SUMMER 2011

your$™A magazine from WEA Trust Member Benefits

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weabenefits.com

Moving your retirement savings account:

your accountRetired? Policy updates could mean savings.

your moneyFifteen money saving survival strategies.

your kioskIn a car accident—now what?

$hould I Stay or $hould I Go?

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to include in your $urvival kit (see page 4) is up to you. The most important thing is to be intentional, be prepared. Take control of your finances or be controlled. The former is recommended.

You can do it! If there’s one thing I know for sure about Wisconsin public school employees, it’s that you are adaptable and among the most resilient members of our community.

Remember that the staff at Member Benefits is here to assist you in any way we can.

Happy summer!

3 YOUR ACCOUNT- Newmutualfundscomingsoon.- SociallyresponsiblefundsFYI.- Retired?Updateyourpolicies.- Scholarshipawardedtofurther

financialliteracy.

4 YOUR MONEY- Fifteenmoneysavingsurvival

strategies.

6 YOUR INVESTMENT- Doyourresearchbeforeswitching

retirementsavingsplanproviders.

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I wasn’t a Boy Scout, but I know the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared.

According to Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, it means to be prepared for “any old thing.” To be ready in mind and body for struggles,

and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead. In essence, be prepared for life.

Easier said than done. Life throws us all kinds of curve balls, like the one launched on February 12 that has the

potential for significant changes in Wisconsin public schools and for those who make our schools among the best in the country.

Much is still unclear, but one thing is certain…it’s going to be different.

There’s a high probability that there will be less funding for schools and reduced compensation for public school employees. Knowing this, it seems appropriate to take advantage of this knowledge and plan ahead. We all know that it’s easier to face challenges with a plan in hand.

In this issue, you’ll learn how changes big and small can help you adjust to a new economic reality. What you choose

your$CONTENTS SUMMER2011

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8 YOUR BENEFITS- Long-termcareinsurance:

Separatingfactsfrommyths.

10 YOUR KIOSK- Summerfun…onthecheap.- Inacaraccident—nowwhat?

president’s letterDave Kijek, President/CEO,WEATrustMemberBenefits{

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© 2011 WEA Member Benefit Trust.All Rights Reserved.

™

Being prepared can make all the difference

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{ your account

IRA and 403(b) NewsNew address? Let us know.

If you have recently moved or have plans to move this summer, please let us know your new address. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) prohibits the WEA Insurance Corporation from sharing any personal information with other organizations, including WEA Trust Member Benefits™.

• Contact us directly at 1-800-279-4030 or log into your WEAccess account to change your address on your retirement savings accounts.

• If you also have your auto or homeowners insurance with us, you can use our online Update your Policy application or call 1-800-279-4010 to make the change.

New mutual funds coming soon.As part of our ongoing due diligence regarding the investment options

offered in our 403(b) and IRA programs, the investment committee rec-ommended—and our Board of Trustees approved—changes to the mutual fund offerings. The new funds will be available later this summer. Watch the mail for more details.

Socially responsible fundsAt Member Benefits we offer a wide variety of quality investment choices.

One of those choices is a socially responsible investment (SRI) fund. For those of you not familiar with these investments, SRI funds not only screen securities for potential returns but also for social and environmental busi-ness practices. For example, our Parnassus Equity Income Institutional fund screens companies for environmental, employee relations, employ-ment diversity, community involvement, and ethical business activities. In addition, SRI funds may not invest in companies that manufacture alcohol or tobacco, are involved in gambling, manufacture weapons, or generate nuclear power. With this additional evaluation process, SRI funds have a smaller number of investment opportunities available, which may hinder their performance. If you have questions about SRI funds or other invest-ments available, please call us at 1-800-279-4030, Ext. 8568.

Keep in mind that mutual fund investments are not guaranteed and may gain or losevalue. Past performance is no guarantee for future results. Future performance may belowerorhigherthanpastperformance.Beforeinvestinginanymutualfund,callWEATrustMemberBenefitsat1-800-279-4030torequestaprospectus.Weadviseyoutoreaditcare-fullyandconsiderthefund’sinvestmentobjectives,risks,andchargesandexpensescare-fullybeforeinvesting.Theprospectuscontainsthisandotherinformationabouttheinvest-mentcompany.

If you’ve recently retired, take time to evaluate your auto and home insurance to make sure your coverage is still appropri-ate. For instance, the fact that you won’t be driving to work each day may reduceyourautopremium.

