Create a plan for 2026 & beyond with help from Member Benefits

s we begin 2026, it’s a natural time to reflect on where we are and consider how to prepare for the year ahead. NYSUT Member Benefits offers a variety of endorsed programs that can support members in planning for their financial, legal and personal well-being.

One of the most important items on your list should be to regularly evaluate your legal and financial needs. Our Legal Service Plan (provided by the law firm of Feldman, Kramer & Monaco since 1980) offers access to a panel of attorneys for personal legal matters; unlimited telephone consultations and letter writing; and a legal security package containing a simple will, health care proxy, living will and power of attorney.

Note: NYSUT members in a non-full dues category or split dues category can participate in our Legal Assistance Plan at no cost, providing eligible members with free telephone access to attorneys along with a limited number of legal documents.

Our Financial Counseling Program — provided by Stacey Braun Associates, Inc. — includes access to a team of certified financial planners who can offer unbiased financial counseling services to members and their loved ones. For almost 50 years, Stacey Braun has been an investment advisory company with a focus on offering fee-based customized financial advice for both groups and individuals.

We know that life can change at a moment’s notice; do you have an emergency fund in case an unexpected situation arises? NYSUT members can grow their savings over time with Synchrony Bank through high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit — featuring special rates higher than those available to the general public.

Improving your financial knowledge is a key part of building a successful retirement plan. Powered by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, our Financial Learning Center is a free online resource with monthly articles about topics such as dealing with debt, different types of insurance, the importance of creating an estate plan, saving for retirement, creating a budget and more. Already retired? No problem! You can also select from articles about long-term care, strategies for summer travel, and saving on car insurance, among many others.

Looking for assistance with debt relief? Our partnership with Cambridge Credit Counseling can help NYSUT members better understand their student loan repayment options and/or debt consolidation. Over 1,000 members have already been counseled by a Cambridge counselor to date; more than 400 have enrolled in their debt management program, with an estimated savings of over $60,000 in interest per member.

Get started on building your plan today. Visit memberbenefits.nysut.org or call 800-626-8101 to learn more about the endorsed benefits available to you as a NYSUT member.