Submit Your Question

  • Video #37 - Retirement Series: Overview of Base Option 2 for Mississippi PERS Retirees
    • 2/13/26

    Video #37 - Retirement Series: Overview of Base Option 2 for Mississippi PERS Retirees

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the 100% joint and survivor annuity option (option two) offered by PERS. He explains the key concepts of joint and survivor annuities, how the monthly benefit is calculated, and the implications of naming a beneficiary. The video also covers who should consider this option and provides actionable steps for retirees to take when considering option two.

  • Video #36 - Retirement Series: Overview of Base Option 1 for Mississippi PERS Retirees
    • 2/11/26

    Video #36 - Retirement Series: Overview of Base Option 1 for Mississippi PERS Retirees

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses Option One of the PERS retirement plan, a single life annuity that offers a slower reduction of account balance and provides a one-time lump sum to beneficiaries. He explains the differences between Option One and the maximum retirement allowance option, details the beneficiary provisions, and outlines who should consider this option. Additionally, he provides actionable steps for retirees to evaluate their choices and ensure their beneficiaries are updated.

  • Video #35 - Retirement Series: Overview of the Mississippi PERS Maximum Retirement Allowance Option
    • 2/10/26

    Video #35 - Retirement Series: Overview of the Mississippi PERS Maximum Retirement Allowance Option

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the Maximum Retirement Allowance Option under the PERS system, explaining its benefits, calculations, and suitability for different retirees. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the single life annuity, the calculation of monthly benefits, and the considerations for naming beneficiaries. The video also outlines who should consider this option and provides actionable steps for retirees.

  • Video #34 - Retirement Series: What Service Retirement Base Benefit Options Do PERS Retirees Have?
    • 2/9/26

    Video #34 - Retirement Series: What Service Retirement Base Benefit Options Do PERS Retirees Have?

    Summary

    In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the critical aspects of choosing retirement benefit options for Mississippi PERS members. He outlines the retirement process, explains the seven base options available, and defines essential terms related to retirement planning. Additionally, he introduces the partial lump sum option and provides actionable steps for those nearing retirement.

  • Video #33 - Retirement Series: What Pay is Included and Excluded in PERS Average Compensation?
    • 2/6/26

    Video #33 - Retirement Series: What Pay is Included and Excluded in PERS Average Compensation?

    Ryan Earley delves into the intricacies of earned compensation within the PERS benefit formula, emphasizing the importance of understanding how service credit and average compensation impact retirement benefits. He explains the exclusions that affect earned compensation and provides a detailed example of calculating the highest four years of compensation. The discussion concludes with actionable steps for viewers to assess their own average compensation and prepare for retirement.

  • Video #32 - Retirement Series: How Does a PERS Member Buy Optional Service Credit or Repay a Refund?
    • 2/4/26

    Video #32 - Retirement Series: How Does a PERS Member Buy Optional Service Credit or Repay a Refund?

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the steps, costs, and payment strategies for purchasing optional service credit and repaying refunds within the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Mississippi. He outlines the types of service credit available, the process for purchasing it, and the various payment methods, emphasizing the importance of consulting a finance professional for personalized advice.

  • Video #31 - Retirement Series: 8 Different Ways a PERS Member Can Accumulate Service Credit
    • 2/3/26

    Video #31 - Retirement Series: 8 Different Ways a PERS Member Can Accumulate Service Credit

    Ryan Earley discusses the various ways Mississippi PERS members can accumulate, purchase, and reinstate service credit to enhance their retirement benefits. He explains the eligibility requirements for earning service credit through employment, the process of purchasing non-covered service, and the importance of unused leave. Additionally, he provides actionable steps for members to assess their service credit status and make informed decisions regarding their retirement planning.

  • Video #30 - Retirement Series: What Month Should a PERS Member Make Their Retirement Effective?
    • 2/2/26

    Video #30 - Retirement Series: What Month Should a PERS Member Make Their Retirement Effective?

    Ryan Earley discusses the importance of choosing the right month for retirement, particularly for members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) in Mississippi. He outlines the effective date of retirement, factors influencing the timing of retirement, and key considerations for planning a successful transition into retirement. The discussion emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration of personal circumstances, financial implications, and health insurance coverage.

  • Video #29 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Time Considerations)
    • 1/30/26

    Video #29 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Time Considerations)

    In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the importance of valuing time in retirement, emphasizing that time is a finite resource that should be prioritized over wealth. He explores the concept of retirement happiness, the regrets many retirees have about timing, and the emotional aspects of spending time with loved ones. The conversation concludes with practical steps for PERS members to consider when planning their retirement.

  • Video #28 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Relationships)
    • 1/29/26

    Video #28 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Relationships)

    In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the importance of relationships in retirement, emphasizing that social connections are as crucial as financial planning. He highlights the risks associated with social isolation and the need for retirees to maintain strong relationships with their significant others, children, and friends. The conversation also covers practical steps for preparing for retirement, including open discussions with family and friends about expectations and boundaries.

  • Video #27 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Purpose Consideration)
    • 1/26/26

    Video #27 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Purpose Consideration)

    In this conversation, Ryan Earley discusses the often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning: finding purpose after leaving a career. He highlights the risks of a 'purpose crisis' that many retirees face, including increased rates of depression and health issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing for the non-financial side of retirement, offering actionable steps to help individuals find meaning and fulfillment in their post-work lives.

  • Video #26 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Health Considerations)
    • 1/23/26

    Video #26 - Retirement Series: When Should a Mississippi PERS Member Retire? (Health Considerations)

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the critical role of health in retirement planning for PERS members. He emphasizes the importance of assessing physical health, understanding insurance options, and considering spousal health when deciding on retirement timing. The conversation also highlights the gap in health insurance coverage before Medicare kicks in at age 65 and provides actionable steps for planning around these challenges.

  • Video #25 - Retirement Series: When Should Mississippi PERS Members Retire? (Finance Considerations)
    • 1/22/26

    Video #25 - Retirement Series: When Should Mississippi PERS Members Retire? (Finance Considerations)

    In this episode, Ryan Earley explores the financial considerations for Mississippi PERS members contemplating retirement. He discusses spending patterns, major expenses, and the impact of debt and investment risks on retirement planning. Ryan also provides actionable steps for calculating retirement needs and understanding PERS and Social Security benefits. Tune in to gain insights into making informed retirement decisions.

  • Video #24 - Retirement Series: When Do Mississippi PERS Members Actually Retire? (Age & Service)
    • 1/21/26

    Video #24 - Retirement Series: When Do Mississippi PERS Members Actually Retire? (Age & Service)

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the average retirement age and trends for Mississippi PERS members, highlighting the differences between service-based and age-based retirement. He emphasizes the importance of planning for longevity in retirement and understanding the financial implications of different retirement paths.

  • Video #23 - Retirement Series: When Can A Mississippi PERS Member Retire?
    • 1/20/26

    Video #23 - Retirement Series: When Can A Mississippi PERS Member Retire?

    In this episode of the PERS Pro YouTube channel, host Ryan Earley explores the question every PERS member asks: "When can I retire?" The video covers the different retirement tiers, vesting requirements, and options for early retirement. It also addresses disability retirement and provides actionable steps for PERS members to determine their retirement eligibility. Tune in to understand the earliest date and age you can retire and learn about future topics in the retirement series.

  • Video #10 - Mississippi PERS Tier 5 and the Future of Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLA)
    • 12/12/25

    Video #10 - Mississippi PERS Tier 5 and the Future of Cost-of-Living-Adjustments (COLA)

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the significant changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) in Mississippi, particularly focusing on the introduction of Tier 5 for new hires. The conversation covers the lack of guaranteed cost of living adjustments (COLA) for Tier 5, the unchanged benefits for current retirees, and potential future changes to COLA payments.

