Fund Your Future with DRS
A large part of planning for the future starts with how you approach your finances today. 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

43 minutes ago
43 minutes ago
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, Malia, highlights the importance of long-term investment planning and what you should consider if you’re close to retirement age.

Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
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 videos by making economics relatable for the younger generation. You can follow him @EconChrisClarke on TikTok and Instagram.
In our discussion we tackle misconceptions about the economy, the unpredictability of recessions, and the persistent myths surrounding inflation and stock markets. Chris shares his journey into teaching economics and his passion for making daunting economic topics relatable and understandable for everyone.
Find out more on Chris’ personal website.

Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
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 accounts work including how to enroll, investment options and the flexibility the account offers.
Official website: HRAVEBA.org, VEBA.org

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
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 you to roll over leave into your DCP account.
Our guest Malia shares insights on transferring leave balances into the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP), offering potential tax savings and investment opportunities.

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
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. From separating employment to navigating hours, Kumano guides us through the must-know details for retirees contemplating a return to public employment. Listen and explore how to effectively plan this stage of your retirement journey.

Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
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 planning around health insurance coverage or have accumulated leave. Whether you're months or years away from retirement, this episode provides guidance on making informed decisions about your retirement journey.
Retirement checklist: https://www.drs.wa.gov/life/retire/check/

Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
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 plenty to explore in your own backyard. Tune in to get some ideas for your next adventure.
Links related to this episode:
VisitSpokane.comStehekin, WaVisitRainier.comOlympicPeninsula.orgWashington State ParksLos Hernandez Tamales in Yakima

Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
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 Washington State ABLE Savings Plan allows people with disabilities to save, invest and prepare for the future without losing their state or federal benefits. We sit down with Katie who works for the Department of Commerce to learn about this wonderful program.
https://www.washingtonstateable.com/

Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
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, often misunderstood by many. Discover how ongoing evaluations and adjustments ensure long-term pension security for Washington's retirement plans.
View the full Actuarial Valuation Report

Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
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 about how these funds work and support you through retirement.

About us
The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems helps public employees within the state retire well. Our 330,000 customers includes firefighters, school employees and police officers. For over 45 years, we’ve been providing information and tools for retirement.