by Michael Williamson, SWIB Executive Director

Events like Brexit add to the constant market reminders that it will be difficult to consistently reach the Wisconsin Retirement System’s assumed rate of return of 7.2% over the short-term. This has led many to ask if we should consider changing our investment strategy. More Long-Term Investor >

Highlights    

• Here’s Why We Are in Public Service
• Contribution Rates to Increase in 2017
• Health Insurance Program Update
• Asset Management: Passive vs. Active
• Pension Funds Plan to Increase Internal Management

Our Teachers Retirement Board Needs You!

by Robin Starck, Teachers Retirement Board Chair  I know many of you are just trying to keep your papers graded, hoping to stay a day or two ahead of your students, and wondering how you are going to be able to make it through this school year. As a teacher in Sheboygan for the last 31 years, I am doing exactly the same things. While that is enough on your plate, I would appreciate you considering one more challenge. More Teachers Board >

Here’s Why We Are in Public Service

To everyone who responded to our member survey last May: Thank you! It was Public Service Recognition Week and we asked readers just one question: Why are you in public service? More Public Service >

Contribution Rates to Increase in 2017

Contributions paid into the Wisconsin Retirement System by employees and employers will increase slightly next year. The rates, recommended by the WRS consulting actuary and approved by the ETF Board, go into effect January 1. More Contribution Rates >

Health Insurance Program Update

The It’s Your Choice open enrollment period for all group health insurance participants is October 17-November 11. Watch for It’s Your Choice materials in October and monitor our website. In the meantime, here are a few things to know about your health benefits. More Health Benefits>

Want to Reduce Your Costs for Drugs?

The new e-learning, Pharmacy Benefits: Saving on Your Prescriptions, provides an overview of your cost-share for generic, brand name and specialty drugs, along with six tips for saving money. Topics include accessing in-network pharmacies and comparing prices, working with your care provider and pharmacy benefit manager, Navitus Health Solutions, to identify effective, low-cost drugs, and the appeals and grievances process.

Asset Management: Passive vs. Active

Active versus passive. No, it’s not a debate to stir the passions of the public, but in the world of investing and deciding how to generate investment returns, it is a rivalry up there with the Hatfields versus the McCoys or the Packers versus the Bears. More Asset Management >

Board Corner: Nominations Sought for Board Seats

The process to elect members to the Teachers Retirement Board has begun. Two seats are available. Any current teacher, excluding those employed by the Milwaukee Public School District, may compete for the TR Board-Active Teacher Member seats. More Board Corner >

Pension Funds Plan to Increase Internal Management

Over the next three years, a growing number of public pension funds across the country reportedly plan to reduce their dependence on outside money management firms by overseeing more investments in-house—a practice SWIB has been following for more than a decade. More Internal Management >

Trust Fund Investment Performance Affects Rates and Annuity Adjustments

How will recent investment performance affect your Wisconsin Retirement System account balances next spring? The effective rates (for active employees) will be announced in late February, once final investment returns for calendar year 2016 and the results of an actuarial analysis are determined. More Rates >

Planning to Work Post-Retirement?

If you are planning to pursue employment after retirement, be sure to follow the rules so you don’t end up jeopardizing your Wisconsin Retirement System annuity.
More Post-Retirement >

Know Your Benefits

Q. Why is designating a beneficiary for my WRS account important? A. Because the beneficiary designation you have on file with ETF at the time of your death is the only way to tell us who you would like to receive any death benefit. If you did not file a beneficiary form, your Wisconsin Retirement System account will be paid out according to state law. More Beneficiary Designations >

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