Lee County, Florida, where I am spending the holidays, has an overall unemployment rate of 13.9%. The area experienced an incredible housing bubble due to the subtropical climate, excellent health care facilities, abundant recreation opportunities and lack of state income tax, all of which are extremely desirable to baby boomers. Alas, the value of residential real estate has declined by two thirds since the peak in 2005. The thousands of jobs supported by real estate transactions and new construction have been drastically reduced.
A good percentage of the over fifty population in Lee County is made up of retired people which complicates the unemployment statistics. My intuition tells me the rate is high. Unless you have training and experience in the health care field, your prospects for getting a good job are pretty slim. The school district website does not encourage applications, not even for substitute teaching positions.
In a previous blog I referred to the Encore.org website. They now have an excellent, free, 28 page resource guide with valuable tips for exploring careers in the nonprofit sector, government, teaching , etc. I recommend that you download a copy.
Help others get started on their encore careers.
http://www.encore.org/find/guide
During the upcoming week I will reconnect with my college days by attending the Outback Bowl. Go Northwestern!!!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
My First Follower
After blogging for three months I have my first follower. This is thrilling news because I had no idea if anyone was reading my material. It turns out that my follower and I have very similar interests. While I hope to engage retired educators in meaningful encore careers, he is all about assisting educators in making wise financial decisions. His blog is excellent and I am including the link here.
http://www.theeducatorsretirement.com/
Please take some time to learn about your retirement options.
http://www.theeducatorsretirement.com/
Please take some time to learn about your retirement options.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Tax Recovery Clarification
This is from the website of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia:
"Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Recovery Adjustment"
"Recently, an email containing misleading information about member contributions and possible tax credits has been circulating around the State.
Back in January of 1990, the Georgia Department of Revenue created a “tax recovery adjustment” for TRS member contributions made from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990. During that period, member contributions were sheltered from federal income tax, but not Georgia state income tax. Thus, a member’s contributions and pension were taxed by the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Revenue allowed TRS members, who contributed to TRS from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990, to “recover” the taxes paid on those contributions when they filed for their state taxes. At retirement all retirees receive this important information at the time they receive their first benefit check.
TRS members eligible for this recovery adjustment will receive, along with their first benefit check, a letter that provides the total dollar amount of TRS contributions made during this time frame so members can document the adjustment on their state tax returns. For example, a retiree who retired on July 1, 1998 received this important tax information with his/her first retirement check. In early 1999, when the retiree filed his or her state taxes for 1998, the adjustment would have been included.
To be clear, the amount shown in the letter you received is not the amount you are owed by the Georgia Department of Revenue, but is the amount of money from which you can recover the taxes you paid on it. This money has nothing to do with incorrect contribution amounts. The contributions you made to TRS during this time were and are correct.
If you fall into this adjustment period and are unsure as to whether or not you filed for this adjustment, we recommend that you go back and check your tax returns for the applicable year to avoid claiming the recovery more than once. If you already received your adjustment, then you are all set. If you did not claim the adjustment, please contact the Georgia Department of Revenue directly at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/ or 877-602-8477 to find out if you are still eligible. "
Something to ponder: what is the purpose of the Georgia Retired Educators Association? Disseminating information like that above should be a routine activity for them. My only experience with the group is that they tried to sell us long term care insurance!
"Georgia Department of Revenue Tax Recovery Adjustment"
"Recently, an email containing misleading information about member contributions and possible tax credits has been circulating around the State.
Back in January of 1990, the Georgia Department of Revenue created a “tax recovery adjustment” for TRS member contributions made from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990. During that period, member contributions were sheltered from federal income tax, but not Georgia state income tax. Thus, a member’s contributions and pension were taxed by the State of Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Revenue allowed TRS members, who contributed to TRS from July 1, 1987 through January 1, 1990, to “recover” the taxes paid on those contributions when they filed for their state taxes. At retirement all retirees receive this important information at the time they receive their first benefit check.
TRS members eligible for this recovery adjustment will receive, along with their first benefit check, a letter that provides the total dollar amount of TRS contributions made during this time frame so members can document the adjustment on their state tax returns. For example, a retiree who retired on July 1, 1998 received this important tax information with his/her first retirement check. In early 1999, when the retiree filed his or her state taxes for 1998, the adjustment would have been included.
To be clear, the amount shown in the letter you received is not the amount you are owed by the Georgia Department of Revenue, but is the amount of money from which you can recover the taxes you paid on it. This money has nothing to do with incorrect contribution amounts. The contributions you made to TRS during this time were and are correct.
