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In this Email:
- A Message From the VRTA President
- VRTA Member Benefits Information
- Today's Interest Rates
- Why MYGAs Deserve a Place in Your Financial Plan
- Virginia's Birthday Rule
- Voting Again?
- Legislative Speaker Session Highlights Virginia Voting Procedures
- Important VRTA Dates to Remember
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October 2026 - President's Message
A Message from your VRTA President
The VRTA Fall Conference held September 29 & 30 at the Doubletree by Hilton was a huge success. Participants from across the state were present for our fabulous two day event.
A few of the highlights from the conference include a remarkable presentation by our luncheon speaker, Dr. Joy Lawson Davis. Dr. Davis is an award-winning international scholar, equity activist, author, consultant, foot soldier for Justice, and keynote speaker with a distinguished record of scholarship in the field of gifted and advanced learner education. Dr. Davis is one of the nation’s most prominent Scholars in Gifted Education with a focus on increasing access and equity in gifted education programming for culturally diverse students, including those who are thrice -exceptional. Dr. Davis is a professor at Elmbridge University where she teaches and advises Masters and Doctoral level students. Dr. Davis is also the author of multiple publications, including six books, most recently - “Bright Talented & Black: A guide for Families of Black Gifted learners”; “Empowering Underrepresented Gifted students: Perspectives from the Field” and “Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education: Building Cultural Competence & Serving Diverse Student Populations”.
The VRTA Benefits/Advisor Jim DuBrueler shared pertinent information regarding benefits and Medicare. Breakout Sessions were led by Larry Hardesty on Membership and Carl Hamiel on HomeFit. The Legislative Speaker, Dr. Sally Hudson, from the Virginia Board of Elections made us aware of many details regarding the election process. AARP State Director Jim Dau mentioned the need for AARP volunteers and concern for the end of Social Security in 2032. Joyce Williams, from AARP, hosted an AARP Reception. In addition, many door prizes were given during the conference and other interesting things occurred. Thank you to all who attended.
We are no longer searching for a Newsletter Editor. I am delighted to announce that Dr. Elizabeth Burns, District D President, has volunteered to take on that responsibility. She is excited and looking forward to working in that capacity. Congratulations Dr. Burns.
Address: 3458 Masons Mill Rd., Alberta VA 23821
Email: epburns2@gmail.com
Phone: 434-378-2578
| | If you ever wonder what it means to have VRTA benefits? Visit the website – vrtabenefits.org to see what benefits are available to you. | |
Why Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) Deserve a Place in Your Financial Plan
At Creekside Insurance Advisors, we believe in taking a “Complete Advisor” approach - looking at the big picture and helping clients build financial strategies that are both safe and smart. One tool that often fits well, especially in today’s environment, is the Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity, or MYGA.
What Is a MYGA?
A Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity is a simple, conservative insurance product that offers a fixed interest rate for a set number of years (typically 2–10 years). Your money grows with a guaranteed rate, and it is backed by the financial strength of the issuing insurance company.
Why MYGAs Are Important Right Now
- Predictable, Reliable Growth - In uncertain markets, MYGAs provide a guaranteed rate of return. You know exactly what your money will earn - no guesswork and no market volatility.
- Principal Protection - Your initial investment and growth is protected from market losses. This makes MYGAs an excellent choice for the portion of your portfolio that you cannot afford to lose - especially as you near or enter retirement.
- Tax-Deferred Growth - Earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawn, which can help your money compound faster compared to taxable accounts.
- Income Planning Flexibility Many clients use MYGAs as part of a “laddering” strategy - staggering maturity dates so that money becomes available at different times. This can help create reliable retirement income streams or act as a bridge before Social Security or pensions begin.
- Higher Rates Than Traditional Savings - Current MYGA rates (See below) are often significantly higher than CDs or savings accounts, while still offering strong safety features.
Who Might Benefit from a MYGA?
- Retirees or pre-retirees looking for safety and steady growth
- People who want to diversify away from stock market risk
- Those seeking a conservative way to fund future expenses (e.g., long-term care, legacy planning, or supplementing retirement income)
Our Approach at Creekside
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We review your overall financial picture - goals, risk tolerance, timeline, and other assets - before recommending whether a MYGA (or any annuity) makes sense for you.
If you have questions about whether a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity could play a role in your retirement plan, we’d be happy to run some personalized illustrations.
Call our office to schedule a no-obligation review. We’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.
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Your Birthday Just Became a Money-Saving Opportunity: Virginia’s Birthday Rule
Starting July 1, 2025, Virginia created a powerful new consumer protection for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policyholders.
What Is the Virginia Birthday Rule?
Every year, beginning on your birthday, you get a 60-day open enrollment period to switch Medicare Supplement plans. During this window, you can move to a different insurer’s plan with the exact same benefits (e.g., Plan G to another Plan G) without medical underwriting - meaning no health questions, no denials, and no higher rates based on your health history.
Key Details:
- The 60-day window starts on your birthday
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You must switch to the same plan letter (no upgrades or downgrades)
- Full guaranteed issue protection applies
- Insurers must notify you ahead of time
Why This Matters
This rule gives you an annual chance to potentially lower your premiums, switch to a more stable company, or find better service - without the usual health screening roadblocks.
Next Steps
Mark your birthday on your calendar and contact Creekside Insurance Advisors, Inc. about 30 days before your window opens. Our licensed agents can review your current policy, run comparisons for your zip code, and help you take full advantage of this valuable opportunity.
