Even small steps make a big difference. Take control of your money with Financial Basics—a series of short, self-guided courses you can take at your leisure and easily fit into your busy schedule. Check out the first course in the series—Emergency Fund—and let it guide you through the importance of planning, saving and strategically using funds to help you plan for the unexpected. These courses are designed to build your confidence one topic at a time.

Investing in service credit means more money when you retire. The more service credit you have at retirement, the greater your CalSTRS retirement benefit will be. And the sooner you buy service credit, the less you’ll pay. Learn more by reading the Purchase Service Credit Now fact sheet.

“One of the things that I am extremely proud of (is) our inclusion preschool programs where we teach with a co-teach model. We have a special education teacher and a general education teacher teaching side by side in the classroom,” says Johana Scott, director of Early Childhood Education at Twin Rivers Unified School District.

Choosing your one-time death benefit recipient doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be quick, easy and stress-free. And did you know you don’t have to pick just one recipient? You can choose one or more recipients—a person, trust, charity, estate, parochial institution, corporation or public entity. Naming your recipient ensures your loved ones—or causes you care about—receive your benefit smoothly.

If you take a job outside the California public school system after you retire, you’ll continue to receive your full CalSTRS service retirement benefit—with no earnings limitations. However, there are restrictions under state and federal law if you return to work within the California public school system. Learn more about the separation-from-service requirement, postretirement earnings limit, volunteering in retirement and more.

Now’s a great time to save more money for your retirement. Enrolling in CalSTRS Pension2® voluntary supplemental savings plan gives you an opportunity to build additional savings for retirement, reduce your current tax bill and save with lower fees. Already enrolled? It’s easy to boost your account balance by upping your contribution—even by $25.

If you haven’t logged in to your myCalSTRS account since September 2025, the newly redesigned site will prompt you to verify your identity online and then create your new login. There’s no need to call us—it’s a quick online step. If you don’t need access right away, you can sign in whenever it’s convenient. There's no rush.

Learn about the fund’s continued strength, how the board is adapting to new artificial intelligence technology, call center updates and more from the March board meeting in Board Highlights.