Picking a retirement date that provides the optimal annuity amount depends on your individual WRS account history. Here are some key to-dos every member should know and factor into their decision-making process. More Retire>
Let ETF’s Financial Fitness Program help you plan for – and feel more confident about – your financial future! This free online program, available to all members, offers exclusive education and planning tools to help you set and reach your financial goals.More Financial Fitness>
Required
WRS contribution rates will decrease slightly for most members next year. The
rates will go into effect for wages and salaries beginning January 1. How will
this affect you? More Rates>
How will your health benefits change in
retirement? What happens when you become eligible for Medicare? This new series
of videos and resource sheets from ETF will provide answers to your questions. More Benefits>
Domestic partners are
no longer eligible for coverage under the group health insurance program
effective January 1, 2018; however, they continue to have important rights concerning other
WRS benefits. MoreInformation>
Second Call: Technical College Teacher Member Seat on TR Board
Here's your chance to serve on the Teachers Retirement Board, an important WRS governing board. Any WRS teacher participant employed by a Wisconsin technical college is eligible to run for this seat on the board. Nomination packets are due Friday, December 15. Check out current TR Board member R. Thomas Pedersen’s column on the benefits of serving. More TR Board>
Farm Bureau Memorial Returns to Home Agency
Preparations big and small continue for ETF’s move to the new Hill Farms state office building. On a recent Saturday morning, a Wisconsin Air National Guard unit dismantled a commemorative plaque honoring Wisconsin farm men and women who served in the military. They relocated it to its new home at the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection building. More Farm Bureau Memorial>
Tips for Finding a Financial Advisor
How
do you find a qualified expert when you need
advice on personal finances and retirement financial goals? In short: Do your
homework before you hire. More Financial
Advisor>
Save the Commute: Online Appointments Are Convenient and Easy
If you
have your retirement estimate in-hand and want to meet with a specialist to
review options and ask questions, save yourself the commute and get it done
with an online appointment instead! More Online Appointments>
Make Time for End-of-Year Considerations
If you’re considering making
additional contributions to your WRS account, withdrawing a health insurance
application, buying service or electing/canceling Variable Trust Fund
participation, please be aware of important deadlines associated with each process. More End of Year>
Other News & Features
Well Wisconsin Wednesday Webinar: The Greatness of Gratitude
When you focus on the good things, your upbeat attitude helps fight
stress and depression. Join us November
15 for this Well Wisconsin Wednesday webinar, The Greatness of Gratitude! Register
via the Well Wisconsin portal.
Other planned webinars: Tips for Celebrating with Energy
and Cheer Through the New Year, Wednesday, December 20.
Board Meetings
The next Group Insurance Board meeting is set for Wednesday, November
15. The ETF Board, Wisconsin Retirement Board, and Teachers Retirement Board
will meet Thursday, December 14. Find out what the boards will review and discuss, review
past meeting minutes, and more here.
Review 2018 SWIB meeting calendars and materials here.
WRS Trust Funds Investment Performance
As of October 31, 2017, the preliminary return for the Core
Trust Fund is 13.3% (Benchmark: 12.8%) and the Variable Trust Fund is 18.8%
(Benchmark: 18.6%). To stay informed about investment performance:
ETF's move from its current Badger Road location to the new Hill
Farms state office building has
been set for March 26-30, 2018.
After the move, our new physical address will be 4822 Madison Yards Way,
Madison, WI 53705-9100.More Move
Update>
What is SWIB?
SWIB invests for the
financial security of more than 600,000 WRS employees and retirees and their families. Check out SWIB’s new brochure, What
is SWIB?, to learn more about SWIB’s role in the WRS, investment strategies and low cost of management. You'll also find key contacts for more in-depth information.
What is SWIB? is available to download on the
Publications menu of SWIB’s website.Or call SWIB at 1-800-424-7942. Send an email to info@swib.state.wi.us.
WDC Program Lets Your Money Work for You
Will you have enough money to live the retirement of your
dreams? A Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program account helps you save early
and often. Open an account with just $5 a paycheck and let your money work for
you (while you work on setting retirement goals). More WDC>
WRS Calculators
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