Your Retirement in Focus: Recent Episodes
Teachers Retirement System of Georgia
The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is committed to provide our members with valuable information about their retirement benefits. We will focus on educating and engaging our members through their retirement journey. Available on most platforms including iHeartRadio and Castbox! We want to hear from our listeners, please contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Emphasizing the financial challenges and opportunities educators face, podcast guest, Yahrasiel Colbert, Ed.S., leverages over 27 years of multidisciplinary expertise to help people build confidence in their financial independence. Yahrasiel is an educator, works as a consultant, and has authored a financial journal. During this episode, she provides resources for creating realistic budgets and achievable financial goals.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guest: Yahrasiel Colbert, Ed.S.
Highlights from this episode include:
- the four biggest financial challenges faced by educators
- the financial habits of Millennials and Gen Xers
- strategies for managing debt, such as the snowball and avalanche methods
- the importance of finding additional income sources
- highlights from her financial journal
Prioritize your financial well-being by joining us for this episode!
00:00 – Intro
03:45 – Foundation of Yahrasiel Colbert’s Financial Journey
06:17 – The Passion Behind the Work: Educating Educators
07:47 – Four Biggest Financial Challenges for Educators
12:21 – The Importance of Financial Literacy
15:17 – Retirement Planning: Starting Early & Overcoming Obstacles
19:40 – Educators’ Concerns about Retiring Comfortably
22:01 – Resources for Budgeting & Setting Financial Goals
23:37 – Financial Planning Habits of Gen Xers vs. Millennials
26:19 – Managing Debt: Snowball & Avalanche Methods
30:35 – Securing Multiple Streams of Income
32:11 – From Red to Black: Weekly Financial Journal
35:42 – Retirement Savings Plans: 403(b)s, IRAs, & Annuities
41:51 – Catch-Up Contributions
43:35 – Key Takeaways & Contact Information
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!
Don't forget to update your TRS beneficiaries in your online account!
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Light the fire, pour the hot cocoa, and grab your headphones! This end-of-year special from the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia dives deep into the triumphs, challenges, and fascinating facts that marked 2023 for TRS.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guest: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement System of GA
Join us as we:
- Discuss market performance to member milestones.
- Get the scoop on HB 385 and how it can benefit you.
- Practical tips for maximizing your TRS benefit and planning for the future
- Discover the heart of TRS with a peek into hard work by those who keep the plan running smoothly.
- Celebrate the spirit of giving and learn how TRS supports Georgia's amazing charities.
This is your chance to unwind, gain valuable insights, and get pumped for the year ahead. So, whether you're an active member, a proud retiree, or simply fascinated by the world of education, tune in and get the inside scoop on TRS!
So, grab your headphones, hit play, and let's raise a toast to a year well-lived and a bright future ahead!
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
01:35 – Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans’ 2023 TRS Reflections
05:28 – TRS Market Performance
07:16 – Current Active Member & Retiree Totals
08:42 – Intriguing TRS Stats
11:35 – Working in Retirement & HB385 Benefits
15:34 – Tips for Active Members
17:40 – Pre-Retirement Counseling Session Options
21:54 – TRS Member Retirement Trends
22:41 – The Upcoming Legislative Session & What to Expect
26:42 – The Heart of TRS (Our 7 Operating Divisions)
31:04 – The Spirit of Giving in the TRS organization
32:54 – Parting Words from Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans
36:35 – Outro
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!
Don't forget to update your TRS beneficiaries in your online account!