If you fall into this adjustment period and are unsure as to whether or not you filed for this adjustment, we recommend that you go back and check your tax returns for the applicable year to avoid claiming the recovery more than once. If you already received your adjustment, then you are all set. If you did not claim the adjustment, please contact the Georgia Department of Revenue directly at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/ or 877-602-8477 to find out if you are still eligible. "
Something to ponder: what is the purpose of the Georgia Retired Educators Association? Disseminating information like that above should be a routine activity for them. My only experience with the group is that they tried to sell us long term care insurance!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Value of Professional Conferences
During the past two weeks I participated in one national conference and one state conference of special education administrators. This was my 22nd and final appearance at the state conference, held, as is tradition, in Savannah, Georgia. The national conference was held in beautiful San Diego, California.
The importance of these annual gatherings should not be underestimated. The meetings and information sessions provide insight into the operation of a wide variety of school systems. At national conferences I am always alarmed to hear about the stranglehold teachers' unions exert in many states. I am also always pleasantly surprised at the level of innovation and effectiveness that characterizes Georgia's special education programs. I am proud to have been a part of the development of our learning organizations.
The recurring response from my many professional colleagues when I announced that this would be my last conference was, "You'll be back." Friendships are forged, food is shared, and fun is had at these conferences. The planned and unplanned social activities provide glimpses into people's "real" lives that we may not see otherwise. Indeed, having drinks with folks from the state education agencies, colleges and universities, and school systems helps strengthen our network!
I will miss the camaraderie. But it is increasingly difficult for me to listen to the same issues and the same complaints about problems created by our overly restrictive federal special education law. We have become a dysfunctional kingdom within the realm. I say let the younger generation take it on!
The recurring response from my many professional colleagues when I announced that this would be my last conference was, "You'll be back." Friendships are forged, food is shared, and fun is had at these conferences. The planned and unplanned social activities provide glimpses into people's "real" lives that we may not see otherwise. Indeed, having drinks with folks from the state education agencies, colleges and universities, and school systems helps strengthen our network!
I will miss the camaraderie. But it is increasingly difficult for me to listen to the same issues and the same complaints about problems created by our overly restrictive federal special education law. We have become a dysfunctional kingdom within the realm. I say let the younger generation take it on!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Google is a Great Investment
The retirement benefits for eligible teachers are guaranteed by state law in Georgia. There are occasional concerns about the solvency of the retirement system, usually raised by panicky teachers during economic downturns. In fact, the funds are invested in what could be called a dream portfolio. The top twenty include oil companies, pharmaceutical companies, high tech giants such as Intel, Apple and Microsoft, McDonald's, Coca Cola and Google.
If you have any doubts that Google has made a significant impact on the way we process information, just read Jeff Jarvis's excellent book, What Would Google Do? He reverse engineers Google and applies their principles to a variety of industries. This book is a "must read."
Google gets better every time it is used and it is used millions of times per hour around the world.
Google could charge a fee for each hit. But it doesn't. And the world is better for that decision. A sound investment indeed.
If you have any doubts that Google has made a significant impact on the way we process information, just read Jeff Jarvis's excellent book, What Would Google Do? He reverse engineers Google and applies their principles to a variety of industries. This book is a "must read."
Google gets better every time it is used and it is used millions of times per hour around the world.
Google could charge a fee for each hit. But it doesn't. And the world is better for that decision. A sound investment indeed.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
What About the Peace Corps?
Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed about joining the Peace Corps. Over the years the reasons varied - running away, learning a foreign language, yearning for adventure, seeking nobility - and now I am considering volunteering as part of my encore career. The Peace Corps website provides a wealth of information. http://www.peacecorps.gov/
I took their quick survey to see if I could be considered a candidate. Based on my college education, experience with volunteering and in education, the survey results placed me in the category of potential Peace Corps volunteer. My candidacy may be deferred because I have high blood pressure (controlled by medication). They would have to monitor my condition for three months and then determine whether or not I could volunteer.
Amazingly, the Peace Corps provides health and dental insurance for volunteers during their service and for up to 18 months afterward. Other tangible benefits are extensive training and a small living allowance. The intangible benefits include immersion in another culture and language, the opportunity to meet new people and the satisfaction of helping in areas sorely in need of help.
One major deterrent for me is that volunteers are asked for a 27 month commitment. Hmmm. I am not ruling out a stint in the Peace Corps but I am not ready for it yet!
