Benefits Brief

As a surviving spouse of a federal retiree, in addition to Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) survivor’s benefits, you may also be entitled to widow(er)’s benefits based on the Social Security benefits of your late spouse. If you were already receiving Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s work record while he or she was living, this benefit should automatically change to the widow(er)’s benefit once the death is reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

As a surviving spouse, you can collect up to 100 percent of your late spouse’s benefit if you have reached your full retirement age (FRA). If your late spouse started to receive retirement benefits before his or her FRA, Social Security cannot pay the FRA benefit amount. Generally, if the person who died was receiving reduced benefits, then the survivor’s benefit is based on that amount. The actual amount of your payment will differ according to your age and family circumstance. Examples of monthly benefit amounts are below. • Widow or widower, FRA or older: 100 percent. • Widow or widower, age 60 to

FRA: 71½ to 99 percent. • Disabled widow or widower, age 50 through 59: 71½ percent. • Widow or widower, any age, caring for a child under age 16: 75 percent.

There are other considerations that might affect your Social Security benefits as well. If you are receiving a pension that you earned from work not covered by Social Security, such as a CSRS annuity, your widow(er)’s benefit may be reduced, and is often eliminated, by the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The GPO reduces a spouse or widow(er)’s benefit amount by two-thirds of the noncovered pension amount. For example, if the CSRS benefit is $3,000 per month, then the Social Security widow(er)’s benefit would be reduced by $2,000 per month (two-thirds of $3,000). If you are receiving CSRS survivor’s benefits, this will not cause the GPO to reduce your Social Security widow(er)’s benefit amount. If you retired under CSRS Offset and were covered by Social Security for the last 60 months of your federal career, you may be exempt from the GPO. Be sure to explain this when applying for Social Security widow(er)’s benefits.

You will not receive a survivor benefit in addition to your own retirement benefit; Social Security will generally pay the higher of the two amounts. If you are below your FRA and still working, your survivor benefit could be affected by Social Security’s earnings limit.

It doesn’t matter whether you worked long enough to qualify for Social Security on your own; you can still collect benefits on your deceased spouse’s work record. If a widow(er) remarries after reaching age 60 (age 50 if disabled), the remarriage will not affect his or her eligibility for survivor’s benefits.

To learn what is required to apply for widow(er)’s benefits, visit www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-10. html.

It’s best to notify Social Security immediately after a spouse dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivor’s benefits online. In most cases, the funeral home will report the person’s death. You should give the staff at the funeral home the deceased person’s Social Security number if you want them to make the report. If you need to report a death or apply for benefits, call 1-800-7721213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

—TAMMY FLANAGAN IS THE PRINCIPAL OF TAMMY FLANAGAN LLC (RETIREFEDERAL.COM). SHE IS A FEATURED PRESENTER ON NARFE’S FEDERAL BENEFITS INSTITUTE WEBINARS.

Choosing VSP makes it easy to find a doctor you can trust with thousands of in-network providers, including private practice doctors and Visionworks retail locations nationwide. Plus, all VSP members can get more from their benefits at a Premier Program provider at no extra cost. Enrolling is a critical step in taking care of your eyes and overall health. This year, Open Season runs from November 8 through December 13, 2021 (midnight EST).

BY EVERETT A. CHASEN

In March 2021, Honda Motor Co. began selling a car that can negotiate the road while the driver’s hands are off the steering wheel. The vehicle, currently only available in Japan, has an automated driving system that can take full control of the car under certain conditions, such as when it is in congested traffic on a major highway.

In traffic, according to Honda, the car drives, stops and resumes driving within the same lane while maintaining a proper following distance in accordance with the speed of the vehicle in front of it. When traffic eases up, the car alerts the driver to resume control.

Honda believes the car’s technology will help mitigate driver fatigue and stress while in traffic. It is just one of several vehicles built by manufacturers worldwide that use a variety of sensors to perceive their surroundings. In the nottoo-distant future, car manufacturers hope to sell cars that will fully drive themselves—for private use, as taxis, and for trucking, delivery services and other purposes.

Fully automated cars are already being tested in several U.S. states on public roads. In 2020, a company called Waymo began offering taxi rides in driverless Chrysler Pacificas to passengers in Phoenix, AZ. In some of the cars, there is no company representative, and a remote monitor intervenes and takes control if a possible danger exists. “Driverless cars are here,” wrote Andrew J. Hawkins, who rode in one of the taxis for The Verge magazine. “There’s no going back now.”

