
<p>Retirement insights from a Colorado PERA perspective</p>



<p></p>


A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<p class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.coloradopolitics.com/governor/colorado-budget-signing/article_76cb6ca7-535d-4261-bd04-7d9305c4e5f7.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado Gov. Polis Signs $44 Billion Budget into Law | Colorado Politics</strong></a></p>



<p>After months of debate and legislative work, the State of Colorado officially has a budget for the next fiscal year. Gov. Jared Polis signed the $44 billion budget bill into law this week. Lawmakers had to cut more than $1 billion in order to come up with a balanced budget.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/despite-economic-uncertainty-americans-remain-confident-about-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Despite Economic Uncertainty, Americans Remain Confident About Retirement, Survey Shows | Kiplinger</strong></a></p>



<p>Workers and retirees alike are confident they’ll have enough money in retirement even amid widespread uncertainty about the economy, according to a recent survey. The survey, from the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research, found that 67% of workers and 78% of retirees are confident about retirement. However, survey respondents did express concern about changes at the federal level, particularly around Medicare and Social Security.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.nextavenue.org/possible-tariffs-on-prescription-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Older Adults Need to Know About Possible Tariffs on Prescription Drugs | Next Avenue</strong></a></p>



<p>The federal government has proposed imposing tariffs on imported prescription medications, and that has the potential to affect many older Americans, who tend to take more medications than younger people. While there is still a lot of uncertainty about what the government will do, experts say drug manufacturers could face shortages and raise prices if tariffs do go into effect.</p>



<p class="has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolynrosenblatt/2025/04/15/caught-in-the-middle-the-sandwich-generations-financial--fears-about-aging-parents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Caught In The Middle: The Sandwich Generation’s Financial Fears About Aging Parents | Forbes</strong></a></p>



<p>Being a member of the sandwich generation—people who find themselves caring for children and aging parents at the same time—means potentially having to pay for a parent’s long-term medical needs while also putting kids through school. Here are some tips for finding resources that might help ease some of the caretaking burden.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colo. Governor Signs $44 Billion Budget


<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/medicare-telehealth-flexibilities-extended-six-months/742721/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Congress Extends Medicare Telehealth Flexibilities for 6 Months | Healthcare Dive</strong></a></h4>



<p>Lawmakers in Congress passed a temporary extension for rules allowing more flexibility in telehealth coverage under traditional Medicare. The pandemic-era rules, which allow more people to receive care at home, now apply through the end of September. PERACare’s Medicare Advantage plans offer virtual doctor visits with no copay.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/how-to-teach-your-child-about-financial-literacy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How to Teach Your Child About Financial Literacy | Knowledge at Wharton</strong></a></h4>



<p>April is national financial literacy month, and a surprisingly large share of American adults struggle to correctly answer basic questions about personal finance. It can help to start young, and in this article, a co-creator of the “big three” financial literacy test offers tips for teaching children about money.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/happy-retirement/the-rule-of-1-000-hours-in-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Rule of 1,000 Hours in Retirement | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>How much free time will you have in retirement? Not all time is equal, and experts say when you subtract low-effort leisure activities like watching TV or casually socializing, most people only have about 1,000 hours left each year (or just a few hours a day) for hobbies, travel, and other enjoyable activities. How you spend your time in retirement is just as important as how you spend your money, so here are some tips for making good use of those 1,000 hours.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size"><a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/as-a-72-trillion-great-wealth-transfer-is-set-to-begin-here-are-4-estate-planning-rules-to-follow-19e637be" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>As a $72 trillion ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ is Set to Begin, Here are 4 Estate-Planning Rules to Follow | MarketWatch</strong></a></h4>



<p>In the coming years, older generations are expected to pass down trillions of dollars to their children and grandchildren in a societal shift known as the “great wealth transfer.” Experts say planning is key to making sure that transfer goes well—and some simple steps now can help your loved ones avoid confusion down the road.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Congress Extends Telehealth Rules for Medicare


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>IRS Releases Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2025 | Internal Revenue Service</strong></a></h4>



