As we kick
off 2018, let me just say right out of the gate that your Wisconsin Retirement
System continues to be in very good health. While the average funded status of
public pension plans nationally hovers just north of 70%, the WRS funding ratio
was 99.1% at the end of 2016. More
Strong for Wisconsin>
SWIB Names New Executive Director
Rick Smirl has been appointed executive director of SWIB.
Smirl, who has more than 25 years of asset management industry experience and a
demonstrated track record of success, plans to build on SWIB’s strong
reputation as a global public pension fund leader. More
Executive Director>
Annual interest credited to your WRS account
varies, depending on investment returns. SWIB has announced preliminary calendar year 2017 investment returns of 16.2%
for the Core Trust Fund and 23.2% for the Variable Trust Fund. Find out how this will affect your
account. More Rate Projections>
It
has been a little more than 10 years since the biggest financial crisis the
country has experienced since World War II. Yet, the impact of that single
event remains a central part of SWIB’s investment strategy today. More Great Recession>
by Tarna Hunter, ETF Government Relations Director
The Wisconsin Legislature is expected to
wrap up the 2017-2018 session in late February or early March. Here are the latest legislative actions affecting the
benefit programs administered by ETF. More Legislative Update>
SWIB Wins Pair of Awards
SWIB has
received two Institutional Investor Allocators’ Choice Awards: top
honors in the Technology User of the Year and Team of the Year categories. SWIB
was among three finalists for Technology User of the Year and one of seven
finalists for Team of the Year. More
Awards>
Tell Us Why You're in Public Service
Tell us why you are working to serve the public, your community
and the people of Wisconsin. Take our survey today.
New Year, New Resolve: Get Financially Fit
Along with the usual
resolution to get in better physical shape, how about getting financially well
and fit? You can do it with ETF’s Financial Fitness Program – and you’ll end up
feeling more confident about your financial future, to boot. More Financial Fitness>
Pharmacy Benefits: Saving on Your Prescriptions
Watch this ETF eLearning to learn how to reduce your out-of-pocket costs
for prescription drugs. The program provides an overview of members' cost-share
for generic, brand name and specialty drugs, along with tips for saving money.
Also includes a handy, printable resource sheet with tips, phone
numbers and information on copayments/coinsurance. More Pharmacy Benefits>
Know Your Benefits
Q: I want to learn more
about my WRS benefits and how they work for me. Where should I start?
A: We want you to make good decisions
about your WRS benefits over the course of your career and not miss out on any
opportunities available to you. We suggest the following:
Ask your employer if there is a “WRS benefits introduction” for new employees. These types of presentations are often customized by employers for their own employees.
Participate in ETF’s 30-minute interactive
webinar, WRS
Benefits: For New and Mid-Career Employees. Questions
are encouraged; ask your own or simply listen while learning from other
participants’ questions.
Check out the videos, eLearnings
and seminars schedule on our Member Education webpage.
If you're within a year of retirement and already have your retirement estimate,
schedule
an appointment with an ETF benefits specialist.
How Divorce Can Affect Your WRS Account
If a marriage is legally terminated the court can award up to 50% of the WRS account to a former spouse. This percentage applies to all parts of the account, including employee and employer contributions, additional contributions and creditable service (including military service). More How Divorce Affects Account>
Other News & Features
Senate Confirms Reappointment of Trustee Sheehy
Trustee
Tim Sheehy has been reappointed to serve on the SWIBBoard of Trustees. The Senate Committee
on Revenue, Financial Institutions and Rural Issues recommended reappointment
of Sheehy, which was then approved by the full Senate in October. More Reappointment>
Your 2018 Statement of Benefits
In April, ETF will distribute the 2018 WRS Annual Statement of Benefits to members. Learn more about this
important summary of your WRS account and helpful online tools and
resources. More Statement>
Important: Keep Your Beneficiary Designation Updated
When
it comes to your WRS account, few things are more important than keeping your
beneficiary designation up to date. Did you know that your beneficiary does not
automatically change when your life circumstances change, or that your will does
not constitute a WRS beneficiary designation? More Beneficiary Designation>
ETF, SWIB Board Meetings 2018
Find out about meeting dates for the WRS
governing boards, the Group Insurance Board and the SWIB Board of Trustees. More Meetings>
Free Wellness Webinars
The Well Wisconsin Program continues its series of free wellness
webinars for members covered under the group health insurance program, on a
variety of health topics. The
first two webinars in the new year have been set. More Wellness Webinars>
P&I Video Interview with David Villa
Watch this brief video Pension & Investmentsvideo interview featuring David Villa, SWIB Chief Investment Officer, on the
rewards and challenges of managing the WRS trust funds. More Video Interview>
Coming Soon: A New WDC Online Experience
In
the coming weeks, watch for some big changes to the Wisconsin Deferred
Compensation Program website. These include
a mobile-friendly design, new features and tools for WDC members to manage
their investments. More Online
Experience>
ETF Seeks Individuals with Abandoned Accounts
Every January
ETF publishes a notice of individuals age 70 or older who have abandoned WRS
accounts. Members or their heirs have 10 years after published notification to
apply for the benefit. More Abandoned Accounts>
Planning to Retire Within a Year?
You need to request an
official retirement benefit estimate at least 12 months before you plan to
retire. It's easy to do online. More
Retirement Benefit Estimate>
Returning to Work After Retirement?
Do you have plans to work after retirement? If it’s for a WRS employer, know
and follow state laws to avoid jeopardizing your benefits. More Return to Work>
WRS Calculators
Request Benefit Estimate