2026 Smarter in September: Our virtual series recap
In September, UBT’s Journey team brought back our beloved Smarter in September series, a virtual how-to lineup designed to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. Attendees joined us every other Tuesday at 2 p.m. for expert-led sessions that tackled some of life’s more delicate and important topics — including whole-person wellness, Medicare Open Enrollment, and fraud prevention.
Each segment featured live Q&A and helpful resources, with some presenters offering handouts to deepen the experience. Whether you joined us live or are catching up on YouTube, these thoughtful and practical sessions are well worth your time. So, settle in, browse the recaps, and get ready to push play — it’s time to get smarter!
Smarter About Self-Care: Keeping Your Wellness Wheel Rolling Smoothly
What does being healthy really look like as we age? According to Brittany Tran, it’s about much more than good doctor’s reports. Using the Wellness Wheel as a guide, Brittany explored five interconnected areas of well-being: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual. She encouraged attendees to think holistically about their health, noting that when one spoke weakens, life can feel a little bumpier, but every spoke can be strengthened at any age. Along the way, she shared simple strategies for improving wellness, from taking walks and reading daily to practicing gratitude and connecting with loved ones. Her message was both practical and encouraging: Start where you are, take one small step, and let your wellness wheel find its rhythm. Have a look!
Smarter About Medicare: What you need to know about open enrollment
Medicare can feel overwhelming, but Jonathan Burlison helped attendees make sense of the many options available. He started with Medicare basics and qualifications before exploring how various coverage choices can work together to meet individual needs. Jonathan also highlighted the importance of reviewing annual plan changes during open enrollment and shared where to find reliable resources, including the Medicare & You handbook and Annual Notice of Change mailed to current enrollees. Just as importantly, he discussed how to recognize and help prevent Medicare fraud, emphasizing that protecting personal and financial information not only safeguards individuals but also helps preserve the Medicare system for everyone. Throughout the presentation, Jonathan's message was clear: informed decisions start with trusted information, and help is available when you need it. Check it out!
Smarter About Fraud Prevention: Outsmarting Today's Scams
Featuring Dana Turner, CISSP, Chief Information Security Officer at Union Bank & Trust
Fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, but understanding how they operate can help you stay one step ahead. Drawing on decades of cybersecurity experience, Dana Turner gave attendees an eye-opening look at today's fraud landscape, explaining how bad actors gather information from public records, social media, data breaches, and other sources to make their scams seem remarkably convincing. He shared practical ways to recognize warning signs before fraud occurs, protect sensitive information, and reduce your digital footprint. During a candid question-and-answer session, Dana tackled topics ranging from phishing attempts and card skimming to identity theft, data privacy, and the safe use of everyday AI tools. Throughout his presentation, the message was clear: knowledge is one of the most effective tools consumers have for protecting their identity, finances, and peace of mind.
That’s a wrap!
Thank you for joining us for another Smarter in September! Whether you attended one session, all three, or you're catching up through the recordings, we hope you came away with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and practical tools you can put to use every day. We're grateful to our presenters for sharing their time and expertise, and to our Journey friends for continuing to make lifelong learning such an important part of the Journey experience. Until next time, stay curious and keep learning!
Learning Center articles, guides, blogs, podcasts, and videos are for informational purposes only and are not an advertisement for a product or service. The accuracy and completeness is not guaranteed and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Please consult with your own tax, legal, and financial advisors.
