In December 2024, RIO will launch MyTFFR, a new self-service portal that will allow TFFR members to manage a wide range of account transactions online including adding or updating beneficiaries, estimating benefits, requesting appointments, and submitting a retirement application.

If you currently have access to TFFR’s online member service, your login credentials will transfer to MyTFFR.

If you don’t have access, you can create a login and access the existing system by visiting RIO’s website and selecting TFFR Member Login. 

Are you saving enough for retirement? When can you afford to retire? How long will your money last?

In two minutes or less, the Retirement Analyzer Tool on "Smart with My Money," the State of North Dakota's new financial literacy website, will help you find out. 

The tool is just one of the many free resources offered on the Smart with your Money website designed to enhance your financial skills and evaluate your finances to achieve your goals.

RIO will hold a series of face-to-face and virtual TFFR Group Benefit Presentations in September and October. Members who are nearing retirement are invited to attend one of the 90-minute presentations to gain a basic understanding of TFFR's benefit options and the program's retirement process. Pre-registration is required to verify membership and generate a benefit estimate. Register or learn more about these events.

Alexis Rasset is a special education teacher at the Mandan Public Schools and represents active teachers. Ms. Rasset was appointed to the TFFR board in 2024.

Tell us a little about yourself? I am born and raised in Mandan. Married to my husband, Jon, of 17 years. We have a 16-year-old son, Jacob, who is a junior in high school. I also have a 26-year-old stepson, Chandler, who is recently married. I graduated from Dickinson State University and have been employed at Mandan High School as a specialist for the last 8 years.

What motivated you to join the TFFR board of trustees? I was motivated to join the TFFR board because I felt the need to do what I can to protect the retirement plan for teachers. I know I have a lot to learn but I am very passionate about keeping TFFR safe and stable so all can continue in the profession knowing their retirement being taken care of.

What do you see as the greatest challenge the TFFR is facing? The biggest challenge that I see TFFR potentially facing is with the state legislature. As we know, PERS’s defined benefit plan was closed to new members and it is only a matter of time before TFFR becomes the next target. Our retirement is so important, and we need to do everything we can to protect it.

How do you stay informed about issues affecting the education profession? I stay informed about issues affecting the education profession in a number of ways. First and foremost, I am an active member in our union at the local, state, and national level. At my local, Mandan Education Association, I am finishing my term as president elect; next year I will start my two-year term as president. At the state level I serve on the board of directors for the southwest region, and I also participate in the lobby days. At the national level I participate in both NEA and AFT events that keep us in the know for issues we could be facing and how to be effective leaders during those challenging times. I also frequently check what is happening in the news at the state and national level that are relevant to our profession.

Share a time when feedback led to a significant change or decision? Being an active member of my union provides many opportunities for feedback leading to change. When you have good working relationships it allows for hard discussions to happen. Whether the discussion is around a school calendar, things needed for a classroom or policy changes, being involved in those conversations can impact positive change.