I encourage you to explore the Peace Corps website and learn about the variety of opportunities in the program. I especially enjoyed the lists of high achieving people who got their career starts in the Peace Corps. Live information sessions are held frequently throughout the country.
I took their quick survey to see if I could be considered a candidate. Based on my college education, experience with volunteering and in education, the survey results placed me in the category of potential Peace Corps volunteer. My candidacy may be deferred because I have high blood pressure (controlled by medication). They would have to monitor my condition for three months and then determine whether or not I could volunteer.
Amazingly, the Peace Corps provides health and dental insurance for volunteers during their service and for up to 18 months afterward. Other tangible benefits are extensive training and a small living allowance. The intangible benefits include immersion in another culture and language, the opportunity to meet new people and the satisfaction of helping in areas sorely in need of help.
One major deterrent for me is that volunteers are asked for a 27 month commitment. Hmmm. I am not ruling out a stint in the Peace Corps but I am not ready for it yet!
I encourage you to explore the Peace Corps website and learn about the variety of opportunities in the program. I especially enjoyed the lists of high achieving people who got their career starts in the Peace Corps. Live information sessions are held frequently throughout the country.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Continuing to Learn About Encore Career Opportunities
One of the advantages of being an extreme commuter is the opportunity to hear the excellent stories on National Public Radio. This week I was intrigued to hear about "Encore Fellowships." After a short amount of research time, this is what I found out.
The "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act" was signed into law on April 21, 2009, and went into effect on October 1, 2009. It is the reauthorization and expansion of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) administers the programs authorized by this legislation. One of the new provisions of the law is that it: "Authorizes a new Encore Fellowship program to allow Corporation-selected individuals aged 55 or older to serve at organizations on a Corporation-maintained list, supported by $11K grants (under a $1 for $1 match) to the organization for Fellow living expenses. 75% non-Federal match required for the first year, 50% non-Federal match required in subsequent years."
Evidently this program is modeled on succesful pilot programs described in the NPR story.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113856732 Further information will be provided by the CNCS as the details are finalized. I am looking forward to the development of this program.
Also of interest are the changes to some provisions of the Senior Corps program, a part of the Serve America Act. The miniumum age for participation in the Foster Grandparents Program and Senior Companion Program was lowered from 60 to 55. Another change is to the specific purpose of the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). It is to provide opportunities for older volunteers to share their knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities and themselves. Their website is worth touring: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp if only for awareness of another federal program few people seem to know about!
The "Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act" was signed into law on April 21, 2009, and went into effect on October 1, 2009. It is the reauthorization and expansion of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) administers the programs authorized by this legislation. One of the new provisions of the law is that it: "Authorizes a new Encore Fellowship program to allow Corporation-selected individuals aged 55 or older to serve at organizations on a Corporation-maintained list, supported by $11K grants (under a $1 for $1 match) to the organization for Fellow living expenses. 75% non-Federal match required for the first year, 50% non-Federal match required in subsequent years."
Evidently this program is modeled on succesful pilot programs described in the NPR story.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113856732 Further information will be provided by the CNCS as the details are finalized. I am looking forward to the development of this program.
Also of interest are the changes to some provisions of the Senior Corps program, a part of the Serve America Act. The miniumum age for participation in the Foster Grandparents Program and Senior Companion Program was lowered from 60 to 55. Another change is to the specific purpose of the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program). It is to provide opportunities for older volunteers to share their knowledge, experience, abilities, and skills for the betterment of their communities and themselves. Their website is worth touring: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/about/programs/rsvp.asp if only for awareness of another federal program few people seem to know about!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Retiring From an Extreme Commute
Each day I drive 48 miles one way to work. This qualifies me as an extreme commuter. The carbon footprint and the waste of gasoline cause me to feel guilty. I have explored carpooling and using public transportation but neither option was viable. So by retiring, I will save the atmosphere from 17.6 pounds of carbon dioxide each work day. Bill McKibben states that 5.5 pounds of carbon in the form of carbon dioxide are emitted through the combustion of one gallon of gasoline. To calculate my daily commute carbon footprint, I assumed my car gets 30 miles per gallon. My figure of 17.6 pounds is probably conservative.
The commute is also physically and mentally stressful. I navigate some of the most congested interstates in the country. It is not unusual for my trip times to exceed an hour and a half. The mental stress comes from driving defensively and worrying about the 18 wheel trucks cruising at 75 miles per hour. The physical stress comes from sitting and gripping the steering wheel for over an hour each morning and each evening.
