Build Around What Matters to You
How a 403(b) Can Strengthen Your Retirement Strategy
A 403(b) can help you build personal savings during your career, adjust as life changes, and create more choices for how you use retirement income.
A More Adaptable Retirement Resource
Build It. Adjust It. Use It.
Your retirement system calculates your pension benefit under its plan formula. A 403(b) gives you a personal resource that can be built and reviewed throughout your career.
Build
Build Personal Savings Over Time
Automatic payroll contributions can help turn retirement saving into a consistent habit. The account is personally accumulated and can continue building throughout your career.
- Begin with an amount that fits your budget
- Revisit contributions as your income changes
- Give your savings more time to accumulate
Adjust
Adapt as Your Life and Career Change
Your contribution decisions can be reviewed as your circumstances, priorities, and employer plan change.
- Reconsider your contribution amount
- Review Traditional or Roth options, if available
- Update beneficiaries and account elections
- Reevaluate fees and available choices
Use
Create More Choices for Retirement
Your pension may provide recurring retirement income. Personal savings can give you another resource to consider when planning for expenses, income needs, and financial flexibility.
- Coordinate pension income and personal savings
- Prepare for planned or unexpected expenses
- Consider how and when retirement income may be needed
Investment results, account values, taxes, fees, distribution options, and plan features vary. Growth and income are not guaranteed.
Your Strategy Can Evolve
Different Career Stages. Different Priorities.
A decision that fits at the beginning of your career may need to be reconsidered as your income, family, and retirement timeline change.
Early Career
Establish the Habit
- Begin with a manageable contribution
- Learn what your employer’s plan offers
- Review available investment or contract choices
“What amount can I contribute consistently today?”
Mid-Career
Build and Review
- Revisit contribution levels
- Review fees, beneficiaries, and available choices
- Coordinate your savings progress with your pension timeline
“Could I increase my contribution as my income grows?”
Approaching Retirement
Coordinate the Pieces
- Review potential retirement-income needs
- Understand distribution and tax considerations
- Consider how your pension and 403(b) may work together
“How could my pension and 403(b) support different retirement needs?”
When Life Changes
Your Retirement Strategy May Need Another Look
Certain events can be useful reminders to review whether your current contribution choices, beneficiaries, and retirement priorities still reflect your life.
A Salary Increase
Could part of the increase strengthen your retirement savings?
Changing School Districts
What happens to your existing account and future contributions?
Marriage or Divorce
Do your beneficiaries and retirement priorities need attention?
A New Child or Dependent
Does your contribution level still fit your household budget?
A Major Expense
How should today’s financial needs affect your long-term strategy?
Approaching Retirement
How might your pension, 403(b), taxes, and anticipated expenses work together?
Questions Worth Exploring
What Should Your 403(b) Be Doing for You?
The answer depends on your career stage, employer plan, pension, retirement timeline, and personal priorities.
Am I contributing an amount that fits my current budget and goals?
Should I review Traditional and Roth choices available through my plan?
Do I understand my plan’s fees and available options?
How might my 403(b) work alongside my pension?
These are personal questions. A focused conversation can help you identify which ones deserve your attention.
Continue the Conversation
Talk Through Your Retirement Strategy
Bring your questions about your career stage, employer plan, pension, retirement timeline, and personal goals to an educational conversation.
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