Your Retirement in Focus

Teachers Retirement System of Georgia
  • 5.0 (8)
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The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is committed to provide our members with valuable information about their retirement benefits. We will focus on educating and engaging our members through their retirement journey. Available on most platforms including iHeartRadio and Castbox! We want to hear from our listeners, please contact us at podcast@trsga.com.

  1. 12/23/2025

    TRS 2025 Year in Review: Leadership, Performance, and What’s Ahead feat. Dr. Jason L. Branch & Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans

    Join us for a special year-end episode of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) podcast as we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026. In this conversation, outgoing Executive Director Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans and incoming Executive Director Dr. Jason L. Branch share insights on: Key legislative and economic developments impacting TRSHow the system performed amid market ups and downsThe importance of teacher recruitment and retention for our pension plan TRS's commitment to charitable contributions and member resourcesLeadership transition: what it means for our members and the future of TRS Hear firsthand from both leaders about their vision, accomplishments, and what members can expect in the coming year. Whether you’re an active member, retiree, or future educator, this episode offers valuable perspective on the strength and stability of your retirement system. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:51 – New Legislative Changes that Impact the System 05:35 – TRS’s FY 2025 Market Performance 09:08 – The Importance of Teacher Recruitment & Retention 11:46 – TRS Staff: Charitable Contributions & Internal Initiatives 18:02 – Leadership Transition: What It Means for Members & the System 28:52 – Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans: Legacy, Leadership, & Passing the Torch 40:43 – Dr. Jason L. Branch: Vision, Core Principles, & Looking Ahead 47:03 – What Members Can Expect in 2026 48:27 – Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans’s Farewell to TRS 51:38 – 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Dr. Jason L. Branch, Executive Director of TRSGA and Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans, Retired Executive Director of TRSGA For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trsgeorgia/ #RetirementPlanning #PensionPodcasts #Retirement This podcast is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia.

    53 min

  2. 11/26/2025

    Investing Made Simple: A Conversation with Chris Hill of Money Unplugged & Creator of Motley Fool Podcast

    In this special episode, we sit down with Chris Hill, former host and executive producer of Motley Fool Money and one of the most recognized voices in investing. Over his 25-year career at The Motley Fool, Chris co-created five shows about money and investing, hosted more than 3,500 episodes, and interviewed some of the biggest names in business and finance—including Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Lewis, Dan Pink, Becky Quick, and Mark Cuban. Chris is also the narrator of Morgan Housel’s international bestseller The Psychology of Money and its New York Times best-selling follow-up Same As Ever. His audiobook narration of The Psychology of Money reached #1 on Audible’s Nonfiction bestseller list in 2023. Join us as Chris shares insights from decades of experience, his approach to simplifying investing for beginners, and his thoughts on building financial confidence for retirement. Whether you’re just starting your investment journey or preparing for life after work, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 03:03 – Chris Hill’s Journey to The Motley Fool 08:07 – Money Unplugged Podcast: The Mission, Memorable Moments, & Core Audience 18:04 – Simplifying Investing: Chris Hill’s Approach 20:56 – Investing Recommendations for TRS Members 26:04 – Most Common Investing Mistakes Influenced by Fear 28:27 – Chris Hill’s ETF Choices: Buy, Add To, & Hold Forever 31:56 – Making Investment Decisions: The “Circle of Competence” 35:18 – Chris Hill’s Three Stock Choices: Buy Now & Hold Forever 40:19 – Why Consumers Should Read Morgan Housel’s “The Art of Spending Money” 44:45 – Finding the Balance: Being Financially Prudent vs. Splurging 51:11 – Last Words & Finding Money Unplugged 53:57 – 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Chris Hill, Host of Money Unplugged, Former Host & Executive Producer of Motley Fool Podcast For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trsgeorgia/ #RetirementPlanning #PensionPodcasts #Retirement This podcast is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia.