WEA Trust Member Benefits is providing a scholarship for an attendee of the National Institute for Financial and Economic Literacy program hosted by Edgewood College in Madison this summer.

This year’s scholarship winner is Cynthia Chin, a high school mathematics teacher in the Madison School District.

The program, which has sessions running from June through August, is designed to provide educators with the tools and training needed to teach financial education—from basic to advanced.

For more information about opportunities for educators available through the National Institute for Financial and Economic Literacy program, go to wdfi.org.

Scholarship awarded to further financial literacy

Be your own $uper Hero!

Detailsandregistrationatweabenefits.com/superhero

Empower yourself this summer by attending financial seminars.Seminars run through August 18.

Give us a call at 1-800-279-4010.Property & casualty insurance programs are underwritten by WEA Property & Casualty Insurance Company.

{ your money

What will your future paycheck look like? The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling upholding Act 10—which eliminates collective bargaining and also requires most public employees to pay 50% of their WRS contribution, and up to 12% of their health insurance premium—will impact the take-home pay of Wisconsin public school employees.

What changes will you make to survive on less?

It may be tempting to stop or not start contributing to an IRA or 403(b). We counter the “I can’t afford to save” argument with “You can’t afford NOT to save.” Yes, you will be contributing more to WRS, but the amount going in doesn’t change. The only change is that you are making the contribution instead of your employer.

SURVIVING ON A SMALLER PAYCHECKIs a smaller paycheck in your future? What will you do to get by on less? Will you put your 403(b) or IRA contributions on the chopping block? Think twice. It’s more important than ever to save for retirement. So, what’s the answer? Be prepared. Here are 15 money savers to help you get started.

Your personal savings (403(b) and IRA) will still need to account for 22%–46% of your retirement income depending on your years of service. Reduced employer-based retirement benefits effectively shifts the responsibility to save squarely on your shoulders. It’s time to take a hard look at the state of your finances and put together a survival strategy. It’s time to put the Boy Scout motto into play: Be prepared.

To help you start putting together a strategy for this new economic environment, we’ve put together a list of 15 money saving ideas to put in your survival kit. Most can help reduce your expenses without negatively impacting your lifestyle.

CashIt’s simple. People who shop with cash

spend 20% less than those who shop with a credit card.

W-4 formIf you are like most middle-class

Americans, you allow the government to claim more than its share every single payday. The proof: In 2010, the average income-tax refund rose to a record of nearly $2,900.

Consider filing a revised W-4—the form that determines how much federal income tax is withheld from your checks—to increase your cash flow.

Use the worksheet that comes with the W-4 to help you determine the appropriate number of “allowances” you can claim. The more allowances, the less income tax will be withheld.

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Spend20%lessbyshoppingwithcash.

Avoid impulse purchases. Shop with a list.

Hundreds of uses for less than $2/gallon.

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Grocery listReduce food waste and save money by

shopping with a list. Preparing a list will help you plan your weekly menu and avoid impulse buys which can quickly add up. Other money saving grocery shopping tips: never go to the store hungry, clip coupons, and go generic when you can.

Vinegar. Yes, vinegarStop buying expensive name brand

household cleaners that just do one thing. White distilled vinegar is an inexpensive household cleaner, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs due to its level of acidity. It’s environmentally friendly and comes in under $2 per gallon. There are hundreds of uses for vinegar—just google it.

Walking shoes/bicycleA report released by the Natural Resource

Defense Council (NRDC) found that the average Wisconsin citizen spent 4.61% of their income on gasoline alone in 2010. And it’s expected to increase in 2011.

So, before you jump in the car, consider walking or biking to your destination. It will reduce your gasoline consumption and improve your bottom line. Plus, the extra exercise can help you reduce stress, lose weight, and shrink your carbon footprint.

Tire gaugeIt may not be realistic to walk or bike

everywhere, but you can save money on gas by improving your gas mileage. Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve your mileage by more than 3%. Improve your mileage further by cleaning out your

trunk—another 2% gain for every 100 pounds you shed. Finally, free smartphone apps like GasBuddy will guide you to the cheapest gas in your area.

Library cardWhy buy books when you can borrow

them for free from your local library. You can also borrow magazines, DVDs, music CDs, and even use their computers. What a deal.

