Your Retirement in Focus

Could a single weak password put your TRS benefit and other accounts at risk? Bad actors and cybercriminals target individuals every day. In this episode of Your Retirement in Focus, host Everett Crockett speaks with Tom McMurry, TRS Chief Information Officer, to break down the real-world risks of scams and how they can impact your identity, credit, and your Teachers Retirement System benefit. Lea...

From one educator to another, you’ll hear how the education system can maximize your compensation and make it work for you. Dr. Steve Frandsen, author of “The Millionaire & Me: A Teacher’s Guide to Becoming a Millionaire,” current educator and principal, discusses the secrets of wealth and the teaching profession. He’ll explore the positive aspects of this career path and how to take advantage...

Join us for a special year-end episode of the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) podcast as we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to 2026. In this conversation, outgoing Executive Director Dr. L. C. (Buster) Evans and incoming Executive Director Dr. Jason L. Branch share insights on: Key legislative and economic developments impacting TRS How the system performed amid market ups and downs The importance...

In this special episode, we sit down with Chris Hill , former host and executive producer of Motley Fool Money and one of the most recognized voices in investing. Over his 25-year career at The Motley Fool, Chris co-created five shows about money and investing, hosted more than 3,500 episodes, and interviewed some of the biggest names in business and finance—including Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Lew...

Dedication, Reinvention, and Serendipity! TRS retiree and owner of Rose Creek Guitars, Rick Gunn, discusses setting yourself up for success before and embracing new beginnings in retirement. How did the former CFO of Forsyth County School District end up designing and building custom guitars? Find out in this episode! We'll also discuss: Rick Gunn’s career journey and retirement Savings plans such...

“Most money problems are not problems about money.” In part 2 of this dynamic episode, Dale Alexander, CFP, discusses how being rich isn’t about how much money you have. For a deeper understanding of wealth, Dale provides gems of insight on finding joy in your life, investing, the influence of social media, and the benefit of compound interest. He also shares how TRS members can become millionaire...

“Play now and pay later OR pay now and play later.” From your first paycheck to your most recent one, Dale Alexander shares wisdom on focusing in on your financial dreams, having “The Talk (About Money)" with your family, and how to treat new money as it enters your life. As an author and motivational speaker, Dale discusses finances through a practical, philosophical, and philanthropic lens. Dale...

Recorded on February 24th, 2025, join us for this Social Security Update. What is the Social Security Fairness Act? How does it impact individuals filing for or currently receiving Social Security benefits? Catch this TRS Talks segment as Cindy Lundquist, Social Security expert, answers these questions and provides a Social Security Fairness Act update, discusses other Social Security topics, and...

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your retirement! TRS Counseling Team Lead, Monica Castine and TRS New Retirement Operations Manager, Carlos Marshall, will help you understand the process in two time periods: BEFORE and AFTER your retirement application has been submitted. Monica will prepare you with: when to turn in your application the benefit of unused sick leave & other s...

Join us for a year-end recap with our Executive Director, Dr. L.C. "Buster" Evans, Ed. D., for an insightful conversation as we delve into the highlights and challenges of 2024. Topics discussed include: How TRS achieved the highest return of all state pension systems in the US. Legislative impacts on the system, including proposed and passed bills. Addressing teacher shortages in Georgia . The nu...

Estate Plans are not Just for the Rich. Why EVERYONE Needs an Estate Plan feat. Ryan Rasmussen, CFP What does an estate plan include? Why is it important to start planning now? Through real-life narratives, examples, and facts, Ryan Rasmussen, CFP, takes you through what an estate plan is and why EVERYONE needs to have one. We aren’t all guaranteed a tomorrow and taking control of the “What Ifs” i...

What do marriage, divorce, kids, hobbies, and income streams have in common? They all have an impact on your happiness! Join us as we revisit this insightful episode on retirement with Wes Moss, a seasoned financial professional, best-selling author, broadcaster, and teacher. Highlights include: The top 3 financial habits of the happiest retirees and the research behind it How much money happy ret...

