February Events
Develop a Healthy Relationship with Food, offered by Carebridge, February 11, 2:00 p.m.
Coping with Stress and Burnout, offered by Carebridge, February 19, 2:00 p.m.
Understanding Forgiveness, presented by Health Advocate, February 20, 10:00 a.m.
Wellness - A Work of Heart, with My Health Coach, February 25, 11:00 a.m.
Virtual Individual Financial Advice Counseling Sessions with CAPTRUST, February 18
Ways to Strengthen Your Estate Plan, CAPTRUST recorded webinar
Tax Planning Opportunities, TIAA recorded webinar
Financial Wellness and Mental Health: Insights from the TIAA Institute, TIAA recorded webinar
What You Need to Know This Month
February is American Heart Month
Help educate yourself and your loved ones by remembering how important it is to take care of your heart. Knowing your numbers reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Plus, raise awareness on National Wear Red Day, February 7, 2025.
“Know Your Numbers” Recommendations
- Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80
- Cholesterol
- LDL (or bad cholesterol): Less than 100
- HDL (or good cholesterol): Above 40 for men; Above 50 for women
- Triglycerides: Less than 150
- Blood Sugar: HbA1c less than 5.7 (5.7 to 6.4 is prediabetes & 6.5 or higher is diabetes)
- Waist Circumference: Less than 40 inches for men; Less than 35 inches for women
Risk Factors for Developing Heart Disease
- Physical inactivity: Experts suggest 150 minutes a week of exercise
- Tobacco use
- Family history and age
- Health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
Princeton’s Health Coaches work with you to reduce your risk for all disease, at your own pace, by setting attainable goals. The My Health Coach program is free, confidential, and available to you and your eligible dependents. To meet with a health coach in-person or virtually call (866) 237-0973.
Weight Management Support Group
Back by popular demand! My Health Coach is offering a virtual Weight Management Support Group with Health Coach Ritzie Lespinas, BA, RN, BSN. Research shows support groups can significantly increase the likelihood of reaching our wellness goals, leading to long-term success. The first session will be February 27, from noon to 1:00 p.m., and will run for six consecutive weeks. The sessions will be informative and interactive and will cover the following topics:
- How to get started on your weight management journey
- Emotional aspects of weight loss
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Behavior changes
Space is limited, register today!
Flexible Spending Account — Claims Deadline for 2024
If you were enrolled in a healthcare or dependent care flexible spending account in 2024, you have until March 31, 2025, to submit claims for eligible expenses incurred during the 2024 calendar year. Claims can be submitted by logging in to your account on the Inspira Financial website. If this is your first-time logging into your account, you will need to register using your unique benefit ID number found in HR Self Service under Benefit Details.
Financial Planning
Announcement: 2025 Annual IRS Contribution Limits for the Retirement Savings Plan 403(b)
The annual 403(b) contribution limits for 2025 have changed from 2024. If you are under age 50, the annual contribution limit is $23,500. 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 $31,000.
Effective January 1, 2025, SECURE Act 2.0 increases the catch-up contribution limit for active participants turning ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 in the calendar year. An employee turning age 64 in 2025 would not be eligible for the increased limit. The increased annual catch-up contribution is $11,250, for a total annual contribution limit of $34,750. Important note for those who are ages 60-63 and have elected the maximum amount in HR self-service, the system will automatically update your election to the new limit of $34,750.
You can change your Retirement Savings Plan contribution at any time in HR Self Service.
| Active Employee in the Plan | Annual Catch-Up Contribution Limit for 2025 | Total Contribution for 2025 (maximum) |
|---|---|---|
| Under Age 50 | $0 | $23,500 |
| Age 50-59 | $7,500 | $31,000 |
| Age 60-63 | $11,250 | $34,750 |
| Age 64 or older | $7,500 | $31,000 |
Age-based catch-up contribution limits are indexed annually.
Making decisions about your retirement accounts can be challenging. The advice and educational resources provided by TIAA, CAPTRUST, and Isles can help you take control of your finances, so be sure to utilize these no-cost, confidential resources provided by the University.
- 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.