Coffee grinderYou can get a quality cup of coffee for

pennies on the dollar by brewing your own. A pound of quality beans runs $8–$10 and yields 30–40 cups depending on strength. Cost: about 30¢ a cup. A tall cup o’ jo at the typical coffee shop can easily run $2 or $10/week, $40/month. Double that if you get the double-mocha frappe. It’s easy math. Stop making the daily run and brew at home.

Brown paper bagAmericans spend serious dollars eating

out. According to a consumer expenditure survey from 2009, the average American spends $2,619 on food away from home annually. Packing your lunch runs about one third the cost of eating out. Depending on your household habits, reducing how often you lunch out could mean significant savings. For instance, someone who eats lunch out three times per week at an average cost of $8 spends $1,248 a year—the equivalent of the average monthly house payment in Wisconsin.

Refi formsRefinancing can be a good financial

choice that enables you to meet a variety of needs:• Reduce your monthly payments by

taking advantage of lower interest rates or extending the repayment period.

• Reduce your interest rate risk by switching from an adjustable-rate or from a balloon mortgage to a fixed-rate loan.

• Reduce your interest cost over the life of your mortgage by taking advantage of lower rates or shortening the term of your loan.

• Pay off your mortgage faster (accelerating the build-up of equity) by shortening the term of your loan.

• Provide funds for major expenses or to consolidate debts.

Make sure to shop around, talk to a trusted advisor, and ask about actual savings and closing costs before you sign on the line.

CouponsUsing coupons for everything from

groceries to entertainment should be your standard MO. There are great opportunities for real savings for both local businesses and national chains through the WEAC Savers Club, Entertainment books, and online coupons like Groupon. Groupon negotiates huge discounts—usually 50%–90% off—with businesses near and far. Subscribers are notified daily of new offers. Everything from spa services, to restaurants, to exercise classes,

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continued on page 9

Ave. Wisconsinite spent 4.61% of income on gas

last year. Here’s an option.

Borrow books, DVDs, magazines for free from

your local library.

Brew 7 cups at home for the price of one at a

typical coffee shop.

Library Card

John Doe

weabenefits.com

{ your investment

$hould I Stay or $hould I Go?

Moving your retirement savings account from one provider to another is a big decision. You can potentially save a boat load of money, but if you haven’t done your “due diligence,” it can also be a costly decision—with hidden fees and reduced flexibility. Before you commit to moving money in or out of an account, make sure you get the facts.

W hen participants call to tell us they want to transfer money out of their 403(b) or IRA account, we take the

opportunity to ask a few questions about their decision. This gives us a chance to learn ways we might improve or enhance our program to better meet participant needs. It’s also an opportunity to help them address critical financial issues related to moving money. In short, help them avoid making a costly mistake.

Quite often we find that a participant’s decision to transfer out of our programs is based on misinformation or incomplete information from a competing provider.

Here are some of the reasons participants give for moving their retirement accounts and our response to these concerns.

“There are no fees with the new account.”

Reducing costs is a great reason to transfer because if you are paying less in fees, more of your money is working for you. In fact, reducing costs is a top reason people transfer into our programs.

However, Scott Thomas, Assistant Retirement and Investment Services Consultant at Member Benefits, cautions members to be wary of accounts claiming no fees. “It is unlikely that there are no fees associated with a retirement account. If it sounds too

good to be true, it probably is.”According to Thomas, many of the fees

that plan providers charge may not be listed as line items on your statement. Fees can oftentimes be embedded in the return the plan provider credits your account or are assessed up front at the time of each contribution.

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Example: A plan provider might assess an up-front charge of 5.75% of every purchase or charge an ongoing expense of 0.90%–2.0% on the total value of your investment, but these costs will not show up on your statement. Remember that every percentage point you pay out needs to be made up in returns just to break even.

Member Benefits charges one lowadministrativefeewithanannualfeecapforboth403(b)andIRA.Don’tpaymorethan$300annuallyona403(b)accountor$500annuallyonanIRA.*

In addition, some accounts may have a surrender fee—or early withdrawal penalty—that is applied if you move your account prior to the end of the surrender period (typically 7–10 years). These penalties can be significant and could be a factor on both ends of a transfer depending on the providers involved in the transaction.

WEA TSA Trust 403(b) and the WEACIRA programs do not have surrenderfees or other transaction fees. Plus, ifyour current provider has a surrenderfee,we’llworkwithyoutoavoidmovingmoneythattriggersthefees.

“I want to increase the rate of return on my fixed investment. The guaranteed rate isn’t paying out as I expected.”

