Category Archive
Social Security benefits won't change in 2010Nov 12, 2009
The Social Security Administration announced that the more than 50 million Social Security recipients will not receive an automatic cost-of-living adjustment this year.
Lots to consider when choosing a retirement locationOct 29, 2009
How do members decide where to live in retirement? Some decide based on lifestyle and activities. Other reasons include climate, family, friends and birthplace, cost of living and the tax situation in their location of choice.
TDA participation a smart moveOct 15, 2009
October historically has been an important month for the Tax-Deferred Annuity, so we thought at this time we should write a little about it.
Make end-of-life decisions now — for your family’s sakeOct 01, 2009
What steps should a prudent person take in preparation for the inevitable end-of-life decisions?
Relaxed and ready for another yearSep 17, 2009
Another year is starting and, because of a UFT victory that took place in June, we are coming back two days later than last year. We feel a little more relaxed and ready for the new school year, and hope you do, too.
School’s almost out — forever for someJun 17, 2009
The school year is soon ending. The end of the year was made more challenging by the flu epidemic that pointed out the Department of Education’s inability to get information from the schools. The UFT, once again, had to get the essential information from the schools through its chapter leaders to get anything done. We will sure be glad when the last bell rings this year.
Social Security makes the news againJun 04, 2009
The economic downturn has led to a worsening of the long-range Social Security financing outlook.
A retirement potpourriMay 21, 2009
Here is a collection of brief items that can help you to secure your future.
Variable or fixed: That is the questionMay 07, 2009
The TDA has three investment choices available. They are the Fixed Annuity Program, the Variable Annuity A Program and the Variable Annuity B Program.
Consider TRS pension option before looking into insurance program alternativeApr 23, 2009
One of the most important decisions a member has to make at retirement is whether to take Maximum Retirement Allowance or select an option which may provide a benefit for a member’s heirs or beneficiaries.
You need to plan before you retireApr 02, 2009
Have you taken advantage of all the UFT’s pension-related services?
Defined Benefit pension advantages are far-reachingMar 19, 2009
While 83 percent of Americans are concerned with their ability to retire, those with pensions are less insecure.
Don't place an unfair burden on your loved onesMar 05, 2009
As part of providing for a secure future, members should discuss with their families matters related to end-of-life decisions.
Annual TRS investment review: It was a turbulent 2008Feb 19, 2009
There is no question that 2008, with the housing bubble bursting, the banking sector meltdown, and the lack of credit — the lifeblood of the economy — created the worst economic environment since the early to mid 1970s; some even say the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Pension clinicsFeb 19, 2009
The UFT’s popular pension clinics — a mini-course in pensions and related retirement matters — have been scheduled for the school year in all the boroughs.
Our members have retirement security — not insecurityFeb 05, 2009
2008 was a financial year that highlighted the difference between the retirement security that the UFT has secured for us and the retirement insecurity of many others.
Your union has come through for youJan 22, 2009
We have been back for a while and it does not seem appropriate to make New Year resolutions at the end of January, but we want to wish you a healthy, good year and may 2009 be a year in which you continue to “Secure Your Future.”
End of the year: Time for a financial checkDec 11, 2008
The 2008 Retirement Confidence Survey ® (RCS) shows that only 18 percent of workers are very confident about having enough money to live comfortably in retirement.
It’s important to understand your pension optionsNov 20, 2008
There’s plenty to know about the use of the optional forms of retirement allowance (options) available to provide for dependents, heirs and beneficiaries after retirement.
Social Security benefits will go up again in 2009Nov 06, 2008
The Social Security Administration has stated that more than 50 million Social Security recipients will receive an increase of 5.8 percent in 2009. This is the largest increase since 1982.
Right time to review your financesOct 23, 2008
We are in the midst of the congressionally sanctioned “National Save for Retirement Week,” an excellent time to conduct what should be an annual review of your finances.
How to take care of your beneficiariesOct 09, 2008
One of the most valuable benefits provided by Teachers’ Retirement System or Board of Education Retirement System membership is the in-service death benefit.