A driverless race car has reached a speed of 175 miles per hour on a test track. A few years ago, an Audi drove more than 3,400 miles across the United States, remaining in self-driving mode 99 percent of the time.

Smartphones and Tablets Keep Us Connected

Driverless cars are one example of the userfriendly interface modern technology makes possible. The race to build them has captured the attention of many Americans, some of whom eagerly await the opportunity to buy one, while others, concerned about safety, would never consider it. Self-driving cars, however, are just one of many technological innovations that have revolutionized life in the 21st century.

The popularity of smartphones and tablets is fueled by their ability to perform many of the functions of a computer while being easily transportable. Today, 85 percent of Americans own a smartphone of some kind. Of people age 65 and older, 61 percent have a smartphone. First offered for sale less than 30 years ago, these devices perform a bevy of functions besides just making calls. Through a variety of apps, they play music, deliver directions based on real-time traffic conditions, allow us to capture and share photos and videos, and give us access to news, email and entertainment.

A serious accident or illness can happen at anytime. The high cost of a hospital stay, and the expense of home recovery afterward can take a serious toll on your personal and retirement savings.

This plan can help you manage how life’s surprises affect what you’ve worked so hard for. It pays cash benefits to you, or anyone you choose, to use the money as you see fit. Use the cash benefits to stay more in control of your health care choices, maintain your self reliance, and receive the level of care you’ve earned and deserve.

• In-Hospital cash benefits paid to you starting the first day you’re hospitalized for a covered injury or illness. • At-Home cash benefits paid to you after your physician prescribes home recovery treatments. • Cash benefits paid in addition to any other coverage you may have. • Coverage cannot be canceled because of your health or your age. • Economical group rates specifically negotiated by NARFE for our members.

To learn more or enroll in the NARFE Hospital Indemnity and Short Term Recovery Insurance Plan, call 1-800-233-5764 or visit us at www.narfeinsurance.com

*This policy is guaranteed acceptance, but it does contain a Pre-Existing Conditions Limitation. All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company detail exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits and terms under which the policies may be continued in full or discontinued. Plans may vary by state. The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries, including issuing company Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company. Hartford, CT 06155 Hospital Indemnity Form Series includes GBD-2800, GBD-2900 or state equivalent.

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Smartphones and even basic cell phones can also play an important role in health care. NARFE Magazine’s January/February 2021 feature story focused on the use of telehealth, which skyrocketed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Telehealth allows for virtual visits with medical professionals, held via computer or phone.

One federal health care organization that understands the importance of telehealth is the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In 2020, more than 1.6 million veterans used VA telehealth in more than 5.6 million encounters with clinicians. Dr. Neil C. Evans, the VA’s chief officer for connected care, believes that the department’s VA Blue Button program is particularly valuable. It allows veterans to access and download a copy of their VA electronic health records; the records can be shared with physicians, family members and caregivers, and are also available in case of emergency or when traveling, when seeking a second opinion, or when switching health insurance companies. The Blue Button is available through other sources to many Medicare beneficiaries and other Americans. VA’s app store includes 34 programs that help veterans manage prescription refills, make and cancel appointments at VA facilities, support aspects of their mental health and achieve their health goals.

Innovating Our Homes, Monitoring Our Bodies

Many people think of apps when they consider the changes modern computing has brought, but the Internet of Things (IoT) may be even more influential. IoT refers to the embedding of computing devices in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data. Items like kitchen appliances, thermostats and baby monitors now communicate seamlessly with people and the internet.

Among the more ubiquitous uses of IoT are digital (or virtual) assistants. These assistants contain voice-activated software that understand and carry out electronic tasks on your behalf. The most popular assistants are Amazon Echo’s Alexa and Apple products’ Siri. To interact with a digital assistant, you use what’s called a wake word, like “Alexa” or “Hey, Siri,” that activates the device. Then you ask it a question, such as, “Alexa, what’s today’s weather?” Digital assistants can set alarms and timers, turn lights and appliances on and off, set and adjust thermostats, play music, tell jokes, do math and accomplish hundreds of other tasks. Many smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, smart speakers and smartwatches now include digital assistants like Alexa and Siri as well as Microsoft’s Cortana and Google Assistant.

Growing in popularity, smartwatches are mobile devices with touchscreen displays designed to be worn on the wrist. They display alerts about

BY MABEL YU

The futuristic 1960s cartoon show The Jetsons gave us a glimpse of what life in the mid-21st century might be like, and some of its predictions—video calls, flat-screen TVs, smartwatches—have already come true. While helpers like the Jetsons’ robotic maid, Rosie, have yet to be commonplace, robot companions have grown in popularity over the last few years.

