your investmentAre you investing too conservatively?

your moneyTax saving tips

your kioskDo you need flood insurance? Dam ice

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your$™A magazine from WEA Trust Member Benefits

2013-14 WINTER

BIG ISSUEIs money the elephant in the room?

president’s letterDave Kijek, President/CEO, WEA Trust Member Benefits™{

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© 2014 WEA Member Benefit Trust.All rights reserved.

January: A good month to talk about money

Follow us.

3 YOUR ACCOUNT- 2014 Prudential Guaranteed

Investment rate announced.

- Get credit for saving for retirement. See if you qualify.

- 403(b) and IRA 2014 contribution limits unchanged.

- Emergency Roadside Service: Like a security blanket on the road.

4 YOUR MONEY- Learn to talk finances in your

relationship.

6 YOUR INVESTMENT- The case for diversification and the

role of the Prudential Guaranteed Investment in your portfolio.

48 YOUR TAXES- Tax tips to help you keep more of

your money.

10 YOUR KIOSK- Do you need flood insurance?

- Preventing damage from ice dams.

™

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When the editor of your$ magazine asked me questions about how my wife and I handle our personal finances, I was uncomfortable. For many of us, this is a subject you just don’t discuss outside the privacy of your home.

And, sometimes folks don’t even discuss it there—as is apparent from the article on page 4. Money can be a difficult subject and the cause of conflict in relationships. In this issue, several of our members

share their experiences as well as tips for managing household finances with their spouse or partner.

If you haven’t had the conversation, it may be time to do it. January is not only the beginning of a new year, but it’s Financial Wellness Month. Starting the year out by acknowledging the “elephant in the room” and starting a conversation with your partner can go a long way toward improving the health of your finances and your relationship.

You may also want to start 2014 by reviewing your asset allocation in your retirement savings accounts. If you need help, give us a call. Consider our Portfolio

Analysis service for a comprehensive review of all your investments.

And, don’t overlook your insurance coverages. When was the last time you updated your policies? If you have insurance with us, call our service department for a midterm evaluation.

If you don’t have your insurance with us, why not? Call us today and let us evaluate your needs and give you a comparison quote.

Wishing you a happy new year.

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your$CONTENTS WINTER 2013-14

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{ your accountIRA and 403(b) News2014 Prudential Guaranteed Investment is 3.85%*WEA Trust Member Benefits™ is pleased to announce that the 2014 Prudential Guaranteed Investment credited annual rate of return for both the WEA TSA Trust and WEAC IRA programs will be 3.85%. For more information about the Prudential Guaranteed Investment and the role it plays in your portfolio, go to page 6.

Do you qualify for the Saver’s Tax Credit?You may be eligible for a tax credit for making contributions to an IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan. To qualify for the credit, you must be age 18 or older, not a full-time student, not claimed as a dependent on another person’s return, and have a 2013 adjusted gross income no greater than $29,500 (filing individually) or $59,000 (filing jointly). See page 8 for more tax saving tips.

403(b) and IRA contribution limits unchanged for 2014Contribution limits for 403(b) accounts will remain at $17,500 for 2014. Employees age 50 and older can contribute an additional $5,500 for a total of $23,000. If you have 15 years or more of service with your employer, you may have an additional “catch-up” opportunity. To increase your 403(b) contribution, you must fill out a new Salary Reduction Agreement with your district business office.

IRA contribution limits for 2014 remain at $5,500. If you are age 50 or older, you may contribute an additional $1,000 to your IRA. To increase your IRA contribution, go to weabenefits.com and search on “IRA contribution form.” If your contribution is payroll deducted (Trust Advantage) or automatically deducted from your bank account (SmartPlan), please fill out the appropriate modification form also found at weabenefits.com. Call us at 1-800-279-4030 if you have any questions.

SEP IRA saving option for self-employed family membersYour self-employed spouse—or other family member—may be eligible to save with us by opening a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA. Enrolling is easy with our step-by-step online application or call us at 1-800-279-4030 for assistance. Wisconsin residency required.

