If you do not know the ING representative assigned to your campus, give ING a call at (800) 677-4636.

— By Gail Maloy, Director of Member Benefits and Services

Financial counseling offered

The Financial Counseling Program brought to bargaining unit members by Ernst & Young LLP through the NYSUT Benefit Trust can help with the many issues, large and small, that affect financial security.

The program includes four main features: the Financial Planner Line, Focused Financial Analyses, Understanding Personal Finances newsletter, and referral for in-person fiscal planning consultation.

The Financial Planner Line is the first point of contact when requesting financial planning assistance. Members can call for answers to financial planning concerns and for information on the program. Experienced, full-time personal financial-planning counselors staff this program.

Members can easily assess their current financial situation in relation to their desired goal by requesting a Focused Financial Analysis from Ernst & Young. Members select a topic from a menu of financial planning areas. Answers to a targeted questionnaire provide the basis for personalization of the report, which also suggests savings strategies, action steps, tips and planning resources.

Members also receive Ernst & Young’s bimonthly newsletter, Understanding Personal Finances. Issues focus on specific financial planning topics.

Finally, if members want an in-person financial planning consultation, they can request this through the Financial Planner Line. This service has an additional fee.

The annual fee to enroll in the Financial Counseling Program is $79. This fee is reduced to $73 when purchased through payroll or pension deduction. Members not completely satisfied can return the Certificate of Coverage within 30 days of receipt to NYSUT Benefit Trust for a full refund.