Emphasizing the financial challenges and opportunities educators face, podcast guest, Yahrasiel Colbert, Ed. S., leverages over 27 years of multidisciplinary expertise to help people build confidence in their financial independence. Yahrasiel is an educator, works as a consultant, and has authored a financial journal. During this episode, she provides resources for creating realistic budgets and a...

Light the fire, pour the hot cocoa, and grab your headphones! This end-of-year special from the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia dives deep into the triumphs, challenges, and fascinating facts that marked 2023 for TRS. Host: Everett Crockett Guest: Dr. L.C. (Buster) Evans, Executive Director of Teachers Retirement System of GA Join us as we: Discuss market performance to member milestones. Ge...

All healthcare is not the same. Louis Amis, Executive Director of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) discusses the importance of understanding your health, being realistic about your finances for emergencies, learning about preventative exams, and being aware of common healthcare mistakes so you can make the best decisions! During this episode, he also talks about the SHBP structure, changes to...

Former teacher, author, and returning podcast guest, Danny Kofke, discusses how to take control of your money using simplified and practical tactics. Through his path in teaching, financial education, writing, and TV guest appearances, Danny has learned that you can’t run a marathon in 30 days. It takes consistency and a personalized approach to build your financial margins…and you can do it too!...

The Georgia Retired Educators Association (GREA) has over 32,000 members and advocates for and amplifies the voice of retired educators in Georgia. Dr. Sloan, GREA Executive Director, and 2022-23 President Dr. Henrietta Gray, discuss what sparks their passion for education, the rewards of being a TRS member (including your pension!), and the benefits of being involved with the GREA (fellowship, co...

Join us in a republish of a previous episode to help you get prepared for your retirement. Are you considering retiring this year?  Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits?  These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this episode.  Carlos Marshall, New Retirement Manager, and Winston Buckley, Communications Director, give best pr...

TRS podcast host, Everett Crockett talks to Wes Moss, a seasoned financial professional, best-selling author, broadcaster, and teacher. Wes discusses the top 3 financial habits of the happiest retirees and much more! How do events such as marriage, divorce, kids, location, hobbies, and income streams impact your happiness? Money + Health + Connectedness = A happy lifestyle! Join in on our conversa...

Are you considering retiring this year?  Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits?  These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this replay of one our episodes from the TRS Vault. Get out your pen and pad and get ready to take notes as Everett Crockett goes over the plan options and important information for you as you prepare for...

2022 has been a year for the record books for TRS. This has been the 1st full calendar year since the pandemic's beginning that our Atlanta and Macon offices have been open to the public.  Our daily operations have not ceased, yet many processes have transformed from how they were years ago.  Not to mention, TRS has added several improvements to become both more efficient and productive.  Join us...

In the fall, open enrollment season causes members to reflect on what benefits they currently have and what they will probably need during the upcoming year.  Sonya Kinley, Chief Human Resources Officer at TRS, gives us some great tips on what to consider during this time of the year.  She even offers some advice for newly hired human resources professionals to become more effective in their roles...

Did you know that certain retirees can come back to work in a full-time capacity and continue to receive their retirement benefit at the same time?  Well, House Bill 385 allows this type of employment for retirees with 30 or more years of service.  During this episode, we discuss the main provisions of the bill, eligibility, rules, and even some investment decisions you should consider. If you hav...

Are you considering retiring this year and have questions about working in retirement?  Or are you already a TRS retiree and have had thoughts about your investment strategy in retirement?  Well, you have tuned in to the right episode!  Dale Alexander has returned to share some information about investing as a retiree and we also revisited our Return To Work episode number 6 which covers details a...

Are you considering retiring this year?  Have you met with one of our counselors or received an estimate of your retirement benefits?  These are just a couple of the topics that are discussed in this replay of one our episodes from the TRS Vault.   Get out your pen and pad and get ready to take notes as Everett Crockett goes over the plan options and important information for you as you prepare fo...