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 January 2012 Update |
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Stay in Touch
with CTPF
Are you a Facebook fanatic?
Do you Tweet without missing a beat?
Take advantage of CTPF's social media presence to stay informed and up-to-date on important fund information.
Click here to go directly to CTPF's online registration page where you can register for e-mail updates.
CTPF online
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In Your Own Words.... | |
At CTPF we work hard to educate our members about the retirement process, but the truth is that retirement means something different for each individual.
We would like to gather some "first hand" stories from retirees who are willing to thoughts, insights, and wisdom about retirement.
Your stories and advice could help someone currently navigating the process avoid an oversight or gain an important insight.
So what's your story? If you're retired and willing to share your thoughts, please take a minute to click here and send an e-mail that fills in the blank in this statement....
I really wish I knew _______________
before I retired.
We will publish stories in an upcoming E-News (with a photo if you'll share one). Write as much or as little as you want (we will edit as necessary). Include your name, e-mail address, and your retirement year. Information can be published anonymously, but we need your identifying information to confirm CTPF membership.
Looking forward to hearing from you! |
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E-Mail Archive |
Click here for a complete listing of past E-Mail Updates and E-Lerts.
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Pension Law and Rules Roundtable
The weather outside was frightful, but the work being done inside was insightful. A rush-hour winter storm didn't get in the way of the Pension Law and Rules committee roundtable, held January 12, 2012, in the CTPF Board Room. CTPF Trustee and Committee Chairperson Raymond Wohl organized the meeting and later commented, "the purpose of the meeting was to build consensus and to develop education, communication, and legislation that will benefit all of our 60,000 active and retired members."
The meeting included trustees and staff from CTPF, and representatives from the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association (CPAA), the Retired Teachers Association of Chicago (RTAC), and
the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Lobbyists representing RTAC, CPAA, and CTPF provided summaries of their viewpoints, and shared information about the attitudes of legislators and the general public regarding public pensions. The committee conducted a brainstorming session and generated ideas to build upon in future meetings.
Upcoming meetings for the Pension Law and Rules Committee are scheduled for: Friday, February 3, 2012, 4:00 p.m., and Friday, February 17, 2012, 4:00 p.m., in the CTPF board room. All meetings are open to the public.
Executive Director
attends Governor's Forum
 CTPF Executive Director, Kevin B. Huber, attended a meeting of all state pension fund directors, at the invitation of Governor Pat Quinn. The two-day meeting was held at the Governor's mansion January 17-18.
The session was designed to give the governor and his staff an overview of the health of pensions in Illinois from the perspective of fund directors. "It was really a brainstorming session," explained Huber. "We had a great opportunity to identify problems with the current system, to suggest new ideas, and to hear ideas from other directors."
The Governor has stated that pension issues will weigh heavily in the spring legislative session. CTPF will continue to update members on events or actions as they arise.
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Ready to Take the Retirement Plunge?
Plan now for your June Retirement
June may seem like a long way off, but if you're thinking about retiring at the end of the year, now is the time to take action. Steps you can take:
Download an Application
Start your retirement planning by downloading a retirement application packet. Click here for the packet. Review the forms and collect your required documentation (birth certificates, marriage license, etc.).
View the Retirement Webinar
If you've downloaded the retirement application and now want to fill it out, check out CTPF's new Retirement Webinar. The webinar, created by CTPF Member Services staff, walks you through the retirement application and reviews common questions raised by our members. Click here to download the webinar.
2012 Retirement Seminars
2012 retirees can get a good overview of the process by attending a 2012 Retirement Seminar. Retirement seminars offer valuable information designed to ease the transition to retirement.
Seminars feature presentations by CTPF and CPS staff, followed by a question-and-answer session. Representatives from the Social Security Administration and financial services firms will
be on site, and notary and copying services will be available.
The February 20 Retirement seminar is now full, but there is still availability for March 5.
March 5 Retirement Seminar (limited availability)
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hilton Oak Lawn
9333 South Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, Illinois
Call CTPF Member Services today to register.
Been There Done That!
You've attended a retirement seminar, completed your application, and are ready to turn in your paperwork. Congratulations! Consider attending the CTPF Retirement
Application Round Up on Monday, February 13, 2012. This day is being set aside for members who have completed their retirement application and are ready to submit their final paperwork.
During the Application Round Up, a Member Services Counselor will review your application and answer final questions. You must bring your completed application along with any required documentation to this event. Call CTPF Member Services to schedule.
Click here to download a Retirement Application Packet. |
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A M.A.P. of the Future
Winter is the time to get your finances in order and maybe even do some planning for the future. If you're wondering what your pension might look like when you retire, click here and check out the M.A.P., CTPF's Monthly Annuity Planner.
