Washington state has some of the strongest-funded pensions in the nation. In this episode, we sit down with Washington State Actuary, Matt Smith, to unpack why the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' (LEOFF) Plan 1 has an expected surplus. Matt breaks down simple ways to measure pension health, why LEOFF 1 now looks more like an endowment, and the policy and legal questions lawmakers face when deciding how to use expected surplus pension funds.

What does it really mean to retire early? Is it about leaving work behind completely, or is it more about creating flexibility, freedom, and balance sooner rather than later? We’re joined by Christine, a DRS employee who’s been carefully planning for her future since her mid-20s. She shares how her perspective on retirement has evolved: from imagining it as “stopping work altogether” to thinking about it as a chance to downshift: maybe working part-time, pursuing a different role, or finding new ways to stay engaged without the 9-to-5 grind.

The term micro-retirement is becoming popular with people of all ages. The idea involves stepping away from the workforce for an extended period to pursue passions, travel, recharge, or learn new skills, essentially hitting the reset button on life. We look at perspectives and planning strategies to help you make micro-retirement a viable, enriching option.

If you’ve ever seen the name Voya Financial with your DCP or Plan 3 account and wondered what they do, this episode is for you. We look at the role of a record keeper: helping process transactions, maintain accounts, and support over 400,000 customers! We also look at what record keepers don’t do and how they differ from investment managers. Tune in to find out how record keepers play a key role in making your retirement accounts run smoothly.

Why do pensions sometimes go up? In this episode, we talk with Matt Smith, the state actuary, about COLAs (Cost of Living Adjustment) and how it’s tied to inflation. Matt explains how prices are tracked using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Workers (CPI-U) and why that matters for your pension. We also look at why COLAs are based on prices in the Seattle area, even if you live somewhere else. Tune in to find out how inflation and COLAs work together to shape your retirement income.

If you ever wanted a quick way to estimate how many years it’ll take for your investments to double, take 72 and divide it by the interest rate. In this episode, we explore how this a great way to think about the power of compound interest. If you’re early in your career, it may encourage you to set aside more money now. And if you’re close to retirement, it can be reassuring to know your investment could double in the next 7-10 years.

You have options when it comes to accessing your DCP funds. In this episode, we cover smart ways to manage your funds, including monthly payouts, rollovers, lump sums and annuities. Plus, find out about required minimum distributions, emergency access and managing beneficiaries.

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According to a study by Allianz Life Insurance, Americans are more afraid of running out of money than of dying. We unpack the emotional toll of financial stress and talk about practical ways to regain a sense of control. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or simply overwhelmed by rising costs, this episode offers real talk to help you breathe a little easier when it comes to your money.

In this timely episode, we dive into the reality many are facing: economic uncertainty and its impact on personal finances and retirement plans. We discuss practical steps to manage stress, maintain financial stability, and make informed decisions. We also explore how tools like Washington's Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) can provide flexibility and serve as a financial safety net when you need it most.

Are there some groups of public employees that do a better job of saving for retirement? In this episode, our guest AJ shares why firefighters are proactive when it comes to retirement planning. Find out about their approach and how you can apply it to your own long-term planning.