Each of us has found ways to cope with challenges during these tough economic times. If you are concerned about your retirement investments, looking for guidance on managing your personal budgets, or simply looking for additional ways to save money, the University of Miami offers resources to help you and your family.

• UM offers faculty and staff free assistance with financial and retirement planning. Select from: a self-directed online program called LTSave which can be found online at www.miami.edu/myUM; services from the Survivorship Planning Group; and one-on-one appointments with representatives from one of the University-approved retirement vendors.
  
  
• Read what investment companies have to say. The University of Miami’s approved-retirement vendors have released Statements on the Financial Crisis addressing current market challenges.
  
  
• The UM Employee Assistance Program (EAP) hosts a series of seminars throughout the year on various topics from understanding property taxes to stress management. View a listing of upcoming seminars. The EAP Web site is also a resource for information on pertinent topics, including Credit Report Education. Visit the EAP Web site often for updates.
  
  
• From purchasing generic medications and visiting UHealth physicians to taking advantage of employee discounts, the University of Miami can help you save money.
  
  
• Credit counseling and financial assistance is also available through federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which offers mortgage advice through local HUD-approved credit counselors. HUD also oversees HOPE for Homeowners, a national program authorized by the Economic and Housing Recovery Act of 2008 that helps qualified borrowers avoid foreclosure by providing home refinance loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.