Watch for your 1099RIf you took a reportable distribution from your WEA TSA Trust 403(b) and/or WEAC IRA account(s) during 2013, we will send you a 1099R to the address on file on or before January 31, 2014.

Have an idea? Do you have a question, concern, or topic you’d like us to write about? Send your ideas to memberbenefits@weabenefits.com and type “your$” in the subject line. Or, call us at 1-800-279-4030 and ask for communications.

*Interest is compounded daily to produce the current annual yield prior to the deduction of program administrative fees. Contributions and earnings are held in the general account of Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (PRIAC). Principal and net credited interest are fully guaranteed by PRIAC. Such guarantees are based solely upon the financial strength and claims-paying ability of PRIAC. For more information go to weabenefits.com/pru. The Trustee for the WEAC IRA program is First Business Trust & Investments. The 403(b) retirement program is offered by the WEA TSA Trust. TSA program registered representatives are licensed through WEA Investment Services, Inc., member FINRA. Content in this magazine is for informational purposes only and not intended to be legal or tax advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney before taking any action.

Emergency Roadside Assistance: Take us along

There’s nothing as nerve racking as being stranded on the road in the middle of winter. Whether you lock yourself out of your vehicle, have a flat tire, run out of gas, or your battery is dead, it’s comforting to know you have someone to call for help.

For just $1 per month per vehicle, you can get up to $100 of coverage per incident to pay for towing or for labor to bring gas, change a tire, or open your vehicle.

Give us a call to add Emergency Roadside Assistance to your existing policy.*

*Vehicle must carry liability and comprehensive coverages to add Emergency Roadside Assistance. The costs of parts or materials such as gas or tires are not included in the coverage.

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IRA403(b)

2014 PRUDENTIALGUARANTEEDINVESTMENT

*3.85%

*AnnualCreditedRate

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Big cause of conflictWith changing economic times and

changes in how we define “family,” we’re contributing more financial baggage than ever to our relationships, including credit card debt, student loans, mortgages, and other investments. This can make things seem overly complicated and hamper the financial conversation.

But even if your baggage is light, the money issue often weighs heavy. For example, a recent Harris Interactive survey found that couples argue more about financial matters than any other topic. For those who argue about money:• The most common disagreement was on

how to handle unexpected finances. • Fifty-eight percent fight over differing

opinions of “needs” vs. “wants.” • Thirty-two percent argue about not

having enough money saved.Failure to communicate about finances

contributes to most of the relationship conflict between couples, according to the survey. In fact, 55% of those married or living with a partner reported that they do not set aside time regularly to talk about their finances.

Is the topic of money the “elephant in the room” in your relationship?

If so, you’re not alone. Many people in committed relationships

underestimate the impact financial decisions can have on their partnership, their family, and their financial future. In fact, most couples don’t discuss their finances on a regular basis, which can lead to personal misunderstandings and resentments. Further, it can prevent people from making informed choices about their finances.

Communication is the key to making good financial decisions that will benefit you in the long run. When people’s feelings and concerns are heard, it’s easier to move forward with a concrete plan.

Here’s why you should stop trying to avoid the money issue and start your own financial conversation.

It’s all about perspectiveMoney doesn’t have meaning; we

assign meaning to money. Our personal relationship with it is forged early in life. Childhood experiences, education, how our parents handled finances, and our financial and social status influence our view about it.

That means we often come into a relationship with different ideas about what money represents and how it should be used. What defines a “good” financial decision depends on a person’s unique values and viewpoint.

If we don’t have serious conversations about money, we won’t understand each other’s perspectives on the topic. And that’s an important first step to take before you can make a plan.

