Massachusetts Public Employee Retirement Library
Pension, Social Security, and savings guides for teachers and administrators
Since 1990, I’ve been a financial advisor for educators and public employees, providing 403(b) and 457 plan coordination, Social Security planning, investment strategy, and retirement income planning. I offer transparent fee options — hourly ($200/hr), fee-based portfolio management, or solution-based implementation — and can work with most 403(b) vendors in your school district or agency.
Social Security Guidance for a Public Employee
“Mr. Hayes is truly an amazing, kind, knowledgeable and compassionate gentleman…”
Testimonial Disclosure: Testimonials are based on individual client experiences and may not represent the experiences of all clients. They are not a guarantee of future performance. Each client’s situation is unique. No compensation has been provided for these testimonials.
State Employees FAQ
Does the WEP/GPO repeal mean I get my full Social Security check?
For most Massachusetts public employees, yes — the repeal removes the reduction that used to apply. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed January 5, 2025, restored WEP and GPO benefits retroactively to January 2024. See how this reshapes your lifetime income →
Do my out-of-state or military years count toward my Massachusetts pension buyback?
It depends on the type of service and the window you're buying into — military service in particular has a 0% interest, 11-year purchase window most people don't know about. See the military service buyback rules →
Do you only meet clients in Boston and Dartmouth?
No. While I have offices in Boston and Dartmouth, I'm a statewide specialist and meet public employees at their schools, agency offices, local libraries, or virtually — including help with your 403(b) rollover no matter where in Massachusetts you're based. See the 403(b) rollover guide →
Legislation Pending
The RetirementPlus Buyback Decision
Both the Massachusetts House and Senate have passed versions of the RetirementPlus buyback bill. The two versions differ significantly in cost. A final reconciled bill must be agreed upon before it goes to the governor. The 180-day election window begins on the date it is signed into law..
Retirement System and Plan Enhancements
Massachusetts Retirement Buy Back
Currently Employed Educators Massachusetts Retirement Buy Back →Multi-State Educator Pension Buyback Strategy
Currently Employed Educators Stop Leaving Your Retirement to Chance→MA Years, Retiring Elsewhere
Currently Employed Educators Out-of-State Pension? Your MA Service Years Still Count→
Your Full Benefits Restored: A Public Employee's Guide to the WEP/GPO Repeal
A once-in-a-generation change. With the Social Security Fairness Act signed on January 5, 2025, benefits lost to WEP and GPO were restored retroactively to January 2024. Understand how this reshapes your lifetime income.
Read More: Social Security Case Study: Claiming Strategies for Married Public Employees Post-GPO Repeal
403(b), 457 SMART Plan & Portfolio Strategy
Can I Contribute to Both a 403(b) and 457?
2026 contribution limits →457 SMART Plan: Target Date Funds
Why target date funds misjudge your pension →Tired of High 403(b) Fees?
Shift to fiduciary advice →Public Employee Risk Tolerance
Align risk tolerance with your pension →The MA 403(b) Tax Trap
Avoid double state tax on pre-1998 contributions →After the Social Security Rule Change
MA Pension Option A vs. Option C
How restored spousal Social Security changes the math on survivor pension options.
Compare Option A and Option C →Should Public Employees Use the Stanford Strategy?
Whether the Stanford claiming methodology fits someone with a guaranteed pension.
See if it fits your situation →Proof (how you can check Tim)
- 30+ years advising Massachusetts clients.
- 23 verified client testimonials.
- Independent, fiduciary advice; no product quotas.
Professional Designations & Certifications
Specialized fiduciary expertise across retirement systems, wealth management, and tax coordination.
CES™
Certified Estate and Trust Specialist™
CTS™
Certified Tax Specialist™
CFS®
Certified Fund Specialist®
CAS®
Certified Annuity Specialist®
Disclosure: To receive the Five Star Wealth Manager award, individuals must satisfy eligibility and evaluation criteria associated with wealth managers who provide services to clients. Recipients are identified through research conducted by industry peers and firms. Third-party rankings and recognitions are not indicative of past or future investment performance.
Impact of Repealing Windfall Elimination and Pension Offset on Public Employee Retirement Income
Repeal of WEP and GPO increased many public employees’ net worth overnight. A $1,000/month benefit increase can equate to roughly $150,000 in lump-sum value; $2,000/month equals roughly $300,000.
Financial Advisor Near Me
While I have offices in Boston and Dartmouth, I am a statewide specialist. I meet with Massachusetts public employees—including teachers, state agency workers, police, and fire—in person at their schools, agency offices, local departments, libraries, or coffee shops, or virtually. I provide face-to-face fiduciary advice on your turf and on your schedule.
Boston & Metro
North Shore
South Shore
Merrimack Valley
MetroWest
Cape & Islands
South Coast
Wherever you are in Massachusetts, I provide ongoing support—not just a one-time meeting.
Book a Financial Planning Consultation — $200/hr
Fiduciary financial advisor with 30+ years helping Massachusetts public employees and educators with retirement planning. Fee-only, hourly, or commission — whatever fits your situation.
"My goal is to ensure your retirement plan is built on your best interests, not a product sale."