My retirement countdown could also be called my countdown to a greener, more peaceful lifestyle!
The commute is also physically and mentally stressful. I navigate some of the most congested interstates in the country. It is not unusual for my trip times to exceed an hour and a half. The mental stress comes from driving defensively and worrying about the 18 wheel trucks cruising at 75 miles per hour. The physical stress comes from sitting and gripping the steering wheel for over an hour each morning and each evening.
My retirement countdown could also be called my countdown to a greener, more peaceful lifestyle!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Travel With a Purpose
Ask any educator what they plan to do after they retire and the answer will most likely be, "Travel." It is our nature to want to see new places and learn. With a little structure and purpose, our trips will be much more fulfilling.
In the news this week was a story on NPR about the decision by Elderhostel to change its name to Exploritas. It seems that 70 is the new 60 and 60 is the new 50 and many Elderhostel customers were uncomfortable being associated with the elderly. James Moses, President of Elderhostel/Exploritas said this, "If you don't appeal to the baby boomers, you're pretty much done. I mean, let's face it."
Please check out the Exploritas website http://www.exploritas.org/ and their new social networking tool. Elderhostel was the first and best organization to foster active and positive roles for seniors in the United States and to encourage people to remain active after retirement.
There are many interesting ways to structure travel trips. Here are a few we have enjoyed in my family:
In the news this week was a story on NPR about the decision by Elderhostel to change its name to Exploritas. It seems that 70 is the new 60 and 60 is the new 50 and many Elderhostel customers were uncomfortable being associated with the elderly. James Moses, President of Elderhostel/Exploritas said this, "If you don't appeal to the baby boomers, you're pretty much done. I mean, let's face it."
Please check out the Exploritas website http://www.exploritas.org/ and their new social networking tool. Elderhostel was the first and best organization to foster active and positive roles for seniors in the United States and to encourage people to remain active after retirement.
There are many interesting ways to structure travel trips. Here are a few we have enjoyed in my family:
- Visiting the National Parks
- Driving, walking and/or hiking to the highest point in each state (there are clubs for this)
- Touring the homes and buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright
- Birding by season and migratory paths
- Visiting art museums by city or region
- Taking the guided tours at the National Monuments and Battlefields
No matter how you choose to travel, there are great bargains to be found during the fall. I look forward to being able to visit some great places at times when kids are in school and I am not! I mean, let's face it!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
The Power of Learning Teams
Retired teachers hold the potential to have a powerful and positive influence on the learning environments of the future. This past week I had the opportunity to hear a compelling and convincing presentation on the urgency of restructuring schools to take advantage of the confluence of three trends. Dr. Thomas Carroll of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future described the enormous expertise soon to be available in the baby boomer retirement bulge, the eagerness of Generation G (as in Google) to learn through the Internet, and the inevitable attrition of one third of all new teachers. He suggested that retirees be encouraged to engage in meaningful participation in the education of young people by partnering with experienced and beginning teachers. The resultant learning teams would build on each other's strengths to develop authentic learning opportunities.
"Did You Know" is a video that provides data to support this concept. It is on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKAnyU4kGxQ
I also recommend visiting www.nctaf.org and http://www.learningteams.org/ for more information about the future of teaching. From the Learning Teams site you can link to "Encore Careers." But, once again, it is about people transitioning from other careers to teaching; e.g. "Troops to Teachers." My goal is to explore moving from education to a different career!
"Did You Know" is a video that provides data to support this concept. It is on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKAnyU4kGxQ
I also recommend visiting www.nctaf.org and http://www.learningteams.org/ for more information about the future of teaching. From the Learning Teams site you can link to "Encore Careers." But, once again, it is about people transitioning from other careers to teaching; e.g. "Troops to Teachers." My goal is to explore moving from education to a different career!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fresh Talent
In the next few weeks I will be conducting interviews for a Program Specialist position at the resource center I direct. Interviewing potential co-workers is my favorite activity as an administrator. Over the years I have interviewed and hired teachers, lead teachers, sign language interpreters, nurses and secretaries. I construct hypothetical questions and have found that is the best way to learn if a person can think on his or her feet. Cover letters and resumes talk about flexibility and communication skills but I need to see performance!
One reason I enjoy interviewing people is to see their enthusiasm for change. I have only interviewed one person who was actually out of work at the time of the interview. All others were seeking a promotion or simply a change of environment. If the candidate does not convey sincere desire to work for me and with me, I move on to the next person.