Working with different viewpoints

John Hansen, who teaches high school science at Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton School District, and his wife Karin have differing viewpoints about money. John equates money with security, Karin with support. John explains, “I’m a saver. After I pay the bills, I try to save as much as possible in case something unexpected happens. My spouse views money as a

How starting a financial conversation with your partner can help manage one of the weightiest

issues in your relationship.

small talkbig issuE

of those who argue about money fight over differing opinions of “needs” vs. “wants.”

58%

{ your money

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means to purchase things we need or want for our family. Neither viewpoint is wrong. However, we had to figure out how to work with that difference.”

Making a planTalking together about money as large

expenses come up works well for John and

Karin. By having regular discussions, they have set up concrete strategies to deal with their finances while taking their differing attitudes into account. “When we had one bank account and one credit card, we were always asking each other what certain expenses were for and why. This created arguments about how we spent our money. On top of that, we didn’t always know what was purchased on the credit card until the bill came, which left us short on money to pay the bills off completely each month.”

Instead, having two joint checking accounts and two joint credit cards has helped them become more responsible in how they spend money, according to John. He and Karin sat down and decided which bills each would pay according to income. Each is responsible for making sure the bills get paid. “That gives us a flexible budget, so as long as we cover our obligations, we can spend the remaining money as we choose.”

Sharing financial lessonsJohn and Karin have four children who

are a big part of their financial choices. When buying items for the kids, they often ask them to help pay for some of the cost. “This helps our kids understand the cost of items and place a higher value on them,” says John.

John and Karin’s regular discussions about money have helped them understand their different viewpoints, which has allowed them to better plan how money is spent. “It’s also lessened our conflicts,” he says.

Starting a conversationFifty-three year old Brenda Susor, a

teacher who specializes in working with English language learners in Appleton, has

been married for 10 years. “When I was younger, people called me “moneybags” because I was such a saver and always balanced my checkbook to the penny. As I got older, I loosened up a bit.

“Once I got married, I decided I had too much on my plate with teaching to deal

with the finances, so I left that up to Mike, my husband.” With our busy lives, many people may think that’s a practical thing to do. But over the years, Brenda began to feel increasingly anxious about their finances, and she and Mike never really took time to discuss them. “Money became the elephant in the room,” explains Brenda.

Getting the factsThe money issue

began to feel lighter for Brenda after she attended a seminar offered by Member Benefits. It helped her open the door to the conversation she and Mike needed to have. “I attended M e m b e r B e n e f i t s ’ Don’t Be J a c k ™ f i n a n c i a l l i t e r a c y game this fall. I loved all the great information that was shared that day and it made me wonder about the fees and expenses I was paying on my IRA account as well as the commissions I was paying my financial planner.”

Brenda followed up with a personal consultation for her and Mike. “When we talked to Michelle Slawny (Worksite Benefit Consultant from Member Benefits), I was so worried that we weren’t going to have enough to retire. I was very anxious about it and brought up a lot of ‘what ifs’. But Michelle was able to help me relax by showing us just what we have

“By understanding how differently we view money, we are better able to plan how money is spent.”

and don’t have, and gave us objective information. That was so helpful, because talking about it lessened some of my fears.”

Taming the beastOnce some of Brenda’s anxiety was

alleviated, she and Mike started their financial discussion, which has helped her take action. “Mike and I both decided to move our IRAs to Member Benefits to save on fees. Now that we’re talking together, we set a date to create a budget, like Michelle suggested. We’ve already come up with some things we can do to

continued on page 9

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big issuE

{ your investment

The Prudential Guaranteed Investment (PGI) credited rate of return for 2014 is 3.85%*. Is it a good rate?

“It’s a great rate in this economy for this type of product,” says Scott Thomas, Retirement Investment Consultant for WEA Trust Member Benefits. “The PGI has a long history of providing an annual return that has been very competitive and it plays an important role in an investment portfolio,” Thomas says.

The PGI is suitable for long-term investors looking for a fixed-income investment in their allocation mix. It’s a conservative investment with a low degree of risk. It’s not invested in stocks. It’s invested in bonds, commercial mortgages, and privately placed and publicly traded debt securities, which are essentially loans so it does not react to the day-to-day volatility of the stock market. That makes it very attractive to many investors.

