PODCAST · business
Fund Your Future with DRS
by Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
Explore some of the basics of financial planning, tools for managing your money and ideas for sparking conversations with friends and family. Join Retirement System employees as they tackle the stigma around money and share their personal financial journeys.
Episodes
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Ep 98 - Retirement mindset: Jon
Retirement planning looks different for everyone. And as a Retirement Specialist, Jon shares what he’s learned from talking to people at different stages of their careers. As a result, this means that preparing for retirement means saving as early, but also keeping your mind sharp. And while...
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Ep 97 - What you need to know about HCA open enrollment for 2027
Did you know you can change your health insurance plan during fall open enrollment? It’s a chance to review your coverage and see if your current plan is still right for you. Laura from the Health Care Authority joins us to explain what you need to know. Open enrollment is Oct. 26 – Nov. 23, 2026.
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Ep 96 - Menopause at work: what Washington State employees need to know
Menopause is a natural stage of life that affects many people thinking about retirement. Washington is one of the first states to formally address it in the workplace through an executive order from the governor. We sit down with educator and advocate Shannon to talk about what this means for…
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Ep 95 - Marriage after retirement
Getting married after retirement may give you a one-time opportunity to add your new spouse as your survivor for your pension benefit. But there are specific rules and deadlines you’ll need to know about. We sit down with Kumano to chat about who may be eligible, when you can make the change and...
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Ep 94 - How to manage your benefits when moving or traveling
Planning a trip outside Washington? If you’re retired and have PEBB retiree insurance, there are a few things you’ll want to know before your trip. We chat with Laura from the Washington State Health Care Authority about how your coverage works when you’re traveling and what you can do to…
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Ep 93 - Making the most of your retiree health coverage
Medicare doesn't cover every health care expense, but the PEBB retiree insurance can help fill some of the gaps. Additional benefits can include chiropractic care, massage therapy, physical therapy, vision, hearing and naturopathic care. Tune in to find out how to make the most of your coverage....
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Ep 92 - Building tax-smart retirement savings
There are a lot of ways to save for retirement, including pretax and Roth contributions, IRAs, and Washington’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), also known as a 457 plan. In this episode, we break down the differences, explain tax and withdrawal rules, required minimum distributions,...
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Ep 91 - Demographic Deep Dive
What is the Demographic Experience Study and how does it influence Washington State pensions? We sit down with Frank, one of the actuaries who worked on the study. Turns out, there were small shifts in male and female life expectancy and a trend toward later retirements for many eligible workers....
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Ep 90 - Retirement mindset: Tracie
Retiring before age 65 is a goal for many people, and this summer DRS accounting team member Tracie is doing just that. She shares the steps she took to prepare, including creating retirement estimates, paying off debt and using her DCP savings to purchase an annuity. Tracie also discusses health...
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Ep 89 - Retirement mindset: Jacob
Balancing student loans, saving for your child’s education and planning for retirement isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge many parents face. Jacob talks about navigating those competing priorities and the lessons he’s learned while trying to find the right financial balance. He also reflects on his...
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Ep 88 - Meet Director Leathers
Last year, Governor Ferguson appointed Kathryn Leathers as director of the Department of Retirement Systems. Now that she’s settled into the role, we talk with her about the experience so far. Kathryn spent more than 30 years as a lawyer and served for seven years as General Counsel to former...
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Ep 87 - Retiring school employees: moving from SEBB to PEBB
As a school district employee in Washington, you have several choices when it comes to health care in retirement. One option is to enroll in PEBB, the Public Employees Benefit Board. You should apply no later than 60 days after your employer sponsored coverage ends and preferably sooner if...
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Ep 86 - High income, higher Medicare premiums
Medicare is meant to make health care more affordable in retirement, but if your income is higher, you might pay more than expected. Some retirees are surprised to learn about Medicare surcharges that can add hundreds of dollars to their monthly premiums. In this episode, we talk with Tim, a...
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Ep 85 - Retirement mindset: Malia
Growing up, Malia often heard a simple message about money: Don’t spend it. Over time, she’s come to see just how much more nuanced financial decisions can be. Now the DRS Defined Contribution Plan Manager, Malia reflects on a 20-year career and the lessons she’s learned from working with real...
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Ep 84 - Free preventative care for PEBB and SEBB members
Taking care of your health might be one of the smartest financial moves you can make. In this episode, we talk with Heather from the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) about preventive screenings and care available to employees enrolled in PEBB and SEBB plans. Many services including…
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Ep 83 - Estate planning with your adult children
As you get older, it’s important your adult children understand your finances, so they’re not left guessing if something happens. DRS team member Adam recently had this conversation and shares important things to cover when planning your estate.
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Ep 82 - Retirement mindset: Seth
Sometimes, confidence in your future can bring peace of mind in the present. That’s been Seth’s philosophy when it comes to saving for retirement. After starting early with a Roth IRA and planning to retire in his mid-40s, Seth shares why he’s still working and why helping people at DRS is so...