    55 min

  3. 09/26/2025

    Live Your Best Life in Retirement Feat. Rick Gunn

    Dedication, Reinvention, and Serendipity! TRS retiree and owner of Rose Creek Guitars, Rick Gunn, discusses setting yourself up for success before and embracing new beginnings in retirement. How did the former CFO of Forsyth County School District end up designing and building custom guitars? Find out in this episode! We'll also discuss: Rick Gunn’s career journey and retirementSavings plans such as a 457 or 403(b) plan, good debt and bad debt, and the benefits of saving earlyEntrepreneurship and how to create your own second act Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:46 – Rick Gunn’s Role as CFO for Forsyth County Schools 04:18 – The Role of CFO: How It Helped Plan for Retirement 05:23 – Advice for Active Members: “Squirreling Away” & Sacrifices 07:27 – When Do You Know It’s Time to Retire? 08:31 – Career Decisions: The Light at the End of the Tunnel 09:49 – Founding Rose Creek Guitars: The Inspiration & Challenges 15:01 – Key Lessons About Entrepreneurship 20:33 – Advice for Embracing New Beginnings 22:23 – Looking Forward: What’s Next for Rick Gunn? 23:56 – A Closer Look at a Custom Rose Creek Guitar (#50) 26:52 – Last Words of Advice 28:00 – 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Rick Gunn, TRS Retiree and Owner of Rose Creek Guitars For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia Instagram: #RetirementPlanning #PensionPodcasts #Retirement This podcast is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia.

    30 min

  4. 08/14/2025

    You Don't Need More Money! - "The Talk" Feat. Dale Alexander - Part 2

    “Most money problems are not problems about money.” In part 2 of this dynamic episode, Dale Alexander, CFP, discusses how being rich isn’t about how much money you have. For a deeper understanding of wealth, Dale provides gems of insight on finding joy in your life, investing, the influence of social media, and the benefit of compound interest. He also shares how TRS members can become millionaires. Move toward a richer life. This episode may redefine your perspective on finances and happiness. Dale discusses: • Different views of being rich. • Being aware of your financial margins and the decisions you make. • Is the stock market risky? • How to retire wealthy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – What Being RICH Truly Means 04:57 – The Key to Financial Problems: Is It More Money? 08:13 – Pick a Hard: Being Broke or Financially Successful 09:55 – The Reality Behind Financial Influencers on Social Media 12:02 – Things We Surprisingly Don’t Know About Money 16:04 – The Million Dollar Wagon: How TRSGA Members Become Millionaires 21:21 – Dale’s Last Words of Wisdom & Contact Info 24:01 – 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Dale Alexander, Author of "The Talk About Money" + Motivational Speaker Connect with us on social: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia/ https://twitter.com/TRSGeorgia https://www.instagram.com/trsgeorgia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-georgia-teachers-retirement-system-of-georgia https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/trs-ga (Listen to the TRS podcast - Your Retirement in Focus) This podcast is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. Don’t miss part 1 of this episode. You can find it on the TRS podcast page or search for “Your Retirement In Focus” on your podcast platform of choice.

    26 min

  5. 06/30/2025

    You Don't Need More Money! - "The Talk" Feat. Dale Alexander - Part 1

    “Play now and pay later OR pay now and play later.” From your first paycheck to your most recent one, Dale Alexander shares wisdom on focusing in on your financial dreams, having “The Talk (About Money)" with your family, and how to treat new money as it enters your life. As an author and motivational speaker, Dale discusses finances through a practical, philosophical, and philanthropic lens. Dale shares: • Why money is difficult to talk about • The benefit of treating 70% of your paycheck as 100% • How to supercharge the other 30% of your paycheck • The true impact of giving Uplifting and enlightening, this episode is meant to supercharge your approach to your finances! Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 02:39 – The WHY Behind the Book: “The Talk (About Money)” 06:46 – Why Parents Don’t Talk about Money 07:52 – The 70% Rule: “Make 70% your 100%.” 10:35 – How to Get Money Right 16:14 – It’s Never Too Late: How to Get to 70% Now 19:25 – Investing: Shifting Your Approach 24:27 – Fighting the Urge to Overspend 26:45 – The True Impact of Giving 31:23 – 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Dale Alexander, Author of "The Talk About Money" Connect with us on social: https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia/ https://twitter.com/TRSGeorgia https://www.instagram.com/trsgeorgia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/state-of-georgia-teachers-retirement-system-of-georgia https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/trs-ga (Listen to the TRS podcast - Your Retirement in Focus) This podcast is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect the views of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia.

