WRS News Online - January 2022 Edition

The beginning of the year is a good time to re-evaluate your goals and create a new financial plan to make it all happen. No matter your goals – buying a car, paying down credit card debt, budgeting for household repairs – be sure to make saving for your retirement a part of your financial plan.

ETF Secretary Voelker: January 1 marked 40 years since legislation implementing the WRS became effective. What do you get a retirement system on its anniversary? The ruby is regarded as promoting wealth and knowledge. It is also a protector of possessions. Amazing—these are also some of the key qualities of the WRS.

As executive director and chief investment officer, my primary goal is to ensure that we deliver on our mission to the WRS. This month, we announced preliminary 2021 year-end returns for the WRS. I could not be more pleased with our staff for navigating the market volatility throughout the year and remaining steadfast and committed to our long-term investment strategy.

How will investment performance affect your benefits? SWIB recently announced preliminary 2021 returns for the WRS trust funds. See our projections for upcoming effective rates and annuity adjustments, based on these preliminary figures.

Striking an appropriate balance between the risk taken and returns generated is crucial in helping keep the WRS among the only fully funded public pension systems in the country. The results of SWIB’s annual asset allocation review were recently approved by the Board of Trustees.

There’s so much to share about the WDC! Financial planners are now available to help you build a financial plan for a successful future. Take a moment to check your savings rate and asset allocation. Are you ready for a personalized retirement readiness reviews?

The Group Insurance Board recently approved life insurance premium rates for all state and local government employees who participate in the State of Wisconsin Group Life Insurance Program. Find out how the rates, effective April 1, will affect you.

Use 2022 to get a fresh start to connect with yourself, identify your well-being goals and learn about the resources available to help you live your best life. And if you have diabetes, you can get free or reduced-cost insulin and other related prescription drugs, as well as support.

Most group health insurance program members can now purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test kits at no cost. And we've got information on how to find a vaccine appointment, and much more.

Find out about four recent SWIB Board of Trustees membership changes, including new appointments and re-appointments.

If you or a family member are struggling with student loan debt, Savi can help navigate the complexities of federal student loan programs to lower payments or forgive loans. This program is free for WRS members and their families

Construction of the new SWIB office building at Madison Yards Hill Farms is officially under way. Project developers held a groundbreaking ceremony in September.

ETF has released the WRS Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2020. The WRS paid approximately $6 billion in benefits in 2020. The WRS funding ratio calculated in accordance with accounting standards was approximately 105% as of December 31, 2020. Sound funding and plan design principles continue to keep the WRS financially strong.

Find out when the governing boards of the WRS the SWIB Board of trustees are scheduled to meet.