Summer is a good time to plan and prepare for your retirement.

This year, the date a person retires takes on new importance. In light of the new contract, members have to make a decision whether to retire on or before June 30, 2014 or later.

Teachers' Retirement System members should beware of vendors who come into schools or hold seminars to sell financial products for retirement security. Instead, TRS members should avail themselves of the UFT's staff of knowledgeable and impartial pension consultants.

No one ever expects to have a disabling accident or illness, and we hope this never happens to any of us. But in case it does, TRS offers some significant financial protections.

The Teachers’ Retirement System is in possession of many uncashed checks that have been issued since 2000.

There are an awful lot of members putting their loved ones in jeopardy of long delays and legal expenses when their needs are greatest. Are you one of them?

Investment results for 2013 were mixed. Returns for U.S stocks were excellent, international returns were not as high and bond returns were dismal. Includes a tribute to Joe Shannon, a former Teachers' Retirement Board member who passed away in January 2014.

Tips for financial security inlcude using your TRS annual benefits statement for retirement planning, making sure you have enough insurance and taking advantage of free credit reports to check for errors or identity theft.

Many members of the Teachers' Retirement System are unaware of their benefits. This column focuses on explaining the death benefit available tot he vast majority of members.

Polls show that the 1935 Social Security Act is one of the most beloved and popular laws ever enacted in our country.But a proposed change to the cost-of-living adjustment could erode Social Security benefits.