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Ep 81 - Retirement mindset: Jenny
In this special episode, the mic gets turned around. Jenny steps down from the host chair as co-worker Christine interviews her about how the conversations she’s had on the show have shaped her own habits and view of retirement. She shares what she hopes listeners take away from the show beyond...
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Ep 80 - The Kevin Bacon rule of retirement
Your retirement health may depend on your social life. In this episode, we unpack the Kevin Bacon Rule of Retirement: why staying connected after you leave the workforce could be one of your most powerful retirement strategies. We chat with DRS team member Mike about his plans for staying…
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Ep 79 - Protecting your DRS account with online security
Thousands of DRS customers log in every day to manage their retirement, so keeping those accounts secure matters. We’re joined by Michael from our Contact Center to walk through recent online security updates including removing email as an MFA option and adding the ability to use authenticator...
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Ep 78 - Boost your savings in 2026: New DCP contribution limits
Want to save more for retirement in 2026? In this episode, we break down the new Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) limits: $24,500 annually, or $32,500 if you’re age 50+ and even more if you’re within 3 years of retirement. Find out how pretax and Roth contributions work together - what counts...
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Ep 77 - The school champion for better retirement planning
What if one conversation could change your financial future? We talk with Anthony, a Yakima School District leader whose passion for retirement education stems from his family history and years in labor advocacy. He shares how his path from delivery driver to union rep to HR leader shapes his...
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Ep 76 - Sorting out contribution rate changes
Every two years, contribution rates for Washington’s retirement plans change and that can raise questions. When a relative asked Amber why employer rates went down, she realized it’s just as important to understand decreases as increases. In this episode, we unpack how these rates are set, why…
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Ep 75 - RMDs explained: what to expect when you turn 73
If you have a DCP or Plan 3 investment account, you're required by the IRS to withdraw a minimum distribution (RMD) from your pretax balance when you reach age 73. We take a look at how the amount you're required to withdraw is calculated. We also look at special cases like inherited accounts and...
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Ep 74 - DCP conversions: pretax to Roth
There are a lot of reasons people choose to convert money within their DCP account from pretax to Roth option. We discuss the process of how this is done as well as the pros and cons, including timing and tax rules.
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Ep 73 - Book review: "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins
Sometimes people get overwhelmed trying to find the “right” financial advice. But for a simple and effective method, look no further than "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins. His three core rules - spend less than you earn, invest the extra in low-cost index funds, and avoid debt - have...
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Ep 72 - LEOFF Plan 1: How a pension turned into an endowment
Washington state has some of the strongest-funded pensions in the nation. In this episode, we sit down with Washington State Actuary, Matt Smith, to unpack why the Law Enforcement Officers' and Fire Fighters' (LEOFF) Plan 1 has an expected surplus. Matt breaks down simple ways to measure pension...
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Ep 71 - Rethinking early retirement: downshifting, not disappearing
What does it really mean to retire early? Is it about leaving work behind completely, or is it more about creating flexibility, freedom, and balance sooner rather than later? We’re joined by Christine, a DRS employee who’s been carefully planning for her future since her mid-20s. She shares how…
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Ep 70 - How to plan for a micro-retirement
The term micro-retirement is becoming popular with people of all ages. The idea involves stepping away from the workforce for an extended period to pursue passions, travel, recharge, or learn new skills, essentially hitting the reset button on life. We look at perspectives and planning strategies...
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Ep 69 - What is a record keeper?
If you’ve ever seen the name Voya Financial with your DCP or Plan 3 account and wondered what they do, this episode is for you. We look at the role of a record keeper: helping process transactions, maintain accounts, and support over 400,000 customers! We also look at what record keepers don’t do...
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Ep 68 - Understanding COLAs and the CPI Connection
Why do pensions sometimes go up? In this episode, we talk with Matt Smith, the state actuary, about COLAs (Cost of Living Adjustment) and how it’s tied to inflation. Matt explains how prices are tracked using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Workers (CPI-U) and why that matters for your…
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Ep 67 - Why the rule of 72 feels like magic (but isn’t)
If you ever wanted a quick way to estimate how many years it’ll take for your investments to double, take 72 and divide it by the interest rate. In this episode, we explore how this a great way to think about the power of compound interest. If you’re early in your career, it may encourage you to...
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Ep 66 - DCP withdrawals, rollovers, and RMDs
You have options when it comes to accessing your DCP funds. In this episode, we cover smart ways to manage your funds, including monthly payouts, rollovers, lump sums and annuities. Plus, find out about required minimum distributions, emergency access and managing beneficiaries. Resources:...
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Ep 65 - Fears about money and how to tackle them
According to a study by Allianz Life Insurance, Americans are more afraid of running out of money than of dying. We unpack the emotional toll of financial stress and talk about practical ways to regain a sense of control. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, or simply overwhelmed by rising...
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Ep 64 - Money moves when your finances are tight
In this timely episode, we dive into the reality many are facing: economic uncertainty and its impact on personal finances and retirement plans. We discuss practical steps to manage stress, maintain financial stability, and make informed decisions. We also explore how tools like Washington's...