Anna Quindlan reviewed applications from young journalism school grads and concluded that it was time for her to step aside. I urge you to read her column about the experience. I have a link to it on this site.
Since I am already planning to "step aside" I may find myself approaching the hiring process a little differently than in the past. I will let you know!
One reason I enjoy interviewing people is to see their enthusiasm for change. I have only interviewed one person who was actually out of work at the time of the interview. All others were seeking a promotion or simply a change of environment. If the candidate does not convey sincere desire to work for me and with me, I move on to the next person.
Anna Quindlan reviewed applications from young journalism school grads and concluded that it was time for her to step aside. I urge you to read her column about the experience. I have a link to it on this site.
Since I am already planning to "step aside" I may find myself approaching the hiring process a little differently than in the past. I will let you know!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Second Career Help
Most of the websites for second career guidance seem to promote seminars or assessment tools that are costly. The AARP http://www.aarp.org/ website has numerous links to articles about job searches for older workers and is somewhat helpful. My recommendation for self-assessment is to read the following information from the National Career Development Association(NCDA) http://associationdatabase.com/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/Home_Page and then take a few of the free on-line surveys. I did the Princeton Review Career Quiz and the MAPP Assessment. The results were interesting and not very surprising. I spent less than an hour and no money!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wish I Could Retire
Over the past two weeks I have heard some interesting responses to my retirement announcement. Several of my colleagues - all of whom are members of the same teachers' retirement system - have indicated that they can't afford to retire. The comment goes something like this, "I wish I could afford to retire." I simply don't understand their position (unless they are raising children). The Georgia retirement benefit is 60% of an average of two years of your highest salary, with an additional 2% for every year of service. Quite generous.
As Bill McKibben explains so convincingly in Deep Economy, happiness does not correlate with high income. And isn't happiness the goal? I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been concerned about excessive growth and development. McKibben offers numerous examples of alternatives to unchecked growth that result in less waste of resources, better nutrition, a higher quality of life and, yes, even increased happiness.
The framing question for many of the decisions I make is paraphrased from Deep Economy. Posted on my refrigerator is this: "What is more when you already have too much?"
As Bill McKibben explains so convincingly in Deep Economy, happiness does not correlate with high income. And isn't happiness the goal? I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been concerned about excessive growth and development. McKibben offers numerous examples of alternatives to unchecked growth that result in less waste of resources, better nutrition, a higher quality of life and, yes, even increased happiness.
The framing question for many of the decisions I make is paraphrased from Deep Economy. Posted on my refrigerator is this: "What is more when you already have too much?"
Monday, September 7, 2009
Withholding Taxes for Retirees
Last spring I learned that the tax tables for withholding are different for pensioners. Here is some news about withholding taxes from the Georgia TRS website.
- IRS Issues New Tax Withholding Tables
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued new tax withholding tables in conjunction with the U.S. economic stimulus plan’s new federal “earned income” tax credit for working Americans – the Making Work Pay credit. Although pension benefits are not considered “earned income”, the IRS has instructed TRS and other pension plans to use the new tables to determine how much to withhold from your monthly benefit payment. These new tables were effective April 1, 2009, and may reduce the amount of income tax withheld from your monthly pension benefit.
For those retirees having federal taxes withheld based on marital status and the number of exemptions claimed (as opposed to a fixed withholding amount), the effect will be a decrease in the tax withheld and a corresponding increase in your monthly benefit payment. You may want to submit a revised W-4P and/or consult with a tax advisor to ensure enough withholding is withheld from your pension benefit. If you wish to update your tax withholding, please do so online via your TRS account (click on the Account Login button above).
For additional information and assistance, visit the IRS Web site, http://www.irs.gov/, and use the Withholding Calculator; review the Tax Tables found in Publication 15-T; or refer to IRS Publication 919 (How Do I Adjust My Tax Withholding?). You can also contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 for more information.
I hope you find this information helpful.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tax Savings in the Future
A new tax law went into effect last year in Georgia. Few people seem to know about it so I am including information from the Georgia Department of Revenue's website:
STATE INCOME TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR RETIREMENT INCOME. Social Security is exempt. Taxpayers who are 62 years of age or older, or permanently and totally disabled regardless of age, may be eligible for a retirement income adjustment on their Georgia tax return. Retirement income includes income from pensions and annuities, interest income, dividend income, net income from rental property, capital gains income and income from royalties. For married couples filing joint returns with both members receiving retirement income, the maximum adjustment for the applicable year may be up to twice the individual exclusion amount. Retirement income exceeding the maximum adjustable amount will be taxed at the normal rate. The retirement income exclusion for tax year 2008 and beyond is $35,000.
