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Your plan: Retirement

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In this issue:

• From Anthony’s desk
• ORS receives two awards
• Are you on track to meet your retirement goals?
• Using the miAccount Message Board
• Planning your first year of retirement

From Anthony’s desk

Welcome to your Proactive newsletter fall 2025 issue.

We talk much about our purpose — a successful today and secure tomorrow — and our mission — support people to retire with dignity and with control over the content and pace of their lives.

That’s because our focus every day is to help you achieve financial security on your journey toward retirement.

Any journey is about transitions, which aren’t about single moments or decisions. Transitions are made up of changes, adjustments, and evolving routines over time. It’s not about flipping a switch but about moving with the rhythm as life changes around you.

As you make your way, we are here for support. That’s why we provide you with information, tools, and services when you need them.

Small steps taken today can help your big plans happen.

Anthony Estell, executive director
Michigan Office of Retirement Services

P.S. In the 2024 fiscal year (which ended Sept. 30, 2024), ORS paid $8.3 billion in defined benefit pension and healthcare benefits, aiding over 295,000 retirees and beneficiaries in the five retirement systems we administer. About 1 in 8 Michigan households benefit from our services. For more details, see the 2024 Summary Annual Report for the State Employees’ Retirement System.

ORS receives two awards

ORS recognized again with Leadership Award and Savings Champion honors

The Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) received two prestigious national awards for promoting financial wellness and savings strategies.

ORS earned the 2025 Leadership Award for Holistic Financial Wellness from the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators campaign. ORS and Voya Financial provided targeted communications from June 2024 to February 2025 about retirement plans and healthcare benefits to participants in the State of Michigan 401(k) and 457 Plans.

For the second consecutive year, ORS received the Savings Champion Award from America Saves. ORS encouraged positive money management during America Saves Week, April 6-12. The push emphasized the importance of a financial plan, making timely adjustments, reviewing savings regularly, and preparing for short-term challenges and future needs.

“Staying focused on financial goals requires patience. By planning, maintaining consistent habits, and adapting to changes, people can stay on track,” ORS Executive Director Anthony Estell said. “That includes making sure our customers have the information they need and supporting them whether they’re just starting out, mid-career, approaching retirement, or are retired.”

These honors highlight ORS’ commitment to empowering individuals on achieving financial stability and effective retirement journey navigation.

Are you on track to meet your retirement goals?

Are you on track to meet your retirement goals?

Nearly 67% of workers and 78% of retirees are confident they’ll have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, according to the 2025 Employee Benefit Research Institute/Greenwald Retirement Confidence Survey. However, 81% of workers and 66% of retirees are worried about the increased cost of living making it more difficult to save as much as they’d like.

October is National Retirement Security Month. It’s a good time to check on your retirement plan and savings; see if you’re on track for your goals; and ensure you scare proof your retirement.

The Michigan Office of Retirement Services (ORS) and Voya Financial, the administrator for the State of Michigan 401(k) and 457 Plans, are offering National Retirement Security Month webinars and resources.

Watch for more information from ORS and Voya by email. Also, follow ORS on our social media channels — Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn — for resources, informational links, and tips to help you reach your goals.

Please keep your email address updated with your employer so you’ll receive emails from ORS and Voya.

Using the miAccount Message Board

The miAccount Message Board is a quick and secure way to ask specific questions about your retirement account. Linda from ORS shows you the process.

If you have a general question for our experts, send it to ORS-Outreach@Michigan.gov and we may feature it in a future video.