WRS News Online - May 2022 Edition

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.

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 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.

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.

With the country still dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, market volatility caused by economic and world events 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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