Florida Retirement Systemoffers two retirement plans, the Pension Plan and the Investment Plan.

Pension Plan: Traditional Plan (8 year vesting requirement, effective July 1, 2011). A defined benefit plan sponsored by the State of Florida which provides a monthly retirement benefit based on years of creditable service, the value of each year of service and the average final compensation of the five highest years of salary.

Deferred Retirement Optional Program (DROP) DROP is available when you are vested and have reached your normal retirement date. It allows you to retire while continuing to be employed by an FRS employer for up to 60 months (96 months under certain circumstances if employed as instructional personnel for the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind or a grades K-12 school). You must elect DROP participation within (12) twelve months after you reach your normal retirement date, unless you are employed as "instructional personnel.

Investment Plan: After 1 year of FRS service. You are always fully vested in your own contributions as long as you remain in the Investment Plan. Your FRS-covered employer provides the majority of your FRS retirement plan contribution based on a fixed percentage of your gross salary (total employee and employer rate is 6.3% for Regular Class employees). A mandatory 3% pretax contribution is deducted from your paycheck and deposited into your retirement account.

Visit http://www.myfrs.com to learn more.

Originally posted here:
Employee Benefits / Florida Retirement System

We Balance Assistance with Independence

Brookdale Mandarinis a premier senior livingcommunity in Jacksonville, Florida near the St Johns River. We offer Assisted Living carewith attentive service and well-appointedamenities, including a convenient location with shopping, banks, area hospitals, and physicians offices near campus. Residents and their families enjoy access to many local attractions, including beaches and waterways for swimming, fishing and other water sports. Popular attractions include the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Museum of Science and History and our regions world-class golf courses.

Just a short drivefrom the beach, our cozy campus features an outdoor covered porch, an outdoor courtyard, and beautifully-landscaped grounds with walking paths shaded by live oaks. We also have a heated, outdoor swimming pool with a pool deck. Our residents enjoy spacious common areas, including a comfortable family room perfect for entertaining guests or meeting friends, a bright elegant dining room complete with table linens and place settings, a bright lofty atrium lobby and our library with its extensive collection of all of your favorite books and magazines.

We understand you may be concernedabout the health and safety of your loved one. You may worry that they may not take their medications properly or that they may suffer a fall with no one around to help. You probably feel a little overwhelmed with demands on your time or withthe guilt of not being able to do more. Maybe you or your loved one fear moving and losing the comforts of home, independence, or connections with friends and family.

We can help you and your family as you consider a move. Assisted Living services are the unique contribution we can make to your loved ones well-being and quality of life. At Brookdale Mandarinwe serve our residents by providing just the right amount of assistance and care to make theirlives easier, while enabling them to live as independently as possible. Our associates are here to support the care that you and other family members already provide. We offer an engaging lifestyle and comfortable accommodations, combined with an exceptional blend of service, care and hospitality.

Experience our distinctive blend of hospitality, attentive service, and compassionate care. Complete the online form for more information or call today to schedule a tour.

There may come a time when you or your loved may need additional help with daily tasks. At Brookdale Mandarin, we offer Assisted Living care so youll be prepared, if or when you need more assistance.

It all begins with a personal service assessment. We take the time to listen to our residents, so we can understand their needs; then we establish clinical, dining and program support that works for them in a meaningful way. We partner with our residents, recognizing their individual needs and preferences, and adjust services to meet their changing needs. So whether its a unique snack, the celebration of a favorite season or a lifelong interest, we value the privilege of knowing our residents and building relationships with them to create a truly personalized living experience.

With our exclusive personal service system, you can live your life the way you want with the right care at the right time, delivered by the right people. Through years of experience serving seniors, we have developed a process that allows us to customize personal care plans for our Assisted Living residents. Your customized care plan means you only pay for the services you need and want, giving you the flexibility to change your plan.

Remember your own days in a college dorm or summer camp, living with people your own age that shared your interests and experiences? You played cards and board games, and talked for hours swapping stories. We recreate that fun, communal experience of living with a family of friends.Here at Brookdale Mandarin, we know that sustaining social relationships and friendships is an integral part of aging well. Well help your loved one connect with others who share similar interests, and enjoy a vibrant life.

We offer care that balances independence with assistance and delivers service with compassion, understanding and respect. With well-appointedaccommodations and an impressive line of features and amenities, Brookdale residents enjoy life with the confidence of knowing we are here, partnering with you and your family, to customize solutions that support your needs as they evolve.

Let us help provide the care you or a loved one need and amenities and services you want. For more information about our services or to schedule a tour, complete the online formor call today.

