What is the Demographic Experience Study and how does it influence Washington State pensions? We sit down with Frank, one of the actuaries who worked on the study. Turns out, there were small shifts in male and female life expectancy and a trend toward later retirements for many eligible workers. We'll explain what those findings mean and how they're used to ensure pension funding stays on track.

View the survey: 2019-2023 Demographic Experience Study

Retiring before age 65 is a goal for many people, and this summer DRS accounting team member Tracie is doing just that. She shares the steps she took to prepare, including creating retirement estimates, paying off debt and using her DCP savings to purchase an annuity. Tracie also discusses health insurance options, coordinating retirement timing with her spouse and what she's looking forward to most as she settles into a new retirement routine.

Balancing student loans, saving for your child’s education and planning for retirement isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge many parents face. Jacob talks about navigating those competing priorities and the lessons he’s learned while trying to find the right financial balance. He also reflects on his new position as the Executive Director of The Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' (LEOFF) Plan 2 Retirement Board.

Last year, Governor Ferguson appointed Kathryn Leathers as director of the Department of Retirement Systems. Now that she’s settled into the role, we talk with her about the experience so far. Kathryn spent more than 30 years as a lawyer and served for seven years as General Counsel to former Governor Jay Inslee. She shares what’s surprised her most about leading DRS and lessons she’s learned from managing her own finances.

As a school district employee in Washington, you have several choices when it comes to health care in retirement. One option is to enroll in PEBB, the Public Employees Benefit Board. You should apply no later than 60 days after your employer sponsored coverage ends and preferably sooner if possible. We talk with Laura from the Health Care Authority about this important decision and what you need to know.

More information: https://www.hca.wa.gov/

Medicare is meant to make health care more affordable in retirement, but if your income is higher, you might pay more than expected. Some retirees are surprised to learn about Medicare surcharges that can add hundreds of dollars to their monthly premiums. In this episode, we talk with Tim, a Medicare expert, to break down these extra costs called IRMAAs (income-related monthly adjustment amounts). Then we walk through what they could mean for your retirement.

Growing up, Malia often heard a simple message about money: Don’t spend it. Over time, she’s come to see just how much more nuanced financial decisions can be. Now the DRS Defined Contribution Plan Manager, Malia reflects on a 20-year career and the lessons she’s learned from working with real people. From starting small and automating savings to prioritizing health and flexibility, she offers a thoughtful perspective on preparing for retirement.

Taking care of your health might be one of the smartest financial moves you can make. In this episode, we talk with Heather from the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) about preventive screenings and care available to employees enrolled in PEBB and SEBB plans. Many services including well visits, immunizations, mammograms, and colorectal cancer screenings have no out of pocket cost. We discuss when screenings are recommended as you get older and why some important ones are often forgotten.

More information: https://www.hca.wa.gov/employee-retiree-benefits