Join us for a year-end recap with our Executive Director, Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans, Ed.D., for an insightful conversation as we delve into the highlights and challenges of 2024.

Topics discussed include:

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the state of Georgia's teacher retirement system and its commitment to securing the future of educators.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

01:36 – Legislative Impacts on the System

03:40 – TRS Challenges, Trends, & Triumphs

07:52 – Technology & Security Enhancements

10:48 – TRS’ Stellar FY 2024 Market Performance

13:08 – Adapting to Change: New, Current, and Retired Educators

22:42 – TRS Accessibility: On-Demand Content & Macon Office

26:23 – Member Retirement Trends

27:50 – Retiree Resources

31:08 – The Importance of TRS Beneficiary Designations

32:20 – Employer Shout-Out: Renee Lipp, Harris County Schools

34:29 – TRS Staff: Development, Initiatives, & Giving

40:58 – Priorities for the Year Ahead (2025)

43:02 – Words of Wisdom and Gratitude from Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans

44:50 – Outro

Are you about to retire? If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!

Are you new to TRS or in the middle of your career? Be sure to designate your beneficiaries as soon as possible in your TRS online account.

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠.

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Ed.D, TRS Executive Director

For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

Estate Plans are not Just for the Rich. Why EVERYONE Needs an Estate Plan feat. Ryan Rasmussen, CFP

What does an estate plan include? Why is it important to start planning now? Through real-life narratives, examples, and facts, Ryan Rasmussen, CFP, takes you through what an estate plan is and why EVERYONE needs to have one. We aren’t all guaranteed a tomorrow and taking control of the “What Ifs” in life can help protect your assets and how your family is taken care of during a stressful time. Ryan specializes in retirement and wealth management and serves as the Assistant Director of Gift and Estate Planning for the University of Georgia.

This episode covers:

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

01:39 – Ryan Rasmussen’s Journey:

02:59 – How Financial, Retirement, & Estate Planning

06:01 – Estate Planning Explained: Who it Benefits &

11:27 – Unexpected Death in Active Service: 3 Things to

17:02 – Life Events Affecting Wills, Trusts, & Power of

22:25 – Solutions for Physical Possessions Not Captured in Wills

26:38 – Steps to Take When Receiving an Inheritance

31:29 – Planning for Dependents with Disabilities

33:32 – Common Mistakes Made in Estate Planning

36:25 – Protection Against Estate Planning Scams

39:26 – Contact Info & Final Thoughts

41:21 – Outro

Are you about to retire? If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!

Are you new to TRS or in the middle of your career? Be sure to designate your beneficiaries as soon as possible in your TRS online account.

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠.

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Ryan Rasmussen, CFP

For more information visit: ⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

#EstatePlanning #Wills #Healthcaredirectives #PowerofAttorney #Moneypodcast

What do marriage, divorce, kids, hobbies, and income streams have in common? They all have an impact on your happiness! Join us as we revisit this insightful episode on retirement with Wes Moss, a seasoned financial professional, best-selling author, broadcaster, and teacher.

Highlights include:

Wes Moss, author of What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life, also has a quiz to see if you are on the path to becoming a happy retiree. You can take the quiz here: https://www.wesmoss.com/teachers-money-happiness-quiz/.

00:00 - Intro

04:09 - Research Method & Findings

08:25 - Top 3 Financial Habits of the Happiest Retirees

11:51 - Importance of Pensioners Investing

13:38 - Multiple Streams of Income

16:19 - Money + Health + Connectedness

20:31 - Impact of Romantic & Family Relationships on Retirees

27:07 - Cultivating Core Pursuits

32:15 - Unexpected Research Findings

34:46 - Contact Info & Key Tips for Teachers

38:14 - Outro

Are you about to retire? If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!

Are you new to TRS or in the middle of your career? Be sure to designate your beneficiaries as soon as possible in your TRS online account.

