Washington State Retirement Planning
by Ethan Meikle
Welcome to The Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast – the ultimate podcast designed to demystify and optimize your Washington retirement journey!Our seasoned experts will break down complex topics into digestible, actionable insights. From TRS & PERS Pensions to DCP, 403b, Social Security, and beyond, we cover it all.With engaging interviews, real-life success stories, and Q&A sessions, this podcast is your go-to resource for a secure retirement. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of your benefits, so you can make well-informed decisions.Want More? Visit WATRSPERS.com
Episodes
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EP 53 - How COLA works in Washington State
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses How does the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) work for Washington State retirees? In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we explain how COLA can increase your pension over time, how annual adjustments are…
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Ep 52 - How to Move Your Washington Plan 3 Funds
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we walk you through the process step by step, showing you how to manage your investments, transfer funds, and make sure your future contributions go where you want them to....
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EP 51 - Why 403(b) Plans Suck
Why do so many 403(b) plans get a bad reputation? In this episode of the Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down some of the biggest problems to watch for when choosing a 403(b) plan as a Washington State employee, especially if you're a teacher or work for a school district.…
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Ep 50 - What is a Roth 403(b)?
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses Should you use a Roth 403(b) instead of a traditional pre-tax 403(b)? In this episode of the Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down how a Roth 403(b) works and why it can be one of the most underutilized retirement...
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Ep 49 - What is a Roth IRA?
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses What is a Roth IRA, how does it work, and why might you want one as part of your retirement strategy? In this episode of the Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down the Roth concept in simple terms, including how Roth...
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Ep 48 - What Is a VEBA Account and How Does It Work
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses What is a VEBA account, and how can Washington State employees use it to pay for healthcare in retirement? In this episode of the WA Retirement Podcast, we break down how VEBA accounts work, including how they can be funded, how unused…
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Ep 47 - WA LTC Tax - What Is It, How It Works & How to Opt Out
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses What is the Washington State Long Term Care Tax, what does it actually cover, and can you still opt out? In this episode of the Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down the latest updates to Washington's long term care...
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Ep 46 - What is a Financial Plan?
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses What exactly is a financial plan, and do you really need one? In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, Ethan breaks down what a financial plan is, what it should include, and why having a clear roadmap can help you…
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EP 45 - Should I use a TAP annuity
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community Should you use the TAP annuity when you retire? In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down one of the most powerful and misunderstood retirement tools available to Washington State Plan 3 members. We cover how the...
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Ep 44 - Should I move my Plan 3 benefits?
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses What should you actually do with your Plan 3 account once you retire? This is one of the most common questions Washington State employees ask, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this episode, we break down the real options you have...
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EP 43 - School District Retirement Benefits Explained
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses Most Washington State school district employees know they have great retirement benefits. But very few people actually understand how the full system works together. In this episode we break down the core retirement benefits available to...
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EP 42 - Can I change my Plan 3 contribution?
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses One of the most common questions from Washington State employees in Plan 3 retirement systems is simple: Can I change my Plan 3 contribution? Unfortunately, the answer for most people is no. In this episode we break down the rules around...
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EP 41 - Switch From Plan 2 to Plan 3
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and CoursesEvery January, some Washington State employees on Plan 2 receive an offer to switch into Plan 3.Sometimes the incentive looks attractive. $50,000. $80,000. Even $100,000 upfront to make the change .But what are you really giving up?In this...
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Ep 40 - 5 Retirement tips for 2026
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and CoursesIf you are a Washington State employee planning to retire soon, 2026 is a year you cannot afford to wing it. In this episode, I break down five retirement planning mistakes I saw repeatedly this past year and how to fix them before they…
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EP 39 - Washington Plan 3 Pros and Cons Explained - Pension, Investments, and Retirement Risks (2025)
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and CoursesWashington State Plan 3 is one of the most misunderstood retirement systems, part pension, part investment account. In this episode, we break down the real pros and cons of Plan 3 so you understand how it works, what it does well, and where...
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Ep 38 - Plan 2 Pros and Cons Explained - Is a Washington State Pension Really Enough? (2025)
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and CoursesPlan 2 is one of the most generous pension systems in the country, but it’s not perfect. In this episode, we break down the real pros and cons of Plan 2 for Washington State teachers, public employees, and school employees so you can...
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EP 37 - Income Too High for a Roth IRA? 3 Smart Ways WA Employees Can Still Build Tax-Free Income
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and CoursesIf your income is too high to contribute to a Roth IRA, you’re not out of options, especially if you’re a Washington State employee. In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down three proven ways to continue...
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Ep 36 - 7 Steps to Retire from Teaching
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and Courses Retiring from a Washington State school district can feel overwhelming, including forms to submit, when to notify HR, how to pick your retirement date, and how your healthcare and pension will transition. In this episode, we walk you…
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EP 35 - Should I use my retirement to pay off debt?