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Ep 63 - Firefighters and financial planning: what we can learn
Are there some groups of public employees that do a better job of saving for retirement? In this episode, our guest AJ shares why firefighters are proactive when it comes to retirement planning. Find out about their approach and how you can apply it to your own long-term planning.
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Ep 62 - Finding calm when the stock market goes down
It can be scary to look at your DCP or Plan 3 investments and see that your balance has suddenly gone down. However, even if stocks are low, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should panic. In this episode, we talk about how to mentally deal with the stock market during uncertain times. Our guest,...
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Ep 61 - Exploring economics with TikTok's @EconChrisClarke
Ever wonder why prices rise, how the stock market shapes our world, or what drives the financial decisions? This is the study of economics. In this episode, we sit down with Chris Clarke, an economics professor from Washington State University. Chris has gained a large online following from his...
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Ep 60 - Strategies and benefits of VEBA, a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
As you plan for health care in retirement, a VEBA or HRA can be a helpful tool. Many public employers participate to help you save for your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and premiums. Our guest Brian, from Gallagher (consultant for VEBA trusts), shares insights on how these tax-advantaged...
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Ep 59 - Cash-out strategies for your leave balance
When you decide to separate from service - either to retire, or work elsewhere - there's a good chance you'll have a balance of sick leave and annual leave. You may have the option to cash-out this leave, but you'll still have to pay the taxes on the extra income. Luckily, some employers allow…
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Ep 58 - Returning to work after retirement
As a retiree, you can go back to work for a Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) employer and still receive your pension benefit as long as you follow a few rules. In this episode, our guest Kumano, sheds light on considerations for retirees who wish to work for a DRS employer post-retirement....
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Ep 57 - Understanding separation vs. retirement dates
In this episode, we delve into the crucial distinctions between separation date and retirement date, specifically for those retiring with DRS. Understanding these dates will help you determine when you can start collecting your pension benefits. Learn why timing matters, especially if you're...
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Ep 56 - Affordable staycations in Washington state
During the chilly winter months, you might be thinking about planning that spring or summer vacation. But you don't have to spend money on an expensive flight to get away. Sometimes it's nice to do a staycation and explore Washington state! From arid deserts to moss-covered rainforests, there's...
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Ep 55 - ABLE savings plans for people with disabilities
Millions of people with disabilities rely on federal programs. However, if they're receiving benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, they're restricted to having only $2,000 in assets. As a result, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) act was passed in 2014. A...
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Ep 54 - Pension plan funding with the WA state actuary
Washington state pensions are calculated to be 94% funded. That rate is one of the highest rates in the country. We welcome Matt Smith, the Washington State Actuary, to talk about the latest Actuarial Valuation Report recently released by his office. He explains the significance of funded status,...
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Ep 53 - New Retirement Strategy Fund for DCP and Plan 3
A new Retirement Strategy Fund (RSF) is coming to the lineup of investment options in Plan 3 and the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). The most recent addition – the 2070 Retirement Strategy Fund – will be available beginning Jan. 6, 2025. We sit down with Chris from AllianceBernstein to talk...
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Ep 52 - A guide to Washington state parks and passes
Planning a get-a-way doesn't have to be expensive. In this episode, we're joined by Ariel from Washington State Parks to explore the budget-friendly recreational opportunities available across 140 state parks. From the popular Discover Pass to several discounted options for those over age 62 and...
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Ep 51 - Credit scores and freezing your credit
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial health. So, it’s important to know how to manage and improve your credit. Our guests, Lyn and Nathan from the Department of Financial Institutions, break down the differences between credit scores and credit reports. They also share…
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Ep 50 - Social Security: understanding provisions for public employees
Editor's note: In December 2024, Congress repealed the two provisions within Social Security benefits that we discuss in this episode. - Continuing our discussion of Social Security benefits, we focus on unique provisions that can apply to public employees. Some people assume all public employees...
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Ep 49 - Social Security basics
We dive into the essentials of Social Security benefits with special guest Kirk from the Social Security Administration. Kirk answers frequently asked questions about creating a My Social Security account, its benefits, and how to use online resources for your retirement planning. Learn how to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Explore some of the basics of financial planning, tools for managing your money and ideas for sparking conversations with friends and family. Join Retirement System employees as they tackle the stigma around money and share their personal financial journeys.
HOSTED BY
Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
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How many episodes does Fund Your Future with DRS have?
Fund Your Future with DRS currently has 97 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Fund Your Future with DRS about?
Explore some of the basics of financial planning, tools for managing your money and ideas for sparking conversations with friends and family. Join Retirement System employees as they tackle the stigma around money and share their personal financial journeys.
How often does Fund Your Future with DRS release new episodes?
Fund Your Future with DRS has 97 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Fund Your Future with DRS on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Fund Your Future with DRS?
Fund Your Future with DRS is created and hosted by Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
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