#TRS #retirement #education #Georgia #endoftheyear #podcast #givingback #financialplanning
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All healthcare is not the same. Louis Amis, Executive Director of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) discusses the importance of understanding your health, being realistic about your finances for emergencies, learning about preventative exams, and being aware of common healthcare mistakes so you can make the best decisions! During this episode, he also talks about the SHBP structure, changes to what is being offered, and information specific to active members and retirees. Take an active role in your healthcare and join us for this important podcast discussion.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guest: Louis Amis, Executive Director of the State Health Benefit Plan
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
02:45 – Louis Amis' Road to Executive Director
04:21 – SHBP Structure
05:32 – Three Aspects of Total Wellness
06:51 – Provider Selection Process for the state of Georgia
08:07 – Good Practices for Healthcare Decision Making
11:51 – Common Mistakes made during Open Enrollment
13:18 – Upcoming SHBP Changes (2024 Coverages)
19:08 – Retirees and Medicare Supplements
26:02 – Guidance for Retirees Eligible for Medicare
30:10 – Coverage Info for Out-of-State Retirees
31:04 – Importance of Preventative Measures
32:40 – SHBP Resources
35:42 – Outro
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!
Don't forget to update your TRS beneficiaries in your online account!
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Former teacher, author, and returning podcast guest, Danny Kofke, discusses how to take control of your money using simplified and practical tactics. Through his path in teaching, financial education, writing, and TV guest appearances, Danny has learned that you can’t run a marathon in 30 days. It takes consistency and a personalized approach to build your financial margins…and you can do it too! Danny discusses the “messy middle”, habit-forming tactics, taking the bias out of your finances, the importance of vesting at 10 years, the TRS benefit, and supplementing your retirement income to become a wealthy teacher. As Danny says, “If this former school teacher can do it, so can you!”
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
02:03 – Danny Kofke’s Education Experience
03:47 – Benefits of Teaching Special Education
04:58 – Pivoting Career Paths
07:42 – Insights for Active Educators
11:59 – Tools for Budgeting & Saving
12:45 – Staying Focused
16:46 – Financial Advisers vs. Money Coaches
18:18 – Adjusting to Financial Changes
20:17 – Importance of Vesting
22:04 – How the TRS Benefit Helps
25:08 – Contact Info & Words of Encouragement
26:46 – Outro
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia
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The Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA) has over 32,000 members and advocates for and amplifies the voice of retired educators in Georgia. Dr. Sloan, GREA Executive Director, and 2022-23 President Dr. Henrietta Gray, discuss what sparks their passion for education, the rewards of being a TRS member (including your pension!), and the benefits of being involved with the GREA (fellowship, community, insurance and travel benefits, special projects, and much more). Tune in to be inspired by Dr. Sloan’s and Dr. Gray’s career journeys, student success stories, and insights on why working in education is worth it.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
04:48 - Passion for Education
07:08 - Dr. Sloan & Dr. Gray’s Educational Career Journeys
11:03 - Pursuit of Higher Education
13:16 - How Rewarding Teaching Can Be
16:55 - TRS Pension & Benefits
21:17 - GREA Membership & Benefits
25:04 - Dr. Sloan & Dr. Gray’s Involvement
27:36 - Area Director Requirements
30:08 - How to Get Involved
34:11 - GREA Museum
38:10 - Advice for Active Educators
41:18 - GREA Contact Information
42:38 - Outro
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia
Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/trs-ga/message
Join us in a republish of a previous episode to help you get prepared for your retirement.
Are you considering retiring this year? Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits? These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this episode. Carlos Marshall, New Retirement Manager, and Winston Buckley, Communications Director, give best practices to ensure you receive the necessary information to make the application process as easy as possible for you. We also discuss TRS outreach events, working in retirement, and service purchases.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Timestamps
00:00 - Intro
02:06 - Member Resources
04:44 - Pre-Retirement Counseling Sessions
06:16 - TRS Events & How to Request Them
12:27 - Employer Advertising for TRS Events
14:13 - Summer Retirement Application Deadlines
14:44 - Sick Leave Balances
15:15 - Service Purchases & Air Time
16:46 - Requesting a Benefit Estimate
17:35 - How to Apply for Retirement
19:09 - Options for Working in Retirement
24:40 - Final Recommendations
27:56 - Outro
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TRS podcast host, Everett Crockett talks to Wes Moss, a seasoned financial professional, best-selling author, broadcaster, and teacher. Wes discusses the top 3 financial habits of the happiest retirees and much more! How do events such as marriage, divorce, kids, location, hobbies, and income streams impact your happiness? Money + Health + Connectedness = A happy lifestyle! Join in on our conversation with Wes Moss, author of What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life.
