All through your teaching career, you look forward to your retirement, when you will rest all day long and spend time with your family. As a teacher, everything seems to be happening fast by your final year, and an end to an illustrious career is near. If you plan to enjoy your retirement in the best possible way and with a sizeable amount of money, you need to sort out some issues and at least have answers to these four questions.

How good is my pension account?

There is no limit to how many times you should ask your pension administrator this question or any other pertinent question, even if you have a little doubt about the answer. It would also help if you asked when it is possible to make adjustments, if necessary. Regularly confirm from your pension administrator the estimated value of your pension benefits, when you can start receiving them, and the deadlines for pension filling.

Can I upgrade my pension plan?

As you near retirement, you should meticulously look at your pension plan and make sure you’re getting the best deal. Recruit an extra eye to help you with this, if you can. You must know how to calculate your pension deductions and the estimated value at the time of retirement, and if it is possible to upgrade to an alternative plan that increases your pension benefits.

Also, verify if you are eligible for optional service credit. Teachers can obtain it by teaching out-of-state, substitute teaching, pregnancy leave, military service, or teaching in a mutual pension system. It will usually cost some money to convert optional service credit. Hence, do consult with your Pension manager to ascertain whether this move is financially wise.

What does health insurance look like for retirees?

Health insurance for retirees varies across different states, and it is crucial to know where you stand. Some districts give retirement health insurance as an added benefit for maintaining a pension account over the years. In this case, you’ll have to make sure you comprehend this policy’s cost implications and the extent of its coverage, particularly if you have dependents. Then, inform the pension provider of your choice of individuals to be covered by your pension plan to guarantee that you don’t have any coverage gaps.

Unfortunately, in districts that don’t provide health insurance cover for its retirees, there will be a gap in coverage until you’re old enough to access Medicare. During this period, you may need to scout for jobs that provide health insurance benefits or search through private insurance agencies to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.

What are my plans for retirement?

As retirement draws closer, it is okay to dream and have a mental picture of how you want to spend your days after active service. Your options are extensive, from traveling, volunteering, starting an enterprise, spending quality time with your spouse and grandchildren, or finding a part-time job. If you plan to take up employment after retirement, you should scout early enough to know which jobs are available. Then, compare the job schedules, their remunerations, and the benefits before making a choice. Knowing in advance how you want to spend your retirement helps you plan and balance your funds appropriately for that purpose.

Never presume that the state will sort out specific issues for you; if you have any grey areas, ask the appropriate authorities for clarification. Now, the ball is in your court to make the decisions that will shape the next phase of your life.