Retire Ready Tennessee: New Phone Support for TCRS and Deferred Compensation Plans

Now you can ask questions and receive information concerning TCRS and your Tennessee Deferred Compensation plan with one phone call.

Call 800-770-8277 to reach Retire Ready Tennessee customer service representatives who are ready to assist you with questions regarding your entire retirement.

You may also access your accounts online at MyTCRS.com or http://www.treasury.state.tn.us/dc/.

FY15 GASB Information is now available.

Payees receiving payment by debit card, please refer to the "Headlines"tab for an important notice.

Great news! Concord's Self-Service is now available to Retirees, Employers and Members. Please click on the Self-Service link to access the login page. We are experiencing high call volume at this time. If you have questions about Member Self Service, please refer to the User Guide or Demonstration Video for assistance.

The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) is a defined benefit pension plan that covers state employees, higher education employees, K-12 public school teachers, and employees of political subdivisions who have elected to participate in the plan. This means that the amount of any future retirement benefits is determined by a benefit formula rather than an account balance.

The TCRS provides retirement benefits as well as death and disability benefits to plan members and their beneficiaries. Benefits are determined by a formula using the members high five-year average salary and years of service. Members become eligible to retire at the age of 60 with five years of service or at any age with 30 years of service. A reduced retirement benefit is available to vested members with five years of service who become disabled and cannot engage in gainful employment. There is no service requirement for disability that is the result of an accident or injury occurring while the member was in the performance of duty.

Notice: Please click HERE to view the fees associated with the debit cards issued for retirement payments beginning April 30, 2013.

2015 COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for TCRS Retirees (May 29, 2015) Retired teachers and state employees who have been on the TCRS retired payroll for at least 12 consecutive months as of July 1, 2015 will receive a 1.0% cost-of-living adjustment. Retirees of local governments that have authorized COLAs will receive the same increase.

Fraudulent Email Targeting Debit Card Holders (January 20, 2015)

The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) has been made aware that a fraudulent email could be distributed to all TCRS debit card holders. more...

(December 23, 2013) The Tennessee Department of Treasury is informing active Johnson City Power Board employees about a theft of personal information. more...

(December 14, 2013) The Tennessee Department of Treasury is informing active Metro Nashville teachers about a possible theft of personal information. more...

(September 25, 2013) TCRS has been made aware of a misleading mailout sent to TCRS members from a Texas-based company not affiliated with TCRS. This mailing makes incorrect and misleading statements about TCRS. Members should contact TCRS directly with questions about their benefits. more...

(March 28, 2013) The investment committee of the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) Board of Trustees has approved two new commitments within its private equity portfolio and two new commitments within its strategic lending portfolio. more...

Tennessee's State Pension Fund Rated Best in Nation for Investment Strategy (March 19, 2013) Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), the state's retirement fund for state government, higher education and other public employees, is managing its investments better than any other large public pension plan in the country. So says Money Management Intelligence, a publication featuring news, trends and analysis about and for institutional investors. more...

Treasurer Lillard Proposes New Pension Options for State & Teacher Plans (February 25, 2013) State Treasurer David H. Lillard, Jr. is recommending that the General Assembly adopt a number of reforms to the state's retirement plan for public employees. The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) is a well-funded pension plan. more...

TCRS Newsletters (November 29, 2012) The Active member employee newsletteris now available. Click here to view the current issue of the TCRS Report.

TCRS Board Meetings (November 1, 2012) Information concerning the current and past board meetings can be found here.

Treasurer Lillard Proposes New Pension Options for Local Governments (January 23, 2012) To give local governments more choices for their employees retirement plans, Tennessee State Treasurer David H. Lillard Jr. today proposed several new options to state legislators for their consideration. more...

2012 COLA for Retirees (January 23, 2012) Retired teachers and state employees who have been on the TCRS retired payroll for at least 12 consecutive months as of July 1, 2012 will receive a 3.0% cost-of-living adjustment. Retirees of local governments that have authorized COLAs will receive the same increase.