Wes has a quiz to see if you are on the path to becoming a happy retiree.
You can take the quiz here https://www.wesmoss.com/teachers-money-happiness-quiz/.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today! Also, be sure to designate your beneficiaries as soon as possible!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guest: Wes Moss
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia
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Are you considering retiring this year? Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits? These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this replay of one our episodes from the TRS Vault.
Get out your pen and pad and get ready to take notes as Everett Crockett goes over the plan options and important information for you as you prepare for the application process.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today! Also, be sure to designate your beneficiaries as soon as possible!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
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2022 has been a year for the record books for TRS. This has been the 1st full calendar year since the pandemic's beginning that our Atlanta and Macon offices have been open to the public. Our daily operations have not ceased, yet many processes have transformed from how they were years ago. Not to mention, TRS has added several improvements to become both more efficient and productive. Join us as we hear from Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Ed.D., about the system's accolades, accomplishments, fund performance and more.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guests: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Ed.D.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
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In the fall, open enrollment season causes members to reflect on what benefits they currently have and what they will probably need during the upcoming year. Sonya Kinley, Chief Human Resources Officer at TRS, gives us some great tips on what to consider during this time of the year. She even offers some advice for newly hired human resources professionals to become more effective in their roles. Additionally, during open enrollment, members will pay close attention to updating their benefits including health, life, dental, and others, but never quite get around to checking their retirement accounts. Winston Buckley, Director of Communications and Outreach, discusses the importance of having an online account, updating beneficiary information, and using the website to avoid scams.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guests: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Ed.D., Christy Gray, Paige Donaldson, Dale Alexander
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
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Did you know that certain retirees can come back to work in a full-time capacity and continue to receive their retirement benefit at the same time? Well, House Bill 385 allows this type of employment for retirees with 30 or more years of service. During this episode, we discuss the main provisions of the bill, eligibility, rules, and even some investment decisions you should consider.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guests: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Ed.D., Christy Gray, Paige Donaldson, Dale Alexander
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/trs-ga/message
Are you considering retiring this year and have questions about working in retirement? Or are you already a TRS retiree and have had thoughts about your investment strategy in retirement? Well, you have tuned in to the right episode! Dale Alexander has returned to share some information about investing as a retiree and we also revisited our Return To Work episode number 6 which covers details about working as a TRS retiree.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/trs-ga/message
Are you considering retiring this year? Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits? These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this replay of one our episodes from the TRS Vault.
Get out your pen and pad and get ready to take notes as Everett Crockett goes over the plan options and important information for you as you prepare for the application process.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/trs-ga/message
Are you considering retiring this year? Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits? These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this episode. Carlos Marshall, New Retirement Manager, and Winston Buckley, Communications Director, give best practices to ensure you receive the necessary information to make the application process as easy as possible for you. We also discuss TRS outreach events, working in retirement, and service purchases.
If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/trs-ga/message
In this episode we bring you highlights from some of the best parts of interviews we had throughout the year. In these clips you'll hear information about things to consider as an active member, considerations for retirement, innovations at TRS, and even information about the ERS plan. Guests in this episode include:
- Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans - Executive Director of TRS
- Mr. Jim Potvin - Executor Director of ERS
- Paige Donaldson - Director of Employer Services & Contact Management at TRS
- Dale Alexander - President & Founder of Alexander & Co.
- Danny Kofke - Founder of The Wealthy Teacher
- Jerry LeBlanc - Retirement Planner & Training Coordinator at TRS
- Niki Morse - Counseling Manager of Member Services at TRS
- Cherie Brown - Supervisor of Employer Services at TRS
- Rhonda Lastie - Retired TRS member
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Million Dollar Wagon - https://milliondollarwagon.com/
The Wealthy Teacher - http://wealthyteacher.weebly.com/
Employees' Retirement System of Georgia - https://www.ers.ga.gov/
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Join us as we wrap up our second season! This episode will highlight TRS's accomplishments throughout the calendar year of 2021. It has been a year that has been full of challenges and surprises but TRS has continued to provide excellent customer service to its retirees. Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans, Executive Director of TRS, joins us to give an update about the plan's assets, key metrics about the system, as well as updates to the State Charitable Contributions Program and more!
We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
Guest: Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/trs-ga/message
In this episode we had the opportunity to interview Danny Kofke, The Wealthy Teacher, as he describes just how he lives a wealthy lifestyle on a teacher's salary. Danny shares both professional and personal testimony to give great advice on just how he and his family were able to overcome life's challenges and still stay on track to plan for financial security in retirement. As a former teacher, Danny can relate to the challenges that many educators face with keeping up with the day-to-day demands along with life that continues to come full speed.
Danny’s love of teaching and personal finance has led him to write four books. His everyday approach to handling money has led to appearances on numerous television shows including Fox & Friends, The CBS Early Show, CNN’s Newsroom, The 700 Club and The Clark Howard Show. He has also been interviewed on over 600 radio shows and featured in a number of publications including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo.com, Money Magazine, Consumer Reports, Reader's Digest and The Huffington Post.
Danny's wife, Tracy, was a first grade teacher before becoming a stay-at-home to their two daughters - Ava and Ella. She recently returned to the classroom. Despite living on Danny's $42,000 yearly teaching salary for eight years, the Kofke's are on track to pay off their final debt - the mortgage - this year, have a one year emergency fund in place, will retire with a sizable nest and, most importantly, live wealthy lives on less.
Danny wants to show others if this school teacher can do well financially, they can too!
http://wealthyteacher.weebly.com/
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In this episode we sat down with Dale Alexander of Alexander & Company as he shares personal testimony and his professional experience with educators across the state of Georgia. Dale discusses how the Teachers Retirement System's monthly benefit serves as a cornerstone in retirement planning for so many. He also gives invaluable advice to active members to help them make wise decisions to prepare for retirement. Alexander & Company produced The Million Dollar Wagon video which has had a great impact by encouraging educators to continue in their fields and serves as a reminder of just how well a pension stacks up against defined contribution plans.
Please subscribe and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as well by searching Teachers Retirement System of GA.
www.trsga.com
www.milliondollarwagon.com
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In this episode, we interview retired TRS member, Mrs. Rhonda Lastie, who served at Athens Technical College. Mrs. Lastie shares a wealth of knowledge and gives great advice to active members on what they should be doing to prepare for retirement. Also, she gives helpful tips to our current retirees to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. You do not want to miss this episode!
Please subscribe and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as well by searching Teachers Retirement System of GA.
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In this episode, we will discuss things you should be thinking about as a new member of TRS. This is the last episode in this series and we discuss some things outside of TRS you should think about as well. It's never too early to start planning for your retirement and financial literacy is an important part of it!
Please subscribe and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as well by searching Teachers Retirement System of GA.
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In this episode, we will discuss things you should be thinking about as a new member of TRS. We are doing things a little different and will be releasing this episode in parts with this one being part three of four. Jerry LeBlanc, CFEI, Employer Training Coordinator and Retirement Planner at TRS, discusses the TRS formula, and things you should be thinking about early in your career as it pertains to your retirement planning.
Please subscribe and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as well by searching Teachers Retirement System of GA.
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In this episode, we will discuss things you should be thinking about as a new member of TRS. We are doing things a little different and will be releasing this episode in parts with this one being part two of four. Shaleste Miller, Retirement Planner II at TRS, discusses the importance of starting to plan early in your career for retirement and touches on the importance of compounding interest.
