David Kazansky's Pension Page

08/18/2026

Retirement is about more than reaching a certain age or number of years.

Join me for my final summer pension workshop, “Can I Retire Yet?”, on Tuesday, August 25 at 7 p.m. We’ll discuss the financial and personal decisions to consider before you retire, including income, expenses, preparation, and life after full-time work.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/g5NBn7xCRI6Mu_1RW4g1Ug

08/13/2026

More than 10,000 of you are now following me, so I thought it was time to reintroduce myself and explain why I’m here.

The TRS election may be over, but my work isn’t.

This fall I’ll be back in the classroom, while continuing to make pension and retirement videos, hold workshops, answer your questions, and help where I can.

And I’ve been working on something new during the summer that I’ll be sharing with you soon.

08/12/2026

Great news for the NYC Retirement Systems!

📢 Good News: NYC’s five pension systems delivered a 13% return for FY2026, significantly exceeding the 7% actuarial target. That strong performance brings the funds’ combined value to $326.3 billion. This also saves the City money by reducing the city’s required pension obligations by $6.3 billion dollars over five fiscal years beginning in FY 2028.

It’s a win-win, and we are committed to safeguarding the pension assets NYC’s 750,000 employees and retirees. For the full report: https://tr.ee/Nj1P0t

08/10/2026

Eligible TRS retirees will receive a cost-of-living adjustment beginning with their September 30 pension payment.

This year’s COLA is expected to be about 1.7%, but it only applies to the first $18,000 of the pension. That means the maximum increase is roughly $306 per year, or $25.50 per month before taxes.

With the cost of living continuing to rise, that is nowhere near enough for many retirees. The COLA law needs to be improved, but that will require legislative action and sustained pressure from retirees, unions, and elected officials.

08/06/2026

The response to today’s workshop has been incredible, and there is a chance we may reach Zoom’s participant limit.

If you try to join and the meeting is full, you can still watch the workshop live here:

youtube.com/live/ThdtGJO8g8s

Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you later today.

All the best,
David

08/05/2026

Attention Tier 4 NYCTRS members: Join me for a practical, easy-to-follow workshop that breaks down the rules that matter most: when you can retire, how your pension is calculated, what your contributions are paying for, when an early-retirement reduction may apply, and more!

Whether retirement is still years away or starting to feel close, this workshop will help you understand your plan, spot potential issues, and make better-informed decisions about your future.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kppAg6LeTICvAo6uO3MLwQ

08/03/2026

TRS made the mistake. Retired paraprofessionals are paying the price.

Some accident disability pensions are now being cut in half after years of overpayments. Where are the union leaders and elected TRS trustees who are supposed to be helping these retirees?

07/14/2026

UFT members will receive a 3.5% salary increase beginning September 14.

A raise can be a good opportunity to increase your TDA contribution without feeling the full impact in your paycheck, but only if it fits comfortably within your current budget.

Because TDA contribution changes can take a paycheck or two to appear, consider making any adjustments over the summer.

Learn more at my Making the Most of Your TDA workshop on Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/55TGING2RPm7QPqnJnWzTA

07/09/2026

07/01/2026

Summer is a great time to get some sun and get answers about your pension.

That's why I’m offering four free online pension workshops this July and August:

July 8: The Truth About Tier 6
July 21: Making the Most of Your TDA
August 6: Understanding Tier 4
August 25: Can I Retire Yet?

These workshops are designed primarily for in-service members of the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System who have not yet retired, but everyone is welcome to attend.

All workshops begin at 7:00 p.m. and will provide clear, practical information without the jargon.

You can select any and all of the workshops using the link below or the QR code on the flyer to register, and please share it with coworkers who may find the sessions helpful.

>> https://linktr.ee/davidkaznyc