If you’re a California teacher, police officer, firefighter, nurse, or state/municipal employee, you’ve dedicated your career to serving others. Now it’s time to make sure your financial future receives the same care and attention.
We specialize in comprehensive financial planning for California public employees. With deep experience in both CalSTRS (California State Teachers’ Retirement System) and CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System), we help you understand your benefits, prepare for retirement, and create long-term financial security.
Navigating CalSTRS and CalPERS
Your pension shouldn’t feel like a puzzle. We’ve helped many California professionals successfully work through the details of:
CalSTRS – serving teachers and education professionals
CalPERS – covering state, county, city employees, and many public safety members
Our support includes:
Reviewing pension formulas and benefit estimates
Clarifying age and service requirements
Assessing service credit purchases (buybacks and “air time”)
Exploring disability and early retirement paths
Setting up survivor and beneficiary protections for loved ones
Beyond the Pension
While your pension is the foundation, it’s just one piece of your retirement plan. Our broader approach for California public employees covers:
403(b) and 457(b) savings strategies to build additional wealth
Coordinating Social Security with CalSTRS/CalPERS (including WEP/GPO rules)
Health benefits and supplemental insurance planning
Debt management and student loan repayment strategies
Estate planning, long-term care, and family wealth transfer
Whether you’re new to public service, mid-career, or nearing retirement, we’ll help you build a personalized financial roadmap. Our goal is simple: straightforward guidance, no jargon, and no product pressure—just clear answers so you can make confident choices.
Who We Work With
K–12 and higher education professionals (CalSTRS)
Police officers, firefighters, and other safety employees (CalPERS)
Nurses and healthcare staff covered by CalPERS
State, county, and city employees across California
You’ve spent years caring for others—now let’s make sure your future is cared for too.
Ready to Understand Your Benefits?
Book a complimentary consultation with a planner who knows CalSTRS and CalPERS inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if I’m in CalSTRS or CalPERS?
Most California teachers and education professionals are in CalSTRS, while state, county, city, and many healthcare or public safety workers are in CalPERS. Your plan depends on your employer and position.
2. Can I save in a 403(b) or 457(b) if I already have a pension?
Yes. Many public employees use these accounts to supplement their pension and gain additional tax-advantaged retirement savings flexibility.
3. When can I retire under CalSTRS or CalPERS?
Eligibility is based on your formula, service credit, and age (e.g., 2% at 60 or 2% at 62). We’ll help map out your specific timeline.
4. Can I buy back service credit?
Often, yes. Prior service, military time, or certain leave periods may qualify. Buying credit can increase your pension or allow earlier retirement—but timing and cost matter.
5. Will my CalSTRS/CalPERS pension reduce my Social Security?
No — under the new Social Security Fairness Act, WEP and GPO have been repealed for benefits payable after December 2023. We’ll help you assess what that means for your Social Security income.
6. What happens if I leave public service before retirement?
You may qualify for a deferred pension or choose to withdraw contributions. We’ll review the long-term impact of each option.
7. Can my family receive survivor benefits?
Yes. Both systems include survivor benefit provisions, but the details vary. We’ll guide you in selecting the right options to protect your spouse or children.
8. Do you only work with public employees?
Our focus is California teachers, nurses, safety workers, and state/municipal employees—but we also work with their families to ensure complete financial planning.
This content is educational in nature and not intended as tax, legal, or investment advice. For personalized investment advice, please consult a licensed professional.
