How Much Will Your WRS Pension Pay? (Wisconsin Retirement System Explained)

Most Wisconsin public employees know bits and pieces of their retirement, but almost nobody has had someone sit down and explain how the whole Wisconsin Retirement System fits together. Connect with us here: https://unitedretirement.us/ In this video, I walk you through how your WRS pension actually works, including a simple formula you can use to estimate your own pension in about 30 seconds. Then we cover the optional 403(b) and 457 deferred comp plans, why sick leave credits can be worth far more than most people realize, and the fact that there are three important things the WRS doesn't cover at all. I've helped more than 500 people in the WRS system plan their retirements, from UW faculty and staff to state and local employees. If you're in the WRS, this is the big-picture walkthrough I wish everyone got on day one. HELPFUL LINKS: Wisconsin ETF (official WRS site): https://etf.wi.gov Social Security estimator: https://www.ssa.gov - Open Social Security: https://opensocialsecurity.com ABOUT ME: My name is Jim Gaskins, and I'm the founder of United Retirement Services. I've worked with retirement, insurance, and benefits since 2007, with a focus on helping public employees understand and optimize their retirements and benefits, and transition into retirement the right way. DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures and limits are for 2026 and can change. Your actual WRS benefit is calculated by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). I am not affiliated with or endorsed by ETF or the State of Wisconsin. Learn how the Wisconsin Retirement System works and calculate your pension estimate in just 30 seconds. Many public employees understand pieces of their benefits but struggle to see the full picture. This video breaks down how your WRS pension integrates with optional 403(b) and 457 plans, why sick leave credits are often undervalued, and the specific gaps that the system does not cover. If you are a state or local employee, this guide provides the clarity needed to navigate your retirement planning with confidence. Using a simple formula, you can estimate your own retirement income quickly. I have assisted over 500 individuals in this system, from UW faculty to municipal staff, and I am sharing the big-picture walkthrough that every participant should receive on their first day of work. Proper retirement planning for Wisconsin public employees requires understanding how these components fit together to create a secure future. Subscribe for more weekly insights on managing your benefits and retirement transition, and comment below if you have questions about your specific WRS benefit calculation. #WisconsinRetirementSystem #WRS #WisconsinPension #PublicEmployees #UWEmployees #RetirementPlanning