ERS Money Talks Podcast

Send us Fan MailAre you part of the 80%? Statistics show the vast majority of state employees are not taking full advantage of their TexFlex benefits, essentially leaving money on the table every month.In this episode, we sit down with James Handy, TexFlex account executive, to demystify these powerful budgeting tools. We dive into the different types of spending accounts and uncover the surprising list of everyday items you are likely already buying that are 100% eligible for reimbursement. From routine essentials at TexFlex.com to "insider" tips for managing major expenses like orthodontia, we cover the budgeting insights you need to stop overpaying. Whether you are looking for better ways to save or just want to uncover the surprise savings you have been missing, this conversation is your guide to making your money work harder for you.In this episode, we talk about the following resources:Sign up for TexFlex and save money on taxesTexFlex program resources: Get fact sheets, "How to" guides and more.View all eligible expensesCheck out the FSA Store

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we reflect on key money tips and insights from past Money Talks conversations. We revisit the lessons that stood the test of time, the moments that shaped the year, and how those takeaways continue to influence today’s financial decisions.Hosted by Crystal Olvera, Angelica Rivera and Erika Perez, we also look ahead, exploring the themes, topics, segments and ideas that are shaping the future of Money Talks. From fresh conversations to unexpected insights, this episode bridges where we’ve been with where we’re headed next.In this episode, we highlighted tips from the following episodes:Empower Hour with Texa$aver's Mike McLellanGet a glimpse of future you with a Texa$aver Retirement Plan AdvisorGet scam savvy so you don't get swindledGet the real deal with the ERS Discount Purchase ProgramWe talk about death so you don't have to: A conversation about ERS' Optional Term Life InsuranceWhat's healthcare inflation? Understanding the value of your health insurance amid rising costsHave a story idea or topic you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailCelebrate the holidays with a very special guest. Hosts Suzanne, Crystal and Dani speak to Santa Claus who reveals his secret identity: Texas Department of Transportation employee Gordon Jones. Find out how Santa is sleighing the retirement game and making sure he’s not St. Nickel-less.Helpful contacts: Contact the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) by calling (877) 275-4377 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. If your question doesn’t need an immediate answer visit the Contact ERS webpage and submit a question to be answered over email. Contact a Texa$aver℠ 401(k) / 457 Program Retirement Plan Advisor (RPA) by calling (800) 634-5091 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT or schedule an appointment with an RPA. Mentioned in this episode: Purchase service credit Take advantage of the Texa$aver 401(k)/457 program What happens if you withdraw your ERS retirement? Learn more about Santa Gordon

Send us Fan MailWe talked with Treshayla Wilson, an expert from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, to get holiday spending tips on how to spend wisely, avoid scams and plan for the next holiday season! Mentioned in this episode: NerdWallet 2025 Holiday Spending Report Additional resources: Learn to use a credit card with Empower Learning ReportFraud.ftc.gov identitytheft.gov *title generated with help from ChatGPT

Send us Fan MailFeel empowered to save for retirement this National Retirement Security Month. Hosts Suzanne and Crystal speak to Texa$aver Retirement Plan Advisor (RPA) Mike McLellan about investing at any age, consolidating plans, a magic number to double your money and more on Empower Hour.Mentioned in this episode:Texa$aver.comSchedule a meeting with a Texa$aver Retirement Plan AdvisorThe magic number: Americans say they need $1.06 million to retireLearning curveHow scattered retirement accounts can hurt your financial future 

Send us Fan MailHosts Dani and Crystal are joined by Jeff, a member of our Specialty Operations Services team, to answer member questions found on a popular forum based social media platform.Helpful contacts:Contact the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) by calling (877) 275-4377 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. If your question doesn’t need an immediate answer visit the Contact ERS webpage and submit a question to be answered over email.Contact a Texa$aver℠ 401(k) / 457 Program Retirement Plan Advisor (RPA) by calling (800) 634-5091 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT or schedule an appointment with an RPA.Helpful resources:Find your ERS retirement groupEmployees and survivors premium ratesRetiree premium ratesWithdraw Your ERS RetirementKnow before you go – Money MattERS article

Send us Fan MailERS' own wellbeing expert, Lacy Wolff, joins the hosts Dani, Angelica and Suzanne to discuss trends in member attitudes towards their finances, their financial stressors and helpful ERS resources.Mentioned in the episode:ERS Buena Vida PodcastBuena Vida ERS Money Talks newsletterWellness webinarsMoney Mindsets & the Marketing Trap with Nick DaughertyFrom $40K Debt to Financial Freedom: Kari Karber's JourneySteps to make your emergency savings fundHealthSelect wellness resourcesHealthSelect condition management programsTexa$aver

Send us Fan MailThe 89th legislative session has ended and health insurance premiums will go up September 1, which is the start of the new plan year. The hosts talk with Blaise Duran, director of group benefits at ERS. They discuss why premiums are increasing, who's affected and the ways ERS works to help keep those costs low. 

Send us Fan MailLife insurance is important for many families. That's why we want you to know exactly how it can help protect your loved one's financial security. And with Summer Enrollment coming up with the chance to add or change your coverage, it's a good time for us to talk with Securian's Lynn Gordon, who demystifies this complex and important benefit.Covered in this episode:Term life insurance vs. permanent/whole life insuranceUnderstanding evidence of insurability (EOI)The importance of naming beneficiariesReevaluating the need for coverage as your life and financial situation changesWhat happens with your term life insurance when you retire and the process when you die.Resourceslifebenefits.com/plandesign/ers

Send us Fan MailIt's not all cruises and flowers (although those are nice, too!). Beneplace's Tom Murphy talks about how to save an average of $5,000 per year on regular household items and also those big-ticket purchases. Topics include:Popular ways to save with the Discount Purchase ProgramDeals popular with State of Texas employeesHow shopping habits change with the economyThe benefit of discount programs to employees and employersShopping success storiesFun Life RewardsMentioned in this episode: discountprogramtxers.com

Send us Fan MailTreshayla Wilson of the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner joins ERS' Crystal and Suzanne to talk about scams, swindles and safety. Hear about the top scams to avoid now, how to spot one and how to protect your personally identifiable information. Know where to go if you fall victim to a scam. Covered in this episode: State of scams todayHow to protect yourself from scamsScam #1: Student/teacher login phishing scamsScam #2: Facebook and social media login scamHow to protect your personally identifiable informationScam #3: Government/IRS impersonation scamsScam #4: Toll text scamsHow and why to report scams; helpful resourcesMentioned: Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner https://occc.texas.gov/Federal Trade Commission https://www.ftc.gov/

Send us Fan MailThe hosts Suzanne, Dani and Angelica are joined by Texa$aver Retirement Plan Advisor Nik Frye to talk about retirement planning, the value of meeting with a retirement plan advisor and what to expect during a Retirement Readiness Review. So whether your retirement is a few days or a few decades away, there's something for you in this episode.Mentioned in this episode:www.texasaver.comTexa$aver dashboardMeet with a Retirement Plan Advisor scheduling tool

Send us Fan MailTalking State of Texas Retirement with ERS Benefits Educator Jennifer ThompsonWe discuss the state pension plan for groups 1, 2 and 3. Learn why your pension is valuable, how it’s calculated, things to consider when life changes and much more.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to a new way of getting your ERS financial news.