Specialized Service

Your CalPERS or CalSTRS job
is changing. What happens now?

Get a clear financial roadmap before the leap. From someone who made the jump herself.

$2,550 · 2 sessions + written roadmap

Book a free intro call

Sound familiar?

Whether you're considering leaving or the decision was made for you — the questions are the same.

What actually happens to my pension if I leave?
Can I afford to lose these benefits?
Am I walking away from too much?
What if this is a huge financial mistake?
What will health insurance even cost me?
Is leaving now worth it, or should I wait until I'm vested?

How it works

Two focused sessions.
One clear picture.

1

Discovery Session

We dig into your pension, benefits, finances, and goals. I'll ask the questions that help us understand what's really at stake — and what matters most to you.

~45 minutes · virtual
2

Behind the Scenes

I run the numbers, model your scenarios, and build your personalized written roadmap — so you have something concrete to refer back to.

1–2 weeks turnaround
3

Roadmap Delivery

We walk through your roadmap together, answer every question, and make sure you leave with total clarity on your options and next steps.

~45 minutes · virtual

What's covered

Your complete transition picture.

Pension Analysis

What you've earned, what you'd walk away from, and whether buying back service credit makes sense.

Benefits Comparison

Health insurance, life insurance, and other benefits — what they cost now vs. what you'd pay on your own.

Retirement Projections

How leaving affects your long-term retirement picture, including Social Security and other savings.

Income & Cash Flow

Can you afford the transition? We'll model your numbers with and without the new opportunity.

Timing Strategy

Is now the right time, or does waiting a year or two change the math significantly?

Written Roadmap

A clear summary of your options, tradeoffs, and recommended next steps — yours to keep.

Is this right for you?

Who this is — and isn't — for.

This is for you if...

  • You're a California public sector employee with CalPERS or CalSTRS
  • You're considering leaving but worried about your pension and benefits
  • You've been laid off or pink slipped and need to understand your options fast
  • You're vested (or close) and don't want to walk away from what you've built without knowing the tradeoffs
  • You want to model the real financial impact before you decide
  • You're tired of Googling and want expert guidance you can trust

This isn't for you if...

  • You're 100% sure you're staying in the public sector
  • You want someone to make the decision for you rather than help you make your own
  • You've already left and need broader financial planning support

Already left? Comprehensive planning might be a better fit.

Korinne Sugasawara, CFP®

Why work with me

I've been exactly where you are.

CFP® · AFC® · Former CA Legislative Analyst

I spent years as a California legislative analyst, specializing in state pension policy.

And then I left to pursue financial planning. Here's the thing: this was my second career change. I moved from education into public policy to address the unmet needs I saw in the classroom. I know what it's like to walk away from a stable government job, a pension, and the identity that comes with public service. I understand the guilt, the "what ifs," and the fear that you're making a terrible financial mistake.

I also know how to run the numbers — and how to help you make this decision with clarity instead of anxiety. Now, as a CFP® professional, I help public sector employees navigate the exact transition I made myself. Whether you're vested or not, burned out or just curious, I'll help you see what leaving (or staying) actually looks like.

While my deepest expertise is in CalPERS and CalSTRS, the framework I use applies to public pension systems nationwide — because the questions you're asking are universal, even when the formulas differ.

Learn more about me

Common questions

Before you reach out.

How do I prepare for the session?
I'll send you a short questionnaire beforehand. You'll also want to gather: your most recent pension benefit statement, other retirement account statements, information about your current salary and benefits, and any job offers or salary ranges you're considering (if applicable).
Is this session confidential?
Absolutely. I'm not affiliated with your employer, HR, or CalPERS/CalSTRS in any way — I work only for you. As a fiduciary, I'm legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest and protect your privacy.
Do I need to be ready to leave right now?
No. Many clients are just exploring and want to understand their options before making a move. The goal is clarity, not pressure.
What if I'm not sure I'll actually leave?
Even better. Sometimes the answer is "stay," and that's okay. You'll still walk away knowing exactly where you stand.
I'm not vested yet. Can you still help?
Yes. We'll model what happens if you leave now versus waiting until you're vested — so you can decide if the wait is worth it.
What if I need more than help with this one decision?
After your sessions, if you want comprehensive ongoing planning, we can explore that. This service is designed to give you clarity on this specific transition first — no strings attached.
Can you help with other types of pensions?
I specialize in CalPERS and CalSTRS, but the framework applies to other public sector pensions. I've worked with FERS and TRS of Texas clients too. Let's talk — I can likely still help.

Ready?

Get clarity before
you leap.

Book a free 30-minute intro call. We'll make sure this is the right fit before anything else.

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