  • Video #09 - How to Complete Mississippi PERS Form 20 to Elect Monthly COLA Payments
    • 12/11/25

    Video #09 - How to Complete Mississippi PERS Form 20 to Elect Monthly COLA Payments

    In this video, Ryan Earley provides a comprehensive guide on how to complete PERS Form 20 for the Monthly Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). He explains the importance of the form, the deadline for submission, and details each section of the form, emphasizing the irrevocable nature of the election for monthly payments.

  • Video #08 - Monthly vs. Lump Sum: Choosing Your Mississippi PERS COLA Payment Frequency
    • 12/10/25

    Video #08 - Monthly vs. Lump Sum: Choosing Your Mississippi PERS COLA Payment Frequency

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the critical decision new retirees face regarding their Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payments. He explains the two options available: receiving the COLA as a lump sum or as monthly payments. The video outlines the implications of each choice, including cash flow management, tax considerations, and the irrevocable nature of the monthly payment election.

  • Video #07 - Mississippi PERS Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Notice: Reading Your Annual Statement
    • 12/9/25

    Video #07 - Mississippi PERS Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Notice: Reading Your Annual Statement

    In this video, Ryan Earley guides viewers through understanding the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Notice from PERS. The video explains the key sections of the COLA notice, including the total COLA amount, gross payment, estimated federal tax withholding, and net payment. Ryan also provides steps for adjusting tax withholding and emphasizes the importance of meeting deadlines.

  • Video #06 - How to Calculate Your Mississippi PERS Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) in Any Year
    • 12/8/25

    Video #06 - How to Calculate Your Mississippi PERS Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) in Any Year

    In this video, Ryan Earley explains the two phases of COLA: the simple phase, which applies a fixed 3% increase to the initial benefit, and the compound phase, which applies the increase to the total benefit including previous COLA increases. The video uses a hypothetical retiree to illustrate the calculations and emphasizes the importance of understanding both phases to maximize retirement benefits.

  • Video #05 - Mississippi PERS COLA: The Simple and Compounded 3% Formulas Explained and Compared
    • 12/5/25

    Video #05 - Mississippi PERS COLA: The Simple and Compounded 3% Formulas Explained and Compared

    In this video, Ryan Earley discusses the differences between simple and compound Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for Mississippi PERS retirees. He explains how each calculation works, the implications for retirement benefits, and emphasizes the importance of understanding these concepts for long-term financial security. The video includes examples and comparisons to illustrate the significant impact of these two types of COLA on retirement income.

  • Video #04 - Mississippi PERS COLA: Are You Eligible for Simple or Compound Rate? (Age and Tier Rule)
    • 12/4/25

    Video #04 - Mississippi PERS COLA: Are You Eligible for Simple or Compound Rate? (Age and Tier Rule)

    In this episode, Ryan Earley delves into the critical transition from a simple to a compound Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for PERS members. Discover the key factors that determine when your fixed 3% rate begins to compound, including your retirement tier and age milestones. Ryan breaks down the official rules from the PERS Service Retirement Guide, providing clarity on how these adjustments impact your retirement income.

  • Video #03 - Mississippi PERS COLA: Are You Eligible? (The Fiscal Year Rule)
    • 12/3/25

    Video #03 - Mississippi PERS COLA: Are You Eligible? (The Fiscal Year Rule)

    In this episode, Ryan Earley discusses the eligibility criteria for receiving the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Mississippi PERS retirees. He explains the importance of the full fiscal year rule, which requires retirees to have received benefit payments for a complete fiscal year before being eligible for COLA. The episode also emphasizes the need for personalized guidance from Mississippi PERS for specific eligibility questions.

  • Video #02 - What is a COLA and Why Does it Matter to Mississippi PERS Retirees?
    • 12/2/25

    Video #02 - What is a COLA and Why Does it Matter to Mississippi PERS Retirees?

    An introductory video explaining that a COLA is a benefit increase designed to help offset inflation and maintain purchasing power during retirement.