This comment almost always stems from a misunderstanding about how the Guaranteed Investment annual rate of return is applied and reflected on your statements.

The crediting rate for the Guaranteed Investment in 2011 is 4.25% annual yield before fees. To earn the full 4.25%, you must be invested for the full period. The rate is applied cumulatively and will not reflect the full annual yield until the fourth quarter statements. Your statement shows earnings for the quarter and year-to-date, which might look something like 1.14% first quarter, 2.28% second quarter, 3.45% third quarter, and so on until you realize the full yield (net of fees) on your fourth quarter statement.

The 2011 guaranteed rate for the WEATSATrust403(b)andWEACIRAis4.25%and is guaranteed not to go below 4%annualyield.

Interest is compounded daily to produce a 4.25% annual yield for 2011 prior to the deduction of administrative fees of the WEA TSA Trust and WEAC IRA programs.

Principal and net credited interest are fully guaranteed by Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company. Such guarantees are based upon the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the insurance company issuing the contract. The Guaranteed Investment rate is guaranteed not to go below 4% annual yield.

“My spouse and I are consolidating accounts.”

Consolidation can create ease of management, simplicity, and potentially eliminate redundant fees. Managing multiple accounts can be a lot of work. If you and your spouse have five different accounts, you receive five different quarterly statements. Each reports the quarter’s activity differently, so it’s no small feat to get a glimpse of your overall situation. With your assets in one place, you get a clearer snapshot of where you are financially.

What some participants don’t realize is that our IRA program is available to spouses or domestic partners, as well as parents, parents-in-law, and children (Wisconsin residency required, restrictions may apply). With our low fees and Guaranteed Investment, there’s no need to go anywhere else to enjoy all of the benefits of consolidation.

“We simplify the process by helping members fill out forms and by participating in conference calls with your existing provider to address any issues and expedite the process,” says Thomas.

Spouses can participate in our IRAprogram. Consolidate your accountswithMemberBenefitsandget low feesandtheeaseofmanagementyoudesire.

“I’m moving because my beneficiaries will have to cash out and pay high taxes when I pass away.”

While some employer-sponsored 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans require the

money to leave the plan when the account is passed on to beneficiaries, Member Benefits does not. Your beneficiaries can maintain the account with us, stretch payments out over their lifetime, or receive the funds in a lump sum. However, any distribution directly received by the beneficiary will be taxed, but having the flexibility of how it is distributed may reduce the tax burden.

Beneficiaries can stay in our plan andchoosehow theywant to investor takewithdrawals.Plus,theycanbenefitfromlowfeesandourGuaranteedInvestment.

“You don’t have local agents.”

While this is true, our retirement savings consultants will meet with members either in person at our Madison office or via telephone. In fact, we offered free retirement savings consultations to almost 13,000 members in 2010. We provide members with the resources and education needed to make sound decisions about their accounts. Our consultants are not paid commissions on product sales like other agents, so we are able to provide unbiased information.

Ourstaff isnoncommissioned,soyou’llget information, not a sales pitch. Wehad a 98% retention rate and 98%satisfactionratein2010.

If you are considering a move—whether it’s in or out—give one of our consultants a call at 1-800-279-4030. They are happy to help you evaluate your options and consider all the important aspects of moving your retirement account.

FACT

*Mutual fund management fees may also apply for each mutual fund in which you invest.

TSA program securities offered through WEA Investment Services, Inc., member FINRA.

The Trustee for the WEAC IRA program is First Business Trust & Investments.

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.

FACT

FACT

FACT

FACT

FACT

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{ your benefits

Long-Term Care: Separating Facts From Myths

Myth #1: Health insurance, or surely Medicare, will cover LTC costs.

Even the best health insurance (and Medicare) was not designed to cover unskilled (custodial) care that’s often needed during recovery from strokes, serious accidents, or chronic health conditions like diabetes, MS, and Alzheimer’s. After the first 30–90 days, neither health insurance nor Medicare will pay for custodial care, which means the costs must come from personal savings and assets. This information is usually found in the “Exclusions” section of health insurance policies.

Myth #2: It pays to wait as long as possible to buy LTC insurance.

This approach is gambling with your future, because no one knows when one might have a serious accident, suffer a stroke, or develop a disqualifying medical condition. Individual LTC insurance is underwritten, which means you must be in reasonably good health when applying. And LTC premiums are age-based, which means the younger the applicant, the lower the premiums over the lifetime of the policy.

Myth #3: LTC insurance is “nice to have” vs. “need to have.”

