The beginning of the year is a good time to re-evaluate your goals and create a financial plan to make it all happen. No matter your goals – buying a car, paying down credit card debt, budgeting for household repairs — be sure to make saving for your retirement a part of your financial plan.More Financial Plan>
The WRS at 40 Years by John Voelker, ETF Secretary
January 1 marked 40 years since legislation implementing the WRS became effective. What do you get a retirement system on its anniversary? The ruby is regarded as promoting wealth and knowledge. It is also a protector of possessions. Amazing — these are also some of the key qualities of the WRS. More WRS at 40 Years>
SWIB: Continuing to Keep Pace With Changing Investment Management Landscape by Edwin Denson, SWIB Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer
This month, we announced preliminary 2021 year-end returns for the WRS. I could not be more pleased with our staff for navigating the market volatility throughout the year and remaining steadfast and committed to our long-term investment strategy. More Investment Management Landscape>
SWIB has announced preliminary 2021 investment returns for the Core Trust Fund and the Variable Trust Fund. Find out how this will affect your WRS account. More Rate Projections>
Take in this webinarto learn how WRS effective rates and annuity adjustments are determined and how they affect your benefits. Sessions are currently scheduled through March at convenient lunchtime and evening hours.
SWIB Board of Trustees Approve Changes to Asset Allocation Targets
Striking an appropriate balance between the risk taken and returns generated is crucial in helping keep the WRS among the only fully funded public pension systems in the country. The results of SWIB’s annual asset allocation review were recently approved by the Board of Trustees. More Asset Allocation>
Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program News
There’s so much to share about the WDC! Financial planners are now available to help you build a financial plan for a successful future. Take a moment to check your savings rate and asset allocation. Are you ready for a personalized retirement readiness review? More WDC News>
New Life Insurance Premium Rates Effective April 1
The Group Insurance Board recently approved life insurance premium rates for all state and local government employees who participate in the State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program. Find out how the rates, effective April 1, will affect you. More Life Insurance Rates>
A New Year, a New Chance to Check Out Well Wisconsin
Use 2022 to get a fresh start to connect with yourself, identify your well-being goals and learn about the resources available to help you live your best life. And if you have diabetes, you can get free or reduced-cost insulin and other related prescription drugs, as well as support.More Well Wisconsin>
Most members can now purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test kits at no cost. Coverage limits and exclusions apply. In addition, we've got information on how to find a vaccine appointment and a reminder to get your flu vaccine. More Health Benefits Update>
Tinnen and Blumenfeld Join; Ancel and Nick Reappointed to Board of Trustees
Find out about four recent SWIB Board of Trustees membership changes, including new appointments and re-appointments. More Board of Trustees>
If you or a family member are struggling with student loan debt, Savi can help you navigate the complexities of federal student loan programs to lower payments or forgive loans. Savi is a partner of ETF's financial wellness campaign Wisconsin Strong and is free for WRS members and their families. More Savi>
Take in an ETF Webinar
Be sure to include an ETF webinar or two in your busy calendar! Learn how your WRS benefits work. Get your questions answered by an ETF benefits specialist. Make informed decisions throughout your career. Join us! More Webinars>
Attn: Group Health Insurance Program Participants
Other News & Features
SWIB Podcast: WRS Insights
In the newest episode of The SWIB Podcast, hear from SWIB Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer Edwin Denson as he reflects on 2021, another year of strong performance and what lies ahead in 2022. Find this and all SWIB podcasts here.
Construction Begins on SWIB's New Office Building
Construction of SWIB's new office building at Madison Yards Hill Farms is under way. Project developers held a groundbreaking ceremony in September. In addition to SWIB’s offices, the development has plans to include retail space, an apartment complex, and a public plaza with a central green area. SWIB anticipates moving in to its new headquarters in the first quarter of 2023.
Teachers Retirement Board Election Update
There will be no Teachers Retirement Board election, as one of the candidates has withdrawn their nomination. As a result, the remaining candidates will fill the two open public school teacher seats. Their five-year terms on the board begin May 1, 2022.
When Will I Receive My Statement of Benefits?
ETF will distribute the January 1, 2022 WRS annual Statement of Benefits in April, after 2021 account data reconciliation processes have been completed. The statement is a summary of your year-end WRS retirement account information, including the effective rate of interest applied to this year.
ETF Board Updates Key Actuarial Assumptions
The ETF Board recently updated key economic and demographic assumptions that are used to value the liabilities of the WRS. This included reducing the current assumed rate of investment return from 7.0% to 6.8%. More Economic Assumptions>
Video: Overview of the WRS
Are you a new WRS-covered employee? Learn how your pension plan works, what benefits are available and more. Video available on demand 24/7. More WRS Overview>
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. Find the current list of individuals with abandoned WRS accounts and their benefit application deadlines on our website.
Upcoming Governing Board Meetings
Find out when the governing boards of the WRS and the SWIB Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet.More Board Meetings>
A Look at WRS 2020 Financials
ETF has released the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2020. The WRS paid approximately $6 billion in benefits in 2020. The WRS funding ratio calculated in accordance with accounting standards was approximately 105% as of December 31, 2020. Sound funding and plan design principles continue to keep the WRS financially strong. More 2020 Financials>
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