Financial Education for Colorado Educators (and those they love). Absolutely Free.
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
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
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
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
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)
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?