Educators
Retirement Planning for Teachers & Educators
Educators have retirement plans most other professionals don't see: MERS or MPSERS pensions (depending on hire date), 403(b) and 457(b) retirement accounts, and specific rules around pension service credit purchase. Most teachers reach retirement without optimizing any of it. Ten Point Financial Group helps Michigan educators integrate the pieces.
MERS / MPSERS
Pension + 403(b) coordination
Free
Strategy session
MI-specific
Michigan educator rules
Why Educators
Michigan education retirement is its own world. MPSERS (Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System) covers most pre-2010 teachers. MERS (Municipal Employees Retirement System) covers some districts and universities. Hire date matters — Pension Plus, Defined Contribution, and Hybrid plans each have different rules. Service credit purchase decisions can swing retirement income by tens of thousands. 403(b) and 457(b) accounts let educators stack tax-advantaged savings. Most general advisors don't understand these dynamics. We work with Michigan teachers, university faculty, and education staff on the integrated picture.
How we help
MPSERS / MERS Pension Election
Pension plan choice affects lifetime income. We model service credit purchase decisions, retirement date scenarios, and survivor benefit options specific to your plan.
403(b) Vendor Selection + Optimization
Most schools offer multiple 403(b) vendors with dramatically different fee structures. Picking the right one (and consolidating across years) can save tens of thousands over a career.
457(b) Plan Stacking
Many MI educators have access to BOTH 403(b) and 457(b) — meaning you can double the tax-advantaged contribution space. Most don't realize this stacking is allowed.
Pension + Social Security Coordination
Michigan educators DO pay into Social Security (unlike teachers in some states). We integrate pension + Social Security claiming for optimal lifetime income.
Retirement Healthcare Bridge
Educators often retire before 65 and need to bridge to Medicare. We help plan COBRA, Marketplace, or spousal coverage strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy service credit in MPSERS?+
Sometimes yes. Buying credit accelerates retirement eligibility and increases pension. The math depends on cost vs. benefit increase vs. alternative investments. We model the specific decision for your situation.
Can I have both a 403(b) and 457(b)?+
If your employer offers both, yes — and you can max BOTH. 2025 limits: $23,500 in 403(b) + $23,500 in 457(b) = $47,000 in tax-advantaged retirement savings. Most teachers don't realize this stacking is allowed.
Should I take MPSERS Pension Plus or Defined Contribution?+
Depends on your hire date, risk tolerance, and other retirement savings. Pension Plus blends pension + 401(k); pure DC gives more flexibility but no guaranteed income floor. We model both for your specific situation.
Do Michigan teachers get Social Security?+
Yes. Unlike teachers in some states (California, Illinois, etc.), Michigan teachers pay into and receive Social Security. This makes Michigan teacher retirement more flexible than out-of-state peers.
Learn more
Free educator retirement review
Bring your MPSERS/MERS estimate and 403(b) balances. We'll integrate the pieces and identify the optimization opportunities most teachers miss.
Educational content only. Not financial, legal, or tax advice. All services are provided by licensed professionals. Coverage decisions depend on individual circumstances.