Brookdale Mandarinisa connected community where each of our four floor feels like a neighborhood. Our spacious, light-filled residences have full kitchens and several floor plan options, plus small pets are welcome.

Our monthly calendar is filled with enriching activities for residents to enjoy such as bunko, wine and cheese gatherings, music performances and fitness classes. We also offer devotional services, field trips for shoppingand lunch, and ice cream socials.In addition to an exciting calendar of activities, classes and outings, our residents enjoy the following amenities and services:

Learn more about the how we can help you or your loved one live an engaging life that balances independence and assistance. Complete the online form or call today to schedule a visit.

Read the rest here:
Jacksonville FL Assisted Living Facilities

Jacksonville Florida is one of the hottest senior markets in the U.S. With fantastic weather and a wide range of available activities, many seniors move to Florida for their retirement. With over 14% of the population being elderly, much of Jacksonville has adapted to the needs of seniors to create more housing and senior care options. Jacksonville has at least 5 CCRC, dozens of independent living communities, and even more options for assisted living and nursing homes. Options range from affordable assisted living complexes to luxury assisted living communities.

Jacksonville also has over 30 Alzheimers care centers. If you are on a limited budget, make sure to check out the home senior care options. This service typically runs for about 40% of the cost of living in a facility and it can really stretch your retirement dollars if live in a debt-free home.

For proactive seniors, continuum care retirement communities and independent living communities are a great way to make the initial transition into senior living. Regardless of what type of senior living you desire, SeniorLiving.Org has every possible option listed so enter your desired area into the search bar to see all the surrounding senior care and senior living options.

See original here:
Jacksonville Senior Living Communities & Senior Apartments

Hot Topics! For Members Pension Loans - Interest Rate and Administrative Fee for 2016 NJWELL - Click here for the Web site! Benefits Upon Layoff or Termination - Publications and Related Links Personal Benefit Statements About your Online Statement - Frequently Asked Questions Online Guide to Retirement - PERS or TPAF Members - PFRS Members Retirement Applications required online through MBOS - Find out more! Expired Accounts - Did you receive an Expiration Notice for your account? Get information on Withdrawal or Retirement! For Retirees Form 1099-R -Click here for more information Reimbursement of 2014 Medicare Part B and Part D Premiums for Retirees - Find out more Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) - Future COLAs Suspended for All Retirees For Employers GASB 68 - Notice Page Employer Billing for 2016 - PERS and PFRS Post-Retirement Employment Restrictions and Notification of Employment After Retirement form Actuarial Reports - for Fiscal Year 2014 GASB 67 - Information regarding Fiscal Year 2014 Comprehensive Audited Financial Statement Report for Fiscal Year 2014 Chapter 52, P.L. 2011 - Annual Membership Certification - Enrollment/Transfer form updates - Enrollment Training - About Chapter 52 GASB 43 as of July 2014 - Valuations for Postemployment Health Benefits

Read the rest here:
NJ Division of Pensions and Benefits - New Jersey

Attractive Retirement Living, Even With A High Cost

For non-Jerseyites who may be considering New Jersey as a retirement destination, let's go ahead and address the negatives on the front end. Yes, in case you haven't heard, this is an expensive place to live. With a cost of living that is significantly above the national average and property taxes that rank among the highest of almost any State, there are not, in all honestly, a lot of budget-minded retirees rushing to stake their claim to a retirement dream house in the Garden State.

But for those already familiar with the many attractive features to be found here, in spite of the economics, the advantages of retirement in New Jersey are deemed to be worth the extra expense. First, the cultural and entertainment attractions, urban amenities and overall lifestyle attitude that flows outward from New York City and Philadelphia, are, for some, just too compelling to ignore.

And perhaps just as much a factor in pulling retirees to remain in New Jersey is the realization that once you look beyond the industrial boundaries of cities like Newark and Trenton, quiet, scenic regions such as the Delaware Valley, Jersey Shore and Northern Highlands are replete with dozens of appealing and alluring small and villages that have much to offer for retirement living.

As an example, consider Manchester Township, located just seventy miles from the New York metro area and approximately sixty miles from Philadelphia, and the borough of Wanaque, nestled in a picturesque setting at the base of the Ramapo Mountain State Park and bordered by the Wanaque River, yet just 34 miles from Manhattan. With a current population just under 40,000, Manchester witnessed a tremendous expansion during the 1960's, 70's and 80's, a situation which was largely attributed to growing number of retirement communities that were built here. Although significantly smaller with a current population of approximately 11,000, Wanaque has also recently attracted the attention of new communities for active adult retirees, specifically a Del Webb development.

