
This is the web version of our email newsletter that highlights the goings-on of your pension and health care system in easy, quick-to-read “bites.” Enjoy!

Summer Heat Safety Reminders
Toes in the sand. Picnics in the park. Swim lessons at the pool. Summertime means fun in the sun! But the sun can also be dangerous, especially with the high temperatures in Texas. Between heat-related illnesses and damaging sun rays, you'll want to take these steps to protect yourself and your family this season.

Are You “Retiree” Ready?
If you’re a new or soon-to-be retiree, you may want to know more about some of the common questions retirees have as they embark on their retirement journey. Some topics include annuity payments, enrolling in direct deposit and tax withholding. Find answers about these in the Retired section of our online toolkit.


TRS Member Satisfaction Survey
Your input counts! Beginning this summer, a third-party vendor will conduct the annual TRS Member Satisfaction Survey to help us learn how we can best serve you. TRS welcomes your participation if you receive an invitation. This year's survey includes optional exploratory questions – we encourage you to provide feedback. As a reminder, please refrain from disclosing any personal data in the survey.
While TRS is prohibited by law from advocating for legislative changes to member benefits, we strive to continuously improve how we deliver legislatively approved benefits to you. We want to provide you with service that is timely, accurate and as convenient as possible whether you contact us by phone, visit our website, utilize the MyTRS portal, apply for benefits by mail, meet with a benefit counselor, receive information by mail or electronically, or attend a TRS presentation.

Let’s Talk Smishing – aka SMS Phishing!
Smishing, or SMS phishing, involves cybercriminals sending deceptive text messages to steal information or infect devices with malware. These messages can be very convincing, and those who believe they are immune to phishing are actually more vulnerable. Always avoid responding to or clicking on links in unexpected text messages, regardless of how legitimate they appear.
Want to read recent issues of Fresh Picks? Find more here. For more about your TRS health plan, read TRS' monthly newsletter The Pulse. Want to subscribe to TRS newsletters? Subscribe here.