As emotional supports, friends or simulated pets, robot companions bring comfort and meaningful connections to their owners. Helpful to people of all ages, they may be especially useful for the elderly. A University of California, San Francisco, study found that more than 40 percent of seniors regularly suffer from loneliness. It can contribute to or exacerbate a number of health issues, including stress, depression, dementia and functional decline, and it can increase risk of death.

Enter companion robots. They range from simple electronic animal friends that bark or meow to sophisticated helpers that mimic emotional responses or assist with caretaking responsibilities. Social robots offer more personal interactions than smart assistants like Alexa and Siri, and they allow owners to give and receive affection. Unlike people, robots won’t be too busy to engage or get frustrated about repeating phrases; and unlike real pets, they don’t need to be walked, bathed or fed. Several studies have shown that robot companions can reduce anxiety and social isolation as well as increase quality of life.

Last year, the Association of Aging in New York delivered more than 1,100 robotic pets to seniors. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs originally purchased 375 robot dogs for isolated older adults with dementia, but it later ordered 1,800 after receiving highly positive feedback. Other states and nursing homes within them have begun robot programs for the elderly as well.

Social robots cannot replace human connection and relationships, but they may be a worthwhile substitute when family and friends are distant or unavailable, as was especially the case during the lockdowns and quarantines of the coronavirus pandemic. Here are a few of the most popular ones on the market: • Paro (AIST). Introduced in Japan in 2003, this adorable therapeutic robot is likely the most well-known and most studied robot companion. Paro takes the form of a fuzzy baby seal, and the cuddly creature has five sensors that help it recognize voices, remember behaviors, and respond appropriately with squeaks and wiggles.

Classified as a medical device in the U.S., Paro is most often used in hospitals and nursing homes. $6,000.

Available in several versions of furry dogs and cats, these robots respond to motion and touch and emit realistic sounds.

The relatively lower price makes these electronic pets a more accessible choice for organizations and individuals, and they can be purchased at major retailers such as

Amazon and CVS. $110-130. • ElliQ (Intuition Robotics). With a minimalist tabletop design, ElliQ doesn’t resemble or behave like a pet. But this social robot does aim to build relationships with and proactively engage its owner, learning and adjusting to his or her preferences. Among a variety of features,

ElliQ can converse, take certain health measurements, suggest activities, message family and friends, and provide news, weather and cognitive games. $1,499, plus a monthly fee.

Photo Courtesy of PARO Robots U.S.

important events and activities, give you access to apps, monitor your heart rate and the number of steps you walk, and track your location and send you alerts specific to where you are.

These watches can support your health through apps like fall sensors, which sense your movements after you’ve fallen and alert authorities if you don’t get up. They can let you know if your heart rhythms are abnormal, detect high and low heart rates, calm you down, and measure the oxygen level of your blood directly from your wrist. (Note: Not all of these features are available on every smartwatch.) The Apple Watch, Tizen watches and watches using Google’s Wear operating system are the most popular brands. There are also specialty watches for hikers and divers, and fitness watches like the Fitbit that provide additional information to help you track your workouts.

One of the most important aspects of IoT is its value in health care. “In our home telehealth program, we’re able to provide patients with devices in the home, such as pulse oximeters, blood pressure cuffs and scales—a whole host of

connected devices,” explains Evans. “They’re able to connect with us on a daily basis and transmit data back to VA, where nurse care managers review that data.”

VA uses advanced data techniques to identify trends in individual patients’ health care earlier than they might otherwise have, allowing them to intervene sooner to get patients connected to the health care services they need. Evans cited a special kind of foot mat, now under development, that someone at risk of diabetic foot ulcers can step on each day. The mat detects whether the patient is at high risk for developing ulcers in the near future, so doctors can step in and prevent them from occurring.

“We’re moving from an episodic health care model where patients visit doctors occasionally and then manage their own health care until their next visit, to a more continuous health care delivery model where clinicians are able to connect with patients where they are,” he says.

Other IoT innovations for consumers include doorbell cameras, which can monitor your doorstep, allow you to answer the door from anywhere, and show you who is there even when you are not at home (some come paired with smart locks that let you open or lock your door remotely.) Smart light switches turn your lights on and off with your voice. Smoke alarms

think, speak and alert your mobile phone about home emergencies as well as automatically test themselves. Thermostats adapt temperatures in your home according to your activities and manage those temperatures based on your daily routines.