For those who prefer an oceanfront retirement location, Cape May or some of the other small towns in the Southern Shore Region provide a laid-back atmosphere and cool summer ocean breezes. Located right on the extreme southern tip of the New Jersey coast, Cape May and nearby Bridgeton are both noted known for their architectural interest and relaxing lifestyles. In fact, Bridgeton's Historical District has more than 2,200 historic structures.

Neighboring Millville and Vineland are a little further inland but also relatively close to the shore. Residents of both enjoy small-town settings and still within access to the attractions of Philadelphia, New York and Washington DC, as well as the Jersey Shore. Millville has the advantage of the Maurice River, a federally-designated stream, running through its downtown area and is actively working to build upon its waterfront heritage. Vineland has repeatedly been selected as the one of the best places live in New Jersey.

Another choice for many retirees is Jackson Township, which sits at the northern edge of Ocean County and is less than an hour's drive from the Jersey Shore. Retirees are drawn to this area by the community's beautiful tree-line neighborhoods, its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia and inventory of affordable, quality senior housing.

In rural western New Jersey, the Delaware River Valley is a beautiful pastoral setting with a diverse and picturesque collection of small towns where retirees can be in either Philadelphia or New York in just over an hour. Here one is immediately struck by the sharp contrast between affluent, upscale villages with relatively high median household incomes and more blue-collar middle class neighborhoods such as Frenchtown, a tiny hamlet that is home to a colony of working artists' studios and galleries, fine antique stores, intimate little cafes, ethnic restaurants, coffee houses and book stores. Recently, there has a movement to renovate the architectural landscape of Frenchtown, as well as several other smaller communities in the Valley.

In Flemington, the county seat of Hunterdon County and the commercial center of the area, the downtown area is a historic district where the majority of the buildings are included on the New Jersey register of historic places. Here, as throughout all the towns of the Delaware River Valley, there is a tremendous sense of community respect for the heritage of the region, as symbolized in part by the tree-lined streets and well-manicured lawns seen almost everywhere.

While perhaps not as well known as its neighbor, Pennsylvania's Bucks County, Hunterdon County is considered by many to be just as scenic, and more affordable. With the 28-mile long Delaware and Raritan Canal, Biking and Hiking Trail passing through several of the area's charming small towns and a highway with bike trails below the sheer rock cliffs of the Delaware River, outdoor lovers find this a great retirement destination. Clinton, one of the most idyllic spots in the region, and Lambertville, once a sleepy factory worker's town, have both become trendy and upscale communities with fine restaurants, antique shops and distinctive art galleries that attract not only weekend visitors but retirees looking for an interesting and exciting place to live.

New Jersey may not be the first choice for retirees searching for an affordable place to retire, but for those willing to look past the cost of living here, this is a beautiful and interesting option that should not be taken lightly.

Follow this link:
Best Places To Retire In New Jersey

Tis the time of year to make New Years resolutions. And financial resolutions are popular every year. Most people say they want to save more, spend less or pay off debts. But rather than make a general resolution thats easy to lose track of, think about a specific goal. A financial goal should always have an amount and a time-frame attached to it. See how you can make a worthwhile resolution even better.

Better Resolution: Starting with the first 2016 payday, I will save $50 (or other amount) per paycheck in KPERS 457, my employers retirement savings plan or another savings vehicle.

Tip: Make savings automatic with payroll deduction.

Better Resolution: Increase my retirement savings by 1 percent (or more) starting in January.

Tip: Save a percentage instead of a dollar amount, your savings will get a raise whenever your pay increases.

Better Resolution: Cut $50 per month off my food spending.

Tip: Clipping coupons, buying store-brand or shopping in bulk for nonperishables can help chop your grocery bill. By planning meals ahead, you may find yourself eating out less.

Better Resolution: I will find a budget-tracking tool that works for me, and use it to track my spending each month.

Tip: See our Budgeting Techniques article on page 2.

Better Resolution: Pay off $100 (or other amount) of debt each paycheck or each month.

Tip: A vague goal to pay off debt may not get you far. Instead, make an achievable, realistic goal with a specific amount. Over the year, youll knock a big chunk out of your debt.

Read more from the original source:
KPERS Home

Please enter your screen name or email address and password. Not a member? Sign up!

Sign up for a free account so you can save searches and track your favorite communities. It only takes a minute!

IMPORTANT: In order to create your account, you must be able to receive a confirmation email from RetireNet.com. If you are using a spam filter with your email program, please make sure that you retirenet.com is in your list of approved domains.

Already have an account? Sign in!

In order to reset your password, we need to verify your identity. Enter your email address below and we will email you a link to reset your password. If you don't know your email address or you can't receive email at that address, contact support.