2011 COLA for Retirees (April 29, 2011) Retired teachers and state employees who have been on the TCRS retired payroll for at least 12 consecutive months as of July 1, 2011 will receive a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment. Retirees of local governments that have authorized COLAs will receive the same increase.

Important Tax Notice (January 19, 2011) Many of you may have noticed a change in the withholding tax deducted from your TCRS benefit payment in January. In 2009 and 2010 there was a "Making Work Pay" federal tax credit in effect as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Making Work Pay tax credit expired on 12/31/2010. This means that most retirees will notice an increase in the amount of federal withholding deducted.

In addition, TCRS has received several questions concerning the effect the Social Security rate decrease from 6.2% to 4.2% will have on their monthly pension benefits. This change will not affect TCRS pension recipients since the pension benefits are not subject to the Social Security tax.

At any time, you can change the amount of taxes being withheld from your monthly retirement benefit by completing a Substitute Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments form. This form can be downloaded at tcrs.tn.gov. You may also send a letter indicating any changes to TCRS, ATTN: Retired Payroll, 502 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-0201.

Tennessee's Retirement Fund in Good Shape Compared to Others (July 25, 2010) Good economic news can be hard to find in the Capitol building, but Tennesseans can breathe a little easier about one corner of the state budget. ...more

(Knoxville News Sentinel article by Josh Flory. Posted July 25, 2010.)

Financial Welfare of TCRS The financial marketplace has been exhibiting a high degree of volatility for several months, mainly due to issues related to the mortgage industry. Several Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) members and retirees have expressed concern. ...more

Recent Letters to TCRS Retirees Approximately 10% of TCRS retirees received a letter dated July 30, 2010 from TCRS where the insurance premium(s) was not shown correctly. The letter provided the amount of the COLA increase, the new gross value of the pension benefit, insurance deductions, tax withholding deductions, other deductions, and the net amount deposited to your checking or savings account.

Unfortunately, the medical insurance deduction shown for retired state employees under the age of 65 was not correct. The medical insurance premium did not change. The premium for July was the same amount as the June premium.

In addition, the letters for retirees enrolled in the long term care plan and dental insurance plan did not show a deduction.

The correct deductions were taken from your pension benefit and the correct amount was deposited in your bank account. The only issue occurred in the printing of the letters.

Please contact our office if you have any questions concerning this issue at (800) 770-8277 or 741-4913.

Public Notices:

TCRS Board of Trustees Meeting Notices

Individuals with disabilities who wish to participate in these proceedings and require an accommodation should contact Bridget Dorse with Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System no less than two (2) days prior to the scheduled meeting date to allow time for the Treasury Department to arrange for an accommodation. You may contact the Treasury Department at 502 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37243; (615) 741-7063 or the Board Administrator Bridget Dorse by email at bridget.dorse@tn.gov.

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TN Consolidated Retirement System

A growing number of discerning adults are choosing to begin their retirement in the southeastern U.S. Discover Tennesseethe best place for natural beauty, endless opportunities and the good life.

Tennessee tantalizes, whetting your appetite, from fresh produce to white tablecloth occasions. Here, southern food meets southern hospitality, Savor pinnacle experiences, all in the state ranked one of the best places to retire.

In the Volunteer State, our lower cost of living translates into a richer quality of life. Tennessee, ranked second for the lowest cost of living in the nation, allows you to enjoy retirement to the fullest.

Please visit the Retire Tennessee booth at the following Expos:

Greater Chicago Hyatt Regency Schaumburg 1800 E. Golf Road Schaumburg, IL 60173 Saturday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Greater New York Hilton Long Island/Huntington 598 Broadhollow Road Melville, NY 11747 Saturday, Jan. 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Greater Atlanta Westin Atlanta Perimeter North 7 Concourse Parkway NE Atlanta, GA 30328 Saturday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Upcoming Ideal Living Resort & Retirement Expos Feb. 27-28, Somerset County, NJ Mar. 5-6, Greater Washington, DC

Just the perfect chill in the air.

Average high during wintermonths is 53

Choosing where to live when you retire is an important decision. Climate, healthcare and cost of living are a few factors to consider when deciding on your new home.

Chattanooga has been voted the Best Mountain Town by readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors!

More and more people are discovering Tennessee is a great place for retirement living.

Tennessee, and the Mid-South, becomes a retirement destination.

Tennessee tops the list of best places to retire, lauded for its low cost of living.

Clement Salvadori discovers the best roads in the Cumberland Highlands while visiting Cookeville for the HOG Rally.

Scenic Chattanooga is one of the top cities in the country for baby boomers and retirees.

Low living cost, climate and area attractions make Chattanooga a hot spot for retirees.

Governor Bill Haslam launched an initiative on Wednesday to make Tennessee a healthier place and named Kingsport as a pilot community in that effort. The initiative, called Healthier Tennessee Communities, is aiming to be a coordinated effort to support physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco abstinence at a local level.

A recent study from SmartAsset has foundthe most affordable places to retireand Cookeville ranked #4!

Chattanooga has made another national "best cities" list.Money magazine has included the city on its list of "Best Places to Retire 2015."

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Experience Tennessee Retirement | Retire Tennessee

Overview

Tennessee is one of the fastest growing states in America, with a population increase of almost ten percent since 2000. Tennessee is known as a tourist destination but now many retirees are flocking to the state in search of a low cost of living and access to great healthcare. The population of Tennessee is over six million, increasing annually, fueled by incoming Baby Boomers and retirees from the north, California and Florida. Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation and over 12 percent of the population is over the age of 65.

The state has a lot to offer including beautiful lakes, rivers and national parks. Whether your ideal retirement includes outdoor recreation, fine arts, culture or sports, there is something for everyone in Tennessee's active adult communities. A vibrant music scene and long history steeped in tradition have drawn retirees from all regions of the country. The state boasts one of the largest urban centers in the country is accessible in less than a day s drive, making it an ideal retirement destination that is close to friends and family. Major medical centers, top-notch colleges and universities and active civic organizations further enhance Tennessee's age-restricted and age-targeted communities that offer a great sense of community for citizens young and old.

Climate & Geography

The climate in Tennessee is mostly humid subtropical, except in the higher Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. Temperatures average in the mid 80s in the summer and mid 50s in the winter. Active adult communities in Tennessee have nights that are cooler in the eastern portion of the state. Winter in the higher elevations is cool and can drop to freezing. The Gulf of Mexico creates much of the climate in the state, bringing winds that drive the fifty inches of rain each year.

The state is covered with mountains and valleys along tributaries of the Tennessee River and the Tennessee River Valley. The Blue Ridge Mountains are not well populated, and are protected by the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Western Tennessee is the area most likely to attract tornadoes, with an average of fifteen per year. There is not much snow, but fog can impede travel, especially in the mountains.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Tennessee's active adult communities live near areas that are rich in history and are filled with culture, recreation and social opportunities. The largest city is Memphis, but the best-known city is Nashville, the music capital of the south and the home of Elvis Presley s Graceland. Many Civil War battles were fought in Tennessee, the most of any state, including the famed Battle of Murfreesboro. After the war, a Tennessee Democrat became Abraham Lincoln s Vice President: Andrew Johnson. The Civil War battlefield of Shiloh is preserved and open to the public for exploration.

For music lovers, the three cities of Nashville, Memphis and Bristol provide venues to hear country music, soul, blues or rock and roll. Bristol is known as the birthplace of country music and the home of the Carter family and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Nashville is known for the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, and is nicknamed Music City, USA . Memphis is the birthplace of the blues, rock and roll, and it's the home of B.B. King. Gospel Music also abounds in Tennessee s Bible Belt. Active Adults have plenty of entertainment options around the entire state.

55+ communities in Tennessee are an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Bass fishing is a favorite pastime in the state s numerous lakes and rivers. Hikers enjoy the Appalachian Trail as well as the 54 State Parks. In the midst of its beautiful mountains and river valleys, Tennessee is also home to over 8,000 caves, which provide adventures. World-class whitewater rafting is available in the Cherokee National Forest. There are numerous campsites located just a short drive from both Nashville and Memphis. With its year-round mild climate, Tennessee provides a great environment for active seniors to enjoy.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Those seeking to live in active adult communities in Tennessee will find that cost of living favorable. Cost of living for the state is about 10 percent lower than the national average.

Income tax in Tennessee does not apply to salary or wages, but it does apply to income from stocks, bonds and notes. Interest receives a $1,250 exemption per person. Sales tax in the state is 7 percent, but food is at 5.5 percent, and local areas add to the state tax. An inheritance tax is imposed on estates larger than one million dollars.

Healthcare

Tennessee provides great healthcare for its citizens. Their numerous hospitals and its supportive government create a positive atmosphere for the flourishing of healthcare. Numerous hospitals provide patient care, including the famed Vanderbilt Medical Center at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge was named the top hospital in Tennessee for two years in a row. They also earned a national award of excellence in heart failure treatment. Active adults in Tennessee's retirement communities are nearby top healthcare options.

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Tennessee - Active Adult Retirement Communities | 55 Places

Basking Ridge Fellowship Village (Visit our site) 8000 Fellowship Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 E-mail us 800-458-6715 Brick The Gables (Visit our site) 515 Jack Martin Boulevard Brick, NJ 08723 877-4BRANDY or 732-836-1400 Bridgewater Arbor Glen (Visit our site) 100 Monroe Street Bridgewater, NJ 08807 E-mail us 908-595-6600 Cherry Hill Cadbury at Cherry Hill (Visit our site) 2150 Route 38 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 E-mail us 800-422-3287 Galloway Township Seashore Gardens Living Center (Visit our site) 22 West Jimmie Leeds Road Galloway Township, NJ 08205 609-404-4848 Haddonfield Haddonfield Home (Visit our site) 132 Warwick Road Haddonfield, NJ 08033 856-429-5500 Maplewood Winchester Gardens (Visit our site) 333 Elmwood Avenue Maplewood, NJ 07040 E-mail us 800-887-7502 Moorestown Lutheran Crossings Enhanced Living at Moorestown (Visit our site) 255 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057 E-mail us 856-235-1214 Morris Plains The Country Home (Visit our site) 1095 Tabor Road Morris Plains, NJ 07950 973-538-2117 Newton Bristol Glen (Visit our site) 200 Bristol Glen Drive Newton, NJ 07860 E-mail us 973-300-5788 Saddle River Brighton Gardens Assisted Living (Visit our site) (A Sunrise Senior Living Community) 5 Boroline road Saddle River, NJ 07458 201-818-8680 Teaneck Classic Residence in Teaneck, a Vi Community (Click for details) 655 Pomander Walk Teaneck, NJ 07666 E-mail us 888-490-1261 Tinton Falls Seabrook Village (Visit our site) 3000 Essex Road Tinton Falls, NJ 07753 800-335-4725 or 732-918-9100 Voorhees Brendenwood 1 Brendenwood Drive Voorhees, NJ 08043 856-424-7773 Whiting The Pines at Whiting (Visit our site) 509 Route 530 Whiting, NJ 08759 E-mail us 732-849-0400 Woodcliff Lake The Bristal Assisted Living at Woodcliff Lake (Visit our site) 364 Chestnut Ridge Road Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07667 E-mail us 201-505-9500 top

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New Jersey - Retirement Living

Arlington Heights Luther Village (Visit our site) 1220 Village Drive, #145 Arlington Heights, IL 60004 E-mail us 847-506-1919 Presbyterian Homes The Moorings of Arlington Heights (Visit our site) 811 East Central Road Arlington Heights, IL 60005 E-mail us 847-956-4304 Barrington The Garlands of Barrington (Visit our site) 1000 Garlands Lane Barrington, IL 60010 847-304-1996 Bartlett Clare Oaks (Visit our site) 825 Carillon Drive Bartlett, IL 60103 E-mail us 630-372-1983 or 800-648-1984 Burr Ridge King-Bruwaert House (Visit our site) 6101 S. County Line Road Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-323-2250 Chicago The Clare (Visit our site) 55 E. Pearson Street Chicago, IL 60611 E-mail us 312-951-5690 or 866-951-5690 The Hallmark, Chicago (Visit our site) 2960 North Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60657 E-mail us 773-880-2960 The Kenwood of Lake View (Visit our site) 3121 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60657 773-404-9800 Des Plaines The Heritage of Des Plaines (Visit our site) 800 S. River Road Des Plaines, IL 60016-8427 847-699-8600 Downers Grove Oak Trace (Visit our site) 200 Village Drive Downers Grove, IL 60516 E-mail us 630-469-6100 Evanston The Merion (Visit our site) 1611 Chicago Avenue Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail us 847-864-6400 Presbyterian Homes Ten Twenty Grove (Visit our site) 1020 Grove Street Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail us 847-866-2111 Presbyterian Homes Westminster Place (Visit our site) 3200 Grant Street Evanston, IL 60201 E-mail us 847-570-3422 Galesburg Mary Allen West Tower 121 West Simmons Street Galesburg, IL 61401 E-mail us 309-342-6493 Glenview Vi at The Glen (Visit our site) 2500 Indigo Lane Glenview, IL 60026 E-mail us 866-960-7622 Hoffman Estates The Devonshire of Hoffman Estates (Visit our site) 1515 Barrington Road Hoffman Estates, IL 60194 847-490-5800 Lake Forest Presbyterian Homes Lake Forest Place (Visit our site) 1100 Pembridge Drive Lake Forest, IL 60045 E-mail us 847-607-8800 Lincolnshire Sedgebrook (Visit our site) 800 Adubon Way Lincolnshire, IL 60069 E-mail us 800-617-6610 Lindenhurst The Village at Victory Lakes (Visit our site) 1075 E. Victory Drive Lindenhurst, IL 60046 E-mail us 847-356-4666 or 888-432-9800 Lisle The Devonshire of Lisle (Visit our site) 1700 Robin Lane Lisle, IL 60532 630-963-1600 Lombard Beacon Hill (Visit our site) 2400 South Finley Road Lombard, IL 60148 E-mail us 630-620-5850 Naperville Monarch Landing (Visit our site) 2255 Monarch Drive Naperville, IL 60563 E-mail us 800-721-0102 Tabor Hills Senior Living Community (Visit our site) 1347 Crystal Avenue Naperville, IL 60563 630-778-6677 North Aurora Asbury Retirement Communities(Visit our site) 210 Airport Road North Aurora, IL 60542 630-896-7778 Palatine Tamarack (Visit our site) 55 S. Greeley Palatine, IL 60067 800-209-8955 Rockford Villas at University Centre (Visit our site) 245 Lily Lane Rockford, IL 61107 815-332-7837 Sycamore Somerset Farm (Visit our site) 2129 Waterbury Lane Sycamore, IL 60178 815-895-7800 Vernon Hills Hawthorn Lakes (Visit our site) 10 E. Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 600061 847-367-2516 The Park at Vernon Hills (Visit our site) 145 N. Milwaukee Avenue Vernon Hills, IL 60061 E-mail us 847-793-2470 Westmont Cordia Senior Residence (Visit our site) 865 N. Cass Avenue Westmont, IL 60559 E-mail us 617-292-2736 Wheaton Wyndemere (Visit our site) 200 Wyndemere Circle Wheaton, IL 60187 E-mail us 866-933-4799 Yorkville Countryside Village Apartments 407 West Kendall Drive Yorkville, IL 60560 630-553-0111 top

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Illinois - Retirement Living

Overall If you have been looking for the best places to retire in Illinoiswe have the information to help you make a better choice. This website will give you useful data and opinions about the possiblity of retiring in Illinois, including the leading active adult retirement communities. This mid-western state had just under 12.9 million people in 2012. It combines one of America's largest cities - Chicago - along with some unspoiled farming regions. The Wikipedia entry for Illinoishas more facts.