<p>The new year is just two months away, and the Internal Revenue Service has announced some important tax-related updates. For tax year 2025, the IRS is making adjustments to various tax provisions based on inflation, including the standard deduction, marginal tax rates, earned income tax credits, and more.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://qz.com/medicare-2-drug-list-medicaid-1851668732" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Medicare Wants to Make These Generic Drugs Available for Just $2 | Quartz</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a list of dozens of prescription medications that may be included in a pilot program to provide low-cost generic versions of drugs. The drugs—which include popular medications such as inhalers, antibiotics, blood thinners, and cholesterol pills—would be available for $2 beginning in 2027.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.uchealth.org/today/new-blood-tests-for-alzheimers-may-allow-for-earlier-detection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>New Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s May Allow for Earlier Detection | UCHealth Today</strong></a></h4>



<p>Multiple companies have been rolling out new blood tests to help screen for Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to someday replace expensive and invasive procedures like spinal taps and imaging scans. Experts at UCHealth say that while the new tests are promising, there’s still more research that needs to be done before they can be made widely available, and the tests are not yet FDA-approved or covered by insurance or Medicare.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/how-to-step-confidently-into-your-life-after-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How to Step Confidently Into Your Life After Retirement | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>Retiring is a major life change that goes beyond a change in employment status, and that move often involves a shift in identity. Here are some tips for handling the transition and embracing a new phase of life.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: IRS Releases Tax Adjustments for 2025


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://civicscience.com/retirement-redefined-how-the-pandemic-and-economic-factors-are-shaping-retirement-plans-among-older-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Retirement Redefined: How the Pandemic and Economic Factors Are Shaping Retirement Plans Among Older Americans | CivicScience</a></strong></h4>



<p>More than four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re still seeing some of the effects of the public health crisis and new data attempt to shed some light on how the pandemic affected retirement planning. Survey data from CivicScience found most adults at or near retirement age said they did not leave the workforce during the pandemic, but older workers (65+) were more likely to say they left work and didn’t return. Of those who left the workforce and returned, more than half expect to work past the age of 65.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/people-want-congress-to-fix-social-security-s-shortfall-8722073" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Most Americans Want Congress To Fix Social Security and Medicare Shortfalls ASAP | Investopedia</strong></a></h4>



<p>In a recent survey, respondents made it clear that shoring up Social Security and Medicare are top priorities for ensuring retirement security. The survey from the Transamerica Institute for Retirement Studies found over 60 percent of people think the government needs to prioritize filling Social Security’s funding shortfall and over 50 percent think Medicare’s funding should be a priority.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/farewell-paper-i-bonds-savings-bonds-going-online-only" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Farewell Paper I-Bonds: Savings Bonds Are Going Online Only | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>The last remaining paper savings bond is about to go all digital. The U.S. Treasury announced taxpayers will no longer be able to buy paper Series I bonds with their tax returns starting January 1, 2025. Electronic versions of I and EE bonds have been available for purchase online through TreasuryDirect for about two decades, and banks stopped selling paper savings bonds in 2012.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.thetravel.com/beautiful-towns-in-colorado-that-are-great-for-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beautiful Towns In Colorado That Are Great For Retirement | The Travel</a></strong></h4>



<p>While many people like to stay put in retirement and age at home, many others like to pack up in search of a change in scenery or a better way of life. This list aims to identify the best towns in Colorado for retirees with a focus on crime and cost of living.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: How the Pandemic Affected Retirement Planning


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.napa-net.org/news-info/daily-news/americans-living-%E2%80%98more-intentionally%E2%80%99-retirement-post-pandemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Americans Living ‘More Intentionally’ in Retirement Post-Pandemic | National Association of Plan Advisors</strong></a></h4>



<p>In a recent survey by Fidelity Investments, two-thirds of American retirees said they’re being more “intentional” about their retirement and focusing on their passions in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The survey also found that across generations, people are looking for a less traditional path to retirement. A majority said they want a “phased” retirement in which they continue to work while transitioning toward full retirement.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/06/credit-scores-decrease-for-the-first-time-in-a-decade-fico-reports.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Credit Scores Decrease for the First Time in a Decade, FICO Reports | CNBC</strong></a></h4>



