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 403b 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. I can work with most 403b vendors in your school district or agency.
Request a Free Intro CallThe intro call is free. If we move forward to an in-person consultation, that meeting carries a fee.
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.
Read Tim's Analysis →Pensions, Buybacks, and Service Credit
The big, mostly one-time decisions: which years to buy, what they cost, and which pension option to choose at retirement.
Massachusetts Retirement Buy Back
Buy those years into the Massachusetts system, or collect a separate out-of-state pension?
Understand your buyback options →MA Years, Retiring Elsewhere
What to do with your MTRS years after you leave Massachusetts teaching.
Out-of-state pension? Your MA service years still count →Multi-State Educator Pension Buyback Strategy
Why some state pensions pay 80% of your salary and others about half, and what that means if you taught in both.
Stop leaving your retirement to chance →Buying Back Military Service
Buy up to four years of military service at 10% of your starting salary per year, with no interest, and you have until your 11th year of service to do it.
See the military service buyback rules →MA Pension Option A vs. Option C
Option C lowers your pension about 9 to 11% so your spouse keeps two-thirds for life, and restored spousal Social Security can offset some or all of that cut.
Compare Option A and Option C →Survivor Benefits: The Option D Decision
If a public employee dies before retiring, the spouse chooses between a monthly Option D pension and a lump-sum refund that gives up the employer's share and health insurance.
See the Option D rules →Your 403b and 457: Contributions, Fees, and Rollovers
How much you save, what you pay for it, and how it lines up with your pension.
457 SMART Plan: Target Date Funds
The SMARTPath funds don't know you have a pension; they only know your birth year.
Why target date funds misjudge your pension →Can I Contribute to Both a 403b and 457?
Yes, educators can put $24,500 into each plan in 2026, and catch-ups can bring the total to $65,000.
See the 2026 contribution limits →Tired of High 403b Fees?
Moving to a lower-cost vendor in your district's plan is a paperwork hurdle, not a tax bill.
Shift to fiduciary advice →BPS Sick Leave Buyback
If a 403b or 457 account isn't open when the buyback is processed, the chance to defer taxes is permanently lost.
Defer taxes into a 403b or 457b →403b Rollover at Retirement
If a rollover doesn't clearly improve your situation, the law and my practice say we don't do it.
See the 403b rollover guide →ORP vs. MSERS: The 180-Day Decision
New at a Massachusetts public college? You have 180 days to choose ORP or MSERS, and you can never change it.
See why its a hard choice →Social Security for Massachusetts Public Employees
You can collect Social Security along with your pension; the questions are when to claim and how your spouse's benefit fits in.
Massachusetts State Police: Retiring at 55
Mandatory retirement at 55 sets the deadline for your pension option, your 457, and your Social Security plan.
Plan for retirement at 55 →2026 Social Security Guide
When to claim, spousal and survivor rules, and Medicare costs.
Read the 2026 Social Security guide →Claiming Strategies for Married Public Employees
How a married couple compares claiming Social Security at 62, 67, or 70 after the GPO repeal.
Read the married couple case study →Frequently Asked Questions
- I've heard about the Social Security Fairness Act. What does it mean for me?
- When you claim, any Social Security you earned from other jobs, plus any spousal or survivor benefit from your spouse's record, is paid in full with no cut for your pension. See what the Fairness Act changed →
- Do you work with federal employees?
- Yes. I work with federal employees on their FERS pension, the FERS supplement, and TSP withdrawals, and on how each one fits with their Social Security timing. See FERS and TSP retirement planning →
- 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 403b rollover no matter where in Massachusetts you're based. See the 403b rollover guide →
"Mr. Hayes is truly an amazing, kind, knowledgeable and compassionate gentleman…"
"Mr. Hayes is truly an amazing, kind, knowledgeable and compassionate gentleman. His clients are fortunate to have him looking out for their financial future! After reading his very informative online article about the repeal of the Social Security Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provisions and how it may affect public employees, I reached out through email to see if he could provide insight. To my amazement, he immediately answered my question, taking time out of his busy schedule to provide both opinion and expert advice to an individual who was not even a client.
After communicating with him several times during the past few months, it became increasingly apparent what an astonishing person Mr. Hayes is. His willingness to assist a complete stranger with his unimaginable degree of respect and kindness speaks volumes as to his character. I can only imagine the excellent service his clients receive. I wish him the best for the future."
Jean Donaldson, Website Visitor
Testimonial Disclosure: This testimonial was provided voluntarily by an individual who is not currently an advisory client. No compensation, cash, or non-cash benefits were provided in exchange for this statement. Individual experiences do not guarantee future results.
How You Can Check Tim
- 35 years advising Massachusetts clients.
- 24 verified client testimonials.
- Independent, fiduciary advice; no product quotas.
Professional Designations and Certifications
Specialized fiduciary expertise across retirement systems, wealth management, and tax coordination.
- AIF: Accredited Investment Fiduciary
- AWMA: Accredited Wealth Management Advisor
- CRPS: Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist
- APMA: Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor
- FRC: Federal Retirement Consultant
- IRMAA Certified Planner
- National Social Security Advisor Certification
- CES™: Certified Estate and Trust Specialist™
- CTS™: Certified Tax Specialist™
- CFS®: Certified Fund Specialist®
- CAS®: Certified Annuity Specialist®
- Five Star Wealth Manager Award
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.
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.