Pension Sense blog | April 2, 2026 | Melissa Jones-Ferguson

Ah, spring. A time for renewal and fresh starts. It’s also a great opportunity to plan for your future!

Whether you’re just starting your career or have retirement in your sights, CalSTRS has the resources to help you prepare.

Learn about your benefits

CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program is a traditional defined benefit plan that provides retirement, survivor and disability benefits. 

Early career, midcareer or near retirement—wherever you are in your career, CalSTRS can help you understand your benefits.

You can also learn more by visiting CalSTRS benefits planning services.

Estimate your monthly CalSTRS benefit

After retirement, Defined Benefit Program members receive monthly payments amounting to a fixed percentage of their final compensation, based on the following formula:

Age factor × service credit × final compensation = your monthly retirement benefit

To help plan your financial future, you can use the Retirement Benefits Calculator to estimate your monthly pension payment. You can also create an estimate using the member-only benefit worksheet in the CalSTRS Member Handbook.

Browse through your member publications

Spring is the perfect time for a good read in the great outdoors, and what better to read about than a guide to your financial well-being?  

CalSTRS member publications contain a variety of useful information for every phase of your career, such as these page turners:

• A welcome to CalSTRS booklet for new teachers

• A step-by-step retirement guide (for, well, everyone)

• Directions for the newly retired

And don’t forget the CalSTRS Member Handbook, a compendium of the most important things you need to know about your pension.

Boost your savings with CalSTRS Pension2®

On average, CalSTRS retirement benefits replace 50% to 60% of a career educator’s salary.  You can start a CalSTRS Pension2 account for additional retirement savings to help fill the gap.

Pension2 is a voluntary defined contribution plan that offers the opportunity to invest through tax-advantaged payroll deductions in low cost, flexible 403(b) and 457(b) plans—both Roth and traditional.

Supplement your pension today by calling 800-228-5453, option 4 to speak with a CalSTRS Pension2 representative to enroll or learn more.

Explore videos and upcoming webinars

More of an auditory or visual learner? Check out our many videos and live webinars to explain your benefits and options thoroughly.

Webinars include:

• Early Career: Learn and Discover

• My Retirement Benefits

• Midcareer Educator: Learn and Discover

• My Retirement Decisions

• Retire Now or Later

• Part-time Educator

• Start Saving Now With Pension2

Spring has sprung. Take this opportunity to enjoy the weather, rest and plant the seeds for your financial future.