Investors still skittishStock market volatility continues to

make many investors nervous. Distrust is understandable after an event like the crash in 2008. It’s not easy to watch your account balance drop 30–40% overnight. The discomfort investors feel from such dramatic market losses account for the fact that more than $405 billion has been pulled out of the stock market over the last six years even though the market has more than doubled as the nation recovered from the recession.

Fear of loss may be part of the reason why 40% of our participants are 100% invested in the PGI.

“It’s a concerning statistic. While the

Low risk and historically good returns make the Prudential Guaranteed Investment a favorite investment among our participants. But, is a conservative investment like this good enough by itself to get you where you want to be? We discuss why diversification might get you farther.

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40% of our participants are solely invested

in the PGI.

PGI is a fantastic fixed income product, it is only part of the investment options available to help you reach your retirement savings goal,” Thomas says.

A different kind of riskParticipants run a different kind of

risk by investing too conservatively—the risk that the rate of inflation will outpace the rate of return on your investments, suggests Thomas. While the PGI provides low principle risk, shielding them from the day-to-day market volatility, those who rely solely on the PGI may run the risk of not having enough in retirement unless they have stock investments elsewhere.

Money invested in a fixed-income product like the PGI may provide investment stability but it also limits earnings. “When you rely entirely on the PGI, you lose the ability to earn as much as you may have been able to if you had invested more diversely in stocks. Most allocation models would not show your only investment to be a fixed income product like PGI,” he says.

Mix it upIncluding some stock mutual funds in

your mix of investments has the potential to boost your long-term returns and put you closer to meeting your savings goals. The hypothetical examples on page 7 show the impact of stocks on an account balance over a ten-year period (2003 to 2013), including the market crash in 2008. “What’s significant is the fact that despite the market losses in 2008, the investors that included stocks in their portfolio ended with higher balances than the investor who invested solely in the PGI.

“With increased pressure on individuals

Taking a conservative investment approach?

to fund their own retirements, it becomes more important that people consider the cost of the lost investment opportunities—by not investing in stocks,” says Thomas.

For those not comfortable investing in the stock market, the PGI is a good tool to protect against short-term volatility. However, keep in mind that you may have to save more or work longer depending on your age and other investments in order to reach your financial goal.

DiversificationYou’ve heard the old saying, “Don’t put

all your eggs in one basket.” The same principle holds true for investing and makes the case for diversifying your investments. Diversification is an investment strategy that mixes a wide variety of investments within a portfolio. History shows us that a portfolio of different kinds of investments will, on average, yield higher returns and pose a lower risk than any individual investment in a portfolio.

Diversification smooths out the effect of extreme events in a portfolio so that the positive performance of some investments may neutralize the negative performance of others. Even during the financial crisis, some assets gained in value.

It is impossible to predict which investments will provide the best returns. It can change drastically from year to year. For example, the top performing category in 2007 was the worst in 2008 and then the best again in 2009. These types of performance reversals are evident throughout market history, but a diversified portfolio softens the impact of the asset “losers” with the gains associated with the asset “winners.”

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Financial Advisors, Inc.

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100%

PGI100%

StocksStocks

50/50% PGI

What if...

SallyJoe Chris

100% in PGINet Amt invested ............. $100,000Final Market Value .......... $153,670Average Annualized Return 4.39%

Sally

Joe

50% PGI/50% StocksNet Amt invested ............ $100,000Final Market Value .......... $178,710Average Annualized Return 5.97%

Chris

100% StocksNet Amt invested ............ $100,000Final Market Value .......... $212,071Average Annualized Return 7.80%

2003 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 2013

$100k

$212,071

in 2003, Joe, Sally, and Chris each had $100,000 to invest. Joe invested 100% of his money in the Prudential Guaranteed Investment (PGI), Sally invested 50% in the PGI and the other 50% in stocks, and Chris invested 100% in stocks. What would their account balances look like in 2013? Who would have the higher balance?