<p>Increases in credit card balances and other debt have led to the first decrease in the national average credit score, according to credit score agency FICO. The average had been steadily increasing since the Great Recession, but fell to 717 in late 2023. FICO found late payments and credit utilization were also up compared to prior years.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/what-retirees-can-do-right-now-to-reduce-next-years-taxes-150034850.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Retirees Can Do Right Now to Reduce Next Year’s Taxes | Yahoo! Finance</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re retired, making sense of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and other tax implications can be confusing and overwhelming. Even if you haven’t started on your 2023 tax return yet, here are some factors to consider that could make your 2024 taxes a breeze.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/24080494/smart-home-assistant-amazon-alexa-caregiver-elders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How Caregivers Are Using Smart Tech to Help Aging Parents | The Verge</strong></a></h4>



<p>Older folks can sometimes be hesitant to embrace new technology, but smart home tech is proving to be useful for those aging at home. Smart devices can help loved ones and other caregivers check in more frequently and even help manage medication and other routine tasks. Here are some real-world examples of how caregivers are using modern technology to help make aging at home a little bit easier.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Retirees Are Being More ‘Intentional’ About Retirement


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://coloradosun.com/2023/03/09/colorado-reimburse-teachers-classroom-supplies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado May Pay Back Teachers Who Buy Their Classroom Supplies | The Colorado Sun</strong></a></h4>



<p>Public school teachers often dip into their own pockets to pay for classroom supplies and other needs, and a bill under consideration in the state legislature aims to provide some financial relief. The bill, <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb23-1208" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HB23-1208</a>, would provide a tax credit of $1,000 to teachers who teach for a whole school year.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/goldman-analysts-no-longer-expect-fed-rate-hike-march-after-svb-failure-2023-03-13/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Goldman Analysts No Longer Expect Fed Rate Hike in March After SVB Failure | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>The recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank and other banks is raising questions about the Federal Reserve’s efforts to rein in inflation. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell had said his agency would continue to raise interest rates, but analysts say it’s now less likely the Fed will do so at its March 22 meeting.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/03/01/1160339792/eli-lilly-insulin-price" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eli Lilly Cuts Price of Insulin, Capping Drug at $35 Per Month | NPR</a></strong></h4>



<p>Eli Lilly, one of several major drug companies that produce insulin, says it will reduce the prices of some of its older versions of the drug later this year. The company said it will cut the list price of Humalog and Humulin by 70 percent in the fourth quarter. Lilly is also setting a $35 cap on monthly out-of-pocket costs for people with insurance.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/budgeting-saving/info-2023/most-common-underestimated-expenses.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10 Most Underestimated Retirement Living Expenses | AARP</a></strong></h4>



<p>If you’re nearing retirement, it’s likely you’re thinking about how your expenses might change when you’re no longer working. This list from AARP explains the top 10 expenses retirees face, including some that people tend to overlook.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Colorado Considering New Tax Credit for Teachers


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/bipartisan-retirement-savings-package-in-massive-budget-bill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>SECURE 2.0 Act Changes 401(k), IRA, Roth, Other Retirement Plan Rules | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>The package of retirement-related legislation known as SECURE 2.0 was included in the budget bill that President Biden signed into law in late December. The legislation includes dozens of new provisions, including raising the age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), automatically enrolling employees in their workplace retirement plans, and allowing employers to make matching contributions to an employee’s retirement plan based on the employee’s student loan payments.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/new-colorado-laws/73-9cc1291b-e36e-44e9-8e7b-a52d41f17e32" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4 New Colorado Laws and What They Mean for Your Wallet | 9News</a></strong></h4>



<p>The new year brings with it some new state laws now in effect, including some that could affect your finances. Changes from the new laws include a higher minimum wage in Colorado and the beginning of payroll deductions for the state’s new Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tax-refund-2023-irs-backlog-gao-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>With Growing Backlog at the IRS, Millions of Americans Still Waiting for Their Tax Refunds | CBS News</strong></a></h4>



