Contents

Meet the Charities

International Aid

Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, and Global Impact will be on hand to discuss how these vital organizations are providing emergency aid to people affected by natural or man-made disasters—such as armed conflict, hunger and health epidemics, and poverty—in nearly 60 countries.

Tuesday, July 22
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
UW Medical Center
Plaza Cafe C/D
Registration recommended


This is the fourth in a series of free monthly workshops where guest charities share how giving and volunteers have made a positive impact on our society. Offered to UW faculty and staff by the UW Combined Fund Drive (UWCFD).

UW Discounts

Out-of-Town Guests Visiting this Summer?

If you have guests visiting and need to entertain without breaking the bank, be sure to check out UW Discounts. As a UW faculty or staff member, you have immediate access to a wide variety of discounts on merchant goods and services. Here you will find discounts on dining, entertainment, ceramic painting and much more. And if you're worried about overcrowding at home, there are hotel discounts, too.

Go to the UW Discounts page and click "View the Discounts." Sign into the SmartSavings website with your UW NetID and password to find great savings.

 

Benefits & WorkLife Update informs University of Washington faculty and staff of current news and events surrounding Benefits and WorkLife programs. It is published on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Comments and suggestions may be addressed to the editor at benefits@u.washington.edu

Click here to see past issues.

 

Retirement & Savings

The Biggest Mistake in Estate Planning

If someone asked you what the most common mistake is in estate planning, how would you answer? Surprisingly, the number-one mistake is simply not getting around to it at all. The fact is, you can protect yourself and your loved ones—if you take the time to plan your estate. Here are four essential points to consider:

  • A will. Everyone needs one. If you don't draft a will, the state decides what happens to your personal property after you die.
  • Your beneficiaries. Money passes to the named beneficiary(ies) on your retirement plan, life insurance policies, and financial agreements such as stocks and bonds. This is why it's critical to keep your beneficiary designations updated.
  • Your house and other real estate. Real estate passes according to how the property is titled rather than according to your will. So, for example, if you and your spouse jointly own your house, your attempt to leave it to a child could be frustrated—unless you retitle the house. Review titles on all your property including boats and vehicles.
  • Incapacitation. Who will take care of things for you if you're unable to speak for yourself? A durable power of attorney and a medical power of attorney protect your and your family's interests. If you don't have these documents, an attorney and the courts will need to become involved, which can become a heavy financial burden for your family.
    • The durable power of attorney allows the person you choose to make legal decisions for you.
    • A medical power of attorney allows you to state in advance what kind of medical care you want in the event you become incapacitated.

We recommend that you consult an independent tax advisor or attorney for specific advice on your personal situation.

Source: The Vanguard Group

Retirement Plan Check-ups

How much do you have socked away for retirement? How much more do you need to save? Representatives from our four fund sponsors are available to meet with you and your spouse—either by phone or in person—to provide general investment information, discuss your savings objectives, or review an existing account.

To schedule your free, in-person appointment with Calvert, Fidelity, TIAA-CREF, or Vanguard:

  1. Check our events calendar to find dates on which a fund sponsor will be coming to a location near you.
    Note: These are shown as "appt" on the calendar.
  2. Contact a representative of your choice to schedule a free appointment.

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Balancing Your Work & Life

Declutter Your Mind

When you think of "decluttering," you often think of tossing out or giving away unwanted items. But decluttering your mind is also necessary for effective organization. Through UW CareLink, you have access to an online toolkit to address issues like stress management. This month's feature is about freeing your mind. Read articles about "Five Ways to De-Clutter Your Mind," stress and relaxation techniques, and building your self-confidence. Go to APS HelpLink Online Toolkit, UW CareLink's web resource, and enter "UW" as the company code.

UW CareLink is the University's faculty and staff assistance program that provides professional support for issues that can affect your personal and work life.

Take a Break

Sometimes we all just need a break. The Seattle Campus offers some special places of solitude for re-focusing. Just beyond Drumheller Fountain and Rainier Vista, a low stone stairway leads you to the Sylvan Theater. This shady glen—graced by the four recently refurbished columns—has been the site of University graduations, many weddings and theater productions, as well as picnics, squirrel watching and simple daydreaming.

Family Caregiver Network

Summer visits with family may surface concerns about elder family members. Bring your questions and concerns to a Family Caregiver Network meeting where you can gather information and ideas from others in similar situations. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Ethnic Cultural Center, 3931 Brooklyn Avenue N.E. The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 29. Register here for this free event.

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Hometown Home Loan Program

The Hometown Home Loan Program offers reduced fees on mortgages for University of Washington employees buying or refinancing anywhere in the Puget Sound region. All benefits-eligible UW faculty and staff members may apply. Learn about the program.

Sell Your Home for Top Dollar

Learn tips for getting top dollar when you sell your home, how to make a good first impression to potential homebuyers, and how to finance your next home.

August 6 | Wednesday | Noon - 1:00 p.m. | Seattle | Upper Campus | Register here

Prequalification Appointments

Get your mortgage questions answered in a free half-hour pre-qualification appointment between 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month at Seattle, and quarterly at Bothell, Tacoma, and Harborview. Contact the Affinity Lending Center at 206-628-0207 to schedule an appointment.

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Professional & Organizational Development

Difficult People and Difficult Behavior: Tips, Tactics, and Tools

Learn to maintain your professionalism in difficult, conflicting, and angry situations. This tool-based workshop will equip you to understand the roots of everyday difficult behavior, how to benefit from the illusion of control, and gain insights into your own conflict resolution style.
Register here.

Time Management

Feel productive and less stressed by learning to improve your time management skills. Evaluate how you currently spend your time and learn techniques to prioritize and increase your mental focus.
Register here.

Developing Assertiveness Skills

This interactive course provides an overview of assertiveness as it relates to work behavior. Learn appropriate approaches as you determine the differences between assertive, aggressive, and passive behaviors. Register now.

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