Q: I'd like to attend one of the Pension and Retirement Education Programs offered by the New York State Teachers' Retirement System, but I'm afraid that afterward I'll get loads of spam and junk mail. Will NYSTRS keep my contact information confidential if I attend?
A: Your personal information is safe. The sole purpose of PREP seminars is to inform you about your retirement options through NYSTRS, not to sell you something. No salespeople are present, no investment products are offered for you to buy and your personal contact information won't be sold to marketers.
Additionally, your attendance at a PREP seminar won't be shared with your school district. So don't allow privacy concerns to keep you from scheduling a PREP seminar. It's never too early to start planning for your retirement.
Q: Can I attend a PREP seminar on a school day?
A: Since every school district is unique, that's a question best answered by your local union president. PREP seminars are offered year-round, including school days, weekends and vacation periods. If attending a seminar during school hours doesn't work for you, you should be able to find a meeting time that meets your needs and schedule.
Contacting NYSTRS is the first step. PREP seminars are free, but must be scheduled in advance. Presenters explain critical benefit-related decisions and review financial and legal considerations. You can stay for an entire seminar, or select modules that address your concerns. A PREP video, poster and brochure are available at www.nystrs.org. Contact NYSTRS at 800-782-0289, ext. 6180, or use your MyNYSTRS account, to reserve a PREP seminar seat.
Did you know?
Sheila Buck and Ronald Gross are the newest teacher-members on the New York State Teachers' Retirement System Board of Trustees. See related story to learn more about them.