Retirement Planning for Educators
Built by Former Educators Who Understand Your System.
OPERS, STRS, SERS & TRS Guidance and Retirement Planning for Educators and Administrators
Navigating retirement decisions can feel complex. From pension plans and supplemental savings to Social Security and retirement income planning, there are many moving parts—and not always clear guidance.
At Hall Financial Advisors, our team includes former educators who understand these decisions firsthand. Through our Partners in Education program, we work directly with schools, educators, administrators, and staff throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Start with a conversation. Request Your No-Obligation Retirement Plan Review.
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FROM THE CLASSROOM TO FINANCIAL PLANNING
Before transitioning into financial services, both Connor McCreary and Cody Venderlic built their careers in education—teaching in classrooms, leading programs, and working closely with students, families, and school systems. That experience shapes how they approach financial planning today.
Connor McCreary,
Financial Advisor
- Former Intervention Specialist (7th and 8th grade math)
- Middle school math department head
- Background in Special Education
Cody Venderlic, ABFP®,
Financial Advisor
- 11 years teaching Pre-K through 2nd grade
- Former Athletic Director, Marietta City Schools
- Coaching and leadership roles across multiple districts
WHAT WE HELP WITH
Helping Educators Make Sense of Their Retirement Options
Whether you are early in your career or approaching retirement, it can be helpful to understand how each piece of your plan fits together.
While You’re Working
- Understanding your pension structure and benefits
- Evaluating plan options (when applicable)
- Coordinating 403(b), 457(b), and IRA savings
- Service credit and long-term planning decisions
- Tax-aware strategies to support future flexibility
As You Approach Retirement
- Pension payout options and income structures
- Social Security coordination and planning considerations
- Healthcare and Medicare timing
- Transitioning savings into retirement income
- Creating a coordinated, long-term income strategy
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Supporting Schools Beyond Financial Planning
Our work with educators goes beyond one-on-one conversations. Through our Partners in Education program, we stay actively involved in the schools and communities we serve.
Recent partnerships include:
- Williamstown Schools: HFA Days and retirement/end-of-year celebrations
- Marietta Elementary: Classroom makeovers and staff appreciation events
- Fort Frye School District: Staff luncheons and classroom initiatives
- Warren Local Schools: PE Day support and Thanksgiving gift programs
These relationships allow us to better understand the needs of educators—and to be a consistent, visible resource within the school community.
OHIO
Retirement Planning for Ohio Educators
Ohio educators participate in retirement programs administered through STRS Ohio and SERS Ohio. Each system offers different structures, options, and considerations that can impact long-term planning.
While Working
STRS Ohio & SERS Ohio Pension Plans
- Defined benefit pension systems providing lifetime income
- Based on years of service and final average salary
- Required employee and employer contributions
Plan Options (Based on Hire Date)
- Defined Benefit, Defined Contribution, or Combined Plans
- Each option carries different levels of risk, flexibility, and potential outcomes
Supplemental Savings Options
- 403(b) plans
- 457(b) deferred compensation plans
- Traditional and Roth IRAs
- Coordination strategies for tax efficiency and long-term growth
Service Credit Planning
- Purchasing prior service or military time
- Understanding how added years may impact benefits
Approaching Retirement
Pension Benefit Selection
- Evaluating lifetime payout options
- Single-life vs. joint-life considerations
- Survivor benefit structures
Social Security Coordination
- Understanding the impact of WEP and GPO
- Evaluating spousal and survivor benefits
Healthcare & Insurance
- Reviewing STRS or SERS retiree healthcare options
- Identifying coverage gaps and Medicare timing
Transitioning Into Retirement Income
- Rolling over 403(b) and 457(b) accounts when appropriate
- Coordinating pension, Social Security, and investments
- Building a tax-aware income strategyÂ
Start With a Conversation
If you’re unsure how your retirement plan pieces fit together—or simply haven’t had a chance to review them recently—it may be helpful to take a closer look.
We offer a free, no-obligation retirement review for educators and school employees.
NOTE:
This consultation is designed to help you better understand your current retirement picture. There is no cost or obligation.
WEST VIRGINIA
Retirement Planning for West Virginia Educators
West Virginia educators participate in the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), which provides a defined benefit pension with rules that vary depending on hire date and tier.
While Working
Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS)
- Defined benefit pension plan
- Lifetime monthly income based on service and salary
Tiered Plan Participation
- Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 differences
- Varying retirement eligibility and benefit formulas
Supplemental Savings Options
- 403(b) plans
- 457(b) deferred compensation plans
- Traditional and Roth IRAs
- Strategies to improve long-term tax efficiency
Service Credit Planning
- Understanding purchasable service credit
- Evaluating impact on future pension income
Approaching Retirement
Pension Benefit Selection
- Choosing lifetime income options
- Evaluating survivor benefits and payout structures
Social Security Coordination
- Understanding how TRS interacts with Social Security
- Navigating WEP and GPO considerations
Healthcare & Insurance
- Reviewing PEIA retiree coverage
- Identifying gaps and supplemental needs
Transitioning Into Retirement Income
- Rolling over retirement accounts when appropriate
- Creating a structured withdrawal strategy
- Coordinating all income sources into a unified plan
Start With a Conversation
If you’re unsure how your retirement plan pieces fit together—or simply haven’t had a chance to review them recently—it may be helpful to take a closer look.
We offer a free, no-obligation retirement review for educators and school employees.
NOTE:
This consultation is designed to help you better understand your current retirement picture. There is no cost or obligation.
HIGHER EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS
Retirement Planning for College and University Employees
Many college and university employees participate in retirement systems that differ from traditional K-12 educator plans. Depending on your role and institution, you may have access to pension benefits, defined contribution plans, or alternative retirement programs that can create important planning opportunities throughout your career and into retirement.
While Working
Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)
- Traditional Pension Plan (Defined Benefit)
- Lifetime monthly income based on years of service and salary
- Member-Directed Plan (Defined Contribution)
- Similar to a traditional 401(k)-style retirement plan
- Combined Plan options that incorporate pension and investment components
Supplemental Savings Options
- 457(b) deferred compensation plans
- Traditional and Roth IRAs
- Strategies to improve long-term tax efficiency and retirement readiness
State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) & Alternative Retirement Plans (ARP)
- Understanding available retirement plan options
- Evaluating how different plans align with your career path and retirement goals
- Coordinating employer-sponsored retirement benefits with personal savings strategies
Approaching Retirement
Pension Benefit Selection
- Choosing lifetime income options
- Evaluating survivor benefits and payout structures
Social Security Coordination
- Understanding how TRS interacts with Social Security
- Navigating WEP and GPO considerations
Healthcare & Insurance
- Reviewing PEIA retiree coverage
- Identifying gaps and supplemental needs
Transitioning Into Retirement Income
- Rolling over retirement accounts when appropriate
- Creating a structured withdrawal strategy
- Coordinating all income sources into a unified plan
Start With a Conversation
If you’re unsure how your retirement plan pieces fit together—or simply haven’t had a chance to review them recently—it may be helpful to take a closer look.
We offer a free, no-obligation retirement review for educators and school employees.
NOTE:
This consultation is designed to help you better understand your current retirement picture. There is no cost or obligation.
1 The 2026 Forbes ranking of America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 3/31/2024 to 3/31/2025 and was released on 01/07/2026. Advisor teams that are considered must have one advisor with a minimum of seven years of experience, have been in existence as a team for at least one year, have at least 5 team members, and have been nominated by their firm. The algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 12,787 team nominations, 6,149 advisor teams received the award based on thresholds. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Compensation provided for using the rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state for more info.