A Life Well Lived: CalHR Benefits Newsletter — April 2026
April is all about investing in your future. This month, we’re highlighting ways to understand your money and benefits, plan ahead and use tools that help you stay secure and take care of your wellbeing.
Strengthen Your Financial Future This Month
April is National Financial Literacy Month.
This month, consider taking time to:
- Review your budget and track your spending.
- Check your savings and plan for upcoming expenses.
- Explore state benefits that help your financial and overall wellbeing, like Savings Plus, the Employee Wellness Program (Live Well) and the Employee Assistance Program (Whole You).
- Learn about tax strategies and prepare for the filing deadline.
This month is your chance to get financially savvy and strengthen your financial wellbeing. Budget wisely, invest thoughtfully and prepare for tax season. Are you ready?
Live Well – Build Healthy Habits
April is the perfect time to focus on building healthy habits, both financially and personally. Through Live Well, CalHR’s Employee Wellness Program you have access to on-demand free tools to support your wellbeing at work and beyond.
From April 6-26, join the One Win a Day Challenge on Live Well to encourage simple, daily actions that support your wellbeing.
You can also explore financial wellness programs like Investing & Retirement 101 by Matt Ryan or 7 Steps to Financial Wellness by Manisha Thakur to build confidence managing your money.
Click the tile below to learn more and register for Live Well.
Money Matters: Your Financial Wellbeing Playbook
Your Employee Assistance Program (Whole You) is hosting a webinar on reducing financial stress.
In the session, you will celebrate the financial habits you already practice and create an action plan to improve the habits you want to strengthen.
Take this opportunity to build your financial confidence and work toward a more secure future.
Register for the EAP live webinar Money Matters: The Financial Wellbeing Playbook on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
Join EAP’s live webinar - Money Matters: The Financial Wellbeing Playbook
Watch the webinar to learn from the MSA coaching staff on how to manage your finances. The coaching staff have conducted over a million financial consultations and interviewed their most experienced coaches to create this webinar.
Benefit Highlight: ARAG Group Legal Services
The Group Legal Services Insurance Plan is a voluntary insurance plan available to eligible state employees. Through the current carrier, ARAG, the Plan connects you with network attorneys and other legal resources to help you resolve life’s legal issues while saving thousands of dollars, on average, compared to typical legal fees.
In addition to legal resources, plan benefits include:
- Financial education & counseling: One-on-one consultation with an accredited financial counselor on personal matters, including budgeting, saving for retirement, improving your credit score and creating a personalized debt management plan.
- Tax services: One-on-one consultation with a professional tax specialist for personal tax issues, guidance on IRS audits, review of previous year’s tax returns and discounted personal tax return preparation.
If you are currently enrolled take advantage of these benefits! If you are not enrolled, set a reminder to review it during Open Enrollment (typically September/October) and consider if this benefit could positively support you and your family in 2027.
Watch the Legal Insurance Webinar
Watch a webinar recording regarding how ARAG can assist with everyday legal matters and providing a comprehensive overview of the group legal insurance plan.
Financial Tip: Grow Your Retirement Savings with Savings Plus
Even with a CalPERS pension, it may not fully cover the lifestyle you want in retirement. Savings Plus helps you close the gap by giving you flexible 401(k) and 457(b) options to grow your savings and plan for the future you deserve.
By contributing to Savings Plus now, you can boost your retirement readiness and feel more confident about tomorrow. This benefit is available to most State of California employees and is designed to complement your pension for a stronger financial foundation.
Live Well in 2026
Investing in your financial wellbeing does not need to be hard. This April, explore your state benefits and discover financial resources. These resources can help you plan for your future and build long-term security for you and your family.
For more information about state employee benefits, visit the CalHR Benefits website. For questions about your benefits eligibility or enrollment, contact your departmental personnel officer. For health benefits information specifically, visit the CalPERS website.
