Your Retirement in Focus Teachers Retirement System of Georgia

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.


Highlights from this episode include:


the four biggest financial challenges faced by educators
the financial habits of Millennials and Gen Xers
strategies for managing debt, such as the snowball and avalanche methods
the importance of finding additional income sources
highlights from her financial journal

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 podcast@trsga.com.

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!




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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:


Discuss market performance to member milestones.
Get the scoop on HB 385 and how it can benefit you.
Practical tips for maximizing your TRS benefit and planning for the future
Discover the heart of TRS with a peek into hard work by those who keep the plan running smoothly.
Celebrate the spirit of giving and learn how TRS supports Georgia's amazing charities.

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 podcast@trsga.com.

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






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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



We want to hear from our members! Please email the show for topic inquiries, questions and comments! Contact us at podcast@trsga.com.



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!


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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 podcast@trsga.com.

Host: Everett Crockett

For more information visit: ⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠

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

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


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The Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA) has over 32,000 members and advocates for and amplifies the voice of retired educators in Georgia.
Dr. Sloan, GREA Executive Director, and 2022-23 President Dr. Henrietta Gray, discuss what sparks their passion for education, the rewards of being a TRS member (including your pension!), and the benefits of being involved with the GREA (fellowship, community, insurance and travel benefits, special projects, and much more). Tune in to be inspired by Dr. Sloan’s and Dr. Gray’s career journeys, student success stories, and insights on why working in education is worth it.



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 podcast@trsga.com.

Host: Everett Crockett

For more information visit: ⁠www.trsga.com⁠

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

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


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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 podcast@trsga.com.



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




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