$178,710

$153,670

Assumptions: 100% of investment in the Prudential Guaranteed Investment

Assumptions: 50%/50%: Invested $15,000 to S&P500, $15,000 MSCI RAFE, $10,000 S&P MidCap400, $10,000 Russell2000, and $50,000 PGI

Assumptions: 100% Stock: Assumes investing 25% equally into the S&P500, Russell2000, S&P MidCap 400, and MSCI EAFE.

This example is for illustrative purposes only. No guarantees are expressed or implied. Results will vary depending upon the actual rate used in the calculation. Over time, the result of any investment will fluctuate and is not guaranteed.

Need help?There are a number of ways to diversify

your investments. The right investment mix for you will depend on your goals, future needs, your age, and your risk tolerance, among other things. It can be a daunting task but Member Benefits can help. In addition to the PGI, we have 21 carefully chosen mutual funds from major asset classes that can help you build a diversified portfolio. “If you would like to discuss how changes to your 403(b) or IRA asset allocations could help you meet your needs, give us a call for a free portfolio review at 1-800-279-4030,” Thomas encourages. “This is what we do.”

Need financial planning?If you would like a more comprehensive

analysis of your current investment portfolio (including your investment accounts outside of Member Benefits) and are looking for recommendations, consider a Portfolio Analysis—a fee-based service offered through WEA Financial Advisors, Inc. No product sales or commissions are attached to the service, so you get an unbiased analysis. Our financial planner will provide you:• An evaluation of your current portfolio.• Recommendations to align your portfolio

with your financial goals, your tolerance for risk, and investment objectives.

• Three hours of analysis plus a one-hour consultation to deliver the report.

Call 1-800-279-4030, Ext. 6730 or 2753.*Interest is compounded daily to produce the current annual yield prior to the deduction of program administrative fees. Contributions and earnings are held in the general account of Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company (PRIAC). Principal and net credited interest are fully guaranteed by PRIAC. Such guarantees are based solely upon the financial strength and claims-paying ability of PRIAC. For more information go to weabenefits.com/pru.

Keep in mind that mutual fund investments are not guaranteed and may gain or lose value. Past performance is no guarantee for future results. Future performance may be lower or higher than past performance.

Before investing in any mutual fund, call WEA Trust Member Benefits at 1-800-279-4030 to request a prospectus. We advise you to read it carefully and consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the investment company.

The 403(b) retirement program is offered by the WEA TSA Trust. TSA program registered representatives are licensed through WEA Investment Services, Inc., member FINRA. The Trustee for the WEAC IRA program is First Business Trust & Investments. All investment advisory services are offered through WEA

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Keep receipts for school supplies. Educators spent an average of $485 of their own money on classroom materials last year. Keep your receipts. Even if you don’t itemize, you can deduct up to $250 of your personal expenses.

Give yourself a raise. If you received a big tax refund last year, you may be taking too much tax out of your paycheck. Talk with your payroll office and file a new W-4 to get more of your money when you earn it.

Boost retirement savings. One of the best ways to lower your tax bill is to reduce your taxable income. Contribute to pre-tax savings accounts like a 403(b) or an IRA. When contributions are taken before taxes, you receive the tax benefit now.

Also, depending on your income, you may be eligible for a Savers Tax Credit.

Reduce future taxes. If you are concerned about your tax liability in retirement, consider after-tax Roth 403(b) or IRA contributions. With a Roth, taxes are paid now so all qualified withdrawals in retirement will be tax free.

Utilize flex spending accounts for medical expenses and child care. Only 14% of eligible employees use flexible spending accounts, making them one of the most under-utilized benefits offered through employers. Flex spending accounts allow you to put away pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses, lowering your taxable income. In addition, money set aside in a flex account avoids the 7.65% Social Security and Medicare tax.

