ERS Money Talks Podcast

Empowered investing in the AI era

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/fan_mail/new] ERS sits down with Kyle Caffey, vice president of the Technology Innovation Lab at Empower, to discuss navigating AI-powered tools in today’s increasingly digital landscape.

Everything you didn't know about TexFlex

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/fan_mail/new] Are you part of the 80%? Statistics show the vast majority of state employees are not taking full advantage of their TexFlex benefits, essentially leaving money on the table every month. In this episode, we sit down with James Handy, TexFlex account executive, to demystify these powerful budgeting tools. We dive into the different types of spending accounts and uncover the surprising list of everyday items you are likely already buying that are 100% eligible for reimbursement. From routine essentials at TexFlex.com to "insider" tips for managing major expenses like orthodontia, we cover the budgeting insights you need to stop overpaying. Whether you are looking for better ways to save or just want to uncover the surprise savings you have been missing, this conversation is your guide to making your money work harder for you. In this episode, we talk about the following resources: Sign up for TexFlex and save money on taxes [https://texflex.inspirafinancial.com/] TexFlex program resources: Get fact sheets, "How to" guides and more. [https://texflex.inspirafinancial.com/program-resources] View all eligible expenses [https://inspirafinancial.com/individual/health-benefits/health-care-fsa] Check out the FSA Store [https://fsastore.com/]

Money Talks: Milestones, moments and what's next

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/fan_mail/new] In this episode, we reflect on key money tips and insights from past Money Talks conversations. We revisit the lessons that stood the test of time, the moments that shaped the year, and how those takeaways continue to influence today’s financial decisions. Hosted by Crystal Olvera, Angelica Rivera and Erika Perez, we also look ahead, exploring the themes, topics, segments and ideas that are shaping the future of Money Talks. From fresh conversations to unexpected insights, this episode bridges where we’ve been with where we’re headed next. In this episode, we highlighted tips from the following episodes: * Empower Hour with Texa$aver's Mike McLellan [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/episodes/18018948] * Get a glimpse of future you with a Texa$aver Retirement Plan Advisor [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/episodes/16836466] * Get scam savvy so you don't get swindled [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/episodes/16996332] * Get the real deal with the ERS Discount Purchase Program [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/episodes/17169445] * We talk about death so you don't have to: A conversation about ERS' Optional Term Life Insurance [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/episodes/17294978] * What's healthcare inflation? Understanding the value of your health insurance amid rising costs [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/episodes/17521865] Have a story idea or topic you want us to cover? Email us at storyideas@ers.texas.gov

Sleighing the retirement game: A TxDOT Santa’s advice

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/fan_mail/new] Celebrate the holidays with a very special guest. Hosts Suzanne, Crystal and Dani speak to Santa Claus who reveals his secret identity: Texas Department of Transportation employee Gordon Jones. Find out how Santa is sleighing the retirement game and making sure he’s not St. Nickel-less. Helpful contacts:  Contact the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) by calling (877) 275-4377 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. If your question doesn’t need an immediate answer visit the Contact ERS webpage [https://ers.texas.gov/contact-ers] and submit a question to be answered over email.  Contact a Texa$aver℠ 401(k) / 457 Program Retirement Plan Advisor (RPA) by calling (800) 634-5091 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT or schedule an appointment with an RPA [https://govremote239817.empowermytime.com/#/].  Mentioned in this episode:  Purchase service credit [https://ers.texas.gov/Contact-ERS/Additional-Resources/Guides-and-handouts/Retirement/Purchasing-Service-Credit.pdf]  Take advantage of the Texa$aver 401(k)/457 program [http://www.texasaver.com/]  What happens if you withdraw your ERS retirement? [https://www.ers.texas.gov/active-employees/retirement/Withdraw-Your-ERS-Retirement]  Learn more about Santa Gordon [https://lrmsanta.com]

Jingle Bills: Keep your holiday spending merry and bright with Treshayla Wilson of the OCCC

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2440764/fan_mail/new] We talked with Treshayla Wilson, an expert from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, to get holiday spending tips on how to spend wisely, avoid scams and plan for the next holiday season!  Mentioned in this episode:  NerdWallet 2025 Holiday Spending Report [https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/studies/holiday-spending-report]  Additional resources:  Learn to use a credit card [https://www.empower.com/learning_center/spending/index.shtml#/module?playList=empower-pilot-program-for-empower&id=1699&program=achieve-pilot] with Empower Learning  ReportFraud.ftc.gov [https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/]  identitytheft.gov [https://www.identitytheft.gov/]  *title generated with help from ChatGPT