Remember when you were a child and got your first bicycle? I do. It gave me a sense of independence . . . I felt like I could go anywhere, and it was so much easier and more enjoyable than walking. Well, at my age, that bike wouldn’t do me much good. Fortunately, there’s a new invention that gives me the freedom and independence to go wherever I want . . . safely and easily. It’s called the Zoomer, and it’s changed my life.

My Zoomer is a delight to ride! It has increased my mobility in my apartment, my opportunities to enjoy the-out-of-doors, and enabled me to visit the homes of my children for longer periods of time. The various speeds of it match my need for safety, it is easy to turn, and I am most pleased with the freedom of movement it gives me. Sincerely, A. Macon, Williamsburg, VA After just one trip around your home in the Zoomer, you’ll marvel at how easy it is to navigate. It is designed to maneuver in tight spaces like doorways, between furniture, and around corners. It can go over thresholds and works great on any kind of floor or carpet. It’s not bulky or cumbersome, so it can roll right up to a table or desk– there’s no need to transfer to a chair. Its sturdy yet lightweight aluminum frame makes it durable and comfortable. It’s dual motors power it at up to 3.7 miles per hour and its automatic electromagnetic brakes stop on a dime.

Zoomer conveniently rolls beneath table or desk

Easy to use joystick control

(adaptable left or right)

The rechargeable battery powers it for Folds to 12” in seconds up to 8 miles on a single charge. Plus, its exclusive foldable design enables you to transport it easily and even store it in a closet or under a bed when it’s not in use. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your lifestyle? Call now and find out how you can have your very own Zoomer.

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The Zoomer Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zoomer is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2021 fi rstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc. 85029

– Dr. Neil C. Evans

Connected appliances let you set the temperature of your oven, check on your washer/ dryer’s progress, and microwave popcorn at your request. They’ll alert you when your dishes are clean or your laundry is ready for folding.

You can control your garage door with your smartphone; keep your floors clean with robotic vacuums; track where you left your keys, glasses or wallet; schedule when your coffee gets brewed and order new supplies automatically; and set reminders for tasks or taking medications.

Items like these are convenient for many; for some seniors, the technology can be vital to their continued independence. When health issues make formerly simple tasks more difficult, some of the devices previously mentioned can help elderly populations age in place. This may be especially true when combined with home assistive equipment (e.g., ramps, grab bars, toileting and bathing aids) and health tracking devices. In addition to health trackers that monitor your general physical well-being, there are also ones that target specific health issues (e.g., GPS trackers for those with dementia, monitoring devices for those with COPD, braille watches for the blind).

One note of caution: many smart devices report data on how you use them to their manufacturers, to help them learn what you watch, which apps you use and which ads influence your buying behavior—to sell you more items. Some people don’t mind; others find it a violation of their privacy. Decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks for you. The Digital Divide

The sky, it seems, is the limit for innovative technology that links all aspects of our lives. But there is concern about the digital divide, the gulf between those who have ready access to computers, IoT items and the internet, and those who do not.

“VA is working to assure equity in people’s ability to access and connect through new technologies,” Evans says. VA social workers help patients get connected through the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program, which provides low-income Americans with discounts on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, and bundled voice and broadband packages purchased from participating providers. VA has also loaned veterans more than 100,000 data-connected tablets and provided training so vets can understand how to use them.

“New technologies will come,” Evans says. “What we want is to make sure that people can all participate.”

—EVERETT A. (EV) CHASEN, IS A WRITER AND COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT IN THE WASHINGTON, DC, AREA. HE IS RETIRED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE.

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BY DAVID TOBENKIN Federal agencies do a great deal to ensure the financial wellness and literacy of their federal employees and the general public. But there is always more to know. Sometimes, the biggest challenge can be knowing where to look. This article examines opportunities for federal employees and retirees to improve their financial literacy.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) defines financial literacy as the skills, knowledge and tools that equip people to make individual financial decisions and actions to attain their goals. This may also be known as financial capability, especially when paired with access to financial products and services.

Financial literacy includes things like:

things. For example, roughly how much will the typical married couple retiring at age 65 spend on out-ofpocket costs for health care throughout their retirement? Answer: $300,000.

instruments work. For example, if you purchase a bond and interest rates rise, what will happen to the price of a bond? Answer: The bond price declines.

into financial decisions. For example, a typical 64-year-old man can expect to live, on average, for how many more years? Answer: 19.1 years.

concepts. For example, understanding the time value of money—owning a dollar now is worth more than owning a dollar in the future, and investments offer a return for use of that dollar in the interim.

