Retirement Readiness
Take charge of your financial future and retirement planning with these upcoming workshops, counseling sessions, and webinars. Whether you’re just starting your career, mid-way, or nearing retirement, there’s a resource for you. Sessions begin October 2025.
***All sessions are free for Chico State employees.
CalPERS Retirement Planning Sessions
CalPERS is the defined benefit retirement plan for CSU employees. It provides lifetime benefits based on your years of service, age at retirement, and final compensation. These sessions connect you directly with CalPERS counselors and representatives to understand your benefits, retirement formulas, and options for planning ahead.
CalPERS-Benefits Basics
Date/Time/Location: Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Zoom
Facilitator: Melanie Dodd, Benefits Analyst, Human Resources
Description: An overview of the CalPERS pension program for employees new to CalPERS or those planning to retire in the next 1–2 years. Hosted by our HR Benefits team, this session covers the fundamentals of your CalPERS retirement and includes a live Q&A to answer your questions.
Fundamentals include:
- How service credit is earned and applied
- Understanding retirement formulas and age factors
- Basics of final compensation
- Overview of pension calculation methods
CalPERS Counselor 1-1 Sessions
Date/Time/Location: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 8:00 AM | Kendall Hall 214
Facilitator: CalPERS Counselor, California Public Employees’ Retirement System
Description: Individual 45-minute counseling sessions with a CalPERS Retirement Specialist, for those who want personalized guidance on retirement decisions or help with CalPERS retirement applications.
Register through myCalPERS (appointments required)
Book your appointment through your MyCalPERS account:
- Select Appointment from the Education dropdown options.
- Select Appointment Reason.
- Enter Start Date of 10/22/2025.
- Choose Delivery of In-Person.
- Select Available Appointment with CSU Chico as the location.
- Confirm contact information and select Submit.
CalPERS: Plan Your Retirement Workshop
Date/Time/Location: Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | ARTS 228
Facilitator: CalPERS Counselor, California Public Employees’ Retirement System
Description: An in-depth workshop for employees nearing retirement. Learn how your pension is calculated and ways to increase it, understand retirement formulas and benefit options, and review how CalPERS health benefits work. Includes plenty of Q&A.
Topics covered:
- Pension calculation methods and options
- Maximizing service credit and final compensation
- CalPERS health benefit coordination in retirement
- Step-by-step retirement application process
Fidelity Retirement Planning
In addition to CalPERS, employees can supplement retirement income through voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) savings plans. Fidelity is one of CSU’s approved plan administrators and offers individual consultations to help you maximize your long-term financial security.
Fidelity Retirement Counselor 1-1 Session
Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 8:00 AM | Kendall Hall 214
Facilitator: Fidelity Retirement Counselor, Fidelity Investments
Description: Meet with a Fidelity Workplace Planning & Guidance Consultant to review your voluntary retirement savings options. Whether you already contribute to the CSU 403(b) or 457(b) or are just getting started, this personal session will help you assess your investment mix, set long-term goals, roll over outside accounts, and strengthen your retirement strategy. Employees at any career stage can benefit.
Register directly with Fidelity (appointments required)
Financial Wellness (LifeMatters EAP)
LifeMatters, Chico State’s Employee Assistance Program, offers free and confidential support for financial, emotional, and personal well-being. These financial wellness sessions focus on both the lifestyle and financial aspects of retirement, helping employees feel confident and prepared for the future.
Transition to Retirement
Date/Time/Location: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Virtual
Facilitator: Empathia Counselor, LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program
Description: Retirement isn’t just about finances – it’s a major life change. This session explores the emotional and lifestyle aspects of transitioning to retirement. Learn about the common phases of retirement, how to mentally prepare for the shift from work life, potential challenges to be aware of, and opportunities to create a rewarding retirement lifestyle.
To join the training session:
- Go to https://prohealthcare.webex.com/prohealthcare/k2/j.php?MTID=td612a43eed412dc30da2b1d796d8c2f6
- Enter your name and email address.
- Enter the session password: gmXipcpF253
- Click "Join Now".
- Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
To view in other time zones or languages, please click the link: https://prohealthcare.webex.com/prohealthcare/k2/j.php?MTID=ted76a1f643c47610fd832b66d19bbb85
Ten Steps to Financial Success
Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | Virtual
Facilitator: Empathia Financial Counselor, LifeMatters Employee Assistance Program
Description: Boost your financial wellness with ten essential steps to take control of your money. This session teaches strategies to maintain financial control and achieve your goals, including developing a realistic spending plan, setting smart financial goals, weighing insurance needs, and building long-term financial success.
Steps include:
- Creating a realistic monthly spending plan
- Setting and prioritizing financial goals
- Managing and reducing debt effectively
- Evaluating insurance and protection needs
- Building consistent savings habits for retirement
To join the training session:
- Go to https://prohealthcare.webex.com/prohealthcare/k2/j.php?MTID=tcee162753304209914c2f572cb56caec
- Enter your name and email address.
- Enter the session password: grCwGGMw823
- Click "Join Now".
- Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
Your participation matters.
These sessions are designed to support your financial well-being, provide clarity, and prepare you for the future. Please share with colleagues and consider attending those most valuable to you.