Track charitable contributions. Using a valuation tool such as ItsDeductible® from TurboTax can help you get an accurate value of the items you

donate and also tracks cash donations. Volunteer work may also generate a deduction. You can write off many out-of-pocket expenses you incur to do good work, including what you pay for materials, supplies, and transportation costs. However, the value of services you provide as a volunteer don’t merit a write-off.

Tally job-change expenses. Some expenses related to job hunting and a job change may be deductible. For instance, if you take a new job that is over 50 miles from your old home, you can deduct the cost of the move even if you don’t itemize.

Invest in a child’s education. Contributing to a state-sponsored 529 college savings plan is a great way to fund a college education. It also provides tax advantages. Contributions of up to $3,000 per beneficiary per year (any filing status) to the Wisconsin 529 plan (Edvest) are deductible on your state income taxes. Plus, earnings on 529 accounts are not subject to federal tax and generally not subject to state tax when used for qualified education expenses.

Deduct the cost of home equity debt. Generally, interest on home-equity loans can be deducted, no matter what you use the money for.

Save energy and taxes. Congress extended a $500 tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements such as new windows, doors, and skylights through 2013. This is a lifetime credit, however, so if you have already claimed it you can’t claim it again.

Visit irs.gov for more information about tax credits and deductions.(Source: irs.gov and edvest.com)

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended to be legal or tax advice. Consult your tax advisor or attorney before taking any action.

{ your taxes

TAX SAvingS TipSDon’t shortchange yourself come tax time—take advantage of all the tax savings opportunities you are eligible for. Here are some that may apply to you.

Tax benefits can reduce members’ long-term care insurance costsThis may be especially true if you have a high-deductible health plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), or you own a small business.

Long-term care insurance (LTCi) is an affordable way to protect yourself against the high cost of extended care that may be required if you have a serious illness, stroke, or accident. Without LTCi, you will need to pay for extended care with your personal savings and assets. Long-term care is generally not covered by Medicare, health insurance, or the new Affordable Care Act.

Members who pay LTCi costs may be able to subtract all or a portion of the cost of a long-term care insurance policy from their Wisconsin income taxes. You may also be able to include amounts paid for qualified contracts as a medical expense when itemizing deductions for federal income tax purposes.

Tax-qualified LTCi premiums may be reimbursed through an HSA. Reimbursements for insurance covering medical care expenses, which includes qualified long-term care services and qualified LTCi premiums, are generally allowable under a HRA.

If you or your spouse owns a business, you may be able to adopt an Internal Revenue Code Section 105 Plan. This may enable you and your spouse to deduct 100% of your premiums as a business expense.

Members should consult their tax accountant or attorney for detailed advice regarding their particular tax or financial situation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LTCI PROGRAM.On-site and online seminars888-247-5905 or www.weabenefits.com

Personal phone and online appointments:888-247-5905 or wealtc.membersplan.org

LTC insurance products are underwritten by multiple LTC providers. Program administered by LTCi Marketing Administrators Inc. (LiMA).

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{Start your own conversations

Open, honest communication is just as important with finances as any other partnership decision, whether it’s buying a house, changing jobs, or having children. If you’re not talking finances and feel stressed about it, you may find that once you acknowledge the obvious, it won’t seem so huge. And, dealing with the big stuff can make the small stuff in your relationship easier.

Remember, what works for one couple won’t necessarily work for another. Find a plan that fits you both. And make time to talk together on a regular basis.

55% of those married or living with a partner reported that they do not set aside time regularly to talk about their finances.

Understand each other• How did your parents handle

their household finances?

• When did you start paying your own bills? Did you ever run into trouble with debt?

• Are you a spender or saver?

• What stresses you the most about money?

• How do you define “needs” versus “wants”?

• What is your most important financial goal?

Talk it out

{

Make a plan ✓Decide who should handle the finances.

✓Determine whether you will have separate or joint accounts.

✓Work out who will pay what and how much. Make sure both of you are happy with the plan.

✓Develop a strategy to balance saving against spending.

✓Agree upon some short-term and long-term financial goals.

✓Set rules on when you need to discuss a purchase together.

✓Create a written budget. Member Benefits recommends using one and revisiting it every year.

ResouRces Budget sheet weabenefits.com/budget

Financial calculators weabenefits.com/calc

Mint.com

continued from page 5

save money, like being smarter about our grocery bill. And we realized our summer cabin was underinsured, so we’re taking steps to correct that.”

It’s easy to forget that insurance plays a role in financial security. Having adequate insurance helps decrease your financial risk by protecting you against the cost of accidents, major health issues, and property loss.

It’s a good idea for both people to be listed on insurance policies. Review your policies annually to make sure your coverages are up-to-date.

“If we hadn’t started talking, we wouldn’t have known about the cabin or taken action on improving our financial situation,” says Brenda.

Saving is all in the familyBill Kirsch, a physical education teacher

in Waukesha, and his wife Marianne, a learning disabilities teacher, are on the same page financially because they have talked regularly together about their finances over the years. “I usually take the lead by doing as much research as possible and then we discuss it. It works for us,” says Bill.

Bill handles all the details of his and Marianne’s savings and investments, “…probably because I had good fundamental knowledge from my years working with Member Benefits before we were married,” he says. “Both of us are pretty conservative when it comes to money, and because of that we have not created a formal budget.

“However, we did learn about starting early with saving, so as soon as our daughters began working, we opened up Roth IRAs for them. We chose to go with Member Benefits because their products and strategies are extremely solid.” They like that the kids are learning the importance of starting early with retirement savings and contributing regularly.

Talking finances helped John, Brenda, and Bill, and can help you:• Minimize interpersonal conflicts.• Break the cycle of indecision.• Identify financial goals.• Stay on track to reach your goals.• Move forward with a financial plan.• Build financial security.• Help you set a good example for your

children.Brenda sums it up well. “Money

shouldn’t be a dirty word, it shouldn’t be something to avoid. You may not want to do it, but now’s the time. It’s a good thing to be able to talk about it.”

{ your kiosk

Oops! Our list of mentor award winners in the last issue of your$ left off one of our winners.

Victor Herbst • JanesvilleHere’s what the person who nominated Victor had to say:“Victor took me under his wing when I started out in education. I didn’t think I had enough money to save but he correctly, and wisely, showed me the power of saving over time and letting compound interest help my small investments grow into a solid retirement investment. Also, through his help I’ve become financially literate and enjoy helping younger educators in my district start saving early. Victor has helped me out in ways that cannot be measured.”

Do you have a financial mentor in your school? Maybe it’s you. Nominations for 2014 mentors are now being accepted at weabenefits.com/mentor.

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Financial MentorOne more for 2013

Flood Facts: • It doesn’t take a major body of water, or even a major

storm, to cause a flood. You can live miles away from water and still be a victim of flooding.

• 25–30% of flood insurance claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas.

• The average residential flood claim amounted to more than $30,000 from 2008–2012.

Flood Insurance is affordable. If you live in a low- or moderate-risk area, you might be surprised at how affordable a flood policy can be.

Floods happen. Melting snow combined with heavy rains have the potential to cause extensive flooding in the spring and summer months. In the past 10 years, Wisconsin experienced eight federally declared disasters due to flooding.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Generally, a policy takes 30 days from application to effective date of coverage.

DO YOU NEED FLOOD INSURANCE?

Member Benefits will be offering Flood Insurance this spring. To assess your risk, call one of our insurance consultants. If you already have a flood policy in place and would like to move your policy to WEA Trust Member Benefits, call us to discuss your options.

I-800-279-4010Flood insurance offered through the National Flood Insurance Program and underwritten by Bankers Insurance Company.

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NEED MORE COVERAGE?Consider the additional protection an umbrella policy can provide.Call 1-800-279-4010 for an evaluation and quote.

