What’s your financial fitness score? You’re invited to take the Wisconsin Strong Financial Fitness Challenge, with free access to a self-assessment and personalized playlist of interactive courses on topics such as debt management, budgeting, investments, estate and retirement planning. Log in and complete the 5-minute Financial Fitness Checkup today! Group health insurance program members will get a special rewards code to apply toward earning their annual Well Wisconsin $150 incentive.
As I sat down to write this newsletter column, my first as secretary of the Department of Employee Trust Funds, I reflected on the responsibilities of this position and how I’ll continue to advocate for the best interests of the WRS and its members. The opportunity to lead an organization with such a clear purpose and that makes a difference in people’s lives is the epitome of public service. More Secretary Voelker>
The Board of Trustees of the State of Wisconsin Investment Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Edwin Denson as the next executive director/chief investment officer of SWIB. More Denson Appointed>
Tune in to the latest Well Wisconsin Radio segment, "Racism and Public Health," set for April 27 at 12 p.m., with guest Lisa Peyton-Caire, chief executive officer and president of the Foundation for Black Women's Wellness. Register now.
Secretary Voelker Fills Executive Team Positions
ETF Secretary John Voelker announces that Shirley Eckes has been appointed Deputy Secretary and Pam Henning has been appointed Assistant Deputy Secretary. Both Eckes and Henning have extensive experience in state government leadership roles. MoreExecutiveTeam>
Distribution of the 2021 WRS Statement of Benefits to all state and local government employees is under way. The statement is your once-a-year summary of your retirement account information. It’s also one of your most important financial planning tools. Here are some essential things to know and do once you receive your statement. More Statement of Benefits>
If you are actively employed, vested, and participate in the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program you’ll notice an important new feature upon logging into your WDC account after May 1: Your projected WRS pension estimate! More WDC News>
Fink Named to Global Top 50 Women in Investment Management List
Anne-Marie Fink, SWIB private markets and funds alpha managing director, has been named one of Institutional Investor’s Allocator Intel’s First Annual Global Top 50 Women in Investment Management. This list is a celebration of distinguished women from around the world nominated in recognition for gender advancement, driving the industry through diversity of thought, and serving as role models. More Global Top 50 Women>
This year, SWIB marks its 70th anniversary of service to public employees, local and state government, and Wisconsin. Over the past seven decades, strong leadership, dedicated staff, and an innovative, forward-thinking culture have helped SWIB grow into a premier asset manager recognized around the world for its success. More 70th Anniversary>
Health Benefits Update
Per federal law no one should be charged for the COVID-19 vaccine; however, vaccinators can charge an administrative fee. If you are covered under the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program, administrative fees are 100% covered. More COVID-19 Vaccine>
Be prepared for medical care! If you find yourself in need of immediate medical attention while traveling away from home, remember that urgent and emergency care is always covered. Have you checked out the impressive new Well Wisconsin resources? This year the deadline to complete your health assessment, health check and well-being activity for the $150 payment is October 8. More Health Benefits Update>
Paying for WRS Benefits
Funds to pay WRS pension benefits come from only three sources: employer contributions, employee contributions, and investment earnings. Of these, investment earnings provide for 80% of benefits paid!
Other News & Features
Villa Remembered as Visionary Leader
In February, SWIB, the WRS, and Wisconsin lost a true pioneer in the public pension fund industry when SWIB Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer David Villa passed away. Villa, 66, had been with SWIB since 2006 when he joined as chief investment officer. More Villa Remembered>
Update: ETF’s Response to COVID-19
ETF continues to take measures to protect the well-being of WRS members and ETF staff. Our offices have been closed to the public since mid-March 2020, following the state’s social distancing guidelines and executive orders. We will continue providing services remotely through July 1. What lies ahead in terms of our response to COVID-19 and your WRS benefits? More ETF's Response>
The SWIB Podcast: Running the Long Race with Derek Drummond
As SWIB’s funds alpha manager, Derek Drummond is constantly pushing himself and his team to find investments across traditional and alternative strategies. In the newest episode of “The SWIB Podcast: Wisconsin Retirement System Insights,” Drummond talks about just what alpha generation is, why it’s important to SWIB’s sophisticated investment strategy, and much more. More SWIB Podcast>
Board Election Update: Pratt and Heller Appointed
Teachers Retirement Board members Allison Pratt and Chris Heller will both serve new five-year terms on the Teachers Retirement Board, beginning in May. More Board Election Update>
WRS Information, At Your Fingertips
ETF strives to ensure that you have access to the information you need to make informed decisions about your WRS benefits. Our website is always a great place to start, but here are some tips in case you need to call and speak with a benefits specialist during peak times. More Customer Services>
Webinar: Foundations for Financial Wellness on April 28
Tune in to this free webinar presented by our Wisconsin Strong partner, Summit Credit Union, to find out how financial stress can affect your health and what it means to be financially well. Register for the 8:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. session on April 28. More Summit Webinars>
Preparing for Your Retirement Webinar
If retirement is beginning to appear on your horizon, then put this webinar on your list! It’s one of our most popular webinars and we offer it twice a month at convenient day and evening hours. More Preparing for Your Retirement>
Use Our Online Retirement Benefit Estimate Tools
Thinking about retiring within the next few years? Happy planning! Use our online calculator to run an unofficial estimate of your wrsbenefit.
If you’re going to retire in the next 12 months, use our online tool to request an official WRS benefit estimate.
Need an Appointment? Schedule it Online
If you need to schedule a benefits counseling appointment with one of our benefits specialists, use our secure online appointment scheduling system. You can view available appointments — including group sessions — and book in just a few clicks. More Online Appointment Scheduling>
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
Find out when the governing boards of the WRS and the SWIB Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet and what's on the agenda. More Board Meetings>
WRS Calculators
Request Benefit Estimate