November 2017 eNews

Election Notice Update

The regularly scheduled election for one of the two elected positions to the five-member Board will soon be taking place.

The notice to nominees who qualify as candidates will be issued by Friday, January 26, 2018. After the qualification of candidates, the official ballots will be issued on or about Monday, February 5, 2018.


PRIM Invests in New 308 Unit Mixed Use Development in Cambridge, MA

Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, who also serves as the Chair of the Pension Reserves Investment Management (“PRIM”) Board, Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons and Twining Properties, broke ground on Mass+Main, which is a 308,000-sq. ft. development located in Central Square, Cambridge.

The project will create 308 mixed-income apartments and 17,000 square feet of retail overlooking Lafayette Square, on the MBTA’s Red Line and between MIT and Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.

“PRIM, representing the public employees and taxpayers of Massachusetts, is proud to invest in projects like this that prioritize affordable and mixed-income housing in a way that supports our communities. This is an example of that commitment,” said Massachusetts State Treasurer Deb Goldberg.

PRIM invests the assets of the State Employees Retirement System, the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System and local retirement systems which choose to participate with it.  PRIM currently has just over $70b in assets under management.


Social Media and Protecting Your Home: What You Need to Know!

When you leave your home during the day, do you post a note on the front door saying how long you'll be gone and where to find the spare key? Of course not, yet many do effectively the same thing with Facebook posts and automated e-mail replies. If you're going on a trip, or will be away from your home for a short period of time, don't broadcast every detail, for there may be unscrupulous individuals who could take advantage of your absence.

For example, if you leave your home for a day trip, don't announce it on Facebook! Wait until you return home that evening to post a picture or update. Likewise, if leaving an automated e-mail reply, don't provide specific details about being away and/or a date by when you’ll respond. Instead use generic language such as "Thank you for your e-mail, I will get back to you soon." What's even better is you can skip the automatic e-mail reply if you can retrieve and respond to your e-mail from your smart phone or tablet. No one needs to know that you are away. These are just a few of the many simple steps you can take to avoid becoming a target of burglars and other unscrupulous individuals.


Tax Season

Tax season is right around the corner. Now might be a good time to check your year-to-date tax withholdings. Want to change your tax withholding election with the Board? Here is the MSRB W-4P Tax Form. Please fill it out, sign it and mail it to our Boston office.


Is there something you would like us to communicate in an upcoming Retiree eNews Bulletin? If so, let us know!

Please e-mail your request and/or comments to MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.usWe look forward to hearing from you!

Past issues of our newsletter publications can be found on our website


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Did You Know?

Monthly pension payments are direct deposited on the last business day of each month. You can view your pension statements online at PayInfo.

2017 Remaining Direct Deposit Dates: November: 11/30/17
December: 12/29/17


Thank You to Our Veteran Retirees!

Veteran's Day is a time to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Their commtiment to service is valued and appreciated by us all.

If you have served or know someone who has served, we thank you for your sacrifice, service, and all that you have done for us.


Fall Tips

  • Cleaning the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is a very important task to do before the snow starts to fall and can cause damage to your house in the winter if not done properly. You may end up with a buildup of ice if they are not completely clear for the flow of water. If you are clearing your gutters while standing on a ladder please be careful and take the necessary safety precautions.

  • Fall Pruning

Have you had a chance to trim the bushes or trees in your yard? The fall is a great time to take on this task because the bushes and trees become bare. It is easier to see the trims and cuts you are making to your shrubbery.

  • Mowing one last time

Believe it or not, preparing your lawn with a fresh cut before the cold is healthy landscaping.
Maintaining your lawn through the summer can be a difficult consistent task, but we’re getting to that time where it needs just one more fresh cut. Without a pre-winter mow, the grass may not get proper circulation and can develop mold and fungi.


Did you receive this Retiree eNews Bulletin as a forwarded e-mail from a friend? If you are a MSERS retiree and would like to receive your own monthly Retiree eNews Bulletin, send your e-mail address to us at MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us

Note: Please include your full name and either your MSRB I.D. or the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and request that we add it to our distribution list.


Have you, or are you, planning to move? If so, be sure to notify the Board of your address change! Retirees who already have summer and winter addresses on file with the Board can call us to request the address update. Otherwise, you'll need to notify the Board in writing. You can download our Change of Address form here!


Contact us:

Boston Office:
Downtown Crossing
One Winter Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02108

Springfield Office:
436 Dwight Street, #109A
Springfield, MA 01103

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Walk-In Counseling Hours:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tel: 617-367-7770