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Wes Moss

For more information visit: www.trsga.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

#Retirees #Retirement #Happiness #Finances #Moneypodcast

Emphasizing the financial challenges and opportunities educators face, podcast guest, Yahrasiel Colbert, Ed.S., leverages over 27 years of multidisciplinary expertise to help people build confidence in their financial independence. Yahrasiel is an educator, works as a consultant, and has authored a financial journal. During this episode, she provides resources for creating realistic budgets and achievable financial goals.

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Yahrasiel Colbert, Ed.S.

Prioritize your financial well-being by joining us for this episode!

00:00 – Intro

03:45 – Foundation of Yahrasiel Colbert’s Financial Journey

06:17 – The Passion Behind the Work: Educating Educators

07:47 – Four Biggest Financial Challenges for Educators

12:21 – The Importance of Financial Literacy

15:17 – Retirement Planning: Starting Early & Overcoming Obstacles

19:40 – Educators’ Concerns about Retiring Comfortably

22:01 – Resources for Budgeting & Setting Financial Goals

23:37 – Financial Planning Habits of Gen Xers vs. Millennials

26:19 – Managing Debt: Snowball & Avalanche Methods

30:35 – Securing Multiple Streams of Income

32:11 – From Red to Black: Weekly Financial Journal

35:42 – Retirement Savings Plans: 403(b)s, IRAs, & Annuities

41:51 – Catch-Up Contributions

43:35 – Key Takeaways & Contact Information

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia⁠⁠

If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!

Don't forget to update your TRS beneficiaries in your online account!

Light the fire, pour the hot cocoa, and grab your headphones! This end-of-year special from the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia dives deep into the triumphs, challenges, and fascinating facts that marked 2023 for TRS.

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement System of GA

Join us as we:

This is your chance to unwind, gain valuable insights, and get pumped for the year ahead. So, whether you're an active member, a proud retiree, or simply fascinated by the world of education, tune in and get the inside scoop on TRS!

So, grab your headphones, hit play, and let's raise a toast to a year well-lived and a bright future ahead!

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

01:35 – Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans’ 2023 TRS Reflections

05:28 – TRS Market Performance

07:16 – Current Active Member & Retiree Totals

08:42 – Intriguing TRS Stats

11:35 – Working in Retirement & HB385 Benefits

15:34 – Tips for Active Members

17:40 – Pre-Retirement Counseling Session Options

21:54 – TRS Member Retirement Trends

22:41 – The Upcoming Legislative Session & What to Expect

26:42 – The Heart of TRS (Our 7 Operating Divisions)

31:04 – The Spirit of Giving in the TRS organization  

32:54 – Parting Words from Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans

36:35 – Outro

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia⁠

If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!

Don't forget to update your TRS beneficiaries in your online account!

#TRS #retirement #education #Georgia #endoftheyear #podcast #givingback #financialplanning

All healthcare is not the same. Louis Amis, Executive Director of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) discusses the importance of understanding your health, being realistic about your finances for emergencies, learning about preventative exams, and being aware of common healthcare mistakes so you can make the best decisions! During this episode, he also talks about the SHBP structure, changes to what is being offered, and information specific to active members and retirees. Take an active role in your healthcare and join us for this important podcast discussion.

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Louis Amis, Executive Director of the State Health Benefit Plan

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

02:45 – Louis Amis' Road to Executive Director

04:21 – SHBP Structure

05:32 – Three Aspects of Total Wellness

06:51 – Provider Selection Process for the state of Georgia

08:07 – Good Practices for Healthcare Decision Making

11:51 – Common Mistakes made during Open Enrollment

13:18 – Upcoming SHBP Changes (2024 Coverages)

19:08 – Retirees and Medicare Supplements

26:02 – Guidance for Retirees Eligible for Medicare

30:10 – Coverage Info for Out-of-State Retirees

31:04 – Importance of Preventative Measures

32:40 – SHBP Resources

35:42 – Outro

For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

Don't forget to update your TRS beneficiaries in your online account!

