding of asset allocation and diversification, the types of investment tools you might want to consider, and how to mitigate your risks. You will leave the session with practical tools to identify your ideal investment approach. Visit the Healthy Living website to register and learn more.

If you cannot attend the Healthy Living webinar, a popular series from Stanford Benefits and Francis Investments has a curated library of previously recorded webinars that you can watch at any time to learn practical tips for saving and managing your money. Visit moneyadviceatwork.com/stanford to access the recorded events in English or Spanish. In addition, Fidelity has a newly launched series, How We Money, that provides brief one-minute videos about financial fundamentals.

Help me tackle debt

Tackling debt can provide relief to your wallet and your stress level. Because if you think about it, paying down debt is, in fact, saving. Paying down your debt frees you to start building long-term savings sooner. In celebration of America Saves Week from Feb. 27 through March 3, Fidelity has an array of workshops for Stanford employees dedicated to informing and providing insight that will guide you to a better financial position. Browse through the upcoming events through Fidelity and register for a webinar of your choice. Event topics range from paying off student debt to women’s financial wellness.

Financial education all the time

Throughout the course of the year, the Retirement Savings office in UHR not only provides training to help you with every facet of your SCRP but also to identify topics relevant to you. Visit the Workshops and Guidance page on Cardinal at Work, where you can view workshops, listen to a webinar, or learn more about how your contributions and investments can meet your savings goals.