California Educator

NOVEMBER 2010

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CTAinvest.org helps members be good investors “Teachers are often so fo- cused on educating others that they sometimes neglect educat- ing themselves on things like financial literacy,” says Oak Grove Educators Association member Maggie Ellis. “The CTAinvest.org site is a really great way to arm members with the knowledge to close that fi- nancial literacy gap.” A great way to work toward the goal of being more finan- cially literate is to supplement your pension with a 403(b) plan. Because 403(b) retire- ment plans can appear com- plex, CTA launched a new web- site for its members, CTAinvest. org, in August 2009. Designed to offer members helpful finan- cial tools and resources, www. ctainvest.org provides a secure and straightforward way to make better-informed deci- sions about your investments and retirement plans. And with new enhancements made as a result of CTA member feed- back, the site includes even more features and interactivity — and no log-in is required. “Educators in California have such a strong guaranteed retirement system in place with CalSTRS and CalPERS,” says Corning Elementary Faculty Association Vice President Phil- ip Barletto. “But the reality is that retirement is expensive. We live longer, and inflation rates and health care costs continue to rise. We need to supplement our retirement with our own “Educators need to make time to plan for their retirement, and the earlier the better,” KC Walsh Oak Grove Educators Association savings — and that can be done through a 403(b) plan.” Because financial experts Where is your career taking you? With a J.D., your options are endless. If you want to sit for the California Bar, we have the most cost effective answer. • In house zero percent financing • Small class size • Classes meet only twice a week • Courtroom training skills curriculum Earn your J.D. either online, or at our Carlsbad or Los Angeles campus and review facility. The online option allows you to study from your home, while traveling, or anywhere there is an Internet connection. A Apply online at CaliforniaMidland.com or call: 760-929-5900 L www.CaliforniaMidland.com WE DO NOT REQUIRE THE LSAT FOR ADMISSION • • • • have suggested that individuals may need 90 to 100 percent of their pre-retirement income to maintain an uninterrupted life- style and cover health care ex- penses in retirement, it makes perfect sense to plan ahead. “CTA works in partnership with CalSTRS on its members’ behalf to maintain and protect your pension,” says CTA presi- dent David A. Sanchez. “How- ever, a CalSTRS pension will not replace 80 percent to 100 percent of your pre-retirement income. That’s where voluntary savings in the form of 403(b) and 457 plans come in, and why CTA has developed these finan- cial tools for its members.” The CTA State Council Re- tirement Committee has had a long-term goal to see more fi- nancial literacy education available to teachers. Too many educators have been taken ad- vantage of by investment advis- ers. CTA believes the solution is for members to educate themselves. CTAinvest.org makes it easier for members to become informed, with tools like “CalSTRS 403(b) Com- pare” helping them see any hid- den charges. “Educators need to make time to plan for their retire- ment, and the earlier the bet- ter,” says Oak Grove Educators Associat ion President KC Walsh. “It’s an easy-to-use web- site with so many helpful tools and resources. I tell members to visit CTAinvest.org even if they can only spare 15 minutes of their time — it is well worth the time invested.” CAROLE ANNE LUCKENBACH All-new features at www.ctainvest.org added from member feedback Five brief videos, averaging 2-3 minutes, loaded with resources to support your financial future. Interactive quizzes and answers to increase your knowledge of financial topics. A personalized checklist designed to help you remember to complete important financial tasks. “Ask the Advisor” lets you post general questions about financial topics. NOVEMBER 2010 | www.cta.org 35 C A L I L F D C O H R L N I M O I A N D S O O F A W

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