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community In this episode, we tackle one of the most common retirement questions: “Should I use my retirement funds to pay off my debt?” While paying off debt feels good, pulling large sums from your 403(b), 457, IRA, or annuity can create massive tax...
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Ep 34 - Sequence Of Return Risk
In this episode, we tackle two of the most important retirement planning concepts: the Rule of 4% and the sequence of returns risk. We break down what the traditional 4% withdrawal rule means, why it’s outdated in today’s markets, and how following it blindly could actually hurt our retirement...
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Ep 33 - How To Invest With No Risk
In this episode, we break down a strategy that sounds almost too good to be true: investing with little to no risk and no fees. We revisit index annuities: how they work, where they shine, and where they fall short after years of testing them with clients. We also explore more modern tools like...
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EP 32 - Investment Fees Explained
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community and CoursesIn this episode, we dive deep into the world of investment fees: what they are, how they stack up over time, and why understanding them is so important for our long-term wealth. We explore the different layers of fees, from recordkeeping...
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EP 31 - Why Average Returns Don't Matter
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down one of the most common misconceptions in retirement planning: average rates of return. You’ll learn why averages don’t always reflect your real investment growth, how…
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EP 30- 4 Things Financial Advisors Don't Want You To Know
Free Washington Retirement Planning CommunityIn this podcast episode, we talk about four important things many financial advisors often won’t tell you - and then answer the question everyone asks: “How much is enough to retire?” We cover why swapping bonds for certain annuities can reduce...
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EP 29 - Survivorship Options
Free Washington Retirement Planning Community In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down one of the most important decisions you’ll make with your pension: survivor benefit options. Whether you’re about to retire or just starting to plan, understanding how…
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EP 28 - Buying Service Credits
Thinking about purchasing service credits from the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)? In this episode, we break down everything you need to know before making this irreversible decision. You'll learn: Who qualifies to buy service credits How they can boost your pension What…
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EP 27 - How to Get Guaranteed Retirement Income (and Retire Early with Confidence)
In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, Ethan breaks down 4 powerful ways to secure guaranteed retirement income for life, including state pensions, Social Security, and annuities. Then, the conversation shifts to the most important factors to consider when deciding between...
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EP 26 - 5 retirement risks for Washington State Employees (And How to Beat Them)
In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we break down the 5 biggest risks facing retirees today, and how Washington State employees can defend their future. From longevity risk to market volatility and inflation, this episode is packed with actionable insights for teachers,...
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EP 25 - Plan 3 Early Retirement Facts
Thinking about retiring early on Plan 3? While having control over your pension payouts is great, there are hidden risks and key decisions that could make or break your retirement plan. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Plan 3 early retirement penalties – What to expect if you retire before 62 ✅…
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EP 24 - Plan 2 is Amazing — But You STILL Need a Plan
Washington State’s Plan 2 pension is incredible, but is it enough to retire stress-free? Many employees assume their pension + Social Security will cover everything—but that’s not always the case. In this episode, we break down: ✅ Early retirement rules for Plan 2 – What penalties apply? ✅ Why…
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EP 23 - How To Pay For Healthcare In Early Retirement - Washington DRS, TRS, PERS & SERS
One of the biggest challenges of early retirement is figuring out how to afford healthcare before Medicare kicks in at 65. Many Washington State employees hesitate to retire early due to high healthcare costs—but with the right strategies, you can retire earlier than you think! In this episode of...
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EP 22 - Retiring Early - WA DRS - TRS, PERS, SERS
Thinking of retiring early as a Washington State Employee? This podcast dives into everything you need to consider before leaving the workforce. Learn about: Penalties for taking your pension early and how they decrease with more years of service. Options for covering medical expenses if you’re…
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EP 21 - New Hire Retirement Guide For Washington Teachers
In this episode, we provide an essential guide for new teachers in Washington State to navigate their retirement options. From understanding the differences between Plan 2 and Plan 3 to exploring key savings tools like the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) and 403(b) plans, we break down how to…
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EP 20 - WA DRS - Plan 2 Vs Plan 3 (TRS, SERS, PERS)
In this episode, we break down Plan 2 vs. Plan 3 in Washington State's DRS retirement systems (TRS, SERS, and PERS). Which plan makes more sense for your future? We’ll cover the guaranteed income of Plan 2, the flexibility of Plan 3’s defined contribution portion, and why factors like indexing,...
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EP 19 - How To Enroll In A 403b Plan | Washington State School Districts
In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, I break down the essential steps for enrolling in a 403(b) plan, tailored specifically for school district employees in Washington State. Learn the differences between mutual fund and annuity-based 403(b) options, how to select the…
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EP 18 - The Hidden Tax Bomb in Your Retirement Accounts
In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we uncover the “tax bomb” lurking in pre-tax retirement accounts like Plan 3, DCP, and 403(b). I explain how current tax laws, RMDs, and future tax increases could cost you more than you expect in retirement. Learn strategies to...
