PSERS Planning Tip
If you elect to withdraw your contributions from PSERS at the time you retire, expect about a 7% reduction in benefits. That means you need to earn 7%+ on your money outside of PSERS to breakeven. So, if you were planning to put that money under your mattress, you may be better off leaving money with the retirement system. But, if you leave the money with PSERS, your heirs may not be very happy with you!