Pension Sense blog | March 17, 2026 | Melissa Jones-Ferguson

This spring, in addition to enjoying wildflower blooms and sunshine, help your future self by indulging in a little retirement planning.

CalSTRS’ “Spring into Retirement” webinar series can help you navigate all the essential steps in retirement planning, making sure you’re well-prepared for that exciting time in your life. Whether you’re months or a couple of years away, we’ll help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Retire Now or Later

Get the information you need to decide when to retire. Understand your retirement options, access CalSTRS’ online resources and calculate your own retirement estimates with the guidance of a CalSTRS benefit specialist.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 2, 2026, 3:30–5 p.m.

My Retirement Decisions

Learn how to calculate your retirement benefit and how to choose your retirement date. Also discover more about beneficiary options, service retirement forms, your Defined Benefit Supplement account and parameters for working after retirement.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 4–5:30 p.m.

Monday, March 30, 2026, from 10–11:30 a.m.

Paper Service Retirement Application Demonstration

Work with a CalSTRS benefits specialist to complete and submit your Service Retirement Application in paper format. You’ll also learn how to update your one-time death benefit recipient.

Monday, March 23, 2026, from 3–4 p.m.

Protect Your Future

Discover how to identify your income sources, ways to reduce the risks of underestimating your expenses and strategies for withdrawing your invested dollars. You’ll also hear a step-by-step guide to choosing a financial professional.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Protecting Your Loved Ones

As you plan for your future, remember you can protect your loved ones whether your death occurs before or after you retire. Learn about your lifetime benefit, the one-time death benefit and the default benefits available to you as a CalSTRS Defined Benefit Program member. Understand your choices, when to make those choices and how they will affect your beneficiaries.

Thursday, March 19, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Ready. Set. Save. with Pension2®

Explore concepts, compare plans and discover investment choices designed to set you up to successfully cross the finish line into retirement. Learn why saving early is so significant. You’ll also discover the investment options available through CalSTRS Pension2® supplemental savings program, and how they align with your personal risk tolerance and plans. Finally, learn about enrollment steps and receive practical saving tips to get started on the right path.

Thursday, March 26, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Retirement Homestretch with Pension2

You're on the homestretch. Retirement is in sight. What steps do you need to take to help ensure a comfortable financial future? Join this presentation to learn how Pension2 can help bridge any gaps between your pension and retirement income needs.

You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of different savings plan types, estimate the income you'll need and find strategies to increase your account balances. Plus, you’ll discover online tools that make planning simpler than ever.

Friday, April 3, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 16, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

The Finish Line: Retirement with Pension2

Learn how Pension2 and your Defined Benefit Supplement account contribute to your retirement income. You’ll also determine the optimal time to withdraw funds from your account and receive step-by-step guidance on how to make those withdrawals. Examine the distribution options available, enabling you to optimize your benefit.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 9, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.

More information about live CalSTRS webinars, including additional topics and session dates, is available on our near-retirement webinars page.

You work hard to shape young minds. This spring, take the time to shape your future!