WRS News Online - Nov 2020 Edition

If you’re considering making any of the following decisions related to your WRS benefits, be aware of important deadlines and take action soon:
• Making additional contributions to your WRS account
• Withdrawing a health insurance application/change
• Buying creditable service
• Electing or cancelling Variable Trust Fund participation

ETF Secretary Bob Conlin recently announced that he will step down from his post in March. The ETF Board, which by law has the authority to appoint the secretary, has begun a nationwide search to replace Conlin, who plans to relocate and join family out East.

If retirement is on your horizon, be sure you’re doing all you can to maximize your WRS benefits.

Scheduling a benefits counseling appointment with ETF is easy using our new, secure online appointment scheduling system. You can view available appointments and book an appointment with an ETF benefits specialist 24/7 and in just a few clicks.

You can add money (additional contributions) to your WRS accounts and watch it grow with compound interest. Use the fast, secure, and convenient alternative to mailing or dropping off a payment: Transfer funds electronically.

The Great American Smokeout is November 19 — mark the day by taking steps to eliminate tobacco from your life with these great resources. And tune in to the next Well Wisconsin Radio episode, “Food and Feelings”, on December 8.

Have you updated your beneficiary designation? It's a good idea to ensure your benefit is paid the way you want.

SWIB is excited to announce two new episodes of The SWIB Podcast: “Behind the Scenes at SWIB, with Rochelle Klaskin and Mike Jacobs,” and “The Goldilocks Zone in SWIB’s Asset Allocation Strategy,” with Edwin Denson.

Required contribution rates for most WRS covered employees will remain unchanged in 2021. How will this affect your paycheck?

Take action to prevent the flu! Stay as healthy as possible this flu season and get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

ETF is set to email the 2020 Member Engagement Survey this month. Please complete the survey as soon as possible, if you receive it. Check out last year’s survey results on members’ satisfaction with ETF services and saving for retirement.

Teachers: Picture yourself serving the WRS by taking a seat on the 13-member Teachers Retirement Board! The self-nomination process begins in January. Learn more about the role of the TR Board.

Find out when the governing boards of the Wisconsin Retirement System and the SWIB Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet.