We’re glad you stopped by!
Think of this page as a little Valentine to your future self, showing how small steps today can help build a retirement you’ll truly love.
❤️ Keep scrolling to see how a little love now can grow over time.
Ready to start saving?
Love looks like planning ahead
WRS and Social Security alone may not provide the financial security you need for a comfortable retirement. Many Wisconsin public school employees will need to cover 29% – 50% of their retirement income with personal savings to maintain their lifestyle. An IRA can help close the gap— AND time is on your side!
Saving now is like a love letter to your future self, thanks to compound interest. Small, consistent contributions can grow significantly over time as your interest earns interest—creating a powerful snowball effect.
*Sources of retirement income for most Wisconsin public school employees. *The percentage of salary replaced is tied to how many years one works in state service. The 33%–45% figure assumes 25–33 years of WRS service and depends on individual circumstances. WRS covers most public employees of the State of Wisconsin as well as local government employees who elect to participate.
Two love stories. Same career. Same paycheck.
Your story starts at 22…
You show your future some love early in your career, starting with $50 per pay period (24 times a year). Over 10 years, that adds up to $12,000. Even after you stop contributing, that early commitment keeps growing. Thanks to compound interest, your investment blossoms into $103,530 by age 55.
Your story starts at 32…
You wait 10 years before starting. When you begin saving at 32, you invest the same $50 per pay period. Over 24 years, you contribute $28,800, and your balance grows to $80,373 by age 55. With less time to grow, this love story has a harder time catching up.
Why the stories end differently
The difference isn’t discipline. It’s when your love story begins.
Starting earlier doesn’t mean saving more. It means needing to save less later and letting time do what it does best.
*Your actual situation may be different from the values shown above. This example uses a hypothetical rate of return of 7.5% for illustrative purposes only. No guarantees are expressed or implied. Rates of return will vary over time and the results of any investment will fluctuate and are not guaranteed.
Two options to care for your future: Choose the IRA that’s best for YOU
Both options offer tax advantages — the difference is when you receive them.
Click the + to read more about our IRA options.
TRADITIONAL IRA
(you pay taxes later)
🗹 Contributions may reduce your taxable income*
🗹 Investments grow tax-deferred*
🗹 Taxes paid when you withdraw in retirement
ROTH IRA
(you pay taxes now)
🗹 Contributions made after tax
🗹 Investments grow tax-free
🗹 Qualified withdrawals are tax-free*
🗹 Income limits may apply
*Deductible contributions reduce your taxable income and defer taxes until you withdraw the money. However, not everyone is able to deduct Traditional IRA contributions. Please consult with a tax advisor to determine the extent of your ability to deduct your contributions.
Why public school employees love WEA Member Benefits
WEA Member Benefits serves Wisconsin public school employees, and your families, every step of the way.
Low costs
Low administrative fees. No-load mutual funds. No transfer fees or withdrawal penalties, so more of your money stays working for you.
Built for educators
We serve Wisconsin public school employees and their families. No commissions. No shareholders. Just member-first support.
Anytime access
Manage your account online, anytime, anywhere.
Real people, real support
Talk to real people right here in Wisconsin, including retired educators, who understand your career, your benefits, and your goals.
Flexible investing
Choose the level of support that’s right for you, professional portfolio management at no extra cost, or the freedom to build your own portfolio from options selected and monitored by a professional investment committee.
What Wisconsin public school employees are saying 💬
“I have been associated with Member Benefits for over 40 years. I have received sound advice, I trust their advice, and they are available when I need them. That began while I was teaching and has continued during my retirement.”
Share the love!
Did you know family members of Wisconsin public school employees may also be eligible to participate in many of Member Benefits’ great programs?
Ready to show your future self some love?
Self-care isn’t always about doing more. It’s about taking a step that helps you feel confident and supported.
Prefer to talk first? We’d love to!
Talk to one of our Member Benefits Consultants—retired educators who truly understand the
unique financial challenges of public school employees. No pressure, just guidance.
Created by educators
WEA Member Benefits
Over 50 years ago, we were created by Wisconsin educators for Wisconsin educators. No other financial organization can say this. Explore our unique programs and services.