Retirement Planning for Utah’s Public Employees
Guidance Designed for Educators, State Workers, and Municipal Employees
Public employee retirement is different — and your financial plan should reflect that. Whether you’re a teacher, police officer, municipal staff member, state employee, or district administrator, the choices you make about your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) pension, 403(b)/457 plan, and Social Security eligibility have a profound impact on your long-term income.
We’ve spent more than 15 years helping public employees in South Jordan, West Jordan, Riverton, Draper, and Lehi understand their benefits and build the confidence to retire on their terms. Our expertise goes beyond investment advice — we show you how each part of your benefits package works together.
Your Benefits Are Unique — Your Plan Should Be Too
Defined-benefit pensions, optional 403(b)/457 plans, and limited Social Security coverage can create both opportunities and uncertainties. We help you understand the tradeoffs and build a coordinated plan that reflects real-world scenarios for Utah educators and public employees.
Is My Pension Enough?
Many URS participants assume their pension will fully replace their income, but most plans cover only a portion of your final salary. We run projections so you know exactly what to expect — and how to fill any gaps.
Should I Buy Service Credits?
For some employees, purchasing service credit can significantly increase lifetime pension income. We review the cost, breakeven points, and long-term value so you can make an informed decision.
Do I Still Need a 403(b) or 457 Plan?
Yes — supplemental savings often make the difference between “can I retire?” and “can I stay retired?” We help you choose vendors, avoid high-fee products, and design a contribution strategy that complements your pension.
What if I Change Districts or States?
Whether you move within Jordan School District, Canyons, Alpine, or leave Utah entirely, we explain how your URS pension handles vesting, refunds, rollovers, and long-term value.
Clear Answers for URS, 403(b)/457, and Social Security
Utah public employees face questions that traditional financial advisors can’t always answer. We specialize in guiding you through each piece.
Utah Retirement Systems (URS) Pension Help
We assist with Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 decisions, payout options, service credit audits, and coordinating spousal benefits. We also review how your retirement date and years of service affect your lifetime income.
403(b) and 457 Plan Guidance
We help you select vendors, manage investment options, avoid common pitfalls, and design contributions that match your timeline and goals. Whether you’re in a school district or city/county role, these accounts can complement your pension meaningfully.
Pension & Social Security Coordination
Most Utah educators do not pay into Social Security. We help you understand how that interacts with spousal benefits and how to build replacement income if Social Security won’t be part of your retirement.
A Proven Process for Public-Sector Workers
Our planning framework helps you see how your pension, 403(b)/457 savings, and investments work together over time.
We offer:
- Personalized pension projections
- 403(b)/457 optimization strategies
- Scenario testing (retire at 58 vs. 62, stay in Tier 1 vs. Tier 2)
- Tax and withdrawal planning
- Spousal benefit coordination
- Workshops at local schools and municipal offices
From resource teachers at Bingham High, to city staff near South Jordan City Hall, to administrators in Draper and Lehi, we meet you where you are — on campus, at the district office, or over Zoom.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
South Jordan Teacher, Retiring at 62
We can evaluate their URS payout options, projected income from their 403(b), and create a plan to cover healthcare until Medicare begins — giving them confidence to retire earlier than expected.
Riverton Police Officer, Mid-Career
We can review their Tier 2 Hybrid plan and showed how increasing his 457 contributions would strengthen their retirement income and reduce long-term tax pressure.
Draper City Employee, Considering a Move
We can clarify how leaving Utah would impact their URS pension, what rollover choices might look like, and how to rebuild retirement savings in a new state system.
Who We Serve
Utah Public Employees Across the Valley
We proudly work with:
- Teachers & school staff (Jordan, Canyons, Alpine Districts)
- University staff and higher-ed employees
- Police, fire, and public safety
- City & county administrative staff
- State employees across Utah
- Public-sector workers preparing for early or traditional retirement
Whether you are early in your career or approaching your final years of service, you deserve a plan built for your benefits.
Ready to Understand Your Pension and Build Your Plan?
A well-designed retirement strategy starts with a clear view of your URS pension, 403(b)/457 plan, and income needs. We offer a complimentary Pension & Benefits Review to help you gain clarity and move forward confidently.
Is my Utah Retirement Systems pension enough to retire on?
Often it replaces only part of your income. We project your exact benefit and help you determine how to supplement it.
Who specializes in retirement planning for teachers near South Jordan?
We do. With 15+ years helping educators and district staff, we understand local systems, district quirks, and the real choices teachers face.
How should I use my 403(b) or 457 along with my pension?
We design a coordinated strategy that balances tax efficiency, contribution levels, and long-term income stability.
Can a financial advisor help me choose my pension payout option?
Yes. As fiduciaries, we explain each option — single life, joint, partial lump — and show how it fits into your retirement income plan.
What happens to my pension and 403(b) if I leave the school district?
Your pension options depend on vesting and years of service. Your 403(b) or 457 is portable. We help compare refund, rollover, and preservation choices.
