Beneficiary
Myth
Myth: If I die, my insurance
money will automatically go where I want it to go.
Fact: Not
necessarily. Make sure your money goes to the right person by naming your
beneficiaries. Call 1-888-ALCOA123 or go to Your Benefits Resources™ and click on the "find it fast" drop-down menu.
Important: if
you get married or divorced, make sure you update your
beneficiaries!
Green
Banking: Saving the Environment as You Save and Borrow
Money
You're probably
already recycling paper, glass, and plastic. But did you know you also may be
able to help save the environment as you do your banking? Here are options that
may be available from your bank.
Paperless
Statements
Receiving monthly bank
statements and credit card bills electronically instead of in the mail can save
a lot of trees.
But because old statements may prove helpful
during tax time or help substantiate a previous transaction, find out how long
electronic statements will be available online to view and perhaps download to
your computer. Also ask about the fees you'd pay if you need a paper copy of an
old statement.
Electronic Banking and Bill
Payments
This includes conducting
transactions over the Internet, via a debit or credit card, or using your
telephone or cell phone instead of writing and mailing checks. But make sure you
know what fees may be assessed for using these options. Also be careful to
record electronic withdrawals in your checkbook, so you don't inadvertently
overdraw your account.
Automatic Withdrawals and
Deposits
You may be able to pay
utility bills and other routine, recurring transactions by having the funds
automatically withdrawn from your checking account or charged to your credit
card before the due date. Be sure, though, to review the bill each month for
errors and record the transactions in your checkbook or personal finance
software. Another option is to have your payroll or Social Security checks
deposited directly into your bank account, which reduces paper and saves gas by
cutting down on car rides to the bank or automatic teller machine
(ATM).
Special
Financing
Some banks will offer a
lower interest rate on a loan for energy-efficient cars or home improvements
that will save energy.
Buy
less; save more.
For example,
consider new ways to reuse or borrow items instead of buying new ones. You'll
not only help the environment by consuming less, but you can save more
money that can go into a savings account.
Information courtesy of the Employee
Assistance Program
