UBT Journey’s Smarter in September series is back!
![A woman smiling as she looks at her computer](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_featured_image_2x/public/image/2024-08/Smarter-in-September-blogAug24.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=3zw3VFbz)
September, by its very nature, has kind of scholarly feel to it, doesn’t it? The carefree days of summer have departed (although its temperatures stick around, or at least periodically resurface), and classes are back in session for students everywhere. If you can’t help but feel left out of the education action, we have just the thing! Returning to your favorite device per your request is Smarter in September, the wildly popular virtual series designed to broaden your horizons on a wide range of topics — stuff that we’d all like to understand a bit better. It couldn’t be more convenient, there’s no final exam, and it won’t cost you a thing!
Every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in September, we’ll come to you virtually with our expert(s) of the week, offering enrichment on this year’s lineup of topics: meal planning without breaking the bank, preparing to re-enroll in Medicare, making the most of education savings for your favorite students, and next steps when rightsizing your home (or buying that perfect vacation getaway). Each segment is totally watch-worthy, we promise. Our presenters are great at covering all the basics — and then some — on their topic of expertise, but there’s always time for questions, and we welcome them!
Register using the links below. Sign up for as many sessions as you like — but hurry, you’ll want to have the link and be ready to go, and you’ll receive the link when you register. (We do record the sessions for viewing later, but it’s not quite the same experience. It’s handy for reviewing, though!)
Smarter Shopping and Meal Prep: Getting the most bang for your grocery buck
Tuesday, September 3 | 2 p.m.
Featuring Jennifer Dunavan, MS, RD, LMNT — Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian
Food costs are soaring, and planning healthful meals that don’t break the bank can prove to be a challenge. Join us as Jennie shares best practices for grocery shopping, meal prep pointers, and healthy eating tips to optimize our grocery budgets. She’ll also treat us to a look at her new favorite products — some nutritional powerhouses, some time-saving splurges, some just new and novel — so dial in for dietary enlightenment!
Smarter About Education Expenses: Saving for higher education while saving on taxes
Tuesday, September 10 | 2 p.m.
Featuring Donna Crownover, Vice President and College Savings Plan Relationship Manager – Union Bank &Trust
Studies show that students with savings accounts are three times more likely to go on to higher education, and we all have a great, grand, or other special student that we want to set up for success. Join us as our friendly college savings plan expert takes us through saving for our loved ones’ education while enjoying the benefits of tax advantages, flexible contribution options, and a wide range of investment choices.
Smarter About Medicare: What you need to know about open enrollment
Tuesday, September 17 | 2 p.m.
Featuring Jonathan Burlison, Director of the Nebraska SHIP/SMP Division – Nebraska Department of Insurance
Medicare open enrollment (also known as the annual election period) happens every year from October 15 through December 7, giving you a dedicated window in which to review your current coverage, compare it with other options, and make any necessary changes. Tune into this helpful session as our expert takes us through what we need to consider when reviewing current Medicare coverage.
Smarter About Rightsizing: Finding and funding your perfect fit
Tuesday, September 24 | 2 p.m.
Featuring Tami Wolford, Assistant Vice President and Home Loan Officer (NMLS ID #422466), and Mariana Hunt, Assistant Vice President and Home Loan Officer (NMLS ID #826767), both from Union Bank & Trust
Doug Hanna, Realtor©, Home Real Estate
As folks enter a new life season, many make the decision to rightsize — whether that means purchasing a second or vacation home, a maintenance-free condominium, or anything in between. Whatever rightsizing looks like for you, you’ll need to come up with an action plan, including the smartest way to pay for it. Tune in as our seasoned experts talk you through a handful of helpful scenarios and offer insights on prepping your current home to sell.