myHR: December 14, 2011

Make the Right Investments for Retirement

There's a lot involved in planning a successful retirement—and picking the right investments is an important step in the process. But with so many options to choose from, how do you make a decision that's right for you? Don't worry—Penn's retirement vendors can help you find an investment mix that's tailored to your individual goals.

If you're a Vanguard member, take advantage of their Participant Funds Recommendations tool. You'll get guidance on how to invest your money and choose funds that are geared towards your retirement goals. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions about your retirement plans, and Vanguard will make a recommendation based on your personal circumstances.

TIAA-CREF members can also get retirement planning support at the touch of a finger. Use the online Asset Allocation Evaluator for guidance on how to distribute your retirement savings. You'll get a customized list of investment choices to build your portfolio and get on the road to a successful retirement.

And if you're still struggling with how to invest your savings, both of Penn's retirement carriers offer free retirement counseling to help you create an investment strategy that meets your needs.

Success Story: How to Control Your Holiday Eating Habits

Tempting, decadent foods are a sure sign of the holidays—and most people expect to gain weight during this time. But not Michelle Brown-Nevers.

"I've actually lost weight every holiday season for the last three years," says the Associate Vice President for Student Services, Student Registration, and Financial Services.

That's because Michelle has participated in Penn's Maintain, Don't Gain Program since she started working at Penn in 2008.

"Penn is the first place I've ever worked where a program like Maintain, Don't Gain exists. So I took advantage of it to help control my eating habits around the holidays," she said.

Not only does Maintain, Don't Gain teach you how to control your weight during the holiday season, it also shows you how to live a healthy lifestyle year-round. And this is exactly the kind of program that can help Michelle in her quest to develop life-long, healthy habits.

"We get weekly emails with a lot of useful nutrition tips. One message taught me about portion sizes and that ½ cup of rice is about the size of a cupcake wrapper. That kind of knowledge gives me greater control over my diet," she said.

Now in her fourth year of Maintain, Don't Gain, Michelle is setting her sights on the end of the competition where she hopes to be several pounds lighter than when she began the program in 2008. And she's confident she will be.

"Maintain, Don't Gain encourages you to make healthy, life-long decisions. So now I opt for fruit and yogurt instead of hitting the vending machine when I need a quick snack. And I exercise in order to stay fit. It's not just about what size you are, but how you keep your metabolism working to help burn the food you take in," Michelle said.

Want to see how you can keep your health habits in check? Click here to learn about the full array of health and wellness resources at Penn.

Shape Up with a Discount Gym Membership

It's always challenging to maintain your health this time of year—but we can make it easier for you. Whether you're looking to amp up your exercise during the holiday season or get a jump on your New Year's fitness resolutions, Penn can help you get fit and stay in shape for a discount!

Through a partnership with GlobalFit—a provider of healthy living benefits—you can enjoy discounted rates at thousands of fitness clubs in the Philadelphia area. GlobalFit guarantees you the lowest membership prices to a variety of gyms, including Bally's, Curves, 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness and more. That means you can boost your health without breaking the bank! Just visit www.globalfit.com/upenn and enter your zip code to find a participating gym near you.

For complete details on the GlobalFit discount program, including weight loss tools, nutrition resources and access to a personal health coach, click here.

Grow in Your Job—and Your Career

Climbing the career ladder can be challenging, especially when you feel like you've learned all you can in your current role. So how do you continue to grow in your field when you feel like you've outgrown your job? We can help!

Join us on January 19 and discover the secret to Growing in Place. We'll show you how to take advantage of opportunities on the job that can boost your productivity and enhance your skills. You'll learn how to set goals for yourself and work with your manager to develop your strengths. You'll also learn when it's time to leave your job and when to consider a lateral move to another role.

Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch to this workshop. Click here for complete details and to register.