ERS Money Talks Podcast

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! HealthSelectShoppERS℠ is an incentive program that gives you the chance to save money and earn up to $500 in rewards. By shopping for eligible low-cost medical services and procedures, you can earn rewards in a TexFlex℠ healthcare flexible spending account (FSA). In this episode, we talk to HealthSelectShoppERS℠ expert and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Strategic Account Manager, Gina Lindsey, who breaks down the program for us. We explore why you should take advantage of the program, even with fully-covered preventive procedures, and whether or not the program affects the quality of care you receive. Check out these HealthSelectShoppERS resources:HealthSelectShoppERS: Shop, go, earnFrequently Asked QuestionsLearn how Michael earned a $100 incentive for his CT scanLog in to Blue Access for MembersSearch for a provider that earns you rewardsIf you have questions, call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant at (800) 252-8039 (TTY:711), Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.-3 p.m. CT.

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! Certified financial planner Akeiva Ellis gives us the lowdown on the ERS-sponsored financial education series presented by Financial Knowledge. These sessions will be available to all state employees and cover everything from paying down debt and reaching your financial goals to investing basics and coping with financial stress. We also chat with ERS presenter Angelica. She'll be kicking off National Retirement Security Month with "Strengthening financial wellness through ERS benefits," a webinar packed with tips on how to use your ERS benefits to save money and earn rewards along the way.Not your regular financial webinarsNew virtual financial education program joins ERS' wellness offeringsWebinar schedule:Strengthening financial wellness through ERS benefits (for state agency employees) — Oct. 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. CT Register today.Financial Goals Unlocked: Your Path to Prosperity — Oct. 13, 12-1 p.m. CT   Register today.Getting Out of Debt and Improving Your Credit Score — Oct. 21, 3-4 p.m. CT  Register today.Investing Basics — Oct. 29, 10-10:30 a.m. CT Register today.Smart Spending and Giving for the Holidays Nov. 10, 12-1 p.m. CT Register today.Coping with Financial Stress — Nov. 19, 3-3:30 p.m. CT Register today.Crafting Practical Budgets and Smart Spending Habits Dece. 1, 12-1 p.m. CT Register today.Subscribe to ERS' Money MattERS newsletter, the companion newsletter to this podcast. Follow ERS on:FacebookInstagram @ERSofTexasLinkedInYouTube

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! Your health could help your wallet, too. Tune in to this episode of ERS Money Talks to learn how the Buena Vida program can help you build healthier habits while earning rewards that can put money back in your pocket. We’ll break down how the program works, what you can earn and how taking advantage of your benefits can help you save. Because feeling good is great—but getting rewarded for it? Even better.Buena Vida benefits you Earn up to 100 Buena Vida Bucks Join Buena Vida today!

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! Health insurance can feel complicated, and in today’s economy, every opportunity to budget, save and better understand your benefits matters. In this episode of Money Talks, our hosts sit down with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Account Manager Claire York, who not only understands health insurance but also understands your state health plan. Tune in to learn how your health insurance works, how premiums are determined, ways to make the most of your coverage and Claire’s tips for getting the most value from your benefits.Helpful linksLearn how to earn rewards with HealthSelectShoppERSKeep these options in mind when deciding where to get care.Don't forget, many preventative services are at no cost to you!Listen to our previous episode about the TexFlex Flexible Spending Account programMore about choosing the right careSubscribe to ERS' award-winning financial newsletter: Money MattERS Follow us on Instagram @ERSofTexas

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! ERS sits down with Kyle Caffey, vice president of the Technology Innovation Lab at Empower, to discuss navigating AI-powered tools in today’s increasingly digital landscape. 

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! Are you part of the 80%? Statistics show the vast majority of state employees are not taking full advantage of their TexFlex benefits, essentially leaving money on the table every month.In this episode, we sit down with James Handy, TexFlex account executive, to demystify these powerful budgeting tools. We dive into the different types of spending accounts and uncover the surprising list of everyday items you are likely already buying that are 100% eligible for reimbursement. From routine essentials at TexFlex.com to "insider" tips for managing major expenses like orthodontia, we cover the budgeting insights you need to stop overpaying. Whether you are looking for better ways to save or just want to uncover the surprise savings you have been missing, this conversation is your guide to making your money work harder for you.In this episode, we talk about the following resources:Sign up for TexFlex and save money on taxesTexFlex program resources: Get fact sheets, "How to" guides and more.View all eligible expensesCheck out the FSA Store

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! In this episode, we reflect on key money tips and insights from past Money Talks conversations. We revisit the lessons that stood the test of time, the moments that shaped the year, and how those takeaways continue to influence today’s financial decisions.Hosted by Crystal Olvera, Angelica Rivera and Erika Perez, we also look ahead, exploring the themes, topics, segments and ideas that are shaping the future of Money Talks. From fresh conversations to unexpected insights, this episode bridges where we’ve been with where we’re headed next.In this episode, we highlighted tips from the following episodes:Empower Hour with Texa$aver's Mike McLellanGet a glimpse of future you with a Texa$aver Retirement Plan AdvisorGet scam savvy so you don't get swindledGet the real deal with the ERS Discount Purchase ProgramWe talk about death so you don't have to: A conversation about ERS' Optional Term Life InsuranceWhat's healthcare inflation? Understanding the value of your health insurance amid rising costsHave a story idea or topic you want us to cover? Email us at [email protected]

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! Celebrate the holidays with a very special guest. Hosts Suzanne, Crystal and Dani speak to Santa Claus who reveals his secret identity: Texas Department of Transportation employee Gordon Jones. Find out how Santa is sleighing the retirement game and making sure he’s not St. Nickel-less.Helpful contacts: Contact the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) by calling (877) 275-4377 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. If your question doesn’t need an immediate answer visit the Contact ERS webpage and submit a question to be answered over email. Contact a Texa$aver℠ 401(k) / 457 Program Retirement Plan Advisor (RPA) by calling (800) 634-5091 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT or schedule an appointment with an RPA. Mentioned in this episode: Purchase service credit Take advantage of the Texa$aver 401(k)/457 program What happens if you withdraw your ERS retirement? Learn more about Santa Gordon

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! We talked with Treshayla Wilson, an expert from the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner, to get holiday spending tips on how to spend wisely, avoid scams and plan for the next holiday season! Mentioned in this episode: NerdWallet 2025 Holiday Spending Report Additional resources: Learn to use a credit card with Empower Learning ReportFraud.ftc.gov identitytheft.gov *title generated with help from ChatGPT

Click here to send us your thoughts on this episode! Feel empowered to save for retirement this National Retirement Security Month. Hosts Suzanne and Crystal speak to Texa$aver Retirement Plan Advisor (RPA) Mike McLellan about investing at any age, consolidating plans, a magic number to double your money and more on Empower Hour.Mentioned in this episode:Texa$aver.comSchedule a meeting with a Texa$aver Retirement Plan AdvisorThe magic number: Americans say they need $1.06 million to retireLearning curveHow scattered retirement accounts can hurt your financial future