Author Archives: Sarah Smalley

The CARES Act JUST MADE HSAs MORE POWERFUL

In late March, the largest stimulus bill in history, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Safety Act (known as the CARES Act) was signed into law. The legislation includes several provisions that will make a major impact on those with health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

HSA-qualified plans can now cover telemedicine prior to meeting deductible.

Effective March 27, 2020, high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) are permitted to cover telemedicine and remote care services before an HSA participant meets their deductible—or at reduced or no cost-sharing. Previously HSA-qualified health plans could only cover preventive medical expenses prior to participants meeting their deductible. Now HDHPs can cover telemedicine services in the same way they cover preventive care services without interrupting a participant’s HSA eligibility.
The provision is temporary and expires December 31, 2021.

Rx not required to get reimbursed for
over-the counter medicine.


The CARES Act repeals the prescription requirement for over-the-counter drug reimbursement. Participants no longer need to see a physician in order use tax-free HSA, HRA and FSA dollars for things like aches, pains and upset stomachs. Expenses can be covered through reimbursement until HSA debit card systems are updated with these change.

Menstrual care products now qualify
for reimbursement.

The CARES Act adds items such as tampons, pads, liners, cups, and sponges as qualified medical expenses. Prior to the CARES Act, menstrual care products were not considered qualified medical expenses under the rules of tax-advantaged accounts. Now participants can use tax-free HSA, HRA and FSA dollars to buy these important necessities. Expenses can be covered through reimbursement until HSA debit card systems are updated with these change.

A TIAA Financial Essentials webinar

Quarterly economic and market update
This quarter, Brian Nick, Chief Investment Strategist, Nuveen, will be joined by TIAA’s Chief
Financial Planning Strategist, Dan Keady.
Together they will share views on the financial markets, including the impact the health crisis is
having on the U.S. economy, policy and investing in public markets. They will also cover the
challenges that investors face and strategies to navigate them.
Space is limited. Register today. Three live sessions: Wednesday, April 15, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (ET),
Friday, April 17, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (ET) or Monday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).

Visit TIAA.org/webinars to register.

Sign up for a virtual financial counseling session

We know that there is a lot of uncertainty in the world
today. And just as we have for more than 100 years, TIAA
is here to help you.
You can access virtual counseling by phone or on any device, and get
advice and education about your retirement savings, managing debt
and your investment strategy. Both are highly secure and private.
Take advantage of advice and education
When you meet virtually with a financial consultant, you’ll get answers
to these questions:
Am I saving enough?
Should I change or re-balance my investment strategy?
Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?
Financial advice is available as part of your retirement plan at no
additional cost. Take advantage and schedule a virtual counseling
session today.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

MSA Hosts Two New Weekly Webinar Series

This is an extraordinary time in our history.  The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound impact on the health of our loved ones, the businesses we rely upon, the strength of the global economy, and the way we live our daily lives.  To help our members with their collective financial health during this crisis, MSA is offering two different weekly webinar series, each with a distinct focus.

Series A: Budgeting When Income is Uncertain 9:00 AM (PST) on Fridays

Millions of Americans are seeing their income become increasingly unpredictable.  The good news is that there are many new programs trying to help.  Each webinar in this series will begin with a few minutes covering government-based programs and nationwide resources as they develop.  The next twenty minutes or so will focus on specific budgeting tactics, student loan repayment strategies and debt/credit tips that can help during these challenging times.  We’ll wrap up with 30 minutes spent addressing your questions. 

April 03, 2020 | Register Here

April 10, 2020 | Register Here

April 17, 2020 | Register Here

April 24, 2020 | Register Here

Series B:  Investment Strategies in Volatile Markets | 12:00 PM (PST) on Fridays

Financial markets are volatile whenever the future earnings of companies, the stability of industries or the direction of global economies are uncertain.  So when this happens, what do you do?  Each webinar in this series will spend a few minutes reviewing updates to government and corporate actions intended to stabilize the markets, with the majority of time centered on discussing investing principles, plus current investment opportunities and challenges.  Investment themes addressed will be those most often brought up by our members.  We’ll leave the last 30 minutes to address your questions and concerns.   