What should members be doing with their retirement savings?Sep 25, 2008
Members are asking about their retirement savings with the recent bad news from Wall Street. UFTers’ pension funds remain secure and their six TRS investment choices are in the hands of highly regarded institutional investment companies.
UFT, allies fighting to protect, improve public pensionsSep 12, 2008
The UFT and its allies — the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems and National Education Association — are leading the fight to protect and improve public pension plans.
The sun is setting on another school yearJun 05, 2008
We have earned another year of pension credit and have seen our salaries rise by 5 percent on May 19. As we continue to work, this higher salary will be translated into a higher lifetime income when we collect our pensions.
Pension clinics are an absolute must as you near retirementMay 22, 2008
While you are relaxing in the summer after another strenuous school year, you can think about securing your future.
Economic woes cause many to put off retirement — but not usMay 08, 2008
Now for the good news: Teachers’ Retirement System members, even though they are younger than the 65-year-olds described above, are still retiring at the same pace as previous retirees. The major reason is that we have a defined benefit pension plan, which is something that only a minority of Americans outside of public employment or a heavily unionized industry have.
Annual update on the state of Social Security and MedicareApr 24, 2008
In March, the Social Security and Medicare Trustees issued their annual report on the finances of the Social Security System and the finances of the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust . The report covers the near term and the outlook over the next 75 years.
Now is time to consider changes in your TRS investmentsApr 10, 2008
Both in-service and retired members in Tiers I and II have the right to invest their Annuity Savings Fund (ASF) and Increased-Take-Home pay (ITHP) accounts in the three existing and three new investment choices.
At last, 55/25 is a reality — and it’s permanentMar 13, 2008
Now that 55/25 has been signed into law the UFT will make every effort to ensure that members get the information they need to participate in this huge pension improvement.
Annual TRS investment reviewFeb 28, 2008
2007 was a very tough year in the financial markets and having a broadly diversified portfolio was beneficial. With all of this, how did Teachers’ Retirement System investments do?
Stock market roller coasterFeb 14, 2008
The recent volatility of the stock market quite naturally causes members to be concerned about the safety of their retirement funds.
Retirement on your horizon? Here are things to considerJan 31, 2008
Start of a new year: Time for a financial check
Jan 17, 2008
Happy New Year! Is it really halfway through January? Now is a good time to examine your finances.
A good way to help pay for collegeDec 06, 2007
Named for the section of the Internal Revenue Code that outlines it, the 529 College Savings Program is designed to help families invest assets for future college costs.
Social Security benefits set to riseNov 15, 2007
About 50 million Americans will see a 2.3 percent rise in Social Security starting in January.
Identity theft: Ways to ward off this modern plagueNov 01, 2007
Even a billionaire faces identity theft. There is no foolproof method for preventing all variations of this insidious crime.
Identity theft: Ways to ward off this modern plagueNov 01, 2007
Members have asked if there is anything they can do to protect themselves against identity theft.
Celebrate the week by doing what it saysOct 18, 2007
Congress has declared the week of Oct. 21 as “National Save for Retirement Week.”
TRS: Stronger than ever as a nonagenarianOct 04, 2007
Over the summer, the Teachers’ Retirement System marked its 90th birthday.
Temporary turbulence aside, your pension investments will grow over timeSep 20, 2007
During periods of investment market turbulence such as we have witnessed during recent months, it is only natural for some members to feel concern about the investments of the Teachers’ Retirement System.
Your future rests securely on a four-legged stoolSep 06, 2007
Our retirement benefits are still the perfect four-legged stool that provides our retirees with great economic security.
Members have strong financial protections in the event of disabilityMay 10, 2007
A recent poll showed that 13 percent of Americans think they could become disabled and unable to work, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
On the brink of retirement? Things to do and decisions to makeMar 15, 2007
If you plan to retire during July or August, now is the time to make an appointment for a final pension consultation.
