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The Retirement System Equation

A formula that is very important at the ASRS, but one that most of us would not learn about outside of retirement fund management: 

C + I = B + E

Contributions plus Income equals Benefits plus Expenses. This is the essence of how your retirement system is funded! A description of these four factors:

A Service Purchase Overview: Types & Price

The ASRS Service Purchase Program is a benefit that allows active members with previous qualifying service to purchase past service time. There are 5 types of qualifying service, with the most common being the purchase of Forfeited Service or the purchase of Other Public Service. While it can be costly, it can also be beneficial - potentially increasing your lifetime benefit and/or allowing you to retire earlier than planned.

Leaving The ASRS and Cash Refunds: An Example

In this infographic, we look at an example of an ASRS member with an estimated refund of $10,000 to see how taxes apply, what penalties may be assessed, and what the estimated remaining cash amount could be. (Along with options available to avoid those penalties and taxes.)

Nearing the Retirement Finish Line?

A look at "Route 4: Next Exit Retirement" - the final session of our four-part educational series, geared towards members thinking of retiring within 6 months. 

When Are You 'Vested' in the ASRS?

Vesting is a term used often when discussing a retirement account. However, the ASRS benefit programs do not have a “vesting” schedule. Members must meet certain requirements before being eligible to receive retirement benefits, health insurance, premium benefit subsidy, long-term disability, or participate in the ASRS service purchase program.

Refund/Forfeiture

When one of your employees asks about “vesting” with the ASRS, often these members may be referring to the percentage of employer funds they might receive if they decide to refund their account.

Education Spotlight: Route 3

It’s never too early to begin planning for your retirement, and our Route 1 and 2 are eLearnings available anytime on our website. Route 3: Destination in Sight marks the first educational opportunity offered as a live-streaming, interactive webinar led by ASRS Retirement Specialists, where you can ask questions and get real-time answers. Route 3 is designed for members within three years of retirement. 

Here's an overview of the information covered in Route 3: 

What Happens to Your Account if You Pass Away?

A look at Survivor Benefits: What they are, how they function, and how you can prepare should the unfortunate happen. 

A Good Time to Start Saving

For many, a new year often brings new goals and resolutions. Is one of your resolutions for 2021 to start saving money? While one of the most comforting features of a future ASRS pension is knowing you’ll have a steady, guaranteed income stream, your ASRS retirement benefit, by design, is not intended to replace your entire working income. Instead, it is designed to be one piece of the pie that makes up your retirement plan. The other pieces of that pie? Social Security and personal savings. Here are some tips to make getting started on a personal savings plan a tiny bit easier: 

Tips For Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a proper work-life balance can be a struggle, and with the ability to work from home becoming more common, the lines between work and home have blurred more than ever before. Bedrooms, living rooms, and spare bedrooms have transformed into work spaces. Temporary offices have become permanent shared office spaces. Daily commuting to-and-from work that would traditionally serve as a mental transition period between work and home are gone, and with it, for some, the mental off-switch that would result from a drive home listening to the radio or favorite podcast.

Pension Benefit vs. Account Balance

As a member of the Arizona State Retirement System, you make contributions with each of your paychecks. Both you and your employer contribute equal amounts, which are invested to generate revenue and build the ASRS trust fund, which in turn pays your guaranteed lifetime pension benefit upon retirement. These contributions, plus interest, combine to form your account balance.

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