Your retirement health may depend on your social life. In this episode, we unpack the Kevin Bacon Rule of Retirement: why staying connected after you leave the workforce could be one of your most powerful retirement strategies. We chat with DRS team member Mike about his plans for staying connected in retirement.

Thousands of DRS customers log in every day to manage their retirement, so keeping those accounts secure matters. We’re joined by Michael from our Contact Center to walk through recent online security updates including removing email as an MFA option and adding the ability to use authenticator apps. He shares simple steps you can take to help protect your identity online.

Want to save more for retirement in 2026? In this episode, we break down the new Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) limits: $24,500 annually, or $32,500 if you’re age 50+ and even more if you’re within 3 years of retirement. Find out how pretax and Roth contributions work together - what counts toward the limit and what doesn’t - so you can make the most of your savings next year.

What if one conversation could change your financial future? We talk with Anthony, a Yakima School District leader whose passion for retirement education stems from his family history and years in labor advocacy. He shares how his path from delivery driver to union rep to HR leader shapes his mission to help school employees understand their benefits, start meaningful conversations about saving, and navigate the unique challenges of planning for retirement.

Every two years, contribution rates for Washington’s retirement plans change and that can raise questions. When a relative asked Amber why employer rates went down, she realized it’s just as important to understand decreases as increases. In this episode, we unpack how these rates are set, why they fluctuate, and how you can feel confident that Washington’s pensions remain a reliable, guaranteed source of income.

If you have a DCP or Plan 3 investment account, you're required by the IRS to withdraw a minimum distribution (RMD) from your pretax balance when you reach age 73. We take a look at how the amount you're required to withdraw is calculated. We also look at special cases like inherited accounts and exceptions for those still working.

There are a lot of reasons people choose to convert money within their DCP account from pretax to Roth option. We discuss the process of how this is done as well as the pros and cons, including timing and tax rules.

Sometimes people get overwhelmed trying to find the “right” financial advice. But for a simple and effective method, look no further than "The Simple Path to Wealth" by JL Collins. His three core rules - spend less than you earn, invest the extra in low-cost index funds, and avoid debt - have become a strong foundation for those looking to grow financially. We discuss Collins’ approach to compound interest and simplifying your finances.