Educator's Corner | Retirement Education

Understanding 403(b) Retirement Plans

Your retirement is about more than reaching the end of your career. It's about preparing for the life you want to enjoy afterward.

A 403(b) retirement plan allows eligible educators and school employees to save for retirement through payroll deductions, helping build additional savings alongside their pension and other retirement resources.

Why it matters: Your TRS pension may provide an important foundation for retirement, while a 403(b) can help you prepare for additional financial needs and long-term goals.
Educator reviewing retirement planning documents
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS

Traditional vs. Roth 403(b)

Both options can help you prepare for retirement. The primary difference is when you pay income taxes.

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Traditional 403(b)

Save for retirement using pre-tax contributions, generally reducing your taxable income today.

Contributions Generally made before income taxes.
Tax Benefits Eligible contributions generally reduce your current taxable income.
Withdrawals Withdrawals are generally subject to ordinary income taxes.
Potential Advantage May appeal to individuals who prefer a current income-tax benefit.
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Roth 403(b)

Save for retirement using after-tax contributions, with the potential for tax-free qualified withdrawals.

Contributions Made after income taxes.
Tax Benefits Contributions do not reduce your current taxable income.
Withdrawals Qualified withdrawals, including earnings, are generally tax-free.
Potential Advantage May appeal to individuals who want tax-free qualified retirement income.
Good to know: Some employer plans offer both Traditional and Roth 403(b) contributions. You may be able to use both, subject to plan rules and combined IRS contribution limits. Roth earnings generally require a five-tax-year holding period and a qualifying event for tax-free withdrawal. Early distributions may be subject to additional taxes or penalties.
The Power of Consistent Saving

How Your Retirement Savings Can Grow

Small, consistent contributions may help you build meaningful retirement savings over time. See how a hypothetical $100 monthly contribution could grow.

Your Contributions Hypothetical Growth
$6,977
5 Years
$16,388
10 Years
$29,082
15 Years
$46,204
20 Years
Illustrative Balance After 20 Years
$46,204

$24,000 in contributions + approximately $22,204 in hypothetical growth.

For educational purposes only. Assumes $100 contributed at the end of each month, a hypothetical 6% annual return compounded monthly, and no fees or taxes. Actual investment performance will vary. Returns are not guaranteed. This example does not represent any specific investment or insurance product.
Making Informed Decisions

Understanding Your 403(b) Retirement Savings Options

Not all 403(b) plans work the same way. Understanding the types of products and investments that may be available can help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings.

Fixed Annuities

Fixed annuities are insurance contracts that provide guaranteed interest-crediting features and may offer predictable retirement income options. Guarantees are subject to contract terms and the issuing insurance company's claims-paying ability.

Fixed Indexed Annuities

Fixed indexed annuities are insurance contracts that offer interest-crediting potential linked to an external market index without directly investing in that index. Credited interest may be limited by caps, participation rates, spreads, and other contract provisions.

Other 403(b) Investment Choices

Some employer-sponsored 403(b) plans also offer mutual funds or other securities-based choices. These investments involve market risk and may fluctuate in value. Availability depends on the employer's plan and approved providers.

What Should You Consider?

Before choosing a retirement savings option, consider your retirement timeline, financial goals, comfort with risk, product fees, withdrawal restrictions, available guarantees, and the choices permitted by your employer's 403(b) plan. Annuity contracts may include surrender charges and other limitations.

Educational Information & Licensing Disclosure: The information presented is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Insurance products and services are provided by Tracey Garnett, a licensed insurance professional, in accordance with applicable licensing requirements and carrier appointments. Securities products, including mutual funds and variable annuities, are not offered. Product availability is subject to employer plan provisions, approved providers, and applicable requirements. All insurance guarantees are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract and the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
Plan With Confidence

Common 403(b) Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding common retirement planning oversights can help educators make more informed decisions about their financial future.

01

Waiting Too Long to Start

Delaying retirement contributions can mean missing valuable years of potential growth. Even modest contributions may make a meaningful difference over time.

02

Not Understanding Your Options

Traditional and Roth 403(b) contributions have different tax treatments. Understanding those differences can help you evaluate which approach may align with your goals.

03

Overlooking Fees and Restrictions

Fees, surrender charges, withdrawal limitations, and contract provisions can affect your retirement savings. Review the details before making a decision.

04

Assuming TRS Will Cover Everything

A pension may provide an important source of retirement income, but individual expenses and financial needs can vary. Additional savings may help support retirement goals.

05

Not Reviewing Your Contributions

Changes in income, household expenses, and retirement timelines may affect your savings goals. Periodically reviewing your contribution amount can be helpful.

06

Forgetting to Review Beneficiaries

Life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child may affect beneficiary preferences. Review your designations and keep them current.

Small Decisions Today Can Shape Tomorrow

Retirement preparation is an ongoing process. Learning how your 403(b) works, reviewing your options, and asking informed questions can help you approach your future with greater confidence.

Your Retirement Journey

Your Retirement Deserves a Plan

Whether you're just beginning to save or approaching retirement, understanding your options is an important first step. Let's discuss your retirement goals, answer your questions, and explore insurance-based retirement solutions that may be available through your employer's plan.

Schedule Your Retirement Consultation

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Employee Benefits That Go Beyond the Basics

A strong employee benefits package can provide valuable financial protection and peace of mind for employees and their families.

I help businesses and their employees explore voluntary benefit solutions, including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and other supplemental insurance options designed to provide additional financial protection when unexpected events occur.

Whether you’re an employer looking to enhance your benefits package or an employee exploring additional coverage, I’m here to provide personalized guidance and help you find options that align with your needs and budget.

Retirement Planning for a More Confident Future

Retirement isn’t just about saving money—it’s about preparing for financial security and dependable income throughout your retirement years.

I help individuals and families explore retirement solutions designed to grow their savings, protect their assets, and create income for the future.

Whether you’re just starting to save, approaching retirement, or reviewing your existing accounts, I’m here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your goals, timeline, and financial needs, with specialized support for educators and working professionals.

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I help individuals and families explore supplemental health insurance options designed to provide additional financial protection when unexpected illnesses, injuries, or hospital stays occur.

Whether you’re looking for accident coverage, critical illness protection, or hospital indemnity insurance, I’m here to help you understand your options and find coverage that complements your existing health insurance, needs, and budget.

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Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your existing coverage, I’m here to provide personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Life Insurance That Protects What Matters Most

Life insurance is more than just a policy—it’s a way to help protect yourself and the people who matter most.

I help individuals and families explore life insurance solutions designed to provide financial protection and peace of mind. Certain policies also offer living benefits, which may allow you to access a portion of your death benefit while you’re still living if you experience a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness.

Whether you’re looking to replace lost income, cover final expenses, or strengthen your family’s financial future, I’m here to help you find coverage options that align with your needs, goals, and budget.