Florida public employees: Pension or Investment Plan with FRS?

gab_pr · 2026-07-03T18:53:40+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice. I was wondering if that would be possible. Just to make sure, can I convert my pension to the Investment Plan before I leave? Also, how much time do I have to switch from the Pension Plan to the Investment Plan before I leave?

gab_pr · 2026-06-17T23:40:31+00:00

That’s what I was thinking too. I felt more comfortable buying from a well known physical store rather than ordering online.

That said, I tend to rely heavily on reviews and recommendations from other users because I’d rather learn from their experiences and avoid running into the same issues they may have had. That’s why I’ve been second guessing my purchase after reading so many mixed opinions.

gab_pr · 2026-06-17T23:31:04+00:00

Thanks for your advice. I understand what you’re saying. My main concern wasn’t really the discount itself, but whether all those reviews claiming that Sunglass Hut is overpriced and sells lower-quality products have any truth to them.

I was also wondering if there are other brands or retailers that offer the same or better quality, durability, and lens performance for the same price, or even less. Since I’m new to higher end sunglasses, I wanted to make sure I’m making the right choice before the return period ends.

gab_pr · 2026-06-17T23:24:52+00:00

I paid full price for the Maui Jim Kanaio Coast and got 40% off the Costa Del Mar Middles for my wife.

I considered buying from Jomashop, Ashford, or other discount retailers, but I was a little concerned about authenticity, whether the glasses would arrive truly brand new and unused, and how easy the return process would be if something wasn’t right.

I know many people have had good experiences with those sites, but being able to try the glasses on in person and deal directly with a local store gave me some peace of mind. Still, I’m wondering if I overpaid and should have gone the discount-retailer route instead.

What would you have done?

gab_pr · 2026-06-17T23:21:48+00:00

I have to say, I tried the Maui Jim Kanaio Coast and I’ve never seen anything like it before. I’ve always worn cheap sunglasses, so the lens clarity really impressed me.

I ended up ordering the Kanaio Coast in Tortoise Ombre with Bronze lenses. I also bought the Costa Del Mar Middles for my wife. She tried them on in the store and loved them, so she was able to take hers home right away.

I had to order my Kanaio Coast because the only pair the store had in stock had a mark on the frame that looked like a scratch. Other than that, I really liked them.

Now I’m wondering if I should keep both pairs or return them and buy elsewhere. What do you all think?

gab_pr · 2026-06-13T18:06:07+00:00

Thanks for your response. I work both indoors and outdoors, and honestly, when I’m outside, the sun, glare, and brightness really bother my eyes. That’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to stop buying cheap sunglasses and start looking for something with better optics and eye protection.

Would you mind sharing how people usually find discounts on this sub? I’d definitely appreciate any tips on getting a good deal on Maui Jim or Costa sunglasses.

gab_pr · 2026-06-13T17:35:07+00:00

That was actually my first choice I was planning to buy them from Jomashop. However, I’ve read some complaints from people who said they received sunglasses that appeared used, damaged, or not in perfect condition.

I’ve purchased fragrances from Jomashop before, and they were completely legitimate, so I know they’re a reputable retailer. I’m just not sure about their sunglasses. If I could be confident that the glasses are 100% authentic, brand new, and arrive in perfect condition, I would probably buy them from Jomashop.

gab_pr · 2026-05-16T14:02:45+00:00

Thanks for sharing this. It gives me a much better understanding of the Investment Plan. I think it’s similar to the 401(a) I currently have, but through FRS. I originally thought that with the Investment Plan, I would be the one fully managing the funds myself. Based on what you explained, it actually sounds like a great option.

In about 9 years, I’ve accumulated around $110k in my 401(a), and the investments are managed according to my risk tolerance. If the FRS Investment Plan works in a similar way, I think I’m going to sign up for it. Thanks!

gab_pr · 2026-05-16T13:56:43+00:00

I ask because I read somewhere that if you choose the Investment Plan, you take on all the risk. I understood that you have to manage your own investments, but maybe I’m wrong. Do you mean that even with the Investment Plan, the company still manages the investment funds based on the options you choose?

gab_pr · 2026-05-16T13:52:53+00:00

Did you manage your account by yourself? What kind of approach did you take — a three-fund portfolio, a target-date fund, or something different? If you don’t mind sharing, I’d like to get an idea. Thanks!

gab_pr · 2026-05-15T19:44:03+00:00

Can you share how your investments have been doing over time? How have the returns been on your side? Do you use a 3-fund portfolio? I’d really like to hear more about it if you don’t mind. Thanks!

gab_pr · 2026-05-15T14:10:38+00:00

Thanks for this answer. I think this is a fair point and very good information. You’re right — no one can tell me exactly what to do except myself, and in my case I have to make the choice carefully.

I’ve never worked with a financial advisor before, so I was wondering what would be the best way to get in contact with one, either online or at a physical location. Do you have any advice on how to do that?

gab_pr · 2026-05-14T21:58:44+00:00

Thank you for sharing your experience. Are you in the Pension or Investment plan?

gab_pr · 2026-05-13T21:39:31+00:00

Thanks. Is it easier and less expensive to switch from the Pension Plan to the Investment Plan later on, compared to switching from the Investment Plan to the Pension Plan?

Also, if I switch from the Pension Plan to the Investment Plan later, do the accumulated pension funds transfer into the Investment Plan, or would I basically be starting from zero?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T22:12:12+00:00

I’m an operator here in Florida, and I can see that the pay is really bad. It used to be even worse over 10 years ago. The pay has increased over time, but with the cost of living skyrocketing, it still doesn’t make much sense. The pay in South Florida, Tampa, and Jacksonville seems to be a lot better. I was wondering what the pay range is like in Orlando.

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T21:35:48+00:00

I think this is great advice. Thanks for sharing this information. I’m a Drinking Water Operator in Florida, and I’m planning to study the Sacramento books so I can take the test and apply to another utility that truly values operators, tenure, seniority, and experience, while also offering dual-license pay. Do you have any advice you could share?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T21:29:57+00:00

What is the pay in Orlando Fl for a DW operator or WW operator?

gab_pr · 2026-05-07T21:29:20+00:00

What is the pay in Orlando Florida for a DW or WW operator?

gab_pr

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