The Not-So-Nifty Fifty

Most people are pretty familiar with the 401k, a supplemental defined contribution retirement plan offered by many private employers. In the public sector, including public schools, most employers offer the 403b instead, which actually predates the 401k and functions in much the same way. Public employers also have the ability to offer a 457b plan, … Continue reading The Not-So-Nifty Fifty →

An Open Letter in Opposition to Colorado SB25-147 (Modify Board Management Public Employees’ Retirement Association)

I sent the following to the bill sponsors (Pelton, Kolker, Garcia Sander, Lukens) as well as my district representatives (Carson, Marshall). If you have an opinion on this bill, you should consider sending something (or calling) the bill sponsors and your representatives. Senators Pelton, Kolker, and Carson, and Representatives Garcia Sander, Lukens and Marshall: I … Continue reading An Open Letter in Opposition to Colorado SB25-147 (Modify Board Management Public Employees’ Retirement Association) →

Appeared on the Teach and Retire Rich Podcast

Dan and Scott had me back on the Teach and Retire Rich podcast for those who might be interested. Apple Podcasts Direct link to the podcast on their site 403bwise 403bwise state 457 ratings Items mentioned in the podcast. Time to Buy! Buy! Buy! (Service Credit, 2025 Edition) (purchasing service credit) Our Current Portfolio and … Continue reading Appeared on the Teach and Retire Rich Podcast →

Should I Do a Transition Year?

Note: This post is specifically for members of Colorado PERA. If you are in a different pension system, you may have a similar option, but every pension system is different. Each pension has unique "return to work" requirements, so make sure you understand those before considering returning to a work for an employer that is … Continue reading Should I Do a Transition Year? →

Vanguard Increasing 403b Administrative Fee to $80 a Year

I've written previously about fees associated with tax-advantaged accounts like 401ks, 403bs, and 457bs. For those of you in Colorado PERA, you're lucky enough to have access to PERA's 401k (and, if your district has opted in, to PERA's 457b). Unfortunately, many of the 403b vendors that districts also allow you to sign up with … Continue reading Vanguard Increasing 403b Administrative Fee to $80 a Year →

Colorado PERA: Automatic Adjustment Provision Trigger Coming Soon?

Every four years Colorado PERA does an Experience Study. This is a process where their Actuarial Consultant takes a look at the assumptions inherent in the calculation of PERA's funded status in light of current economic and demographic assumptions as well as the actual experience in PERA's plan over the last four years. Based on … Continue reading Colorado PERA: Automatic Adjustment Provision Trigger Coming Soon? →