Please subscribe and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as well by searching Teachers Retirement System of GA.
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In this episode, we will discuss things you should be thinking about as a new member of TRS. We are doing things a little different and will be releasing this episode in parts with this one being the first of four. Join Shaleste Miller, Retirement Planner II, and Jerry LeBlanc, Retirement Planner/Employer Training Coordinator, as they provide valuable information about TRS and your future.
Please subscribe and be sure to follow us on Facebook and YouTube as well by searching Teachers Retirement System of GA.
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/trs-ga/message
For the month of July we will be doing things just different in the way that we release our episodes. Instead of releasing the entire episode at once, we will publish our podcasts in parts each week on Saturday mornings at 11:00 AM. This will allow for you to digest all of the valuable information provided. We know that retirement planning can be a daunting task, but we at TRS are here to help.
This month we will be focusing on our new members of TRS, but this information is valuable to all of our members. Thanks for the dedication to our young and adult learners across the state!
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TRS Members, are you thinking about retiring early? Are you wondering what happens with your retirement benefit? What about penalties and sick leave? Listen as we dive into Early Retirement and eligibility requirements. Now that you have decided to retire, would you like to know where to apply and what to fill out online? Follow along with us as we go step-by-step through the online application process.
Host: Everett Crockett
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Join us as we sit down with the Executive Director of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, Jim Potvin. He will discuss plan options, PSERS, spending versus saving for retirement and so much more! He answers many of the questions that many state employees may have about their retirement plan including sharing his thoughts on the future of pensions.
Jim Potvin is the Executive Director of the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA). He joined ERSGA in February, 2009 as the Deputy Director, after 15 years in private industry working in retirement plan administration and consulting. He was appointed as the Executive Director in February, 2012.
Jim began his career as a pension administrator for Georgia-Pacific Corporation, before moving into a consulting role with Arthur Andersen LLP. He later joined Hewitt Associates, a global HR consulting firm, as the Location Manager for the RFM Pension Administration outsourcing group. At ERSGA, Jim is responsible for the administration and operations of five defined benefit plans, two life insurance plans, and three defined contribution plans covering more than 125,000 active members and 73,000 retirees.
A native of Connecticut, Jim holds a B.A. in Mathematical Economics and Managerial Studies from Rice University, and an M.S. from Georgia State University. He is President of the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, and a member of the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, Inc., the National Conference of State Social Security Administrators, and the Government Finance Officers Association.
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The Member Services Division of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia provides counseling sessions, process new retirement applications and provide refunds to our members. Take a listen as we learn more about how this department functions and assist TRS members with retirement.
Guests: Dina Jones and Niki Morse
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In this bonus episode, our Executive Director answers a few questions sent in by one of our listeners. We discuss the current financial stability of The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
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Do you have member or employer questions? Did you ever wonder how TRS assists its members? Do you have questions and are unsure of how to reach us? How do I register for a TRS account? How do I reset my password? What are contributions? Who are TRS-covered employers? What happens after I obtain 40 years of service? Director, Paige Donaldson, Contact Management Supervisor, Alicia Sanders and Operations Manager Cherie Brown are all geared up to answer all of your questions! For comments or questions: podcast@trsga.com
Host: Everett Crocket
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Join us as we wrap up our first season! This episode will highlight TRS's SCCP campaign, Are You Ready To Apply For Retirement, Retirement Plans and Working After Retirement episodes, TRS updates and more! We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments!Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.
Host: Everett Crockett
For more information visit: www.trsga.com
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Are you wondering about payments after death? Do you need clarity on primary and secondary beneficiaries? Do you have questions about sick leave and receiving your benefit check? Listen as we dive into our Retirement Services Division and get all of your questions answered. Join us as we continue our discussion of beneficiaries with Jennifer Alridge in this podcast. We also sit down with Master Payroll Operations Manager, Evangeline Griffin to discuss pension checks, sick leave credit, IRS levy, bankruptcies, recalculations, and so much more!!
