Fund Your Future with DRS

Ep 12 - Should you automate your finances?

You can use automatic transfers and payments to help you manage your budget and make life easier, but there are a few things to be aware of before you automate all your bills. We look at different strategies for saving and paying bills on time — so you can create a system that works for you.

Ep 11 - How to save for retirement with DCP

The Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) is similar to a 401K and can help you save more for retirement. In this episode you’ll learn how taxes are applied, the importance of contributing with a percentage of your income and tools for maximizing your investment.

Ep 10 - FAQs from the audience

We’ve received some great questions from our listeners asking how they can improve their finances. We jump into answering your questions:
0:23 - Is there any advantage to waiting past age 65 to start taking my pension?  
3:38 - With inflation so high, do you have any tips on saving for retirement? 
9:03 - What's the rule of 85? Does it apply in Washington state? 

Ep 9 - Retiring at 55 — pros and cons

Some public employees separate from work at age 55 and choose to start collecting their pension at age 65. We look at the pros and cons of this approach to retirement.
If you’re under 40 and thinking about this path, learn what factors you need to consider and how to plan.

Ep 8 - Reaching financial independence

Financial independence means a lot of things to different people. For some, it means you stop working and begin new adventures. For others, it means you’ve paid off your loans and can put that money towards other goals. Discover the steps you can take today to move towards this milestone.

Ep 7 - Net worth: what is it and how do you increase it?

Net worth is a popular term these days. But how do you figure out what your net worth is? And what if your net worth is a negative number?Our hosts discuss the two factors of new worth: what you owe - liabilities - and what you have - assets. Hint: you may have some valuable assets hiding in your garage.

Ep 6 - What’s the best way to save for retirement?

If you want to save more for retirement, it might be time to look at where and how you’re saving. A supplemental account such as the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) or a Roth IRA can boost your savings. We examine some of the best options for your retirement savings — including specific recommendations if you work in a school district.

Ep 5 - How to reduce your debt

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, you may have some questions about where to start. How do you decide which debt to pay first? Does the interest rate matter? What is APR? We look at some of the best tools and strategies for paying down your debt and what do after it’s paid off.

Ep 4 - The importance of an emergency fund

There are so many “What ifs” when it comes to managing your money. What if your car breaks down? What if you need to go to the hospital?
An emergency fund can help you prepare for the unexpected. So, how much should you save and where do you start? We offer some tips on how to master this crucial piece of budgeting.

Ep 3 - Analyzing your income

When most people think about budgeting, they examine their spending. But it’s also important to look at your income. We take a peek at different ways to think about income including changing your tax withholdings, side hustles and how to estimate your retirement income.