April 03, 2020 | Register Here

April 10, 2020 | Register Here

April 17, 2020 | Register Here

April 24, 2020 | Register Here

Note:  If you register and cannot attend, a recording of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts, will automatically be sent within 2 business days.

It’s My Budget & I’m Sticking to It! MSA Webinar

It’s My Budget & I’m Sticking to It! | April 23, 2020 | 9:00 AM (PST) & 12:00 PM (PST) |  Register Here.

Creating and sticking to a budget is the foundation for great personal finances. Why? It gets you in the habit of reviewing and adjusting your spending so that the most important goals in your life get funded. This class will outline a process for creating a spending plan and will offer practical tips for sticking to it!

Note:  If you register and cannot attend, a recording of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts, will automatically be sent within 24 hours.

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You work hard for your money, but is your money working hard for you?

When it comes to our finances, we always wonder if we are making the right moves, and searching for answers can feel overwhelming.

Middlebury College provides all employees access to financial well-being thru My Secure Advantage (MSA).

MSA helps you make the most of your hard earned dollars!  When it comes to living a financially stress-free life, every decision you make adds up.  Through MSA, employees and their covered dependents can work with a personal Money Coach and utilize website services to make financial stress a thing of the past.

What’s Included

  • 90 days (per calendar year) of personalized money coaching with a personal, confidential, unbiased, and guilt free Money Coach.  Coaches don’t sell products or services: their only job is to provide expert guidance and improve your financial life.
  • Guidance on financial topics, goals, challenges, or questions.  Whether you’re getting by, digging out, or saving big, connecting with a Money Coach to discuss options, identify issues, and build out a plan can only help.

Work with MSA to tackle questions like “Should I be saving more or paying down debt?” “When will I be able to retire, and how much do I need?” “What type of portfolio is best for me?” “How do I balance enjoying life now with saving for the future?” and more.

  • Online tools include videos, calculators, articles, and budgeting software to help you stress less and save more.

Questions?  Learn more about MSA here. To get started, sign up, and schedule your first appointment with a Money Coach call 888-724-2326.

Financial Best Practices in Uncertain Times

March 20, 2020 | 9:00 AM (PT) & 12:00 PM PT) | Register here.

When markets go on a wild ride, it’s understandable to feel uneasy and maybe even begin to question your investments and savings plans.  Ironically though, one certainty is that market uncertainty is a constant.  Market downturns happen frequently and are typically followed by recoveries.  Presented by My Secure Advantage (MSA), this session will cover key considerations and best practices in times of heightened volatility, as well as actionable next steps that you can take now and in the longer term.  

Note:  If you register and cannot attend, a recording of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts, will automatically be sent within 24 hours.  

Introduction to Social Security

Tuesday, March 17, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (ET)

More than 63 million are collecting Social Security benefits but not all understand how benefits are calculated, how to apply or basic strategies for claiming benefits. Learn the basics about Social Security including eligibility, how to apply, how your benefit is calculated and strategies for claiming benefits. Register today for this live webinar on Tuesday, March 17, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (ET). Featured speakers: Scott E. Chester Director, Wealth Planning Strategies TIAA Individual Advisory Services Colleen M. Carcone, CFP® Director, Wealth Planning Strategies TIAA Individual Advisory Services As Directors of Wealth Planning Strategies for TIAA, both Colleen and Scott provide comprehensive wealth transfer, estate and tax planning considerations for clients with the most complex needs. Their tax and estate planning knowledge and backgrounds allow them to provide high-net-worth families with specialized advice and sophisticated planning strategies for every aspect of their financial lives.

Visit TIAA.org/webinars to register.