Former teacher, author, and returning podcast guest, Danny Kofke, discusses how to take control of your money using simplified and practical tactics. Through his path in teaching, financial education, writing, and TV guest appearances, Danny has learned that you can’t run a marathon in 30 days. It takes consistency and a personalized approach to build your financial margins…and you can do it too! Danny discusses the “messy middle”, habit-forming tactics, taking the bias out of your finances, the importance of vesting at 10 years, the TRS benefit, and supplementing your retirement income to become a wealthy teacher. As Danny says, “If this former school teacher can do it, so can you!”

If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online at TRSGA.com and register for a session today!

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

02:03 – Danny Kofke’s Education Experience

03:47 – Benefits of Teaching Special Education

04:58 – Pivoting Career Paths

07:42 – Insights for Active Educators

11:59 – Tools for Budgeting & Saving

12:45 – Staying Focused

16:46 – Financial Advisers vs. Money Coaches

18:18 – Adjusting to Financial Changes

20:17 – Importance of Vesting

22:04 – How the TRS Benefit Helps

25:08 – Contact Info & Words of Encouragement

26:46 – Outro

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

Host: Everett Crockett

For more information visit: ⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

The Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA) has over 32,000 members and advocates for and amplifies the voice of retired educators in Georgia.

If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

04:48 - Passion for Education

07:08 - Dr. Sloan & Dr. Gray’s Educational Career Journeys

11:03 - Pursuit of Higher Education

13:16 - How Rewarding Teaching Can Be

16:55 - TRS Pension & Benefits

21:17 - GREA Membership & Benefits

25:04 - Dr. Sloan & Dr. Gray’s Involvement

27:36 - Area Director Requirements

30:08 - How to Get Involved

34:11 - GREA Museum

38:10 - Advice for Active Educators 

41:18 - GREA Contact Information

42:38 - Outro

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

Host: Everett Crockett

For more information visit: ⁠www.trsga.com⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

Join us in a republish of a previous episode to help you get prepared for your retirement.

Are you considering retiring this year?  Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits?  These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this episode.  Carlos Marshall, New Retirement Manager, and Winston Buckley, Communications Director, give best practices to ensure you receive the necessary information to make the application process as easy as possible for you.  We also discuss TRS outreach events, working in retirement, and service purchases.  

If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

Host: Everett Crockett

For more information visit: www.trsga.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQHR__UTfknu9XAjNWsc5g

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

02:06 - Member Resources

04:44 - Pre-Retirement Counseling Sessions

06:16 - TRS Events & How to Request Them

12:27 - Employer Advertising for TRS Events

14:13 - Summer Retirement Application Deadlines

14:44 - Sick Leave Balances

15:15 - Service Purchases & Air Time

16:46 - Requesting a Benefit Estimate

17:35 - How to Apply for Retirement

19:09 - Options for Working in Retirement

24:40 - Final Recommendations

27:56 - Outro

TRS podcast host, Everett Crockett talks to Wes Moss, a seasoned financial professional, best-selling author, broadcaster, and teacher. Wes discusses the top 3 financial habits of the happiest retirees and much more! How do events such as marriage, divorce, kids, location, hobbies, and income streams impact your happiness? Money + Health + Connectedness = A happy lifestyle! Join in on our conversation with Wes Moss, author of What the Happiest Retirees Know: 10 Habits for a Healthy, Secure, and Joyful Life.  

Wes has a quiz to see if you are on the path to becoming a happy retiree.  

If you haven't had the chance to meet with us one-on-one in a virtual or in-person format, and are within 2 years of retirement eligibility, be sure to log in to your TRS account online and register for a session today!  Also, be sure to designate your beneficiaries as soon as possible!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:29 Research Method & Findings

08:11 Top 3 Financial Habits of the Happiest Retirees

11:30 Importance of Pensioners Investing

13:24 Multiple Streams of Income

16:05 Money + Health + Connectedness

20:18 Impact of Romantic & Family Relationships on Retirees

26:54 Cultivating Core Pursuits

32:01 Unexpected Research Findings

34:32 Contact Info & Key Tips for Teachers

38:00 Outro

We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at [email protected].

Host: Everett Crockett

Guest: Wes Moss

For more information visit: www.trsga.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia