In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the 100% joint and survivor annuity option (option two) offered by PERS. He explains the key concepts of joint and survivor annuities, how the monthly benefit is calculated, and the implications of naming a beneficiary. The video also covers who should consider this option and provides actionable steps for retirees to take when considering option two.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses Option One of the PERS retirement plan, a single life annuity that offers a slower reduction of account balance and provides a one-time lump sum to beneficiaries. He explains the differences between Option One and the maximum retirement allowance option, details the beneficiary provisions, and outlines who should consider this option. Additionally, he provides actionable steps for retirees to evaluate their choices and ensure their beneficiaries are updated.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the Maximum Retirement Allowance Option under the PERS system, explaining its benefits, calculations, and suitability for different retirees. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the single life annuity, the calculation of monthly benefits, and the considerations for naming beneficiaries. The video also outlines who should consider this option and provides actionable steps for retirees.

Summary

In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the critical aspects of choosing retirement benefit options for Mississippi PERS members. He outlines the retirement process, explains the seven base options available, and defines essential terms related to retirement planning. Additionally, he introduces the partial lump sum option and provides actionable steps for those nearing retirement.

Ryan Earley delves into the intricacies of earned compensation within the PERS benefit formula, emphasizing the importance of understanding how service credit and average compensation impact retirement benefits. He explains the exclusions that affect earned compensation and provides a detailed example of calculating the highest four years of compensation. The discussion concludes with actionable steps for viewers to assess their own average compensation and prepare for retirement.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the steps, costs, and payment strategies for purchasing optional service credit and repaying refunds within the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Mississippi. He outlines the types of service credit available, the process for purchasing it, and the various payment methods, emphasizing the importance of consulting a finance professional for personalized advice.

Ryan Earley discusses the various ways Mississippi PERS members can accumulate, purchase, and reinstate service credit to enhance their retirement benefits. He explains the eligibility requirements for earning service credit through employment, the process of purchasing non-covered service, and the importance of unused leave. Additionally, he provides actionable steps for members to assess their service credit status and make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning.

Ryan Earley discusses the importance of choosing the right month for retirement, particularly for members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) in Mississippi. He outlines the effective date of retirement, factors influencing the timing of retirement, and key considerations for planning a successful transition into retirement. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration of personal circumstances, financial implications, and health insurance coverage.

In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the importance of valuing time in retirement, emphasizing that time is a finite resource that should be prioritized over wealth. He explores the concept of retirement happiness, the regrets many retirees have about timing, and the emotional aspects of spending time with loved ones. The conversation concludes with practical steps for PERS members to consider when planning their retirement.

In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the importance of relationships in retirement, emphasizing that social connections are as crucial as financial planning. He highlights the risks associated with social isolation and the need for retirees to maintain strong relationships with their significant others, children, and friends. The conversation also covers practical steps for preparing for retirement, including open discussions with family and friends about expectations and boundaries.

In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning: finding purpose after leaving a career. He highlights the risks of a 'purpose crisis' that many retirees face, including increased rates of depression and health issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing for the non-financial side of retirement, offering actionable steps to help individuals find meaning and fulfillment in their post-work lives.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the critical role of health in retirement planning for PERS members. He emphasizes the importance of assessing physical health, understanding insurance options, and considering spousal health when deciding on retirement timing. The conversation also highlights the gap in health insurance coverage before Medicare kicks in at age 65 and provides actionable steps for planning around these challenges.

In this episode, Ryan Earley explores the financial considerations for Mississippi PERS members contemplating retirement. He discusses spending patterns, major expenses, and the impact of debt and investment risks on retirement planning. Ryan also provides actionable steps for calculating retirement needs and understanding PERS and Social Security benefits. Tune in to gain insights into making informed retirement decisions.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the average retirement age and trends for Mississippi PERS members, highlighting the differences between service-based and age-based retirement. He emphasizes the importance of planning for longevity in retirement and understanding the financial implications of different retirement paths.

In this episode of the PERS Pro YouTube channel, host Ryan Earley explores the question every PERS member asks: "When can I retire?" The video covers the different retirement tiers, vesting requirements, and options for early retirement. It also addresses disability retirement and provides actionable steps for PERS members to determine their retirement eligibility. Tune in to understand the earliest date and age you can retire and learn about future topics in the retirement series.

In this episode, Ryan Earley delves into the intricacies of property and vehicle taxes in Mississippi, explaining why property taxes might rise while car taxes could decrease. He provides actionable insights for PERS members to manage their finances effectively, including understanding ad valorem taxes, the impact of vehicle depreciation, and the importance of challenging property reassessments. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your hard-earned money and prepare for future tax changes.

