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Fall 2026
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Make your next move during National Retirement Security Month

October is National Retirement Security Month, making it a great time to review your progress and take the next step toward retirement confidence. Even small moves can help strengthen your long-term strategy.

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Your retirement account holds years of hard work, so a few simple security habits can help protect it. Using a strong password, multifactor authentication and regular account checks can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Taking money from retirement savings may feel like a quick fix, but it can reduce what you have available later. Before you move forward, consider the trade-offs, possible taxes or fees and how the decision may affect your future goals.

Life transitions can create unexpected opportunities to strengthen your financial future. When a major expense ends or your income increases, even a small shift in your monthly budget can open the door to meaningful progress.

Estate planning can help make sure your wishes are known and your loved ones are better prepared. Reviewing beneficiary designations and key documents now can create more clarity and reduce stress later.

Important updates on catch-up contributions

Recent legislative changes may affect retirement savings, especially for participants age 50 and older who make catch-up contributions. Under SECURE Act 2.0, higher-income earners with prior-year FICA wages above $150,000 for 2025 (to be adjusted for cost of living in future years) must make age-based catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions, so it’s important to review your contribution elections and understand how this may affect your take-home pay and tax planning.
Effective 10/30/26, the PIMCO RAE US Small Fund will be renamed the PIMCO RAE US S Fund. There are no changes to the fund or investment strategy other than the name change.
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Previous issues

Saving for retirement doesn’t have to mean making big changes all at once. Auto Increase, a new optional feature from NYSDCP, lets you give your savings a gentle push forward automatically each year on a date you choose.

Summer brings a welcome shift in routines: vacations, family activities, outdoor events and all the moments that make the season memorable. But with so much going on, it’s easy for spending to creep up without noticing. A few extra outings here, an unplanned trip there and suddenly your budget feels tighter than you expected!

Recent legislative changes may affect how you save for retirement, especially if you’re nearing age 50 or already making catch-up contributions.

Understanding how to invest for your financial future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We offer a variety of resources designed to help you learn the basics, compare your options and build an investment mix that supports your long-term goals.

Building or maintaining an emergency fund is one of the most effective ways to protect your long-term retirement strategy.

If you rely on required minimum distribution (RMD) payments, how you receive your money matters. Switching from paper checks to ACH transfers (direct deposit) can help you get your payments faster, more securely and with less worry.

Improving your financial literacy can help you make smarter money decisions, no matter your life stage. This Financial Literacy Month, explore resources that help you build confidence and get your financial strategy on track.

Your tax return offers clues about how to strengthen your financial picture. Learn strategies to reduce next year’s tax bill, including optimizing retirement contributions, using catch-up options and revisiting your financial goals.

E-delivery is a simple way to reduce clutter, get faster access to important documents and help protect the environment. Switching to electronic documents supports greener living while keeping your records secure.

Women face unique challenges when it comes to retirement readiness, such as longer life expectancies and more career interruptions. Explore steps that can help close potential retirement gaps and build long-term financial security.

Age-based catch-up contributions (ages 50+) made by participants who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025 must be made as Roth (after-tax) contributions.

If retirement is around the corner, now is the time to confirm key details, including pension benefits, healthcare, and estate planning. Use this checklist to start your next chapter with confidence.

A new year is a great time to revisit your retirement goals and make small updates that can lead to big results. Whether you’re reassessing your timeline, updating beneficiaries or exploring catch-up options, our checklist can help you stay on track.

Tax season is approaching! Whether you're retired or still saving, our checklist can help you prep your return with less stress, avoid common mistakes and stay ahead of key deadlines.

Roth contributions offer tax-free growth, no required minimum withdrawals and protection against rising tax rates. Learn how they compare to traditional contributions and which option may be right for you.

The IRS announced new retirement plan contribution limits for 2026, giving you more opportunities to save. Even small adjustments can make a big impact.

Staying in the Plan after retirement gives you continued access to low-cost investments, expert support and the potential for long-term growth — plus flexibility to withdraw funds when you need them.
Contact your Account Executive for more information or if you have questions.