Ohio University Employees
Employees at Ohio public colleges and universities do not participate in the federal Social Security system other than contributions to Medicare. Depending on whether you are staff or faculty, you will be offered a choice between either the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) or the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio); or the Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP).
The state retirement programs and the ARP differ in how your retirement benefits are determined. Your financial professional at Hocking Valley Financial Solutions can help you understand how each program works so that you pick the one that best fits your retirement objectives.
Election period
You must complete a Retirement Program Election form and make your enrollment choice between the ARP and the eligible state retirement program within 120 days of your appointment date. Your election is final and irrevicoble.
ARP support
If the ARP is the best choice to meet your retirement needs, Hocking Valley Financial Solutions can help. We are a representative for Great American Financial Resources, an approved ARP vendor for Ohio University employees. Please contact us for more information on the enrollment process.
You can choose among 30 investment portfolios managed by nine leading investment advisors. Portfolios range from aggressive to conservative and domestic to international. These choices allow you to diversity your investment and customize your retirement strategy to meet your needs.
Your financial advisor at Hocking Valley Financial Solutions can help you understand your options with Great American and customize a program that meets your unique needs.
403(b) accounts
No matter whether you choose to enroll in ARP or OPERS/STRS, we can assist you with overall financial planning, including other retirement “weapons” in your arsenal such as a 403(b) account.
We are the only local advisor who offers funds from Fidelity Investments for a 403(b) account.
With more than 60 years of investment experience, Fidelity is the largest mutual fund company in the United States and is the #1 provider of workplace retirement savings plans. Fidelity offers more than 180 funds with no front-end or back-end loads and no penalties. It has the industry’s most 4-star and 5-star rated funds.
We can help you determine the best funds to use and your advisor will continue to manage your account through the years based upon your goals and objectives.
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