Human Resources offers tips for National Retirement Security Week

National Retirement Security Week, Oct. 15-21, is the first congressionally endorsed national focus on the importance of saving for retirement, and Human Resources encourages employees to reflect on personal retirement goals and determine whether they're on target to reach those goals.

As part of this year's efforts, Human Resources has collected some tips to help faculty and staff increase their knowledge about retirement planning and take advantage of the tools and services available to them through Purdue's retirement partner, Fidelity.

* What’s your Retirement Score? Fidelity has created a simple tool to help you find out. Answer six simple questions, and you’ll get your retirement score and additional steps to consider as you save for retirement.

* Are you making the most of your benefits? NetBenefits has a smartphone app that gives you access to view your Fidelity workplace accounts anytime, anyplace, right on your smartphone. Download it from the App Store or Google Play Store, and you can monitor your account balances, investment selections, personal rate of return and more. You can also view the mobile site at www.netbenefits.com.

* Instead of keeping up with the Joneses, how about challenging yourself instead? Watch a two-minute video, take the 1Up Savings Challenge and think about increasing your Purdue University 403(b) or 457(b) voluntary savings contributions by just 1 percent. To find out what saving even 1 percent more could do for you, schedule an appointment with a Fidelity Workplace Planning and Guidance Consultant (located in Purdue Memorial Union) at 800-642-7131 or register online.

* Fidelity offers free webcasts to give valuable information to plan participants at all stages of their career. Investing 201: Beyond the Basics will be offered on Oct. 25 and 26, and Building Your Retirement Paycheck will be offered Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Both webcasts will also be available for on-demand replay.