<p>Something to be aware of as we head into another tax season — the IRS is still struggling to work through a backlog of millions of tax returns from prior years. While the agency has ramped up hiring to tackle the backlog, the IRS is warning taxpayers not to plan on or expect any 2022 tax year refund by any particular date.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reviewed.com/money/features/9-ways-solo-agers-can-prepare-retirement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>9 Retirement Tips for Solo Agers | Reviewed</strong></a></h4>



<p>Planning for one’s retirement can be a challenge, especially for those who don’t have a partner or family they can rely on for help. If you’re facing the prospect of retiring alone, or think you might, here are some factors to consider and tips from financial planners.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: SECURE 2.0 Passes in Year-End Budget Legislation


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/taxes/10-tax-changes-that-could-impact-the-size-of-your-refund-next-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>10 Tax Changes That Could Affect the Size of Your Refund Next Year | CNET</strong></a></h4>



<p>The IRS is giving taxpayers a heads up that next year’s tax refunds could be much different than this year – smaller, in many cases. That’s because of a number of important changes, including the end of federal stimulus payments and changes to some common tax credits.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/11/23/1138881426/ftx-sam-bankman-fried-bankruptcy-crypto-cryptocurrency-collapse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>5 Major Revelations About the Collapse of Crypto Giant FTX | NPR</strong></a></h4>



<p>Before its sudden demise in early November, FTX was one of the biggest cryptocurrency exchanges for those looking to buy and sell digital currency. Many are now left wondering what happened to their money. Bankruptcy proceedings show the company was rife with issues that may have contributed to its downfall.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.mcknights.com/news/clinical-news/substantial-decline-in-dementia-rates-due-in-part-to-higher-education-levels-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Dementia Rates Fall 30 Percent, Likely Due to Better Health, Higher Education Levels: Study | McKnights</strong></a></h4>



<p>New research finds the prevalence of dementia in older Americans has fallen substantially in recent years ­­– from 12.2% in 2000 to 8.5% in 2016. Researchers also say gaps in dementia prevalence between men and women, as well as other demographic groups, have narrowed during that time. An increase in the average level of education could be a big reason for the shift.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.aarp.org/retirement/retirement-savings/info-2022/women-retirement-readiness.html?intcmp=AE-HP-TTN-R4-POS2-REALPOSS-TODAY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Women Have Made Big Strides In Retirement Readiness | AARP</strong></a></h4>



<p>Fewer women are relying on a spouse for their retirement income, and new research finds that since the passage of Title IX, women who remain single are just as prepared for retirement as married couples. However, disparities such as the pay gap between men and women continue to pose challenges to women’s financial footing.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: What to Expect With Next Year’s Tax Return


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/27/1113494056/fed-interest-rate-hike-july-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Another Big Fed Rate Hike to Battle Inflation. Economy Hangs in Balance | NPR</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve issued another .75% increase for its benchmark interest rate. It’s the fourth time the Fed has raised rates this year, marking some of the most aggressive action the Fed has taken to fight inflation in decades. The question is whether the moves will be able to rein in inflation without hurting the economy.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2022/07/20/fbi-warns-of-fake-crypto-apps-spoofing-financial-institutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>FBI Warns of Fake Crypto Investment Apps Spoofing Financial Institutions | ThinkAdvisor</strong></a></h4>



<p>Cybercriminals appear to be trying to capitalize on the cryptocurrency trend. The FBI warned recently that scammers are posing as legitimate financial institutions, creating fake websites and apps to steal victims’ money. The FBI has so far identified 244 victims who have lost approximately $42.7 million.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220720102532.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Wearable Activity Trackers Encourage Us to Walk Up to 40 Minutes More Each Day &#8212; ScienceDaily</strong></a></h4>



<p>New research shows wearable activity trackers — such as FitBit devices or Apple Watches — can have measurable effects on people’s fitness habits. The review of several hundred studies found activity trackers encourage people to walk an average of 40 minutes more per day. That’s encouraging news in the fight against conditions for which a lack of activity can be a contributing factor, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/604974/planning-to-retire-in-the-next-3-5-years-what-to-consider-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Planning to Retire in the Next 3-5 Years? What to Consider Today | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re within a few years of retirement age, it’s time to start thinking more seriously about what that transition is going to look like. Here are some key factors to consider as you make final preparations and adjustments to your retirement plan.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Federal Reserve Makes Another Big Rate Hike