Return to Sign-in

Fill out the following form to send a friend information about this item.

Fields marked in red are required.

Your form has been submitted.

Read more here:
OSAGE CITY, KS All Active Retirement Communities and Homes

This website contains information about state retirement systems in Florida, including the FRS - the fourth largest public system in the nation. You can view and print our glossary() which provides definitions to help you understand retirement terms used throughout this website.

You may also want to visit the MyFRS website, which is a cooperative website of the Department of Management Services and the Florida State Board of Administration. It is part of the MyFRS Financial Guidance Program and offers online planning models and choice tools to help employees eligible for membership in the FRS to choose between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan. The website also provides access to resources available under both plans.

Click to access your 2015 Member Annual Statement

The 2015 Member Annual Statement is only available to active pension plan participants.

The FRS Pension Plan funding valuation takes place annually, available December 1st and was 86.6 percent funded, as of July 1, 2014. You can view a chart that compares the plan's actuarial liabilities to the plan's actuarial assets for the past five fiscal years. The annual benefit payments to FRS retirees and beneficiaries (shown in white on the chart) are a part of the overall plan liabilities. The market value of the total assets of the FRS Pension Plan is updated monthly and can be viewed on the MyFRS website.

You must have Internet Explorer version 7.0 or newer to access FRS Online.

Follow this link:
Retirement / Workforce Operations / Florida Department of ...

If you have been looking for the best places to retire in Florida this website has the answers you need. Choose from almost 70 of the best places to retire in Florida that are popular with active adults 55+.

Overall Florida is where many people instinctively look for a retirement community - it probably has more retirement oriented communities than anywhere in the world. Its climate is warm all year round and you are never too far from water. Living costs can vary a great deal within the state; inland and northern towns tend to have more inexpensive options, while high-end communities like Naples have real estate prices and a significantly higher cost of living. Recreational activities are exceptional in this state with a double coastline on the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. The 2012 household population was 19.3 million. Median age is 40.7, several years higher than national average. This page will acquaint you with some basic facts about the best retirement places in Florida.

Best retirement towns in Florida Florida is so big that is likely to have the perfect retirement lifestyle for just about anybody. Some obvious picks include places like Venice, Key West, and Winter Park. Other towns to investigate include: Stuart, Delray Beach, Sarasota, and Gainesville. Two other popular retirement towns that are very different but close geographically are Abacoa and Vero Beach. Many people are interested in a Central Florida retirement. See our free mini-guide to The Villages (near Ocala), which is the #1 most popular active adult community at Topretirements.com. For more ideas, see the list at right.

Climate The Florida climate is characterized as humid subtropical. Summers are hot and wet, winters are warm or mild. Marine air from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic controls the climate. Key West is the only frost-free location in the continental U.S.

Economy and Home Prices In 2007 the Florida per capita income was $26,125, near the middle for all states. Median home value in early 2012 was $120,000, well below the national average of $145,000 (Zillow data). By way of comparison, the National Association of Realtors reports the median sales price of a home in the U.S. to be $164,500. Prices have declined drastically in Florida since 2006, particularly south Florida, where home values have been cut in half. In Cape Coral/Ft. Myers the median selling price was $190,000 in late 2014 (National Association of Realtors).

Taxes

Tax Burden:Florida's total state/local tax burden is 27th highest (Source: The Tax Foundation).

Marginal Income Tax Rates.Florida is one of the few states with no income tax, which automatically makes it a tax bargain.

Sales Tax:Sales tax is 6%, one of the higher rates compared to other states.

Property Taxes:Florida`s successful Save Our Homes law has attracted tens of thousands of permanent residents from other states. The Florida law caps increases in a home`s assessed value at 3% a year for full time residents. Local communities in Florida can change mill rates at will, but at least the most volatile component of the property tax, wild swings in appraised values, are moderated.The state is ranked 16th highest in per-capita property tax collections.

Estate and/or Inheritance Taxes.Florida does not have inheritance or estate taxes.

Linkto the Florida Department of Revenue

In 2010 the state is considering radical budget cuts to cope with budget deficits. Note: See very interesting commentary about "Save Our Homes" from OldNassau in our Forum.

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

Get started with reviews of the best retirement communities.

Reviews of best retirement cities

Park near downtown Venice FL - a popular retirement community

Click on the Florida Retirement Community reviews on the right. Or to find information about what retirement is like in different states for example to retire in Kentucky, retire in Georgia, retire in North Carolina, and retire in Tennessee.

View post:
Florida retirement guide - Find Your Best Place to Retire

This section is intended to provide you with an overview of the FRS Pension Plan - from how and why the plan is offered, to eligibility requirements, retirement income options, and related programs. Click on the subheadings below to access the specific topic of interest within this page.