• Knowledge of federal retirement benefits. For example, knowing that federal employees under the Federal

Employees Retirement System (FERS) receive three-tiered retirement benefits made up of an annuity, the defined contribution Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account, and Social Security payments; the age at which each of these benefits are available to federal retirees; and how they are calculated. Financial Education for Feds

Federal agencies must provide some financial wellness training for their employees. The focus of agencies’ financial wellness campaigns tends to be retirement planning because the Thrift Savings Plan Open Elections Act of 2004 required the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop and implement a retirement financial literacy and education strategy for federal employees as part of the retirement training offered by OPM.

OPM monitors the financial education plans prepared by federal agencies for compliance with the statute and to track trends. The most recent review was in 2019.

There is considerable variation in the breadth and rigor of federal agency plans. “The financial services agencies always have more offerings than the other agencies,” notes an OPM spokesperson, specifying that such agencies include the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the CFPB, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Many financial literacy resources from these agencies are available to the public; some are described later in this piece.

Agencies’ financial training for employees ends when those employees retire. In addition, OPM does not have any financial wellness programs targeting federal annuitants, says the OPM spokesperson. Unfortunately, given the challenges of living on a fixed income, the need for financial education can grow after retirement. Key issues include drawdown strategies for prioritizing withdrawals from several different accounts, budgeting, and dealing with possible financial challenges, such as rising health care costs. NARFE’s Role

NARFE is one of the few organizations that provides financial literacy instruction tailored to the benefits and needs of federal retirees, as well as to federal employees. Key NARFE resources include webinars on major retirement subjects, through the NARFE Federal Benefits Institute (www.narfe.org/federal-benefits-institute/). For a brief summary of concepts that will improve your financial literacy, the Institute has 10 white

papers on topics like, “How Much Money Do you Need to Retire?” and the “10 Worst Mistakes Federal Retirees Can Make.” These can be found at www.narfe.org/resource-library/. Some NARFE Magazine feature stories, such as this one, can serve as good primers on various topics.

An important aspect of financial literacy is staying up to date with developments that may affect your financial wellness. NARFE tracks relevant information for its members and makes details available on its website, through its NARFE Daily News Clips and weekly NARFE Newsline e-newsletters, on other email and social media channels, and through content in the magazine.

Take an eight-question test by the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) (www.financialeducatorscouncil. org/advanced-financial-education-test/) to find out.

Of 10,508 people participating in the NFEC’s advanced financial literacy test, participants, on average, were able to answer only slightly more than 57 percent of the questions correctly. Financial Literacy Tools for All

Some federal agencies offer invaluable financial tools to the general public. The great news is that there’s a website that harvests the best offerings, organizes them and makes them available. The congressionally chartered Federal Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC), which is made up of more than 20 federal entities, provides online information and resources to strengthen Americans’ financial capability and increase access to financial services for all on its MyMoney website: www.mymoney.gov.

The MyMoney site has a summary of five overarching financial wellness principles. The basics are listed below. More detailed descriptions are available online. The Five Principles

Earn. Make the most of what you earn by understanding your pay and benefits.

Save and Invest. It’s never too early to start saving for future goals, such as a house or retirement, even by putting away small amounts.

Protect. Take precautions with your financial situation, accumulate emergency savings and have the right insurance.

Spend. Be sure you are getting a good value, especially with big purchases, by shopping around and comparing prices and products.

Borrow. Borrowing money can enable some essential purchases and builds credit, but understanding the cost of interest is key. And, if you borrow too much, you’ll have a large debt to repay.

“I love this computer! It is easy to read and to use! I get photo updates from my children and grandchildren all the time.” – Janet F.

Have you ever said to yourself “I’d love to get a computer, if only I could figure out how to use it.” Well, you’re not alone. Computers were supposed to make our lives simpler, but they’ve gotten so complicated that they are not worth the trouble. With all of the “pointing and clicking” and “dragging and dropping” you’re lucky if you can figure out where you are. Plus, you are constantly worrying about viruses and freeze-ups. If this sounds familiar, we have great news for you. There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worry-free and literally puts the world at your fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your high-speed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen – it’s now 22 inches. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games – you name it . . . and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until now, the very people who could benefit most from Email and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part? Call now, and you’ll find out why tens of thousands of satisfied seniors are now enjoying their WOW computers, emailing their grandchildren, and experiencing everything the Internet has to offer. Call today!