Illinois Climate The Illinois climate is called humid-continental. There are 4 seasons. Summers are hot and winters are cold with frequent snowstorms. The southern part of the state is considerably warmer.

Economy and Real Estate Prices Illinois's 2011 median household income at just over $56,576 is slightly higher than the United States average. Median home prices are similar to those in most of the U.S.. In 2013's 1st quarter the median home in the Chicago/Naperville Metro sold for $159,400. In the Champaign /Urbana area the median home sold for $133,300. The Zillow Home Value Index in mid 2013 for the state was $141,100.

Illinois Taxes

Tax Burden:Total tax burden in Illinois is 30th in the nation, so the state is slightly more tax friendly than average.

Marginal Income Tax Rates.Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 5%.

Retirement Income Exemptions.A very good thing for retirees is that most retirement income and all social security income is not taxed at the state level.

Sales Tax:State sales tax is 10%; local governments also sometimes charge sales tax.

Property Taxes: Most property is assessed at 33.33% of its market value.

Homestead exemption: ASenior Citizens Homestead Exemption permits for a $4,000 reduction in the EAV for the properties of those 65 and older.

Estate and/or Inheritance Taxes. There is an estate tax; as of 2013 there will be a $4,000,000 exemption.

Other tax and financial info: Cigarette taxes are about average and gasoline taxes higher than average. The precarious fiscal health of Illinois was recently the focus of a New York Times article, Illinois Stops Paying Its Bills. The state is a solid contender to be the worse off state financially in the nation (see "Worse States for Retirement - 2012").

Link to anIL Tax Guide.

Certified Retirement Communities Illinois does not have a certified retirement community program.

Best places to retire in Illinois In 2012 Topretirements named llinois as the 2nd worst state to retire in the U.S. That was mostly based on its precarious financial condition and a government that was reeling from the governor's legal troubles. IL can be a great state for active adults and people over 50, depending on your interests, however. Choose from Illinois retirement communities that are popular with active adults over 55 near its larger cities of Chicago, Peoria, or Joliet. Or choose a smaller town such as Galena, one of America's most charming small towns, and located near the Mississippi RIver in the northwestern part of the state. Galena at one time was bigger than Chicago, but now has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Champaign/Urbana is a top college town known as a cultural oasis. A number of active adult and 55+ communities have been built in the Elgin area.

At Topretirements.com our job is to provide the objective facts and peer-reviewed profiles to help you find the best community for you. So if you are considering an Illinois retirement, check out the listings on this site. Here is more inside information on retirement living communities in the neighboring states to help you retire in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. These links provide insight and data into economic conditions, climate, top communities, and taxes.

Get started with reviews of the best retirement communities.

Click on the Illinois Retirement Community reviews on the right. Or to find other state guides to retirement or more on types of retirement communities

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Illinois Retirement Guide

MEABF is a defined benefit, single employer benefit plan that was established in 1921 by an act of the Illinois General Assembly to provide disability and retirement benefits to qualified employees of the City of Chicago and the Chicago Board of Education. Our sole purpose is to pay earned benefits to our members, which is funded by a combination of member contributions, taxes levied by the City of Chicago, and investment earnings from Plan reserves. MEABF is a component unit of the City of Chicago, and as such, is included in the City of Chicago's financial statements as a pension trust fund.

September 21, 2015

Public Act 98-0641 - Update

Thet Cook County Circuit Court overturned Public Act 98-0641. The effect on your benefit is that the 3% compounded annual increase is restored. Back on January 1, your monthly annuity was increased by an amount less than the 3%. This payment represents the adjustment in your annual increase retroactive to January 1, 2015. The benefit due October 1, 2015 will represent your new, monthly, gross annuity with the 3% annual increase.

December 29, 2015

2016 Annual Statements

Effective January 1, 2016 the City of Chicago insurance rates for the annuitant health care plan will be changing. Please use the following link for additional information available to annuitants: http://chicagoretireebenefits.org.