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EP 17 - How To Maximize Your 403b
In this Washington Retirement Planning Podcast episode, I share actionable strategies to get the most out of your 403(b) retirement account. Learn about contribution limits, creative funding techniques, and tax-efficient setups like Roth 403(b)s. I also explain how to choose the best providers,...
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EP 16 - How does plan 3 get taxed in retirement?
In this Washington Retirement Planning Podcast episode, I break down the tax implications of Plan 3 retirement accounts. From understanding Plan 3 as a pre-tax 401(a) to strategies for minimizing taxes when you withdraw, this episode covers it all. Learn why transferring funds to an IRA isn’t...
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EP 15 - Annuities In Retirement - 4 Reasons to use one
In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, we explore the benefits of including an annuity in your retirement portfolio. I’ll cover the four key reasons an annuity might be right for you, from providing guaranteed income to protecting your money during market downturns.…
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EP 14 - WA DRS - TRS Plan 3 Investments
In this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, I break down investment options for Plan 3 members, covering everything from choosing funds to the challenges of finding quality advice. I’ll explain the Rule of 100 to help you assess your risk level and introduce a custom…
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EP 13 - How To Make Your Money Last In Retirement
In this episode, we dive into the key strategies for ensuring your retirement savings last as long as you do. From the outdated 4% rule to more reliable guaranteed income options, we explore the pros and cons of each approach. Learn why relying on the stock market alone may not be enough and how...
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EP 12 - 10 Things To Do In Your Last 10 Years
The Last Decade: 10 Essential Tips for a Smooth Retirement and Understanding Roth ContributionsIn this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, host Ethan Rico offers 10 crucial tips for employees in the last 10 years of their careers. These tips are designed to help listeners…
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EP 11 - Financial Planning For Couples
Financial Planning for Couples: Essential Steps and TipsIn this episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, host Ethan Meikle provides valuable advice on financial planning for couples. He emphasizes the importance of communication, goal setting, budgeting, and saving for retirement....
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Bonus #2 -Protect My Money - In Loving Memory of Coach Duarte
My Tribute to Coach Duarte and Perspectives on Retirement Planning Today is the first day of the 2024 Track and field season. In this episode, I pay tribute to Coach Duarte, who had a significant impact on my life. I share my reflections on his values and lessons that helped shape me…
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Bonus #1 - Winners Announced - Podcast Review Launch
Announcement of Giveaway Winners In this special episode of the Washington Retirement Planning Podcast, various winners of the podcast's launch giveaway, held in November 2023, are announced. Prizes range from Starbucks gift cards to free months of Scenic Financial's subscription service and...
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EP 10 - What To Do With Plan 3 Money?
Managing Your Washington State Retirement Funds: Investment Options and Potential Pitfalls In this episode of the Washington State Retirement Planning podcast, we dive into the often-asked question of how to manage money in the plan three accounts. Along with discussing the possible options,...
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EP 9 - 2 Types Of 403b Plans
Understanding 403b Retirement Plans: Differences, Pros, Cons, and Recommendations Let's talk about the two types of 403b retirement plans available: the 403b or TSA plans and the 403b7 plans. We'll explain the differences including their functioning, fees, and investment selections. We will also...
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EP 8 - How Does A 403b Work
Understanding your 403b Retirement Plan and Its BenefitsIn today's episode, we're diving into a crucial retirement benefit often overlooked by many: the 403b plan. Especially relevant for non-profit workers, like those in school districts, the 403b is a powerful tool for building retirement...
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EP 7 - Exploring Investment Options as a Washington State Employee
Exploring Investment Options as a Washington State Employee Host Ethan Meikle discusses various investment options available to Washington State employees in this episode of the Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast. He analyzes both employee-sponsored benefits such as 403b, 457, and…
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EP 6 - 6 Steps To Retire From Washington School District
Planning Your Retirement: A Guide for Washington State School District Employees In this episode, Ethan Meikle offers detailed guidance on retirement planning for Washington State school district employees. The six-step process includes creating a financial plan, notifying your employer of your...
About this show
Welcome to The Washington State Retirement Planning Podcast – the ultimate podcast designed to demystify and optimize your Washington retirement journey!Our seasoned experts will break down complex topics into digestible, actionable insights. From TRS & PERS Pensions to DCP, 403b, Social Security, and beyond, we cover it all.With engaging interviews, real-life success stories, and Q&A sessions, this podcast is your go-to resource for a secure retirement. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of your benefits, so you can make well-informed decisions.Want More? Visit WATRSPERS.com
Hosted by
Ethan Meikle
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