Call or email Creekside Insurance Advisors, Inc. today to get prepared.
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Insurance Advisory Services
- Home & Auto
- Medicare Products
- Long-term Care
- Life Insurance
- Fixed Indexed Annuities
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Financial Advisory Services
- Retirement Income Planning
- Pension Survivorship Analysis
- Portfolio Management
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Voting Again?
Yes Virginia, we are at the voting polls again. Virginia always has some type of election every November and some years, like 2026, we have special elections. This is a good thing! Patrick Henry once said, “Democracy is the hardest form of government because the people need to participate.” Voting gives you that opportunity. Whether it is to support a candidate, legislation, or a voting measure, it is your chance to make a difference on your ballot.
This November there are several things on your ballot.
Everyone will vote on the United States senator to represent Virginia and each Congressional district will vote on his or her member of the House of Representatives. There are also three changes to the Virginia Constitution to consider and many local contests for superintendent, school board, sheriff or other positions. Lastly many locations will be asked to vote on a 1% sales tax for school construction.
The candidates we elect to the United States Congress will be making decisions on adjustments to Social Security, changes to Medicare, healthcare, and prescription drug costs. Consider these important issues when you go to the polls.
The three changes to the Virginia Constitution include same-sex marriage, restoring voting rights to felons, and abortion and childbirth. You should research these amendments to make an informed decision. In September the Creekside Newsletter had an excellent article explaining these amendments.
Most localities will have some local offices such as superintendent, council members, school board, or sheriff on the ballot. You should check with your local registrar or the Virginia Department of Elections to see what is specific to your location. Also 47 counties or cities will vote on whether or not to add a 1% sales tax to fund capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools.
Voting provides us with the opportunity to choose representatives who will make decisions on our behalf. Research, studying the topics, and using reliable sources help us to make informed decisions.
So Get Out And Vote!
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Tina Whitaker
Legislative Committee Co-Chairman
lucy7232@aol.com
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Legislative Speaker Session Highlights Virginia Voting Procedures
Dr. Sally Hudson, a former Virginia state legislator and elections policy expert, recently led a Legislative Speaker Session focused on Virginia’s voting procedures, voter registration requirements, and election security.
Dr. Hudson represented Charlottesville and Albemarle for two terms in the Virginia House of Delegates. During her tenure in the General Assembly, she led bipartisan legislative efforts involving election law, housing, workforce development, and consumer protection. She also served as a fellow at the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy, where she conducted research on the historical development of Virginia’s local election laws.
As a founder and executive director of Ranked Choice Virginia, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with localities across the Commonwealth she has worked to support the adoption of ranked-choice voting. Her work includes legislative and regulatory efforts, technical assistance to election administrators, and voter education.
During the session, participants received an overview of Virginia’s voting options and registration procedures. Virginia voters have three primary ways to cast their ballots: voting by mail, voting early in person, or voting in person on Election Day. Early voting locations vary by locality and may include government offices, satellite voting sites, and libraries.
Registration and Same-Day Voting
The session also reviewed voter registration requirements and deadlines. October 23 is the standard voter registration deadline for the upcoming election. However, Virginia also provides same-day registration for eligible individuals who encounter registration issues or who have recently moved.
Under the same-day registration process, eligible voters may register and cast a conditional ballot at their assigned polling location. This provision is designed to ensure that eligible Virginians have an opportunity to participate in elections even when their registration information has not been updated by the regular deadline.
Protecting the Integrity of Elections
A significant portion of the discussion addressed election security, particularly concerns about whether same-day registration could permit an individual to vote in multiple locations.
Dr. Hudson explained that same-day registrants do not cast immediately counted ballots. Instead, their ballots are treated as conditional ballots and undergo review. Election officials conduct statewide checks across Virginia’s 133 localities to identify potential duplicate voting attempts before the ballots are counted.
Encouraging Voter Participation
Participants were encouraged to share information about same-day registration with first-time voters, younger voters, and others who may be unfamiliar with Virginia’s registration process. At the same time, Hudson emphasized that registering before the deadline remains the most convenient option for both voters and election officials.
The session provided participants with a clearer understanding of Virginia’s voting options, registration deadlines, same-day registration procedures, and the safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the electoral process. It also highlighted the importance of voter education and ensuring that eligible Virginians are aware of the resources available to them before Election Day.
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Joy Mainor
Legislative Committee Member
jfmainor@gmail.com
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Important VRTA Dates to Remember
Sunday, November 15, 2026: Deadline for all district and unit treasurers to file electronic post card with IRS
Sunday, November 15, 2026: Electronic Directory addendum to be sent to all VRTA officers, District Presidents and Unit Presidents
Thursday, December 31, 2026: Deadline for submitting 2026-27 dues, double signed changed budgets and bylaws to VRTA Treasurer for IRS review
Thursday, January 28, 2027: VRTA Lobby Day
Friday, January 29, 2027: Retired Teachers’ Day at the General Assembly
Monday, March 1, 2027: Deadline for submitting applications for new units or districts to join VRTA IRS umbrella and Deadline for submitting name/address changes for IRS e-file contact person to VRTA Treasurer who reports to IRS.
TBA: Deadline to submit articles for the VRTA Spring Newsletter
Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28, 2027: VRTA Spring Conference at the Doubletree by Hilton in Midlothian
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