Ryan Earley explores Mississippi’s 2026 tax shift: a grocery tax cut from 7% to 5% and a gas tax hike from 18¢ to 21¢ per gallon. While households save on staples, rising fuel costs create a financial tug-of-war. Specifically tailored for PERS members, this episode breaks down the math for a $100k household to answer the big question: Are you actually better off in 2026? Learn strategic action items to maximize your savings and offset the new expenses at the pump.

In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses Mississippi's ongoing efforts to eliminate the state income tax, the implications for retirees, and strategic tax planning opportunities for PERS members. He outlines the current tax structure, future projections, and actionable steps individuals can take to optimize their tax situation as rates decline.

In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses significant changes to federal income tax laws for 2025 and 2026, particularly focusing on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He highlights new deductions, including an increased standard deduction, SALT cap relief, and new above-the-line deductions. The conversation also addresses future changes regarding student loans and provides actionable advice for taxpayers to optimize their tax situations.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the significant changes to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Mississippi State Health Plan that will take effect on January 1, 2026. He outlines the premium rate increases, deductible adjustments, and updates regarding specialty drugs and copay cards. Additionally, he provides action items for viewers to consider in light of these changes and hints at future content related to legislative updates affecting PERS members.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the financial benefits of pursuing a leadership career in education in Mississippi, comparing it to professional sports earnings. He outlines a hypothetical 36-year career path from teacher to superintendent, highlighting the significant lifetime earnings potential and the advantages of the PERS pension system.

In this conversation, Ryan Earley explores the often-overlooked lifetime value of a teaching career in Mississippi, emphasizing that it can amount to approximately $3.4 million over 30 years. He breaks down the earnings into three main components: gross salary, pension benefits from the PERS system, and Social Security. The discussion highlights how the PERS pension significantly contributes to the overall value, often rivaling or exceeding the earnings of professional athletes.

This conversation delves into the compensation data for Mississippi teachers, analyzing salaries based on experience and district variations. It highlights the significant differences in pay across districts, the impact of teaching experience on salary, and identifies the top-paying districts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of local supplements in teacher compensation and sets the stage for future analysis of lifetime earnings for teachers.

In this episode, Ryan Earley discusses comprehensive compensation data for school districts, focusing on the highest paying roles and the most common positions within the educational workforce. He highlights the significant salary differences between administrative roles and teaching positions, as well as the low compensation for essential support staff. The episode concludes with insights into future discussions on retirement benefits for educators.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the significant changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) in Mississippi, particularly focusing on the introduction of Tier 5 for new hires. The conversation covers the lack of guaranteed cost of living adjustments (COLA) for Tier 5, the unchanged benefits for current retirees, and potential future changes to COLA payments.

In this video, Ryan Earley provides a comprehensive guide on how to complete PERS Form 20 for the Monthly Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). He explains the importance of the form, the deadline for submission, and details each section of the form, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of the election for monthly payments.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the critical decision new retirees face regarding their Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payments. He explains the two options available: receiving the COLA as a lump sum or as monthly payments. The video outlines the implications of each choice, including cash flow management, tax considerations, and the irrevocable nature of the monthly payment election.

In this video, Ryan Earley guides viewers through understanding the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Notice from PERS. The video explains the key sections of the COLA notice, including the total COLA amount, gross payment, estimated federal tax withholding, and net payment. Ryan also provides steps for adjusting tax withholding and emphasizes the importance of meeting deadlines.

In this video, Ryan Earley explains the two phases of COLA: the simple phase, which applies a fixed 3% increase to the initial benefit, and the compound phase, which applies the increase to the total benefit including previous COLA increases. The video uses a hypothetical retiree to illustrate the calculations and emphasizes the importance of understanding both phases to maximize retirement benefits.

In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the differences between simple and compound Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for Mississippi PERS retirees. He explains how each calculation works, the implications for retirement benefits, and emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for long-term financial security. The video includes examples and comparisons to illustrate the significant impact of these two types of COLA on retirement income.

In this episode, Ryan Earley delves into the critical transition from a simple to a compound Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for PERS members. Discover the key factors that determine when your fixed 3% rate begins to compound, including your retirement tier and age milestones. Ryan breaks down the official rules from the PERS Service Retirement Guide, providing clarity on how these adjustments impact your retirement income.

In this episode, Ryan Earley discusses the eligibility criteria for receiving the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Mississippi PERS retirees. He explains the importance of the full fiscal year rule, which requires retirees to have received benefit payments for a complete fiscal year before being eligible for COLA. The episode also emphasizes the need for personalized guidance from Mississippi PERS for specific eligibility questions.

An introductory video explaining that a COLA is a benefit increase designed to help offset inflation and maintain purchasing power during retirement.