Lend A Hand Financial – Your Florida Retirement System (FRS) Experts
Guiding Your Future, Protecting Your Legacy
We’re proud to be an approved provider for Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County FRS members.
Our mission is to help Florida public employees make confident, informed retirement decisions — whether you’re just getting started, approaching DROP, or ready to retire.
Get personalized guidance, expert insights, and the resources you need to make your FRS benefits work for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Understanding Your FRS Options
The FRS Pension Plan
The FRS Pension Plan is a defined benefit plan — meaning your retirement income is guaranteed for life, based on your years of service, salary, and retirement age.
We’ll help you understand:
- How your monthly pension benefit is calculated
- Eligibility requirements and vesting
- Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA)
- Special benefits for risk class employees
The FRS Investment Plan
The FRS Investment Plan is a defined contribution plan that puts you in control of your retirement savings.
You and your employer contribute a portion of your salary to your FRS Investment account, which you manage through investment selections.
We’ll guide you through:
- Employer contribution increases (now 8.3%)
- SDBA (Self-Directed Brokerage Account) options
- Balancing your portfolio for long-term success
- How to roll funds into other qualified accounts at retirement
What Is DROP — and How Does It Benefit You?
The Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) allows eligible FRS members to keep working while their retirement benefits accumulate in an interest-bearing account.
During DROP participation, you continue earning a paycheck while your retirement funds grow tax-deferred.
We’ll help you understand:
- When you’re eligible to enter DROP
- How your DROP payout is calculated
- Strategies for reinvesting DROP funds after retirement
Understanding Your FRS Options
Planning for Life After FRS Retirement
Retirement is more than just collecting a paycheck — it’s about protecting your income, managing healthcare costs, and ensuring your legacy.
Our advisors specialize in:
- Income planning to ensure your savings last a lifetime
- Social Security timing and coordination
- FRS Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS)
- Long-term care and Medicare options
FRS Resources by Profession
Different FRS members have different needs. Whether you’re in education, law enforcement, or public service, we provide tailored strategies to fit your career path.
- School Board Members – FRS Pension & Investment options for educators
- Special Risk Class Members – Early retirement and benefit planning
- Municipal & County Employees – DROP and long-term planning options
Upcoming Webinars & Events
Week 1: Florida Retirement System (FRS) Overview - October 16th
Register Now- Two plan options: Pension Plan (defined benefit) and Investment Plan (defined contribution)
- Eligibility: Teachers vest after 6–8 years depending on enrollment date
- Retirement age: 62 or 30 years of service (pre-2011); 65 or 33 years (post-2011)
- Health Insurance Subsidy (HIS): $7.50/year of service, up to $225/month
Week 2: FRS Pension Plan - October 23rd
Register Now- Formula: Years of service × 1.6% × average final compensation
- COLA: Only for service before July 1, 2011
- Retirement income options and DROP program
Week 3: FRS Investment Plan - October 30th
Register Now- Contributions: 3% employee, employer varies
- Vesting: 1 year for employee contributions
- Distribution options: lump sum, annuity, periodic withdrawals
Week 4: 403(b) Plans for Florida Educators & Employees - November 6th
Register Now- Defined contribution plans similar to 401(k)
- Contribution limits and tax benefits
- Vendor ratings: Most districts rated C or lower
- Importance of low-fee options and fiduciary advice
Week 5: Maximizing FRS with a 403(b) Plan - November 13th
Register Now- Dual-Engine Retirement Strategy: FRS provides a solid foundation (pension or investment plan), while Voya’s 403(b) adds personalized growth potential through tax-advantaged investing.
- Tax-Deferred Growth: Voya’s 403(b) allows pre-tax contributions and tax-deferred growth, helping you build wealth while lowering your current taxable income.
- Flexible Investment Options: Voya offers a range of investment choices—from conservative to aggressive—so you can tailor your portfolio to your goals and risk tolerance.
- Catch-Up Contributions: Employees age 50+ or with 15+ years of service may qualify for extra contributions, helping accelerate savings in the final stretch.
- Financial Wellness Tools: Voya provides online calculators, retirement planning resources, and access to financial advisors to help you stay on track.
- Portability and Control: Unlike FRS, your 403(b) account stays with you if you change jobs, and you control how and when to access your funds.
- Boosted Retirement Income: Combining both plans can significantly increase your retirement income, helping you maintain your lifestyle and cover healthcare or travel costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I retire from the Pension Plan or the Investment Plan?
We’ll help you analyze both options based on your age, years of service, and financial goals.
When should I enter DROP?
Timing DROP correctly can make a major difference in your long-term financial success.
What happens to my FRS account after retirement?
We can guide you on rollover strategies, investment income planning, and legacy options.
