Information for Living
SafetyFinancial Information
Did you know TIAA-CREF has a series of Financial Education “Web Seminars” that deal with the following topics:
- Just Starting Out: is aimed at the new plan participant or someone looking for a short refresher on the basics of developing a savings and investment strategy.
- A Tax-Smart Way to Save for Retirement: discusses tax-deferred savings options that offer an easy and affordable way to help build retirement assets.
- Are you on Target? Meeting Financial Challenges at Midcareer: provides an overview of the major financial issues facing employees who are in the middle of their careers.
- Investment Checkup: specifically addresses the essential elements of financial planning for midcareer employees.
- Ready, Set, Retire: 5 to 10 years to Go!: takes a realistic look at the issues and decisions facing individuals who are five to ten years away from retirement.
- Retirement Countdown: One year to Go!: provides an in-depth look at income options, tax issues and long-term concerns for the soon-to-be retired.
What exactly is a Web Seminar? It is a virtual presentation that lasts approximately 10-20 minutes, in which a speaker is filmed delivering a seminar on a specific topic. The viewer sees a moving image of the presenter, along with PowerPoint slides and the scripted content of the presentation. Viewers can watch the presentation at their own pace, pause at any point and repeat a section as necessary. There are also a number of links within the presentation to tools on the TIAA-CREF website – interactive retirement calculators, asset allocation resources, etc.
What do I need to view a Web Seminar? Windows software package on your computer with speakers, Internet Explorer and a high-speed Web connection (such as cable or DSL). (You could get by without the speakers since the script is there, but it does make it easier to listen and look at the slide presentation that goes along with it.)
Do I have to be a member of TIAA-CREF to view a Web Seminar? No, Just go to www.tiaa-cref.org, and click on one of the topics listed on the right side of your screen under “My Accounts”. Once the page is loaded, you will see a section that says “Watch a Web Seminar to help get you started”. Click on that and it will either take you straight to the Web Seminar or there may be another page with other options listed (a couple of these are different). Just click on the appropriate link and you are ready to go.
Safety Information
Be
Safe on the Internet
- If you receive harassing e-mails or are the victim of cyberstalking, contact the harasser’s ISP (for example: Yahoo!, AOL, or MSN) and report it. Then block the harasser using the filters in your e-mail system.
- If the harassment exists in a chat room or on an instant message service, go offline immediately and change your online identity.
- Online, never share identifying information about yourself, such as your address, phone number, or place of employment, and don’t get too specific with your online dating summary or MySpace page. For instance, never mention that you live across the street from a popular restaurant or that you work in a certain office building.
Be Safe on a Trip
- In a hotel elevator, stand as close as possible to the panel of buttons. If you feel threatened, hit as many floors’ buttons as possible. You can try to get off when the doors open, or if you can’t get off, try to get someone’s attention when the doors open on each floor.
- If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language, take a matchbook or business card from your hotel. You can show either to a taxi driver to find your way back to the hotel.
- Hanging a purse off the back of a restaurant chair or laying it on a bar, especially in tourist destinations, is almost asking a thief to take it. Instead, place your bag in your lap or wrap its strap around your leg.
- If you call 911 from your home phone, the police know where you are. With a cell phone, this is not always the case. Tell the operator your location first, even before reporting the situation
Be Safe on the Street
- Hold your keys in your hand as you approach your car. You are most vulnerable getting into or out of your car.
- Check the backseat before you get in the car, even if you left it locked.
- Don’t sit in your car in a parking lot. A predator may be watching you, and this is the perfect time for him to make a move. Lock the door, turn on the ignition, and drive away.
- If you are walking down the street and a person in a car asks you for directions, do not approach the car. Yell the instructions from a distance or simply say you don’t know.
- If someone attacks you, first go for their eyes, then scratch them with your nails to leave an identifying mark. If attacked from behind, use your elbow. It is one of the most powerful points on your body.
- Never carry your house keys and an ID with your home address in the same bag. If a person grabs your purse, they’ll have your keys and know where you live.
- If someone asks for your wallet or purse, toss it one way, run in the other direction, and make a lot of noise. Most thieves are more interested in your valuables than in you.