Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund hosts free retiree workshop in Naperville

Naperville-area seniors who feel tired and lethargic can recover their get-up-and-go with tips and strategies being offered at the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund's free retiree workshop on Wednesday, July 27.

While ensuring the retirement security of its members is a top priority at IMRF, supporting its retired municipal workers is about more than just sending a monthly check at this fund. That is why IMRF, the second-largest public pension in the state, has once again partnered with the University of Illinois Extension to present a free public workshop designed to help Illinois retirees lead healthier, happier lives.

Developed through a research-based program at the University of Illinois Extension, IMRF's 2011 retiree workshop, "Finding Your Get Up and Go," will address a common concern that often plagues senior citizens: how to overcome lethargy, take charge and face a brand new day. The session will provide multiple strategies for adults to get motivated, adopt a more positive outlook and take constructive action such as getting more socially involved.

"IMRF offers a variety of services to help our 96,000 annuitants improve their quality of life in retirement," said Linda Horrell, communications manager of IMRF. "Our annual series of educational workshops have been well-received by IMRF members and we're excited to open this year's session in Naperville to the public."

IMRF Offers Retirement Security

IMRF is a successful Illinois public pension fund that administers retirement, disability and death benefits on behalf of approximately 3,000 local units of government. The fund was 100 percent funded at the end of 2007 and is currently estimated to be 86.5 percent funded on a market value basis, up from 83.2 percent at the end of 2009.

"As a defined benefit plan, IMRF guarantees member benefits and, as such, is designed to be pre-funded so that the lump sum needed to pay a lifetime pension is available when a member retires," said Louis Kosiba, IMRF executive director. "The fund earned approximately $3 billion, or a 13.4 percent return, on its market investments in 2010. Further, about 40 percent of IMRF?s current investments are in Illinois-based companies."

"Finding Your Get Up and Go" is open to all Illinois residents and media. The workshop will be offered on Wednesday, July 27 at 1:30 p.m., at the 95th St. Library at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive in Naperville. It will be led by Chelsey Byers, a Family Life Educator with the University of Illinois Extension.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Call (800) 275-4673 or (630) 706-4536 to register.