● Fiduciary · Your Interests First · Free Consultations

Retirement Planning Built for Public Employees

If you work in Florida, Washington, or Oregon public service, PERA helps you understand your retirement system, coordinate your benefits, and build a plan that fits real life — taught by advisors who know your plan inside and out.

Book a Free Consultation → Choose Your State
5,000+Public Employees Helped
20+Years Experience

What happens on your free call

30 minutes. No cost. No obligation. No products pitched.

1

We review your state plan

Pension formula, eligibility, vesting, COLA — your specific system.

2

We map your income picture

Pension + Social Security + savings — the full number, your real retirement income.

3

We answer your biggest questions

When to retire. How to maximize your pension. Payment options. Survivor options.

4

If we're a fit, we map next steps

No pressure — just an honest conversation about whether we can help.

Schedule My Free Call →
✅ Fiduciary — legally required to put you first
🏫 Specialists in public employee retirement systems
💻 100% virtual — meet from home via Zoom
📅 Ongoing planning, not a one-time pitch
Who We Help

Choose Your State

We specialize in the retirement systems where public employees face the most complex decisions. Choose your state to see your guide and get matched with the right advisor.

🌴

Florida Public Employees

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

Teachers, state workers, law enforcement, firefighters. Pension Plan, Investment Plan, and DROP strategy.

  • DROP timing & lump sum strategy
  • Pension vs. Investment Plan decision
  • Medicare, HIS, and Social Security
  • Special Risk Class retirement planning
Get Free Florida FRS Guide →
🏔️

Washington Public Employees

TRS / PERS / SERS Plan 2 & 3

Teachers, school employees, and state workers on the DRS system — both Plan 2 and Plan 3.

  • Plan 2 vs. Plan 3 trade-off analysis
  • Investment account allocation
  • PEBB retiree coverage & Medicare
  • 403(b) / 457(b) fee review
Get Free Washington Guide →
🌲

Oregon Public Employees

Oregon PERS — Tier One / Tier Two / OPSRP

State, school, and local government employees. Pension, IAP, and some of the most complex decisions in the Northwest.

  • Money match vs. formula calculation
  • IAP rollover & payout strategy
  • COLA rules by tier
  • Work-after-retirement rules (2023)
Get Free Oregon PERS Guide →
Why It Matters

Why Fiduciary Matters for Public Employees

Many public employees are approached by salespeople who sound helpful but are not legally obligated to put the client first. When we provide investment advisory services, we act as fiduciaries — your interests come first, and any conflicts must be disclosed. We believe retirement advice should be built on clarity, transparency, and trust.

✅ Your interests first — by law 🔒 No hidden product quotas 💬 Free initial consultation 📊 Fee-transparent planning
See How PERA Works →
Our Expertise

We Help Public Employees Make Confident Decisions About

📅

When to Retire

Analyze your optimal retirement date based on pension formula, COLA, DROP windows, benefit milestones, and personal goals.

💰

Pension & Benefit Coordination

How your pension, DROP or IAP, deferred comp, and outside accounts fit into a coherent, sustainable income plan.

🌐

Social Security Timing

Model claiming at 62, FRA, or 70 — coordinated with your pension to maximize lifetime household income.

🩺

Medicare Planning

When to enroll, which supplement or Advantage plan makes sense, and how it coordinates with retiree health coverage.

📈

Investments & Income Strategy

DROP rollover, 403(b)/457(b) consolidation, Roth conversion planning — built around your pension as the foundation.

👨‍👩‍👧

Legacy & Protection Planning

Life insurance, long-term care, survivor options — making sure your spouse and family are protected no matter what.

Not sure where to start?

A free 30-minute call will answer more questions than an hour of research.
Book a Free Call →
Free Retirement Guides

Your State. Your Plan. Your Playbook.

Written in plain English with real numbers. Enter your info to download instantly — we'll follow up to see if a free walkthrough would help.

🌴 Florida FRS

Florida FRS Retirement & DROP Strategy Guide

Everything a Florida public employee needs: pension formula, DROP timing, Investment Plan comparison, Social Security, Medicare, and your full countdown timeline.