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Are you wondering about payments after death? Do you need clarity on primary and secondary beneficiaries? Do you have questions about sick leave and receiving your benefit check? Listen as we dive into our Retirement Services Division and get all of your questions answered!
Guests: Cory Buice, Jennifer Alridge, Evangeline Griffin
Host: Everett Crockett
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In this episode, we will discuss the benefit formula, how contributions and interest work, benefit amounts, deductions and legislative updates. At retirement, in addition to selecting Plan A (maximum plan) or Plan B (survivor-ship plan), you may also elect to receive a one-time lump-sum distribution (cash payment) in addition to your monthly retirement benefit. Would you like to know more about distribution options? We will explain what makes members eligible for a Partial Lump-Sum Option payment.
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Are you recently retired? Are you planning on working after you retire? Are you unsure of the rules? Do you want to know more about working at 49% capacity? If so, take a listen to this episode as we speak with Retirement Services Operations Manager, Christy Gray in the Working After Retirement section of TRS. She will spend some time with us explaining rules and guidelines for returning to work. She answers some of our most frequently asked questions!
Topics include Re-Retirement, Contract Work, Disability, Job Categories, Indirect VS Direct Employment, Part-Time VS Salary, Suspension vs Terminating Retirement and so much more!
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Teacher's Retirement System of Georgia has 7 plan options to choose from at retirement. On this episode, we will review the options available to our members. TRS offers a defined benefit plan of retirement, also known as a 401(a). As its name implies, your retirement benefit is “defined” by calculation using your years of membership service, the average of your highest 24 consecutive months of salary*, and a 2% multiplier. Under this plan, you assume no investment risk, plus you have survivor and disability protection while you are an active member. Also, you are guaranteed retirement income for the rest of your life.
Under TRS’s defined benefit plan, you are offered two plans of retirement. Basically, Plan A provides a retirement benefit only to you. Plan B offers benefits to your beneficiary at your death.
Under Plan A and Plan B, you may also elect to receive a partial lump-sum distribution (cash payment) in exchange for a reduced lifetime benefit.
Your decision is very important. Once you start receiving a monthly retirement benefit you cannot change your plan of retirement except under limited conditions as covered in changing your plan of retirement.
Remember to subscribe and like our podcast! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and checkout our TRS Beneficiary Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgJ1WO2fCN0 on YouTube.
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This episode is highlighting the Communications Division, which essentially functions as the face of the agency. This division handles marketing, outreach, and training our employers. We chat with the new Director of Communications and Outreach, Winston Buckley about his vision. We discuss the past, present, and the future of what’s next for this department. Topics include Planning, Employer Training, and Workshops for Active Members and Retirees.
Guest 1: Winston Buckley, Director of Communications and Outreach
Guest 2: Mike Zarem Program and Outreach Manager
Guest 3: Dr. Candice Jackson, Retirement Planning Manager
Guest 4: Angela Swisher, Retirement Planning Manager
Guest 5: Jerry LeBlanc, Retirement Planner/Trainer
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So, are you ready to retire? What's next? Join us as we navigate the application process, types of service purchases, and processing service purchase requests. Topics: Deadlines and Application Process, Do's and Don'ts of Service Purchases, Review of the types of Service Purchases
"This is our peak season in New Retirements"...... Operations Manager, Carlos Marshall discusses the application process, service purchases by Team Lead Monica Castine, along with Myra Woodson Refund and Service Purchase Supervisor both from Member Services. Send us a message and subscribe!
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We sit down with our Executive Director L.C. "Buster" Evans to talk financial updates, Covid-19, legislative updates and more!
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Hello Members! The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia will empower, engage and educate you about retirement. We will provide a quick history lesson on TRS, share our goals for the new show and invite you to participate in Feedback Friday! Make sure to leave us a message below and subscribe!
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