January 4, 2016

International Small Cap Equity Request for Proposal

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Municipal Employees' Annuity and Benefit Fund of Chicago

Social Security claimants annually pass up billions of dollars by not using a simple, but rarely used, benefit option. This option is just one of my 44 financially rewarding insider tips that I cover in my book, Social Security Inside Out.

Recently retiring from the Social Security Administration, I wrote an 18 page workbook with answers to 27 important Social Security questions while divulging 44 insider tips to show you how to get the largest benefits possible. To keep my material up-to-date, I monitor Social Security employee manuals to update this book with any Social Security changes.

Reading my book will give you current information about Social Security and the confidence to make informed decisions to get the largest retirement, spouse and widow or widower checks.

When it comes time to collect your Social Security benefits, you need to be more than a spectator. Take an informed and active part to get the largest checks possible.

Even if you are already receiving Social Security checks, learn how to make sure you are getting the correct amount and if you can get even more in the future.

Learn the pros and cons of retiring at age 62, 66, 70 or any time from 62 to 70 years old. An insider tip explains a way to get some benefits early and still get the 32% bonus at age 70. Learn how you can sign up for retirement benefits but suspend checks to get extra money for your family in the long run.

I cover the various options so you will know how to get the most benefits. A rarely used insider tip shows you how to get extra spouse benefits even though the primary worker hasn't retired. In addition, learn how you can get spouse benefits while your own benefits grow by 32%.

You will learn how much your spouse will collect if you die. In addition, you will learn how the start of your retirement can increase or decrease future widow benefits.

I explain how a widow or widower can switch back and forth between retirement and survivor benefits to collect the most money from both programs. For example, you can draw widow benefits from 60 to 70-years-old and then switch to your own retirement with a 32% bonus. Learn when you should draw widow benefits to get the most benefits from both programs.

I explain the rules concerning divorced spouse benefits. Often you can get divorced spouse benefits even if your ex-spouse doesn't sign up for benefits. I explain whether you should collect your own retirement benefits or divorced spouse benefits or both.

I warn you about six areas that cause underpayments. For example, over 250 million W-2s never have been credited to any worker. I reveal a simple, but rarely used, insider tip to make sure you get credit for all of your work. Furthermore, you will learn the different times to contact Social Security to draw the most benefits possible throughout your life.

Included is a retirement guide, 46 Retirement Pitfalls. Save yourself financial trouble and emotional stress by learning from other retired people. This indispensable retirement guide is included FREE with Social Security Inside Out.

Me outside the White House

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"The SS worker was reluctant to tell me I could do this - I almost did not ask because I thought it was too good to be true. It is true."

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"I purchased your Social Security guide and found it extremely helpful. I am receiving a divorced spouse benefit check each month even though I had been told initially that I was not eligible. Your information gave me the tools I needed to get the situation resolved."

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"It was very informative, useful and made the thought of applying for Social Security much less daunting."

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"From my experience when you talk to more than one person you get different answers, so I want to be sure I know enough to have an intelligent conversation prior to collecting benefits."

"Investing in your book was one of the best choices I could have made."

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"Thank you for your consideration and especially thank you for a clearly written, invaluable tool to enable people to get what they have earned from an extraordinarily complex program."

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Social Security Inside Out: Retirement, Spouse, Widow Benefits

Full retirement age is the age at which a person may first become entitled to full or unreduced retirement benefits.

No matter what your full retirement age (also called "normal retirement age") is, you may start receiving benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70.

You can retire at any time between age 62 and full retirement age. However, if you start benefits early, your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age.

The chart below lists age 62 reduction amounts and includes examples based on an estimated monthly benefit of $1000 at full retirement age. Click on your year of birth to find out how much your benefit will be reduced if you retire between age 62 and full retirement age.

Note: If your birthday is on January 1st, we figure your benefit as if your birthday was in the previous year.

As a general rule, early or late retirement will give you about the same total Social Security benefits over your lifetime. If you retire early, the monthly benefit amounts will be smaller to take into account the longer period you will receive them. If you retire late, you will get benefits for a shorter period of time but the monthly amounts will be larger to make up for the months when you did not receive anything.

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit is reduced. Each person's situation is different, so

If you decide to delay your benefits until after age 65, you should still apply for Medicare benefits within three months of your 65th birthday. If you wait longer, your Medicare medical insurance (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) may cost you more money.

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Retirement Planner: Benefits By Year Of Birth

Jacksonville and other parts of North Florida have a wide array of retirement communities from which to choose. Living in Jacksonville and the Northeast part of Florida gives you a chance to be away from the hustle and bustle of South Florida, while enjoying a slightly milder climate, though the city of Jacksonville itself it pretty busy.

Fernandina Beach, Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, is the location of Amelia National Golf & Country Club, an amenity-filled community of new custom homes developed by Daytona Beach-based ICI Homes, consistently ranked a Top 100 Homebuilder in the nation by Builder magazine. Residents experience and savor a vacation-type, relaxing lifestyle on a daily basis. This magnificent community embodies exclusive, country club living at its best; from the Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole golf course to championship quality Har-Tru tennis courts.

Often considered the gateway to the enchantingly quaint Amelia Island, Amelia National Golf & Country Club also offers its resident members the private and elegant French provincial clubhouse and luxurious fitness accommodations, such as the state-of-the-art gym and resort-style pool and hot tub; delicious dining; nature walks through rich forests; and an outstanding customer service staff. All of this is located within a 24-hour guard-gated, secure environment. The community is located just 15 minutes from the beach and ocean, and just 25 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport.

Amelia National Golf & Country club features stunning, award-winning new home plans that range from 1700 2700+ sq. ft. Youll love Fernandina Beach and the Florida lifestyle as a proud resident of Amelia National.

Get my Amelia National brochure

Cascades at World Golf Village The Cascades at World Golf Village is a Jacksonville retirement community which just happens to be located in the same community as the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Costa Verano Nestled along Floridas northern coastline, Costa Verano condominium and townhome residents will enjoy the convenient location to downtown Jacksonvilles business and art districts just 17 miles away.

Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation is far from what one would consider a Jacksonville retirement community. For one thing, the community is not age restricted, as families of all ages are welcome.

Grand Haven Grand Haven in Palm Coast is one of the east coasts finest golf communities. Grand Haven sits on over 1,400 acres along Floridas Intracoastal waterway. Perhaps the biggest highlight of the gated Grand Haven community is the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. Combine this with award winning homes by some of the areas best home builders and youve got the perfect formula to attract baby boomers looking for a community in which to enjoy the retirement lifestyle in Florida.

Riverwood at Nocatee Riverwood is actually a community within a community, located in the upscale Ponte Vedra area between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. Riverwood provides a gated community within the award-winning Nocatee master-planned community, just minutes from the ocean. The Nocatee Preserve is located nearby, with almost 2,400 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway offering a variety of outdoor sites and activities.

Sweetwater by Del Webb Sweetwater is one of two Jacksonville retirement communities built by Del Webb, the original pioneers of the 55+ and active adult retirement community concept. Sweetwater boasts all the usual amenities you would expect from the leader in 55+ retirement living.

Toscana Toscana is a new community by ABD Development located in Palm Coast Florida. Toscana is a gated community with estate sized lots overlooking 120 acres of conservation area. While Toscana is not a retirement community per say, the community is surrounded by the types of amenities and lifestyle retired baby boomers are looking for.

Other Jacksonville Area Links & Resources:

Jacksonville.com This is the website for the local paper in Jacksonville.

VisitJacksonville.com Website has information on hotels, restaurants, local attractions and more. Great for planning a trip to Jacksonville but also has some good info for those considering moving to Jacksonville.

About Jacksonville Wikipedias Jacksonville webpage has all the facts and figures youd ever want to know.

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Retirement Communities in Jacksonville Florida