Leaving a Legacy
When we think about leaving a legacy, our minds often go first to family memories, values, and traditions. Yet a significant part of legacy may also come through how one prepares financially for those they love. Estate planning ensures that the assets you’ve worked hard to build transfer efficiently and according to your wishes, minimizing […]
Beyond Basic Benefits: Maximizing Your University’s Investment Options
You could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table if you stop at your plan’s basic investment options. Most university faculty and staff understand the importance of contributing to their retirement plan—but fewer realize there’s a big difference between simply participating and truly optimizing those investments. The standard options offered through plans like TIAA […]
Academic Calendar Financial Planning: Maximizing Your Summer Pay Strategy
As July has come to a close and you receive another summer paycheck, you’re in a unique position that many University of Maine employees don’t fully capitalize on. While the campus may be quieter during these summer months, your financial opportunities are anything but dormant. Unlike many academic institutions where faculty and staff face summer […]
A Quick Guide to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings sweeping tax changes with some significant implications for taxpayers (particularly those in or near retirement). Standing at over 1,000 pages, the bill permanently extends many provisions originally introduced in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), while enacting changes […]
Is It a Scam or Not a Scam?
Unfortunately, the question “Is this a scam or not?” is one we increasingly have to ask ourselves these days. The pervasiveness of fake emails, letters, and text messages trying to get our personal information or infect our devices, now require that we think before clicking a link, calling a random phone number, or responding to […]
Staying the Course: Why Market Volatility Shouldn’t Derail Your Investment Strategy
As we head into summer, many University of Maine faculty members are thinking about their financial futures—perhaps reviewing retirement accounts during the quieter months or considering how recent market movements have affected their portfolios. If you’ve been feeling uncertain about investing during turbulent times, you’re not alone. Market volatility can feel unsettling, but history shows […]
Financial Considerations for Mid-Career UMaine Faculty & Professionals: Better Position Your Future
Mid-career is a critical time for financial planning, especially for higher education faculty and professionals. At this stage, you likely have established career stability and are ready to optimize your financial strategy further. But it can be challenging to navigate on your own. In this guide, UMaine faculty and professionals will gain a better understanding […]
Post-Tax Filing Planning – Updated
Once you file your tax return each year, it’s a good idea to start planning for next year’s return. Here are a few things you can look at doing today to help set yourself up for success in tax year 2025. Did you owe more than $1,000 or receive a $1000+ refund on your 2024 […]
UMaine Faculty & Professionals: Understanding Your Healthcare Options
Retirement marks a new and exciting chapter in life, but for University of Maine faculty and professionals, it also brings critical decisions—especially about healthcare. This guide will walk you through the healthcare options available so you can plan ahead in the 5-10 years leading up to retirement, and make the transition with confidence. Understanding UMaine’s […]
SECURE Act 2.0 – Provisions Effective in 2025
On December 23, 2022, Congress officially passed the SECURE Act 2.0, with the bill signed into law by President Biden eight days later on December 29th. The legislation was aimed at helping Americans better prepare for their financial future while strengthening the retirement system for both employers and employees. Some of the provisions of SECURE 2.0 are […]