Enter your basic retirement information: age at retirement, an estimate of your final average salary at retirement, your years of service, and the date you first contributed to CTPF or a qualified reciprocal system (before 1/1/2011 or after). The M.A.P. can give you an idea of what your monthly retirement income might look like, based on the data you enter.
The M.A.P. won't replace an actual pension estimate, but it can give you some ideas and help you jump start that financial plan. |
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Legislative Update
The Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund is governed by Illinois law. Changes to fund governance begin in Springfield. CTPF encourages all members to take an active role contacting legislators and advocating for the fund.
Click here to look up your Illinois legislators.
Spring Session
Legislative leaders have been discussing the need to pass "Pension Reform" measures during the upcoming legislative session. It's important to stay informed and to play an active role in educating legislators about CTPF pensions and the stable retirement they provide for our members.
Action Items
CTPF encourages all members to take time to meet with legislators while they are in their home offices. Legislators need to understand that pensions are the primary source of retirement security for CTPF members. Protecting this constitutionally guaranteed benefit is a priority for teachers.
Share this e-mail with a friend and encourage him/her to register for CTPF updates.
Advocate for your pension. If you need information to prepare for a visit or to share with friends and neighbors, click here to read some important facts and common myths about CTPF pensions. |
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Planning to Visit? Plan ahead...
If you are planning to visit CTPF, it's always a good idea to schedule an appointment. Scheduled appointments with Member Services counselors are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., but wait times will vary and may be lengthy during busy periods. Walk-in visitors cannot be accommodated after 3:00 p.m.
Scheduling an appointment in advance allows a Member Services Counselor to review your record and prepare for a meeting. Preparing in advance can save you time and travel costs by eliminating the need for a follow up appointment.
Call 312.641.4464 to schedule an appointment.
CTPF is located at
203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1231
Parking and Transit Information
The 203 North LaSalle building has a self-park garage. Garage entries are located on Lake Street between LaSalle Street and Clark Street and on Clark Street between Wacker Drive and Lake Street (look for self-park signs at entrances). Reduced parking vouchers, available from the CTPF office, can be bought for $15, (check only, no cash).
The 203 North LaSalle building has direct access to the CTA. The CTA's blue, green, brown, pink, purple, and orange lines all stop at Clark and Lake. Follow the signs to the 203 North LaSalle building when you exit the train.
The 203 North LaSalle building is connected to Chicago's underground pedestrian "pedway." Click here for a map. |
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CALENDAR
February
13
Lincoln's Birthday observed, office closed
Retirement Application Round Up
Special appointments are being scheduled for members who have already attended a retirement seminar and are ready to hand in retirement paperwork. By appointment only. Call Member Services 312-641-4464 to register.
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9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
20
Presidents' Day,
CTPF office closed
CTPF Retirement Seminars (Registration closed for both sessions)
9:00 - 12:00 p.m. or
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel,
8500 West Bryn Mawr Avenue,
Chicago
March
5
Casimir Pulaski Day,
CTPF office closed
CTPF Retirement Seminars (Morning registration closed. Afternoon limited avilability)
9:00 - 12:00 p.m. or
1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Hilton Oak Lawn
9333 South Cicero Avenue,
Oak Lawn, Illinois
Call Member Services, 312-641-4464 to register for afternoon session.
15
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
April
12
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
May
17
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
28
Memorial Day, office closed
June
21
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
July
4
Independence Day, office closed
19
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
August
16
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
September
3
Labor Day, office closed
20
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
October
8
Columbus Day, office closed
18
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
November
12
Veterans' Day, office closed
20
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting
22-23
Thanksgiving Day holiday observed, office closed
December
13 (tentative)
9:30 a.m. CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting (tentative)
25
Christmas Day, office closed |
CTPF MISSION STATEMENT
To provide, protect, and enhance the present and future economic well being of members, pensioners and beneficiaries through efficient and effective management of benefit programs, investment practices and customer service, and to commit to earning and keeping the respect and trust of the participants through quality service and by protecting retirement benefits, in compliance with applicable laws and standards.
CTPF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jay C. Rehak, president
Lois W. Ashford, vice president
Tina Padilla, financial secretary
James F. Ward, recording secretary
Jeffery Blackwell
Jeanne Marie Freed
Chris N. Kotis
Walter E. Pilditch
Mary Sharon Reilly
Rodrigo A. Sierra
Raymond Wohl
Andrea L. Zopp
Kevin B. Huber, executive director
Office/Mailing Information
Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund
203 North LaSalle Street, suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1231
312.641.4464 p.
312.641.7185 f. |
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