  • Pension formula & membership class rules
  • DROP strategy — when to enter, how long to stay
  • What to do with your DROP lump sum
  • HIS, COLA, payment options
  • 14 steps + full retirement countdown
⬇ Download Free Florida Guide
🏔️ Washington PERS / TRS / SERS

Washington Public Employee Retirement Guide

Both Plan 2 & Plan 3 in one guide — pension formula, investment account strategy, PEBB retiree coverage, Social Security, and every deadline that matters.

  • Plan 2 pension formula & eligibility
  • Plan 3 investment account decisions
  • PEBB retiree coverage & Medicare coordination
  • DRS rollover & withdrawal options
  • 23 steps + complete retirement timeline
⬇ Download Free Washington Guide
🌲 Oregon PERS

Oregon PERS Retirement Decision Guide

Tier One, Tier Two, and OPSRP — the decisions, the trade-offs, and the numbers. Plus IAP strategy and return-to-work rules after HB 2296.

  • Money match vs. formula vs. full formula
  • IAP payout & rollover options
  • COLA rules by tier
  • Work-after-retirement rules (HB 2296)
  • 13 steps + complete retirement timeline
⬇ Download Free Oregon Guide
Client Stories

What Public Employees Say

★★★★★5.0 on Google
Washington
★★★★★
My husband and I were at some of life's major crossroads… Retirement decisions and Long-Term Care Insurance. We were in a state of fear and confusion when we ran into PERA. Josh was amazing… bringing clarity and peace without the stress of feeling pressured.
Anne — WA
Retired Teacher
Current client · Not compensated for this review
Washington
★★★★★
Joshua Hipp was professional, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable talking about finances. He was willing to go the extra mile. I would highly recommend Fiduciary Financial Planner to anyone.
Raul Alvarado
Retirement Planning Client
⭐ Google Review
Washington
★★★★★
I was heading in one direction & Josh called to offer advice. He changed my mind and I couldn't be happier! I worry about nothing when it comes to retirement. Thanks Josh & Autumn!
Randy — WA
School Teacher · Retired
Current client · Not compensated for this review
Washington
★★★★★
After my wife passed away Josh helped me close her TDAmeritrade account and reinvest the money in a way I was comfortable with. Josh walked me through everything step by step. Best customer service ever.
Greg W. — WA
Machinist · Retired
Current client · Not compensated for this review
Washington
★★★★★
Josh found the right plan for us with a combination life insurance/long term care policy. More choices than our current agent at a reasonable premium.
Chuck — WA
Newspaper Employee · Retired
Current client · Not compensated for this review
Public Employee
★★★★★
I met with Josh via Zoom and we discussed my retirement nest egg and plans. He broke down my options and gave me guidance. He answered my questions and concerns… I look forward to meeting with him again.
Stephen Amy Himple
Retirement Planning Client
⭐ Google Review
The Process

What Happens on
Your First Call

We've done this with thousands of public employees. Here's exactly what to expect — no surprises, no pressure.

1

You tell us your situation

State, plan, years of service, retirement timeline, biggest questions. We listen.

2

We review your benefits live

Pension estimate, Social Security projection, income gap — real numbers for your situation.

3

We answer your questions honestly

Pension timing, payment options, tax strategy, Medicare, Social Security — whatever's on your mind.

4

We tell you if we can help

If we're a fit, we outline next steps. If you're not ready, that's fine too.

Book Your Free 30-Minute Call

Meet your advisor via Zoom from home. We serve clients across Florida, Washington, Oregon, and beyond.

Schedule My Free Call →

No cost, no obligation

You leave knowing more than when you arrived

We respond within 1 business day

Or call us: 800-218-8959

Meet Your Advisors

Specialists, Not Generalists

Every client-facing advisor at PERA specializes in public employee retirement systems. You won't get handed off to someone who has to Google your plan.

J

Josh Hipp

CEO & Financial Planner
FL FRS · WA Specialist
Series 65 · Life/Health Licensed
20+ Years Experience

Josh founded PERA after seeing public employees get poor advice from advisors who didn't understand their systems. As a Series 65 fiduciary, he works with public employees across the country, with deep expertise in Florida FRS, Washington, and Oregon retirement planning.

Fisherman · Kids nonprofit founder

📞 800-218-8959
✉ Josh@peradvisors.com
R

Richie Vedder

Financial Planner
Oregon PERS Specialist
Agent of the Year 2023
Series 65 · Life/Health · 10+ Years Experience

Born and raised in Eugene. Richie is PERA's Oregon PERS expert — Tier One, Tier Two, and OPSRP. Highly awarded district manager before joining PERA. Married to Jaala, three kids.

Hunting & fishing · Traeger master

📞 541-915-4382
✉ Richie@peradvisors.com
K

Karyn Rowe

Financial Planner
WA Retirement Specialist
Financial Planner
10+ Years Experience

Karyn specializes in Washington retirement planning — TRS, PERS, SERS — helping public employees understand their benefits and build a clear path to retirement with a deeply personalized approach.

Avid fisherwoman · Outdoors enthusiast

📞 509-237-5092
✉ Karyn@peradvisors.com
K

Kyle Ridley

Licensed Agent
WA · Insurance Planning
Retired USAF Special Forces
Life & Health Licensed
10+ Years Experience

Kyle is a retired Air Force Special Forces veteran who brings discipline and integrity to every client relationship. He works with public employees on insurance and retirement protection planning.

Retired Special Forces · Built his own house

📞 360-339-0444
✉ Kyle@peradvisors.com
A

Autumn Hipp

CFO & Administrative Director
Client Services · Operations
2-Year Accounting Degree
Banking & Vault Management Background

Autumn keeps PERA running smoothly behind the scenes and is the person most clients turn to when it's time to get paperwork done. She manages day-to-day client services, handles administrative and compliance details, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. Before PERA, she spent years at major banks managing vaults and working in customer service. Married to Josh for 20+ years.

Quilter · Outdoors enthusiast

📞 509-449-3107
✉ autumn@peradvisors.com
Common Questions

Honest Answers

How does PERA get paid?

Your first consultation is always free. If you decide to work with us, compensation depends on the services you use. Some clients pay advisory fees for investment management through Retirement Wealth Advisors (RWA). Some insurance products pay commissions from the carrier — not from you. We explain exactly how we're compensated before you move forward, so there are no surprises.

Are you a fiduciary?

When providing investment advisory services, yes — we are legally required to act in your best interest and disclose any conflicts of interest. This is a higher legal standard than a broker or insurance agent who only has to recommend "suitable" products. Your interests come first.

Who do you work with?

We specialize in public employee retirement — teachers, state employees, county and city workers, school staff, and first responders in Florida, Washington, and Oregon. We can also help public employees in other states and anyone else navigating retirement planning.

Do I have to become a client to get help?

No. The free consultation is genuinely free — no obligation, no product pitch. Many people use it to get clarity on their options, then decide if they want ongoing help. Either way, we want you to leave the call knowing more than when you arrived.

Can you help with my 403(b) or 457(b)?

It's a specialty. We review your employer plan, analyze fees (many 403(b)s have higher fees or surrender charges than participants realize), and help you understand your options — including rolling to a lower-cost IRA when appropriate.

Are you virtual only?

Yes — 100% virtual by design. You meet your advisor via Zoom from home. This lets us serve clients across Florida, Washington, Oregon, and beyond without being limited by geography.

Get In Touch

Schedule Your Free Consultation

30 minutes. Free. No cost, no pressure, no obligation. We also offer evening appointments — we know public employees have day jobs. We'll reach out within 1 business day to schedule your Zoom call.

We never sell your info. Privacy Policy

What to Expect

We reach out within 1 business day to schedule your 30-minute Zoom call. Come as you are — no prep needed.

Email

PERA@peradvisors.com

Phone

800-218-8959

Our Promise

No high-pressure sales. No obligations. Just an honest conversation about your retirement.

Already a Client?

Log into Schwab, Fidelity, or your carrier. Or email us — same-day reply.

FINRA BrokerCheck: brokercheck.finra.org
Legal

Privacy Policy

Public Employee Retirement Advisors ("PERA") respects your privacy. When you submit information through our website, we collect your name, email, phone number, state, and role for the sole purpose of contacting you about retirement planning services.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your data may be shared with Retirement Wealth Advisors, Inc. (RWA), our SEC Registered Investment Advisor, as needed to provide advisory services, and with technology providers that help us communicate with you.

We use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to understand how visitors use our site. To request deletion of your personal data, contact us at PERA@peradvisors.com.

📞 Call Book Free Call →