To preserve assets, choice, and independence, only LTC insurance will cover extended personal care. Without it, even the most careful financial plan can be derailed.

Some employers offer LTC insurance as part of their group benefits. For employees without this benefit, consider purchasing individual LTC insurance. To learn more about the WEA Trust Member Benefits-sponsored individual LTC insurance program, call 1-888-247-5905 or visit weabenefits.com/ltc.

Did you know…• Nearly 40% of the 12.8 million Americans who use long-term care

are between the ages of 18 and 64.

• Of all Americans reaching age 65, one-half of the women and one-third of the men will need nursing home care at some time in their lives.

• The average cost of one year in a nursing home in Wisconsin is over $74,500. And, if you receive care in your home, the average hourly rate for a home health aide in Wisconsin is $25.50 per hour (Mutual of Omaha 2010 Cost of LTC Services Survey).

Program administered by LTCi Marketing Administrators (LiMA).

Long-term care insurance products are underwritten by multiple LTC insurers.

Lunch and Learn LTC informational seminars are also being offered now through August 18 as part of our Beyourown$uperHero summer seminar series at locations around the state. Learn more at weabenefits.com/superhero.

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One of the most misunderstood insurance products today is long-term care (LTC) insurance. Without LTC coverage, people of all ages are vulnerable to the high cost of extended care that’s often needed after a serious accident or illness. Below we set straight some of the most common LTC myths.

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and more. If you are going to spend on discretionary items and services, don’t pay full price.

Craigslist/freecycle Make a few bucks by selling something

on craigslist.org or find something you need (FOR FREE) on freecycle.org. Items listed include furniture, garden tools, bikes, plants, scrap booking supplies…pretty much anything you can think of. Taking something you need off someone else’s hands keeps it out of the landfill and saves you money.

TentSay no to hotel costs and yes to $12–

$15 for state park campsite fees. Camping is an adventure for the whole family and can be done on the cheap. You don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets or equipment to camp, but you will need a tent. Prices will vary depending on size, but this small investment will pay for itself in a short time. You might even find a free tent on freecycle.com. Get help online to plan a successful camping trip on the cheap.

Nicotine patch or other quit smoking aids

There are a lot of good reasons to quit smoking, but the monetary reason alone is quite compelling. The cost of a pack of cigarettes averages around $4.50, including taxes, depending on where you live. Using this number, a pack-a-day smoker burns through about $31.50 per week or $1,638 per year. That’s a house

payment, a nice vacation with the family, or a hefty contribution to an IRA. A 40-year-old who quits smoking and puts the savings into a 403(b) and earns 7% a year would have $165,557 by age 70*.

Plus, quitting can save even more when you consider that smokers pay more for insurance, lose money on the resale value of their homes and cars, spend extra money on dry cleaning and teeth cleaning, not to mention the health related costs.

Many health plans help cover some or all costs of medicines and counseling to help you quit smoking.

Credit union membershipHigher yields, lower borrowing rates,

and fewer fees are reasons many choose a credit union. When you join a credit union, you are a member with a share of ownership.

Nationwide, members save $6.3 billion annually by using a credit union instead of a bank or $150 per household for credit union members.

Credit unions are not-for-profit institutions—returning any profits to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates, and free or low-cost services. As with banks, credit union deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the federal government.

Be preparedThere is no denying that the idea of a

smaller paycheck stinks. But you can reduce the potential stress by taking charge. You can do it! This as an opportunity to take

{YOUR IDEASHow will you survive on less? Send us your money saving ideas and we’ll post them on our Web site.

Send an e-mail to memberbenefits@weabenefits.com. Please type “your$” into the subject line.

stock of your finances, set priorities, and move ahead with a plan—your plan—that will minimize the impact on your future financial security. In essence, live the Boy Scout motto, Be prepared.

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.

*This example uses a projected earning rate of 7% for illustrative purposes only. No guarantees are expressed or implied. Results will vary depending upon the actual rate used in the calculations. Over time, the results of any investment will fluctuate and are not guaranteed.

continued from page 5

Packing your lunch costs about two-thirds less than eating out.

State park campsite fees can run 85% less

than hotel costs.

A pack a day = $1,638/year—more than the avg.

mortgage payment.

{ your kiosk

10

Summer Fun…On The CheapCheck out these unique Wisconsin events. Have fun without breaking the bank.