<p>When planning for retirement, it’s important to have a good sense of one’s income sources, expenses, and the various risks to one’s finances over the course of retirement, which could last for two or three decades.</p>



<p>Researchers have identified five major financial risks retirees face: Longevity risk (living longer than expected and running out of savings), market risk (ups and downs in the market affecting account balances), health risk (unexpected health care costs), family risk (financially supporting relatives), and policy risk (potential changes to benefits like Social Security).</p>



<p>Recent research from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College finds many retirees have an inaccurate sense of which risks pose the biggest threats, which could leave them unprepared. In <a href="https://crr.bc.edu/briefs/how-well-do-retirees-assess-the-risks-they-face-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a survey of about 20,000 people over the age of 50</a>, retirees routinely underestimated their life expectancy and health care costs, while overestimating the effects of the stock market on their finances.</p>



<p>Survey respondents ranked market risk as the biggest risk they face, followed by longevity and health. In what the study author calls an “objective” ranking, longevity risk tops the list, followed by health and market risks.</p>



<p>As people increasingly rely on defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and IRAs for retirement savings, having an inaccurate understanding of these risks can have serious implications for a retiree’s finances.</p>



<p>Defined benefit retirement plans like the one offered by Colorado PERA use strategies that address these risks, particularly longevity risk, to provide retirement security throughout a member’s retired years.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Longevity risk and PERA</strong></h4>



<p>PERA’s defined benefit plan provides a retirement benefit that a retiree cannot outlive. That means when a member retires, PERA will continue to provide monthly income until the retiree dies, regardless of how long they live.</p>



<p>Defined benefit plans accomplish this by pooling funds and thereby sharing risk. All contributions, interest, investment gains and other dollars are held in a trust fund that is used to make benefit payments for members. Because all retirees are drawing income from the same source, they share longevity and market risk. For example, a retiree who lives longer than expected will draw more income from the fund while a retiree who dies sooner than expected will draw less – essentially balancing each other out.</p>



<p>To fund each member’s retirement, defined benefit plans like PERA only have to plan for the average life expectancy of the group, not each individual’s expected lifespan.</p>



<p>Ensuring the defined benefit trust funds have enough money to pay retirement benefits for decades to come means making sure PERA has an accurate picture of its membership and potential changes in the future. PERA must be able to estimate how long members will live, how much of a benefit they’ll earn, and other factors.</p>



<p>That’s where actuaries come in. These highly skilled mathematicians have the important task of calculating the plan’s liabilities (how much money is owed to benefit recipients) and determining how much money the plan will need on hand to meet those liabilities.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p><strong>Read more: </strong><a href="https://peraontheissues.com/explaining-the-role-of-actuaries-in-retirement-plans-like-pera/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Explaining the Role of Actuaries in Retirement Plans like PERA</strong></a></p></blockquote>



<p>Among PERA retirees, the average age at which members retired in 2021 was 59, and the average age of death was 83, so PERA may have to pay a retiree benefits for more than 20 years, on average.</p>



<p>Those numbers won’t always be the same, however. Factors such as life expectancy change over time, so it’s important for plans like PERA to periodically review and adjust. PERA embarks on this process every four years with what is known as an experience study, which compares what actually happened in a given time frame against what PERA projected would happen.</p>



<p>PERA&nbsp;<a href="https://peraontheissues.com/2020-experience-study-preparing-for-a-secure-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last conducted an experience study</a>&nbsp;in 2020, and the Board of Trustees adopted several new assumptions as a result. This process will take place again in 2024.</p>



<p>In addition to longevity risk, PERA can help members plan for other types of financial risk, as well. The <a href="https://www.copera.org/peraplus-401-k-457-plans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PERAPlus 401(k) and 457 plans</a> provide low-cost options to set aside extra money for retirement. This can help with large or unexpected expenses, such as health care or rising costs of goods and services.</p>



<p>By pooling assets and regularly monitoring and adjusting as needed, PERA can help alleviate the stress associated with retirees’ biggest financial risk and continue to provide reliable monthly income they can’t outlive.</p>


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