Sandy -- Just said a prayer for Jim

Tricia -- I don't have to buy the three years. However, by buying them I would have 27 years of service instead of 24 which could increase my pension significantly. I will have to do the math once they figure out the costs of buying each year. ( That cost is based on your salary when you first started (7 or 8%), the number of years you have taught, and an interest rate that is compounded yearly -- I think )

Our pensions are based on age (if you are below 60), years of service, average salary in your last four years, contributions, and an interest rate of 7%. You also get a 3% cost of living increase. Does that make sense? It is all rather complicated. I have just confused myself.I will basically end up with about 50% of my salary if I do not buy the three years.

I feel much calmer now. Of course, now I can just go back to worrying about the flu.