National Retirement Security Month

October 1, 2025

National Retirement Security Month

Join North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner on the Retirement Express and learn how you can plan and save for a successful retirement.

Get on Board the Retirement Express

Each year in October, National Retirement Security Month presents an opportunity for workers in all stages of their careers to assess their retirement savings and goals.

The North Carolina Retirement Systems will be promoting the month through social media and have a series of educational webinars for all public servants in North Carolina.

Grab your goals, pack your priorities and hop on board the Retirement Express!

October 1, 2025

All Aboard the Retirement Express

Making contributions to your NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans today will make for a smoother ride into retirement.

Welcome to Budget Junction

October 6, 2025

Welcome to Budget Junction

Budget Junction is the first stop on the Retirement Express. This is where you lay the tracks for your retirement journey. Budgeting isn't about restriction; it's about being intentional with your money.

Tips from the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans

NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans Retirement Counselor, Chris Garavito, shares some tips on budgeting.

Learn more about Chris and the counties he serves here. 

To find your counselor for the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans, click here.

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Welcome to Contribution Station

October 13, 2025

Contribution Station is Where you Fuel your Retirement

Treasurer Briner shares the importance of contributions and how they help you secure your retirement future.

Tips from the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans

Christy Kelly

NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans Retirement Counselor, Christy Kelly, shares some tips on retirement contributions.

Learn more about Christy and the counties she serves here. 

To find your counselor for the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans, click here.

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Welcome to Investment Depot

October 20, 2025

Investment Depot Delivers the Heart of your Retirement Planning

Treasurer Briner explains investments and discusses the importance of compound interest.

Tips from the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans

NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans Retirement Counselor, Michael Noel, shares some tips on investments.

Learn more about Michael and the counties he serves here. 

To find your counselor for the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans, click here.

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We're all on this journey together as members of the North Carolina Retirement Systems. And who better to learn from than each other? Let’s celebrate what we’re doing right—and reflect on what we could improve—by looking to our peers.

What advice would you give your younger self about saving for retirement?

Start Early

"Start saving early and only focus on yourself. Put away something every month and learn to say no to family and friends." — Educator, TSERS member, 6 years

I know what I should have done...

"I should've started my 401(k) when I first started! I felt like I was not making enough to have anything taken out." — TSERS member, 26 years

Make more and save more

"Find a job that pays much more money and start saving more money at a younger age." —Medical Examiner, LGERS member, 27 years

Max out contributions

"Put the maximum allowable amount (or the maximum you can afford) into tax-deferred plans like 401(k)." — Actuary, TSERS member, 8 years

When did you first realize you needed to start saving for retirement?

When I...

"When I got my first full-time job." — Clerical Assistant, LGERS member, 9 years

At age 16...

"At age 16 I started saving the max allowed, but circumstances did not allow that to continue in my 20s and 30s. I got back on track in my 40s but the housing market crash hurt my supplemental rental income and led to digging myself out of bankruptcy. I started saving for retirement again in my late 40s and have been on track since. I’m approaching 60 and hoping for miracles in the economy and to win the lottery. " — Educator, TSERS member, 8 years

I've always been frugal, but...

"I've always been frugal. However, as a first-generation college student coming from a rural agricultural background, I just didn't have the resources to plan and I didn't understand investments and compound interest. I knew at 18 that I needed to be careful and save my money, but I just didn't know the mechanisms to further that goal. " — Administrator, TSERS member, 17 years

I knew, but I didn't...

"I knew I needed to save, but I didn't. Now I'm paying the price (no pun intended)!" — Urban Planner, LGERS member, 18 years
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Members Attended NRSM Events last year

Join us this year as we focus on goals, priorites and moving forward to your 'Futureville' on the Retirement Express

Important Links and Events

Retirement counselors are registered with Empower Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. 
EFSI is an affiliate of Empower Retirement, LLC; Empower Funds, Inc.; and registered investment adviser Empower Advisory Group, LLC. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide investment, legal, or tax recommendations or advice. 

Empower Retirement, LLC provides the communications and recordkeeping services for the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans. 

The investments offered to you within the NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans are not offered by or affiliated with Empower Retirement, LLC. Empower refers to the products and services offered by Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America and its subsidiaries. 

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.