Human Resources offers tips for National Retirement Security Week

National Retirement Security Week, Oct. 16-22, 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.

* Fidelity has created an interactive tool called the Power of Small Amounts to help you see how a small change in what you save for retirement --1 percent, 3 percent or 5 percent -- can make a big difference. Whether you’re new to voluntary contributions or you’re already contributing, increase your Purdue University 403(b) or 457(b) voluntary savings contribution 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 the Purdue Memorial Union) at 800-642-7131 or register online.

* The Money Checkup Challenge will walk you through how you spend and save to present you with an idea of how your financial picture’s looking. Get your checkup, make a change and then share your progress with #MoneyCheckupChallenge.

* What should your mix of investments look like? Don’t worry -- Fidelity’s How to Set Up Your Investment Mix infographic can help. Get helpful guidelines, check on current allocations and then call Fidelity with questions or more assistance. (To access the infographic, log in to NetBenefits.)

* 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.