Get into shape by taking the Wisconsin Strong Financial Fitness Challenge — enjoy a free self-assessment and interactive courses on topics such as debt management, budgeting, investments, estate planning, and retirement planning.
And if you’re looking to complete a well-being activity for the $150 Well Wisconsin incentive: Take the Challenge and rack up a wellness activity credit! The deadline for 2021 payment is October 8. Details here.
ETF has implemented a phased, COVID-19 pandemic bounce back plan for resuming onsite and in-person services. The plan focuses on protecting the well-being and safety of members and ETF staff. Find out the latest in safety protocols and services offered. More ETF In-Person Services>
Teachers: The process to elect members to the Teachers Retirement Board has started! There are two seats available. Self-nominations are the first step in the process. If you’re interested in serving on the Board, download the materials from our website now. More Board Election>
David Stein, chair of the Board of Trustees, talks about the search for and recent appointment of SWIB’s new executive director and chief investment officer as well as how strong governance is keeping SWIB well positioned for the future. More SWIB Podcast>
Health Insurance Benefits Update
The annual It’s Your Choice open enrollment period is September 27 through October 22. Premium rate increases for 2022 are modest and less than the national trend for the third year in a row. We've got a new tool to help you make health plan design decisions. More Health Insurance Benefits Update>
One of the most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Find out where to get a free vaccine in your community. Learn how to get a $100 Visa gift card if you receive your first COVID-19 vaccine dose between August 20 and September 6. More You Stop the Spread>
Legislative Update
By Tarna Hunter, ETF Government Relations Director
Wisconsin’s 2021-23 biennial budget bill (2021 Wisconsin Act 58) became law on July 8. We have completed an initial review of the law and prepared a summary of the provisions that relate to ETF. More Legislative Update>
Tune in to the next Wisconsin Strong Women webinar for a discussion on the financial effects of caregiving, featuring Judith Kozlowski, of the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement. Come away with important resources, tools, and tips for caregivers to avoid common mistakes and financially protect themselves. More Financial Steps for Caregivers>
SWIB Staff Honored for Their Work
Two SWIB managing analysts have been recognized for their outstanding work. Lin Maung was named to Private Equity International’s 40 Under 40: Future Leaders of Private Equity list. Jason Rector was named to Chief Investment Officer’s Class of 2021 NextGens list. More SWIB Staff Honored>
Now is a Good Time to Consider Income Continuation Insurance
Consider enrolling in the Income Continuation Insurance program, an income replacement plan that replaces a portion of your income if you are unable to work because of sickness or injury. Premiums are the lowest they have been in years for both state and local government employees. More Income Continuation Insurance >
WDC Update
Do you have a Wisconsin Deferred Compensation account? If so, here are some important service updates, including in-service withdrawals and new comprehensive financial planning services! More WDC Update>
Well Wisconsin: Tune in to Greater Well-Being
Tune in to greater well-being with the Well Wisconsin Program. There’s a new web page — no log in required! Find out what's on tap for Well Wisconsin Radio programs through December, and here’s a reminder about the $150 wellness incentive deadline for 2021. More Well Wisconsin>
Other News & Features
SWIB Is Finalist for Two Industry Awards
The financial industry is sitting up and taking notice of the work SWIB staff is doing. SWIB has been named a finalist in two categories of the Institutional Investor's 4th Annual Allocators' Choice Awards. The awards were created as a way for asset allocators to choose peers deserving recognition for their work. More Industry Awards>
Wisconsin Strong Webinars Through December
Check out these free monthly webinars on a wide variety of financial topics, presented by Summit Credit Union, one of our Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ partners. Topics: investment basics, retirement basics, holiday spending, and money goals. Join us! More Wisconsin Strong Webinars>
ETF Ombudsperson Services Resolves Disputes
ETF encourages you to know how your benefits work, but when additional assistance is needed Ombudsperson Services acts as an impartial party for equity, fairness, and compliance. More Ombudsperson Services>
Virtual Health Benefits Fairs
Last fall ETF went online with its health benefits fairs, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members found these webinars with live Q&A informative and convenient. Get the details on when, what, and more. More Virtual Health Benefits Fairs>
You Can Achieve Financial Wellness at Any Age
Whether you’re a new hire, mid-career employee, or in the final stretch to retirement, it’s never too early or too late to take charge of your personal finances. To that end, we've curated information and resources to help you at just the right time in your life. Get started today. More Financial Wellness>
Video: Five Basic Steps to Retirement
If you need a quick review of the steps needed to get the retirement process started with ETF, this video is it. You’ll learn how to choose a termination date, request an estimate, schedule an appointment, and much more. More Steps to Retirement>
Life Changes and My Benefits
Your WRS Annual Statement of Benefits lists your beneficiary designation information. Did you notice who it was? If you have experienced a life change or event — birth of a child, marriage, divorce — it's probably time to update your beneficiary. For more information, visit Life Changes and My Benefits today.
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
Find out when the governing boards of the WRS and the SWIB Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet this fall. More Board Meetings>
Contact the WRS Governing Boards
Did you know you can send correspondence to the WRS governing boards? Find out how to write or email the boards, associated deadlines, and other considerations. More Contact the Boards>