Shotwell Rutter Baer Financial Planners

06/22/2026

In fact, some of your most important healthcare decisions happen as you approach retirement.

Enrollment windows, coverage options, and eligibility requirements can all impact your retirement plan.

Understanding your options before retirement can help you avoid costly surprises later.

Download our free State of Michigan Benefits Guide:
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-benefits/

06/19/2026

Many Michigan State University employees focus on their 403(b) and barely think about their 457 Plan.

But understanding the differences between these accounts could create additional flexibility when you're ready to retire.

Different rules.
Different opportunities.
Different planning considerations.

Knowing how they work together matters.

Learn How Your MSU Benefits Work Together:
https://srbadvisors.com/your-msu-retirement-benefits/

06/19/2026

How much will your health insurance actually cost in retirement?

That's one of the most important questions every State of Michigan employee should answer before retiring. A premium subsidy can be valuable, but it doesn't always mean it's your best option. Comparing costs, coverage, and your personal healthcare needs can help you make a more informed decision.

In our full episode, we walk through the biggest health insurance decisions State of Michigan employees face before and after retirement, including Medicare, ORS retiree health insurance, survivor benefits, and the questions you should ask before making your retirement decision.

Get the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/health-insurance-in-retirement-for-state-of-michigan-employees/

Download our FREE ebook about specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence.
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/

Subscribe for more practical retirement planning insights:
https://www.youtube.com/

06/18/2026

Thinking about choosing a different health insurance plan when you retire from the State of Michigan?

Before you make that decision, make sure you know whether you can return to your ORS retiree health plan later. Understanding your options now could help you avoid an unexpected surprise in retirement.

What is one of the most important questions every State of Michigan employee should ask before retiring? In the full episode, we also discuss Medicare, premium subsidies, survivor benefits, and other key retirement health insurance decisions.

Get the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/health-insurance-in-retirement-for-state-of-michigan-employees/

Download our FREE ebook about specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence.
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/

Subscribe for more practical retirement planning insights:
https://www.youtube.com/

06/18/2026

Our colleague, Cole Williams, was recently quoted in an article in MarketWatch about the value and purpose of insurance as it relates to your overall financial health.

You can check it out here:

Two smart ways to save on insurance as premiums skyrocket. Plus: sign up for the next Don’t Short Yourself Live Q&A on cutting college costs.

06/17/2026

Many State of Michigan employees contribute to one, both, or neither without fully understanding how each account works.

The withdrawal rules are different.
The planning opportunities are different.
The retirement strategies are different.

Understanding those differences could have a significant impact on your retirement plan.

Download the free State of Michigan Benefits Guide:
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-benefits/

06/17/2026

Turning 65 brings an important change to your retirement plan.

If you're a State of Michigan employee, understanding how Medicare works with your ORS retiree health insurance can help you avoid costly mistakes and coverage gaps. In this quick video, Nick explains why knowing what to enroll in and when to act is an essential part of retirement planning.

This is just one piece of our full conversation covering retiree health insurance, Medicare, survivor benefits, and the key decisions every State of Michigan employee should understand before retiring.

Get the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/health-insurance-in-retirement-for-state-of-michigan-employees/

Download our FREE ebook about specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence.
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/

Subscribe for more practical retirement planning insights:
https://www.youtube.com/

06/16/2026

Are you sure you know which retiree health plan you're enrolled in?

For State of Michigan employees, understanding whether you have the Premium Subsidy or the Personal Healthcare Fund can have a significant impact on your retirement strategy. It may even influence when it makes sense to retire.

Watch this quick tip, then dive into the full conversation where we cover Medicare, survivor benefits, retiree health insurance, and the key questions every State employee should ask before retiring.

Get the full episode here:
https://srbadvisors.com/health-insurance-in-retirement-for-state-of-michigan-employees/

Download our FREE ebook about specialized financial planning for State of Michigan employees who want to make the most of their benefits and retire with confidence.
https://srbadvisors.com/state-of-michigan-employees/

Subscribe for more practical retirement planning insights:
https://www.youtube.com/

06/15/2026

One of the most common mistakes Michigan State University employees make?

Assuming they'll figure everything out closer to retirement.

The reality is that some of your best planning opportunities happen years before you leave campus for the last time.

The sooner you understand your benefits, the more options you may have.

Download the Guide Every MSU Employee Should Read Before Retirement:
https://srbadvisors.com/your-msu-retirement-benefits/

06/11/2026

A bigger portfolio isn't always the same thing as a better retirement.

Too often, financial planning focuses on growing assets without asking a more important question: What is this money actually for?

Money is a tool. Its purpose is to help support the life you want to live, not simply become a larger number on a statement.

In this short clip, Nick Nauta and Cole Williams explain why life planning can be just as important as financial planning.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/rBTY2toWARE

Subscribe to our channel for more practical retirement and financial planning insights.