How It Works

The FRS Pension Plan is a defined benefit plan, in which you are promised a benefit at retirement if you meet certain criteria. The amount of your future benefit is determined by a formula, based on your earnings, length of service, and membership class, and is adjusted by a 3% cost-of-living each July (adjustment only applicable for FRS service earned prior to July 1, 2011). Your benefit is pre-funded by contributions paid by your employer. The Florida Retirement System must ensure that sufficient funds are available when your benefits are due and bears the market risk and investment decisions.

Why the FRS Is Offering This Plan

The Pension Plan has been offered to employees for over 40 years. It is primarily designed to serve longer-service employees who will be with the FRS for most of their career. Older employees and those employees who do not want to control their retirement plan may also prefer the Pension Plan.

Who's Eligible for the FRS Pension Plan?

All FRS employees are eligible for the Pension Plan except:

How Your Benefit Accumulates

In the Pension Plan, your benefits are generally back-loaded, which means that you accumulate benefits slowly at first and then at a faster rate the longer you stay. This is different from the Investment Plan, where benefits are earned more or less evenly over your career (subject to fluctuations in the financial markets and your investment strategy). So, if you stay with FRS employers for most of your career or for the final years of your career, you're more likely to receive a greater benefit under the Pension Plan.

When You Own Your Benefit

You will be eligible for a Pension Plan benefit (i.e. be vested) when you complete six years of service (if you enrolled in the FRS prior to July 1, 2011) or eight years of service (if you enrolled in the FRS on or after July 1, 2011). If you use your 2nd Choice option to transfer from the FRS Investment Plan to the FRS Pension Plan, you will be able to count your Investment Plan service toward the vesting requirement.

(To transfer from the Investment Plan to the Pension Plan, you will need to "buy in" to the Pension Plan by paying an amount from your Investment Plan account balance, plus any necessary amount from your personal resources. If you have previous Pension Plan service prior to joining the Investment Plan, the buy in cost will be calculated as the present value of the "accrued" FRS Pension Plan benefit. If you do not have previous Pension Plan service, the buy in cost will be the actuarial accrued liability, or total cost, of the "accrued" Pension Plan benefit. The buy in cost could be a substantial amount and could make transferring to the Pension Plan unaffordable.)

If You Change Employers

Under the Pension Plan, if you leave FRS-covered employment and go to a non-FRS employer, your Pension Plan benefit is frozen until you return at a later date to continue your FRS-covered employment or begin receiving your early or normal retirement benefit.

Benefit Paid at Retirement

Under the Pension Plan, your retirement benefit is based on a formula comprised of your age, length of FRS service, and membership class. The amount of your benefit payments is affected by the retirement income option you choose.

Retirement Income Options

Under the Pension Plan, you may choose to receive your benefit in retirement under one of four lifetime benefit options including a 3% annual benefit increase each July (adjustment only applicable for FRS service earned prior to July 1, 2011). Option 1 provides a monthly benefit for your lifetime, but does not provide a continuing benefit to a beneficiary. Option 2 provides a reduced monthly benefit for your lifetime, with a guarantee that your beneficiary will be eligible for a continuing benefit for 10 years from the date you retire. After 10 years of retirement, no benefits are payable to your beneficiary, in the event of your death.

Options 3 and 4 provide a continuing benefit to your spouse or other dependent beneficiary who is your joint annuitant. Option 3 provides a reduced benefit to both you and your joint annuitant in the same amount for as long as you or they are living. Option 4 provides an adjusted monthly benefit for you and your joint annuitant and is reduced upon the death of either.

Pre-Retirement Benefits

In the Pension Plan, your vested benefit will be paid to your beneficiary or in accordance to Florida law if you die prior to retiring.

DROP

You may participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) once you have reached normal retirement age or date. See more DROP information here.

Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS)

The Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS) is a monthly supplemental payment that you may be eligible to receive if you have health insurance coverage (Cover Florida Health Care Access Program, Medicare and TRICARE coverage are accepted). This monthly payment, which you must apply for, is calculated by multiplying your total years of service at retirement (up to a maximum of 30 years) by $5. HIS is only available after you have six years of service (if enrolled in the FRS prior to July 1, 2011) or eight years (if enrolled in the FRS on or after July 1, 2011). You will receive the HIS as part of your early or normal retirement benefit after you have provided proper documentation certifying that you have health insurance coverage. The HIS subsidy, which is paid monthly, is $5 for each year of creditable service, with a minimum HIS of $30 per month and a maximum HIS of $150 per month.

Originally posted here:
FRS Programs Retirement System Pension Plan