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Financial Wellbeing

Navigating finances can sometimes be complicated and even intimidating. Whether you are having financial difficulties or want to anticipate future needs, the best plan is to have a plan. The resources below cover common financial and credit topics. If you need further assistance, please contact the Mass General Brigham Employee Assistance Program at 866-724-4327. The EAP can help you assess how to resolve financial problems and approach financial planning.


EAP News Articles & Webinars

 

Recent Federal Student Loan News

  • The Supreme Court struck down the initial loan forgiveness plan in June. There are already some programs in place, and more being introduced/implemented to address student loan repayment. Here are some highlights:
  • Student loan interest will resume starting on Sept. 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October.
  • There is a 12-month “on-ramp” period for borrowers unable to make monthly payments. Missed payments won’t lead to default or bad credit but interest will still accrue during this time.

Visit this link for full information on recent updates

 

Financial Market Concerns
Here are some resources  to address  concerns about saving for retirement in light of  market volatility. Fidelity and TIAA offer many helpful resources, such as Fidelity’s 6 Tips to navigate volatile markets and TIAA’s market commentary. Existing clients of Fidelity or TIAA can schedule a consultation to review retirement objectives and plan for your future.

Financial Resources for Mass General Brigham Employees

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Financial Resource Center

Employees, staff and immediate family household members have access to financial education and free 30-minute sessions with a financial expert. If you have concerns or questions about topics such as budgeting, debt, college financing, retirement or estate planning,  access assistance via the EAP at 866-724-4327, or via AskmyHR.

Retirement Planning through MGB Partners 


Credit Union Membership

 

General Financial Information and Education
Budgeting & Debt Management
Urgent Need Resources: Financial, Food, Utilities & Housing
Credit Reports
Help Choosing a Financial Planner

Are you planning for retirement? Thinking about paying for college? Considering purchasing a home? A financial planner can play a central role in helping you meet your life goals and achieve financial well-being. Many have minimum income and asset requirements. Some specialize in certain areas such as retirement, divorce or asset management. It is recommended that you interview several financial planners to find the right one. Below are some organizations that can help match you with a certified planner:

College Financing and Loan Repayment

Applying for Financial Aid

All students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and turn it in as soon after the first of the year as possible. It is important to return this form quickly, because some aid is supplied on a first-come, first-served basis. The following resources can help guide you through the financial aid process.

Alternative Payment Sources: Scholarships, Grants, Work-study & Tuition Reimbursement

There are a number of options (outside of loans) that can help you with college expenses. One benefit of these funding opportunities is that there is no repayment involved.

Scholarships & Healthcare-specific Programs


Grants


Work Study


Tuition Reimbursement

  • Many workplaces, including MGB and its hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for college educations. Check with your entity to see what benefit is offered

Student Loan Repayment, Forgiveness and Refinancing

Recent Federal Student Loan News

  • The Supreme Court struck down the initial loan forgiveness plan in June. There are already some programs in place, and more being introduced/implemented to address student loan repayment. Here are some highlights:
  • Student loan interest will resume starting on Sept. 1, 2023, and payments will be due starting in October.
  • There is a 12-month “on-ramp” period for borrowers unable to make monthly payments. Missed payments won’t lead to default or bad credit but interest will still accrue during this time.

Visit this link for full information on recent updates

 

General Loan Repayment Information

Retirement

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Retirement presents a new chapter in life. Like other developmental milestones, retirement is a time of change, stress and personal growth. Gathering the information you need to make decisions, setting goals and preparing financially will help ease the stress of change and prepare you for what is to come. Below are some resources to help you navigate retirement planning and transition.

 

Mass General Brigham Resources

Federal Government Retirement Benefits

Estate Planning
Fraud and Consumer Protection Resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General Fraud Prevention Tips

Our lives are full of transactions which are likely to reveal information about us.  Whether it is a credit card number, a social security number, bank information, your name, address, or phone number, personal information may be used without your permission or knowledge. Below are some ways to protect your personal data.

  • Limit the amount of personal information you provide on the internet. Do not respond to requests for personal or financial information through email, text, phone or social media.
  • Enable any alerts your bank or financial vendor offers; check credit reports and consider signing up for a credit monitoring service.
  • Do your best to be diligent about minimizing risk, monitoring balances in accounts and looking for any unexplained charges or withdrawals.
  • Report any suspicious issues immediately.
  • Stop and think before reacting – does a request seem real? If not, check with the bank, company, or organization that a notification is supposedly from. Look up their official number, rather than responding to the email or phone call.
  • Educate Yourself on the Major Types of Fraud
    Identity Theft
    MGB Employees may Purchase Identity Theft Insurance via Corestream
    Phone Fraud
    Mail Fraud
    Imposter Scams
    Phishing (MGB Healthstream)

Actions to Respond to Fraud

IdentityTheft.gov – Step by Step Guidance

  1. Notify affected creditors or bank
  2. Change all relevant passwords
  3. Check your credit reports
    Equifax
    1-800-525-6285
    Experian (formerly TRW)
    1-888-397-3742
    TransUnion
    1-800-680 7289
  4. Use Fraud Alert and Security Freezes
  5. Ask that Credit Unions remove fraudulent information from your credit report
  6. Report to:
    Your Local Police
    The Federal Trade Commission
    877-438-4338
    FBI Internet Crime Division
  7. Consult with your Hospital Police & Security Department
Health Insurance Resources
Home Financing Resources
Tax Resources

Self-Help Tax Resources


Help Finding Reputable Tax Assistance

Mass.Gov – Finding a tax professional to Help with your Taxes


Free Tax Assistance – for those who Qualify

Volunteer Tax Assistance Programs offer free tax help to people who generally make $57,000 or less, including persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. They also help with getting tax credits and refunds.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts


Nationwide

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