    33 min

  6. 03/17/2025

    TRS Talks: February 2025 Update on the Social Security Fairness Act and More!

    Recorded on February 24th, 2025, join us for this Social Security Update. What is the Social Security Fairness Act? How does it impact individuals filing for or currently receiving Social Security benefits? Catch this TRS Talks segment as Cindy Lundquist, Social Security expert, answers these questions and provides a Social Security Fairness Act update, discusses other Social Security topics, and more. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025 and details are still being revealed by the Social Security Administration. Please visit the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov or contact your local Social Security office for additional information. Host: Winston Buckley, TRS Communications Director Guest: Cindy Lundquist, Social Security Expert TRS Talks is the health and wealth series of Your Retirement in Focus. It includes conversations with experts and community leaders covering healthcare, investing, and social security. You may view additional videos on our YouTube channel: ⁠www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia

    39 min

  7. 03/07/2025

    I'm Ready to Retire! Now What? Your Guide to the Retirement Application Process

    Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your retirement! TRS Counseling Team Lead, Monica Castine and TRS New Retirement Operations Manager, Carlos Marshall, will help you understand the process in two time periods: BEFORE and AFTER your retirement application has been submitted. Monica will prepare you with: when to turn in your applicationthe benefit of unused sick leave & other sick leave topics information on purchasing service - including Air Timehow to get a benefit estimatewhere and how to apply for retirement Carlos provides insights on: common issues that can delay the processwhy changes in retirement calculations occur when you can expect your first checkhow sick leave & beneficiaries impact your retirement benefitother practical tips to getting your application submitted correctly Additional topics include: healthcare subsidies & where to find more infoa review of important things to consider Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 01:07 – When to apply for retirement? 01:55 – Sick leave minimum amount 02:18 – Accruing sick leave with more than one employer 02:46 – Sick leave awarded higher than the maximum monthly allowance 03:49 – Withdrawn sick leave 04:18 – Purchasing service toward retirement 05:30 – Airtime service 06:32 – Benefit estimates to calculate pension amount 07:25 – How do I apply for retirement 07:55 – Help with retirement application 08:21 – Documents to send with retirement application 08:57 – Delayed retirement benefits 09:39 – Salary changes prior to retirement 10:37 – Factors that can affect retirement benefit calculations 11:46 – When is the first check processed? 12:19 – Sick leave adjustments after retirement date 12:59 – Beneficiary effect on monthly benefit 13:53 – Avoiding early retirement reductions 14:30 – Advice for employers sending member info to TRS 15:16 – SHBP healthcare subsidy 16:20 – Ensuring a timely processing of your application 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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Monica Castine, TRS Counseling Team Lead Carlos Marshall, TRS New Retirement Operations Manager For more information visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.trsga.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/trsgeorgia ⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trsgeorgia #retirementplanning #pensionpodcasts #retirement

    19 min

  8. 12/11/2024

    Why TRSGA is the Best Pension Plan: A Year-End Recap of 2024 feat. Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans, Ed.D.

    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: How TRS achieved the highest return of all state pension systems in the US. Legislative impacts on the system, including proposed and passed bills. Addressing teacher shortages in Georgia . The number of members who retired this year. Retirees over the age of 100. The importance of keeping beneficiary information up to date. The state charitable contribution campaign. 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 ⁠⁠⁠podcast@trsga.com⁠⁠⁠. 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 #pensions #retirees #educators #teachers #pensionpodcasts

    46 min
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5
out of 5
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About

The Teachers Retirement System of Georgia is committed to provide our members with valuable information about their retirement benefits. We will focus on educating and engaging our members through their retirement journey. Available on most platforms including iHeartRadio and Castbox! We want to hear from our listeners, please contact us at podcast@trsga.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Teachers Retirement System of Georgia
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Teachers Retirement System of Georgia
  • Show Website
    Your Retirement in Focus

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