NEWS

Spring 2012

More Changes in Tax Laws - Get Help From Jackson Hewitt

FEA and Jackson Hewitt are working together to make sure Teachers and Support Professionals get every deduction and credit they deserve as they prepare their annual federal income taxes.

And, best of all, FEA Members can now receive a 20% discount on paid preparation of their income taxes at any of the more than 500 Jackson Hewitt offices located throughout Florida. Members can also receive a 25% discount on Jackson Hewitt's new on-line tax preparation service.

Jackson Hewitt has more than 500 offices in Florida, so local service is convenient to where you live and work.

FEA knows that Teachers and Support Professionals work hard and have earned the right to a better life. That's why Jackson Hewitt will take the time to ask you all the right questions, so you will get every deduction and credit you deserve.

Plus, Jackson Hewitt keeps up with all the latest tax code changes ... so you don't have to.

Click here to find a Jackson Hewitt office near you.

Click here to download your FEA Member 20% discount coupon (or receive 25% online).

Spring 2011

Don't Be Caught Short by Expected Changes in FRS & DROP

VALIC, a Creative Benefits for Educators' business partner, VALIC, will be providing seminars for local unions throughout the state to help educators cope with the expected changes. Employees and their families will need to refocus on their retirement objectives. Union members are eligible for a personal financial plan and VALIC waives the regular fee ($500 to $1,500) for members.

The 2011 Florida Legislature is focusing on major changes in the pension and benefits available to Florida's school employees. Among the items on the Legislature's "to do" list is a requirement that employees begin to make contributions to their retirement plans for the first time since 1974. It also appears likely that future employees will no longer be eligible for the traditional FRS retirement, but will instead be shifted to a 401(k) type defined contribution plan, much like the private sector. DROP appears well on the way to drastic change or perhaps eliminated altogether. Retirees may also be impacted with possible changes to the annual cost of living (COLA) adjustment, as well as a reduction or elimination of the $150 per month health care allowance.

Spring 2009

Payroll Deduction for Liberty Mutual Sparks Membership Growth in Leon County

Creative Benefits and Liberty Mutual have launched a program to achieve dedicated payroll slots in twenty counties. The program provides payroll deduction for Liberty Mutual for homeowners and automobile insurance, saving members as much as $450 on processing fees in addition to Liberty Mutual’s already discounted rates for members. David Worrell, president of Leon Classroom Teacher’s Association, the first county with a fully operating payroll slot, reports 25 new Liberty Mutual policies in one month. There also has been a bump in membership due in large part to Liberty Mutual representatives and Leon Classroom Teachers Association representatives teaming up to visit schools. Creative Benefits has been involved in the development and implementation of the program. In today’s economic environment, teachers and school employees need all of the cost saving programs they can take advantage of and this program offers great incentives for members.

Spring 2008

Model Plan

For almost two years, Creative Benefits for Educators has been in the forefront of activities putting Florida educators in position to benefit from coming changes in federal regulations regarding employee funded retirement programs. See the following questions and answers regarding the coming changes and how they will affect you and all members of FEA. Read More.