The Power of Preparation

TCDRS Member Silvia Gallegos has made great use of TCDRS’ retirement-planning resources, and is well on her way to achieving her retirement dreams.

By John Martin

When it comes to retirement preparation, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan to follow. Depending on your expenses and sources of income, it’s important to prepare in a way that supports your wants and needs for your retirement journey.

Silvia Gallegos has spent the last 25 years in McLennan County working in various positions in law enforcement. She currently serves as Personnel Coordinator for the sheriff’s office. After a quarter of a century of retirement saving, Silvia has been thinking a lot about what she wants her retirement to look like.

She recently met with a TCDRS Member Services Representative in an online counseling session to better understand which benefit payment option best fits her needs. “My dream is to retire and travel,” Silvia says. “Consulting with TCDRS has been invaluable in helping me calculate my retirement needs and identify strategies to achieve my goals.”

As Personnel Coordinator, Silvia has special insight into the lives of retirees coming out of McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. “It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being, rediscover your passions and embrace new experiences,” she says. “I’ve witnessed many retirees struggle with losing their identity and routine. Remember, retirement isn’t solely about finances. Maintaining or building strong social connections is equally important for overall well-being.”

As daunting as retirement preparation can be, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need help figuring out if you’re ready to retire or have questions about how your TCDRS benefit works, scheduling a one-on-one counseling session with a TCDRS representative is a great way to set you on the right track and get the answers you need.

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