Your Pension Is
Powerful.
Is It Maximized?
Most California teachers leave thousands of dollars on the table when they retire. A pension max strategy can protect your full benefit — and your spouse — at the same time.
Your pension election is permanent. Getting it right the first time matters.
What we'll cover in your complimentary review:
- Your Life Only vs. Joint & Survivor options explained
- How pension max can unlock your full benefit
- Whether life insurance replaces what you'd give up
- Your CalSTRS service credit & retirement date impact
- Social Security coordination for educators
- Survivor protection without sacrificing your income
No cost. No obligation. Just clarity.
The pension election no one
explains to you before you sign.
When you retire from CalSTRS, you'll be asked to choose how your pension is paid. This decision is irrevocable — and most teachers make it without fully understanding the tradeoffs.
Choosing "Life Only"
You get the highest monthly benefit — but if you pass away, your spouse receives nothing. One decision ends their financial security.
Choosing "Joint & Survivor"
Your spouse is protected, but your monthly benefit is permanently reduced — sometimes by hundreds of dollars per month, for life.
Leaving money on the table
Most educators don't know there's a third path — one that can give you the Life Only benefit AND protect your spouse. That's pension maximization.
Take the higher benefit.
Keep the protection.
Pension maximization uses permanent life insurance to replace the survivor benefit your spouse would have received — so you don't have to choose between income and protection.
Elect Life Only
You take the highest possible monthly pension benefit — the full amount CalSTRS calculated based on your years of service and salary.
Insure the Difference
A permanent life insurance policy is structured to replace the income your spouse would have lost. The premium is less than the monthly reduction you'd accept under Joint & Survivor.
You Both Win
You receive more income every month. Your spouse is fully protected. And in many cases, the policy builds cash value you can access during retirement.
Life Only vs. Joint & Survivor vs. Pension Max
See how the strategies compare on the things that matter most.
| Factor | Joint & Survivor | ✦ Pension Max |
|---|---|---|
| Your monthly income | Reduced for life | Full Life Only amount |
| Spouse protection | Yes (reduced amount) | Yes (full replacement) |
| Flexibility if spouse passes first | Locked in — no change | Policy adapts to your needs |
| Cash value / living benefit | None | Yes — accessible in retirement |
| Legacy for children | None | Death benefit passes to heirs |
| Monthly net income | Lower | Higher (premium is less than reduction) |
Results vary based on age, health, benefit amount, and policy design. Individual analysis required.
This strategy works best if you check a few of these boxes.
Pension max isn't right for everyone — which is exactly why we start with a complimentary, no-obligation review to see if it makes sense for your specific situation.
- ✓You're a CalSTRS or CalPERS member within 1–10 years of retirement
- ✓You're married or have a domestic partner you want to protect
- ✓You're in reasonably good health (insurability matters)
- ✓You want to maximize your monthly income without sacrificing survivor protection
- ✓You haven't made your pension election yet — or want to understand your options before you do
- ✓You're interested in leaving a financial legacy for your family
Jeff Martin
I'm a Financial Representative with Pacific Advisors, a member of the Guardian Network. I've spent years working specifically with California educators — helping CalSTRS and CalPERS members understand their pension options and build retirement plans that actually reflect their lives and goals.
I don't sell products. I have conversations — and help you make the most informed decision possible about a choice that will affect you for the rest of your life.
Learn more about JeffReady to see if pension max
is right for you?
Book a complimentary 15-minute CalSTRS Pension Review. We'll look at your specific numbers and give you clarity — no pressure, no obligation.
Complimentary CalSTRS Pension Review
A focused 15-minute conversation specifically for California educators. We'll look at your pension election options and whether pension max makes sense for your situation.
Your information is private and will never be shared or sold.