How Colorado PERA “Front-Loads” Service Credit in the School and DPS Divisions

I learned something new this week about how PERA calculates service credit in the School and DPS Divisions. I knew the basics (and the basics are what applies to most people). I knew: To earn a month of service credit, the member must earn at least 80 times the current federal minimum wage in the … Continue reading How Colorado PERA “Front-Loads” Service Credit in the School and DPS Divisions →

Our Current Portfolio and Recent Returns as of January 2026

Each year I'm sharing what our current portfolio looks like. This is what it looks like as of January 1, 2026. (Here is April 2022, January 2024, January 2025). Asset Location Like many people, by necessity we have our investments in multiple places due to past employers, HSAs, and different types of taxable accounts. Taxable … Continue reading Our Current Portfolio and Recent Returns as of January 2026 →

Please Consider Supporting Colorado HB26-1026

Back in 2023 I wrote a post about some suggested legislation I would like to see regarding Colorado PERA. I'm excited to share that this legislation has now been proposed as part of the 2026 Colorado General Assembly. It is House Bill 26-1026 sponsored by Representative Bob Marshall, Representative Eliza Hamrick, and Senator Chris Kolker. … Continue reading Please Consider Supporting Colorado HB26-1026 →

PERACare Premium Increases and the Impact of a Plan Design Change

Colorado PERA offers optional health insurance called PERACare as a benefit to its retirees. While the details of next year's plans aren't out yet (open enrollment begins October 20th), a presentation at today's Board meeting shared the details on the premium increases (and a change in one of the plans offered). Given all that's going … Continue reading PERACare Premium Increases and the Impact of a Plan Design Change →

Colorado PERA Board Elections: Please Vote

Most of you who are receiving this are members of Colorado PERA, either in the active school division or in the retiree school division. Both divisions have Board of Trustee seats up for election this month and I want to encourage everyone to vote. You can vote now by logging into your PERA account online … Continue reading Colorado PERA Board Elections: Please Vote →

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 →