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Financial literacy often comes down to dollars and cents determinations. The MyMoney website offers an array of 22 calculators (www.mymoney. gov/mymoney-resources/tools?filter=43114) to help perform analyses for various financial topics. Among these calculators are the following:

Determine how long it will take to pay off your debt based on different monthly payment scenarios.

Estimate your Social Security retirement benefits online. The Retirement Estimator is tied to the user’s actual Social Security earnings records and eliminates the need to manually key in years of earnings information.

Want to know your life expectancy? This calculator provides a rough estimate of how long you (or your spouse) may live. Having a ballpark in mind can help you make a more informed financial choices, such as when to claim Social Security benefits.

MyMoney addresses a critical weak point in the financial literacy of many employees and retirees: budgeting and accurately measuring how much money is being spent on different expenses. The website offers eight budgeting worksheets: www.mymoney.gov/mymoney-resources/ tools?filter=61258.

MyMoney also looks at the financial challenges posed by a variety of life events. Its Life Events page (www.mymoney.gov/lifeevents) offers federal brochures, publications, websites and videos that can assist in planning for life events that include higher education and training, life partners (marriage, partnering and divorce), home ownership, owning a business, planning for retirement/retiring, and the death of a family member.

One drawback of the MyMoney website is that it offers so many resources, the amount of content can feel overwhelming. Users will have to identify the information and tools that are most applicable to their situations. Focused Resource

The SEC’s website, Investor.gov, is devoted to the needs of individual investors. It offers a wealth of information on how to become a smarter investor. Use retirement calculators, tools and games to increase your financial knowledge. Read articles on products such as mutual funds, variable annuities and 529 college savings plans. Money Smart

The FDIC’s Money Smart program (www.fdic. gov/resources/consumers/money-smart/index. html) provides a valuable start for general financial literacy. It offers financial education programs that can help people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.

Money Smart has a range of programs targeting different audiences, including:

Completely updated in 2018, this 14-module curriculum provides training for adults in many different life stages and financial situations.

That includes adults new to this country, adults with disabilities, adults starting or changing careers, and adults going through significant life events, such as expanding their families or purchasing their first homes: www.fdic.gov/ resources/consumers/money-smart/teachmoney-smart/money-smart-for-adults.html.

This curriculum focuses on preventing elder financial exploitation. The FDIC developed these materials in collaboration with the CFPB: www.fdic.gov/resources/ consumers/money-smart/teach-money-smart/ money-smart-for-older-adults.html.

features a game-based financial education learning design and separate learning tracks for adults and students age 13 to 21: https:// moneysmartcbi.fdic.gov/.

NASA prides itself on exceeding federal minimums in its financial wellness offerings, says Jessica Nirschel, a NASA senior human resources specialist. “Most agencies focus on educating employees on the federal benefits program, but not much else,” Nirschel says. “However, there is a lot of information that we provide to employees that will help them in their personal lives as well.” An example, she says, is the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) Money Matters, an internal website for NASA employees that provides resources for employees on topics such as planning for the start of their careers, major life events and retirement. The content covers information not included in the federal benefits program and is focused on topics that help employees from day one of their job through their retirement. The site includes a variety of different virtual training courses that are hosted by NASA retirement counselors and external vendors who provide free trainings on financialwellness-related topics. Nirschel says NASA also tries to provide valuable resources from reputable external sources to assist its employees, such as the Retirewise training hosted by its partners at MetLife. A NASA Employee Benefits Association (NEBA) offers members access to the PlanSmart Financial Wellness Program through MetLife. — David Tobenkin

In addition, the CFPB offers a 10-question quiz that measures your current financial wellbeing and offers steps you can take to improve it: www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/ financial-well-being/.

Participating in such programs can yield measurable improvements in financial literacy. A 2007 survey of the Money Smart program found that its financial education training covering the basics of checking, savings, budgeting and credit positively changed consumer behavior and improved financial confidence during a six- to 12-month period following the course. For example, the rate at which respondents regularly saved money increased after the course, and respondents were very likely to follow through on their goals of putting money away in a savings account. Respondents were also much more likely to use a budget and regularly keep to it.

Financial literacy is a muscle that develops with use, and applying new techniques or drawing from different resources to learn more about the topic can help one’s financial literacy become more robust. Why not start today?

—DAVID TOBENKIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER BASED IN THE GREATER WASHINGTON, DC, AREA.