If you work for the state of South Carolina, are a teacher, law enforcement officer, or public employee — you need to understand how your retirement benefits actually work.

In this episode of The Working Wealth Podcast, we break down the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS), the Police Officers Retirement System (PORS), vesting rules, pension calculations, and the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP).

We discuss:

• How SCRS and PORS calculate your pension

• When you become vested

• How service credit impacts your benefit

• How DROP works

• Survivor benefit considerations

• Whether rolling funds into an IRA ever makes sense

• Why your pension should not be your only retirement strategy

Your pension is powerful — but it’s just one piece of your overall retirement income plan.

If you’re planning to retire in South Carolina, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes and make more confident decisions.

To connect with Patrick, visit planwithpatrick.com or follow on Instagram at @smartprogvl.