May 2026 Essentials Webinars

Financial education is valuable at every stage—whether you’re building your own knowledge or supporting others, including students, in developing strong financial habits. Understanding how money works, how decisions are made, and how to plan for the future can have a lasting impact both personally and professionally. This May, there are two excellent opportunities to deepen that knowledge through the Essentials Webinar Series hosted by TIAA.

💡 Money Psychology: Beyond the Numbers

Thursday, May 7
10:00 a.m. CT

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It’s easy to assume financial decisions are purely logical—but in reality, our choices are often shaped by emotions, past experiences, and cognitive biases. This session takes a deeper look at the behavioral side of money and how understanding it can improve your financial outcomes.

You’ll learn about:

• How human nature influences your financial mindset
• The connection between feelings and financial behavior
• Why taking a “big picture” approach matters
• Strategies to make decisions aligned with your long-term goals

🎓 Finance for New Grads

Tuesday, May 19
11:00 a.m. CT

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Starting your career comes with new responsibilities, and financial planning is one of the most important. This session is ideal for early-career employees—or anyone looking to strengthen their financial foundation.

You’ll learn about:

• Understanding your employee benefits package
• Building a practical spending plan
• How retirement plans support your future
• Choosing between traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) contributions
• Why an emergency fund is essential

📌 Important Reminders for MSU Employees

• 403(b) Savings Eligibility: Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible to participate in the university’s 403(b) retirement savings plan.
• CURP Plan Participation: TIAA administers the CURP plan for eligible faculty.
• MOSERS Transfer Option: Faculty who have participated in CURP may be eligible to transfer to Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) after six years of service. This is an important decision point and worth understanding early.

These webinars provide practical, relevant insights to help you make informed financial decisions—whether for yourself or in guiding others. Taking time to engage with these topics now can support stronger financial outcomes in the future.