New retirement system opportunities worth a think

The Blended Retirement System opt-in date of Jan. 1 is near – and numbers show service members are behind in completing the training.

With huge changes to the retirement system options, service members are highly encouraged to learn about the subject, especially those with fewer than 12 years of service.

“A lot of people don’t understand the ramifications or the impact the BRS is going to make and the opportunity there is with it,” said Doug Armon, 673d Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant. “The training is important because we want people to be informed. It’s not a matter of someone telling you which system is better; it’s a matter of knowing what each system contains and how that applies to your life.”

For many young service members, making retirement plans isn’t high on the priority list. But hundreds to thousands of dollars can potentially be saved contributing to the Thrift Savings Plan or the BRS.

“It’s hard to explain to a [young service member] that their 65-year-old self will be so much happier if they get started saving towards retirement right now,” Armon said. “Most of the people I’ve encountered just don’t understand the impact.”

The training is simple and online.

“The training was very informative,” said Senior Airman Clifford Berry, a 673d Contracting Squadron contract specialist. “I didn’t know anything about the BRS before taking the training but now I feel very confident about making a decision.”

It’s imperative that leadership takes the training as well so they can keep their folks informed, said Armon.

For more information, call 552-4943 or 384-1517.