Financial well-being is important for a healthy and less stressful life. It means you are financially secure, with the ability to manage your day-to-day and month-to-month expenses, as well as having a cushion for unexpected expenses.

Creating and sticking to a budget and living within your means are key to maintaining your financial well-being. Here are some suggestions:

• Be thoughtful about your spending habits and try to curb impulsive spending.
• Lower your debt and use credit responsibly.
• Make step-by-step plans to reach your short-, mid- and long-term financial goals.
• Try to put aside some of your paycheck regularly to cover unexpected expenses such as car or home repairs.
• If you need help tackling your finances, consult with a financial adviser. 

The union has your back, offering a reputable financial counseling program that provides unbiased advice customized to your financial situation for an annual fee. The program, provided by Stacey Braun Associates, Inc., is offered by the union’s state affiliate, NYSUT, and gives participants up to six hours of toll-free telephone consultations with a certified financial planner or registered investment adviser.

Ways to save

Thanks to our union membership, in-service UFT members can save money on a variety of goods and services, from apparel to entertainment (theater, movies and sports) to travel, gifts, gym memberships and more.

On that same page, you can access benefits from our state and national union affiliates, NYSUT and the AFT. These range from car and truck rentals to life insurance, homeowners insurance, pet insurance and other services.

Did you know all in-service UFT members are automatically enrolled in the union’s Legal Services Plan? The plan provides members with access to attorneys who can prepare a will, a living will, a health care proxy and a power of attorney annually, free of charge. To access this legal plan, call the UFT-dedicated phone line at 212-331-6325.

The UFT Pension Department offers virtual webinars on financial wellness and pensions throughout the school year. The next financial wellness webinars will be offered in early spring and again near the end of the school year.