Thrive Every Day, December 2023

Dec. 8, 2023
Thrive At Princeton. Thrive Every Day. Make the Most of Your Princeton Benefits

 December Events

Tips to Reduce Stress During the Holidays, offered by UnitedHealthcare, December 12, noon

Discover Your Joy, offered by Carebridge, December 13, 11:00 a.m.

Evoking Mindfulness to Ease Holiday Grief, offered by Carebridge, December 18, 4:00 p.m.

Write Your Next Chapter: 5 Steps to Setting Your Retirement Date, offered through TIAA, December 12, 2:00 p.m.

Individual Financial Advice Counseling Sessions with CAPTRUST, Employee Wellness Center, December 12. 

What You Need to Know This Month

Emotions During the Holidays and Getting Ready for the New Year

The holidays can be a stressful time. You may be missing a loved who has passed, feeling like there are not enough hours in the day, having financial stress, or experiencing feelings of isolation or depression. You are not alone. Princeton has Mental Wellness Resources to help you manage your emotions and find joy during the holiday season.

Additionally, the holidays are a time to spread goodwill, treat others with compassion and kindness, and volunteer. Engaging in these activities can reduce stress levels and increase your overall happiness year-round.

As the year comes to close, it’s a good time to reflect and set goals for 2024. Complete this Carebridge worksheet to give careful thought to your accomplishments, lessons learned, and challenges. Writing or journaling your thoughts can boost your self-esteem and motivation for the year ahead.

Financial Planning

Announcement: 2024 Annual IRS Contribution Limits for the Retirement Savings Plan 403(b)

The annual 403(b) contribution limits for 2024 have changed from 2023. If you are under age 50, the annual contribution limit is $23,000. If you are age 50 or older in the calendar year, you may contribute an extra $7,500 “catch-up” contribution, for a total annual contribution limit of $30,500.

  • TIAA offers individual retirement plan advice, either by phone, virtually, or in person. To schedule an advice session with TIAA, call 800-842-2252 or make an appointment online. For a Spanish Speaking Advisor, call (800) 414-5180.
  • CAPTRUST is an independent investment advisory firm that provides free, confidential investment and financial advice to retirement plan participants. For information, including articles, videos and other valuable resources, visit their website. To speak to a counselor about the University’s retirement plan and/or other financial issues, call the Retirement Advice Line at (800) 967-9948.
  • Isles is dedicated to helping people manage everyday money issues such as budgeting, saving, and reducing debt. Contact Isles at (609) 341-4714.  Counseling is available in English and Spanish.

NEW: Benefits Office Hours on Campus

Meet with a benefit specialist to get answers to all your benefits questions!
First and Third Friday of Every Month
9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
B level, New South Building, Room B03
Walk-ins welcome or schedule an appointment:
Call: (609) 258-3302 | Email: [email protected]

Additional Benefits Information: Summary Annual Reports for the Health and Welfare Plans

The Department of Labor requires Princeton University to provide the Summary Annual Reports (SARs) to all participants in the employee benefit plans listed below. The information provided in the SAR is general information about the plans, and no action is required. Please note that you may not be participating in and/or eligible to participate in all the plans listed below.

  1. Health Care Plan  
  2. Retiree Medical Plan  
  3. Cafeteria Plan 
  4. Group Life Insurance Program – Regular (Basic Life Insurance Plan) 
  5. Group Life Insurance Program – Supplemental 
  6. Vision Care Plan 
  7. Total Disability Insurance Plan (Long Term Disability)
  8. Business Travel and Accident Insurance Plan

These annual reports have been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). For eligibility and plan details, you should review the Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs). If you have any questions or would like to receive a paper copy of a SAR or SPD, contact the Benefits Team at [email protected] or (609) 258-3302.

Wellness Support at Anytime!

Professional help is available 24/7 through Carebridge. Call (800) 437-0911, visit their website www.myliferesource.com (use code TW8AE to register), or download their App from Apple or Google Play.

Employee Wellness Center with its three pillars: physical, mental, and financial

 

The Employee Wellness Center @ 350 Alexander Street is your place for in-person consultations. 

Schedule a free, confidential appointment with one of these resources:

Questions?

For questions about physical or mental wellness resources, contact Lynn Herbine. For financial wellness inquiries, contact Jane Edgar. The Benefits Team is available to assist at (609) 258-3302 or [email protected]. For complete details on all wellness resources and programs, visit the HR website.