Keep walks and steps ice-freeIf someone slips on ice on your property, you could be found liable for their injuries. Keep your walk safe by staying on top of snow and ice removal.

• Clean your walks promptly after a snowfall to keep snow from bonding to the surface. Check your local ordinance for snow removal requirements.

• Spread sand or gravel on icy patches to make your sidewalk safer for pedestrians. Spreading sand on a sidewalk before ice forms can also make future ice easier to remove. Free sand may be available in your community.

• Warming sand in a microwave-safe container and spreading it while it is still warm can make it more effective. It will embed itself in to the ice, creating a gritty top layer.

• Be careful when using melting agents or salt to de-ice your driveway and sidewalks. The excess salt can damage shrubs, lawns, and plants by drawing water away from their roots.

• Pile snow in a place where it will not run across your sidewalk when it melts and aim your downspouts away from areas where people walk to keep your sidewalks clear during freeze-thaw cycles.

DAM ICEIce. It’s great for skating, fishing, and cooling a beverage, but it’s not so good for homeowners. It can cause damage to your home inside and out.

From icicles to ice damsIcicles hanging along the eaves of your house may look like crystals in the sunlight,

but in fact they may be a sign of trouble. When snow or ice is melted by sunlight or heat loss from your roof, the melted water then drips down a surface (your roof, gutters, downspouts, etc.) and forms an icicle.

Icicles that are larger around than a soda can are likely attached to an ice dam. Simply knocking down the icicles will not get rid of the problem. Ice dams are a thick ridge of solid ice that builds up along the eaves of a roof when the upper part of your roof is warm enough to melt snow and the eaves are cold enough to freeze the runoff. Ice dams can loosen shingles, rip off gutters, and allow water to infiltrate your home. If that happens, you’ll likely have damage to your walls, ceiling, floors, and attic insulation.

Icicles and ice dams are a sign that you have insulation and/or ventilation issues in your home.

Prevention is the best policy• Keep your attic cold. Properly insulate your attic floor and be sure your attic is adequately

ventilated. Install roof vents, gable vents, and/or soffit vents to ensure a well-ventilated space. An added bonus—insulating can help lower energy bills.

• Clear your gutters of leaves and debris so melting snow can drain out.• After a heavy winter storm, remove a layer of snow at least three feet above the gutter

line with a long-handled aluminum roof rake while you stay safely on the ground. A rake with wheels will help prevent damage to your roof.

• Do not chip at ice dams with a hammer, an ice pick, or shovel. It’s dangerous and can often do more harm than good.

• Don’t use salt to melt the ice. This may damage your plantings and roofing material.

Water damage from ice dams is generally covered on your homeowners insurance policy, but exclusions may apply. Be sure to read your policy carefully and contact your insurance company right away if you have damage. If you have your homeowners policy with us, give us a call at 1-800-279-4010 to report any damage.Property and casualty insurance programs are underwritten by WEA Property & Casualty Insurance Company. The terms and conditions of your coverage are exclusively controlled by your written policy. Please refer to your policy for details.

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MADISON WI PERMIT NO 2750

PO Box 7893, Madison, WI 53707-7893

We’re here when you need us most.

The claim process went really smoothly. Bob Manor spent a lot of time with us. By the end of the process, Bob was practically family. It’s really good insurance.

we helped them rebuild.

Claim service so good it’s guaranteed.*

Property and casualty insurance programs are underwritten by WEA Property & Casualty Insurance Company. The terms and conditions of your coverage are exclusively controlled by your written policy. Please refer to your policy for details. Certain policy exclusions and limitations may apply.

Len and Diane LuedtkeMembers since 1995

“”

1-800-279-4010 • weabenefits.com

When Len and Diane lost their home to a fire…satisfaction

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Our claims department earned 100% claims customer satisfaction in eight of twelve months in 2013 and 98.9% claims customer satisfaction overall for the year.

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