We are excited to share a historic update that impacts all CTA members and retirees.

In a remarkable bipartisan effort, the U.S. Senate has officially passed H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act—a monumental step toward repealing the unjust Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

In this brief recording from Gary Allen, Senior Financial Advisor with the CTA 403(b), you’ll learn:

• What the repeal means for current retirees and future retirees
• How this change will restore full Social Security benefits for affected CTA members
• The expected timeline for retroactive payments and benefit adjustments

This victory represents fairness, recognition, and financial relief for educators and public servants who have long awaited this change.

Here’s to a brighter, more secure future for all CTA members!

In this episode of "Office Hours with Gary Allen," Gary Allen delves into the intricate world of financial and insurance advisors that CTA members frequently encounter. He illuminates the critical differences between fiduciary and non-fiduciary advisors, emphasizing the significance of understanding these distinctions to make informed financial decisions. Gary explains how fiduciaries, bound by legal and ethical obligations to act in their clients' best interests, offer a level of trust and commitment absent in non-fiduciary relationships, which are often based on commission-driven recommendations.

He also discusses the potential conflicts of interest inherent in non-fiduciary relationships and advises CTA members on how to navigate these complexities. Additionally, Gary highlights the role of insurance agents in financial planning, stressing the importance of thorough vetting and informed decision-making when considering their products for retirement savings. This episode is a comprehensive guide for CTA members aiming to navigate their financial futures with confidence, offering insights into selecting advisors who genuinely align with their best interests.

Join Gary Allen as he demystifies index annuities, revealing the stark differences between marketing promises and the reality of these complex insurance products sold to CTA members.

Here is a link to the flyer on the index annuity

https://merrillconnect.iscorp.com/nlg/viewDocument.action?itemNbr=101598

Here is a picture of Nominal versus Real Returns mentioned in the podcast: