TIAA Financial resources

Learn the importance of designating a beneficiary, setting financial goals, and more with articles provided below by TIAA, one of A&M System’s retirement vendors. To learn more about A&M System’s retirement vendors and retirement information, view the Retirement Booklet.

The importance of beneficiary designations: https://www.tiaa.org/public/retire/life-essentials/financial-planning-for-couples/importance-of-beneficiaries

• Naming a beneficiary on your retirement account may be the most important financial move you can make that takes the least amount of effort. That’s because, if no beneficiary is named on your account, the money will typically need to go through probate court before it’s distributed to your heirs according to your will (or according to state law if you have no will).

Simply put, the fastest, most efficient, and least frustrating way to ensure that the people (and potentially organizations) you love have access to this money is to name them as your beneficiaries.

Ready, set, goals: How a growth mindset can help you reach your financial goals: https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/financial-essentials/growth-mindset-financial-goals-success

• The first step is to figure out your mindset. Think about a specific money issue you’ve had. How did you respond to it? If you notice that you’re blaming yourself, thinking you’re never going to succeed and wanting to avoid challenges, you may have a fixed mindset. But fear not—you’ve just taken the first step towards change. Here are some more ideas. 

Financial wellness impacts your mental health: https://www.tiaa.org/public/learn/financial-wellness-and-mental-health

• There’s a strong connection between a person’s mental health and their financial wellbeing. Struggling with mental health can negatively affect their financial decision-making. This, in turn, can negatively affect your finances. Which can then cause more stress and anxiety, leading to more mental health struggles. It can be a vicious cycle. In fact, 92% of people experiencing mental health challenges report difficulty in making financial decisions.

Top 3 Tips to Stay Safe Online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58Gwo0gTH0g&list=PLfnE8OyXprMXmHa7vB1f0XYGnjNbIcwI-&index=19