Betty Boop FestivalJuly 28–31, Wisconsin Rapids

This festival, which honors the original animator of Betty Boop—Wisconsin Rapids native Grim Natwick—features a Betty Boop look-alike contest, motorcycle races, pig roast, drawing activities for all ages, and more.Cost: Eventsrangefrom$0–$15

EAA AirVentureJuly 25–31, Oshkosh

This is the world’s largest gathering for recreational pilots and aviation enthusiasts. This event features more than 10,000 airplanes and daily air shows.Cost: $35/adult,$20/student,children5andunderarefree.

Lumberjack World Championships July 29–31, Hayward

This international competition welcomes professional lumberjacks and log rollers from around the world to compete for one of the largest purses in lumberjack competitions. More than 12,000 spectators watch as participants compete in sawing, climbing, log rolling, and chopping events.Cost: Generaladmissionstartsat$14foradultsand$12forchildren.

Pig in the Pines RibFestAugust 4–6, St. Germain

Enjoy a meal or sampler of ribs from professional award winning national rib vendors. This event also features live music and family attractions.Cost: $7/person,children10andunderarefree

Getaquote.

Choosecoverageandpremiumrate.

Selectstartdateandpaymentplan.

Callcurrentinsurertocancelonstartdate.Ifinsurerrequireswrittennotification,wecanprovideacancellationform.You’redone!Coveragewillbeginonyourstartdate.

{ WANT MORE?

Dairyland Surf ClassicSeptember 3–5, Sheboygan

Check out the largest gathering of freshwater surfers in the world at the Dairyland Surf Classic. Surfers from all over the world participate in paddle relays, competitions, and surfing on Lake Michigan.Cost: Free

1.2.3.4.

Switching your personal insurance provider can be a pain, right? Not with WEA Property and Casualty programs. We make it easy to switch to us today—your coverage can begin immediately without advanced payment. Plus, we can give you a simple cancellation form for your old policy, and you will receive a refund from your current carrier for any unearned premium.

Switching is easy

weabenefits.com

WisconsinDept.ofTourismtravelwisconsin.com

EAAAirVentureairventure.org

BettyBoopFestivalbettyboopfestivalwi.com

LumberjackWorldChampionshipslumberjackworldchampionships.com

PiginthePinesRibFestst-germain.com/pig

DairylandSurfClassicvisitsheboygan.com

Property & casualty insurance programs are underwritten by WEA Property & Casualty Insurance Company.

Followthesefoureasystepstoswitchyourinsurance:

weabenefits.com 11

DO:• Make sure you and your passengers are OK. Move

as far off the roadway as possible, but stay at the scene of the accident.

• Provide assistance to any injured party to the best of your ability and call for medical assistance if necessary.

• Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights or setting flares.

• Call the police. This is particularly important if anyone is injured or if you think the damage to a vehicle or other property may be more than $1,000.

• Write down the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone involved.

• Get the insurance company and vehicle identifica-tion number from the other driver(s), as well as a description of the car and license plate number.

• Identify witnesses who were not involved in the accident. Obtain names and contact information.

• Report your claim to your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you are insured through Member Benefits, call us at 1-800-279-4010 or 1-800-241-2541 after hours (reference #11497). You can also file a claim online at weabenefits.com.

DON’T:• Do not admit liability.

• Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or your insurance representative.

• Do not discuss your insurance coverage with any-one except your insurance representative.

• Do not authorize repairs before getting approval.

Meet Jenny Rowley, Member Service Consultant for Member Benefits.

Jenny has been helping members with their insurance needs since 1980. “I really love working with members, answering their questions, and helping them understand their policies.” If you buy a new vehicle, add a driver, or make other changes to your policy, Jenny is one of four Member Service Consultants who can help you.

A native and current Verona resident, Jenny and her husband have two children and four grandchildren.

In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading novels, working with crafts, and going to auctions.

She is known by her colleagues for her homemade sauerkraut, which is auctioned off to the highest bidder at a silent auction Member Benefits holds annually to support United Way.

TEAM PROFILEMEET THE TEAMI had a car accident.

Now what?Steps to take at the accident scene.

{

PRESORTED STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID

MADISON WI PERMIT NO 2750

PO Box 7893, Madison, WI 53707-7893

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AUTO

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HOME

Summer is a great time toget a quote

from your union-created insurance program. Use our easy online request form.

weabenefits.com/getaquoteProperty & casualty insurance programs are underwritten by WEA Property & Casualty Insurance Company.