This is very good news. It is never too early to begin planning tax savings.
STATE INCOME TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR RETIREMENT INCOME. Social Security is exempt. Taxpayers who are 62 years of age or older, or permanently and totally disabled regardless of age, may be eligible for a retirement income adjustment on their Georgia tax return. Retirement income includes income from pensions and annuities, interest income, dividend income, net income from rental property, capital gains income and income from royalties. For married couples filing joint returns with both members receiving retirement income, the maximum adjustment for the applicable year may be up to twice the individual exclusion amount. Retirement income exceeding the maximum adjustable amount will be taxed at the normal rate. The retirement income exclusion for tax year 2008 and beyond is $35,000.
This is very good news. It is never too early to begin planning tax savings.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Leaving a Career, Starting a Blog
On April 1, 2010, I will retire from a 30 year career as a special education teacher and administrator. The purpose of this weblog is to provide a forum for other teachers who are about to retire in order to plan for meaningful work in the next phase of our lives. I hope we hear from the thousands of retired teachers around the world. We are, potentially, a powerful force due to the sheer number of us. We are all highly educated and most likely, financially secure.
I have several planned topics such as data on our community, the factors that determined our decision to retire, stories about kids we taught, the dreaded retirement parties, and our thoughts about the future of education. I will provide the prompts for these discussions. But building a real-time agenda with your input is much more important to me.
One reason I believe this blog can have a tremendously powerful influence is the content of most of the retirement sites on the web. What I found in my searches was mostly about how to save for retirement, how to invest for retirement, best-places-to-live-after retirement, and how to find travel bargains. I want to go deeper and talk about how a career in education shaped us and how we can use our knowledge, experience, and skills to build a better world. But keep in mind that a real-time agenda does not prevent us from addressing investments, travel and fun places to live!
Today let's look at some data to get us thinking. I want to gather evidence to support my belief that we are smart, young, wealthy and that there are lots of us!
In a report published by the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Georgia for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, there were 78,633 retirees receiving a benefit payment from the Georgia TRS. Their average monthly benefit was $2,921. The number of retirees includes teachers, college and university personnel, librarians, and others who were a part for the system such as cafeteria workers, and their beneficiaries. That is a lot of people with college educations and a certain level of financial stability.
I was interested in learning the average age that teachers retire because we are, compared to the majority of Americans, young retirees. Staff at Georgia TRS are working on finding that number for me. Think about this: if you began teaching immediately after obtaining an undergraduate degree at age 21 or 22 you would be eligible to receive full retirement benefits for 30 years of service at age 51 or 52. That is young!
If you have information about the number, age, and benefits of teacher retirees in other states, please post it here. Let's have some discussion about the size, quality and economic power of our community!
I have several planned topics such as data on our community, the factors that determined our decision to retire, stories about kids we taught, the dreaded retirement parties, and our thoughts about the future of education. I will provide the prompts for these discussions. But building a real-time agenda with your input is much more important to me.
One reason I believe this blog can have a tremendously powerful influence is the content of most of the retirement sites on the web. What I found in my searches was mostly about how to save for retirement, how to invest for retirement, best-places-to-live-after retirement, and how to find travel bargains. I want to go deeper and talk about how a career in education shaped us and how we can use our knowledge, experience, and skills to build a better world. But keep in mind that a real-time agenda does not prevent us from addressing investments, travel and fun places to live!
Today let's look at some data to get us thinking. I want to gather evidence to support my belief that we are smart, young, wealthy and that there are lots of us!
In a report published by the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) of Georgia for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, there were 78,633 retirees receiving a benefit payment from the Georgia TRS. Their average monthly benefit was $2,921. The number of retirees includes teachers, college and university personnel, librarians, and others who were a part for the system such as cafeteria workers, and their beneficiaries. That is a lot of people with college educations and a certain level of financial stability.
I was interested in learning the average age that teachers retire because we are, compared to the majority of Americans, young retirees. Staff at Georgia TRS are working on finding that number for me. Think about this: if you began teaching immediately after obtaining an undergraduate degree at age 21 or 22 you would be eligible to receive full retirement benefits for 30 years of service at age 51 or 52. That is young!
If you have information about the number, age, and benefits of teacher retirees in other states, please post it here. Let's have some discussion about the size, quality and economic power of our community!
(Ask me about the meaning of the picture I selected.)
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