Your Retirement in Focus

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.  

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

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.

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: Sonya Kinley, SPHR and Winston Buckley, CDMP

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

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

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

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

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

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.