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WRS News & Updates

Posted 3:54 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2022

ETF

Read on for ETF News Updates.....

New! Video Series Helps Members Apply for Retirement

Are you thinking about your future retirement from WRS employment? Check out our new three-part video series describing the process of applying for your benefits. And if you’re getting ready to retire soon, here are some helpful tips for requesting an estimate and scheduling a retirement appointment.

Highlights

Expert Perspectives Help SWIB Navigate Inflation Challenges

As the Federal Reserve seeks to put the right policies in place to combat the economic challenges of inflation, SWIB is also keeping a close eye on what it means for the WRS. More Inflation Challenges>


ETF Distributes WRS Annual Statement of Benefits

Distribution of the 2022 WRS Annual Statement of Benefits to all state and local government employees is under way. The statement is your once-a-year summary of your retirement account information. It’s also one of your most important planning tools. Here are some essential things to know and do as you review your statement. 




The WRS at 40: Legislative Milestones



This year marks 40 years since legislation implementing the WRS became effective. Over the years, strong legislative oversight has fundamentally shaped the WRS and the public employee benefits administered by ETF. Here’s a review of our journey, beginning with the efforts of an 80-year-old state employee who is credited with compelling a governor to change his mind on a vetoed bill. More Legislative Milestones>


Legislative Update



by Tarna Hunter, ETF Government Relations Director

The 2021 Regular Session of the Wisconsin Legislature ended when the State Senate adjourned March 9. Two bills were passed that affect ETF and the benefit programs it administers. More Legislative Update>


SWIB Works to Weather Market Volatility

With the country still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, market volatility caused by economic and world events, like inflation and the war in Ukraine, has caused more uncertainty. Volatility in the financial markets is not new and is something SWIB is prepared to deal with through its diversified asset allocation and strategic investment management. More Market Volatility>


Sick Leave Credits: Follow the Rules to Avoid Jeopardizing Account

State employees: Have you been saving your sick leave to pay for health insurance after retirement? You’ll need to “follow the rules” in order to have that sick leave turned into credits when you retire. Don’t make a mistake and lose your entire account! More Sick Leave Credits>


Well Wisconsin Program Updates

Well Wisconsin Radio is better than ever in 2022 — and podcasting! Check out the growing library of episodes that discuss health and well-being topics with experts from around the state. We also bring you news of upcoming — and fun — Well Wisconsin challenges and a reminder about the Oct. 14 participation deadline. More Well Wisconsin>




What to Do After Your Retirement Packet Arrives

So, your official retirement estimate/application from ETF has arrived in the mail. What should you do next? Review these tips and educational resources so you understand your options and ultimately avoid mistakes that would cause your application to be returned or even voided. More Retirement Packet>


Retirement Planning and the WDC: Staying in the Plan is a Good Option

Retirement doesn’t have to automatically signal the end of saving money for retirement in the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. Keeping your money in the WDC post-retirement may benefit you more than you realize. Here are some great reasons to stay right here. More Staying in the Plan>




Know Your Benefits



Q: I’m getting married this year and will add my spouse to my health and life insurance benefits. What else should I do in relation to my WRS benefits?

A: Congratulations! Be sure to update your WRS beneficiary designation. When life happens — marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of children — it's important that you change what's on file at ETF. Section 5 of your WRS Annual Statement of Benefits lists your beneficiary designation. If you need to change it, here are some quick links. Or, visit Designate a Beneficiary to watch a video, review FAQs, and access forms.

Do you participate in the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program? Be sure to review your account beneficiary designation there, too. It's a separate form and process. 


For State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program Participants

Other News & Features

SWIB Podcast Explores the Role Technology Plays in Investing

In the latest episode of The SWIB Podcast, SWIB portfolio managers discuss how they use technology to work smarter to meet investment goals that keep the WRS among the only fully funded pension systems in the country. More SWIB Podcast>


Maximize Your WRS Benefits

New employees: Have you reviewed all of the WRS benefit options available to you? Visit  Benefits Provided by ETF for an overview of WRS benefit programs. In addition, visit Benefits Available to Me — simply enter your employer’s name into the search bar for what your employer has to offer.  


Board Corner

Picture yourself serving on a WRS governing board! We also bring you news about new board officers and special thanks to three board members for their service. More Board Corner>


Are You Planning to Work in Retirement?

After retiring, you may want to return to the workforce. Be sure to understand WRS return-to-work rules, such as what constitutes a valid termination or break in service, in order to avoid jeopardizing your hard-earned benefits. More Returning to Work>


Financial Literacy Award

ETF received a 2021 Governor’s Financial Literacy Award for its pilot financial wellness program, Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™. The program, which concluded in February, provided targeted and online education, resources, and tools to help members maximize their WRS benefits, grow their financial knowledge, and achieve their personal financial goals. More Wisconsin Strong>


Webinar: Preparing for Your Retirement

If retirement is beginning to appear on your horizon, then this webinar should be at the top of your to-do list. It’s one of our most popular webinars, and we offer it twice a month at convenient day and evening hours. Sessions fill up fast! Find all sessions in the Events section of our website.

ETF Announces Pension Increases for Retirees

Due to a third straight year of double digit investment returns, WRS retirees will receive pension payment increases this year. The Core annuity adjustment is 7.4% and the Variable annuity adjustment is 15.0%. More Pension Increases>


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>


WRS Provides Strong Economic Pillar for Wisconsin

Money paid to and spent by WRS participants has a ripple effect on Wisconsin's economy. Here we review Pensionomics, an annual analysis that calculates each state’s economic benefit stemming from state and local pension payments, including the WRS. More Strong Economic Pillar>




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