Can You Apply For The 403b Retirement Plan?

By Jessica Haug

The option of the 403b retirement scheme is a great way of saving for when you finish working. It is a plan that has been created specifically for employees of educational institutions, non-profit businesses and clergymen. There are a number of options available on this plan and it has advantages for both the employee as well as the employer.

Firstly, the employer can take advantage of sharing the cost of the contributions with the employee. In some cases the employee is the only one who can make contributions into the retirement account. Happy workers who benefit greatly from a 403b retirement plan also means that the company is going to be able to keep them from moving to another job.

Employees that have this plan will also benefit from a range of advantages. The main benefit is that they can enjoy a reduction in taxable income as pre-tax contributions are made. They can also benefit from tax deferred earnings on plan contributions. There is also the option of being able to take out a loan or a "hardship withdrawal" on the 403b retirement plan. If withdrawals are made when employees have reached the specified adult retirement age, then they are less likely to pay so much tax on any assets.

The list of vendors should be obtained from the employer who can stipulate which financial institutions an employee may use. If an employee wants to use a certain investment company they can ask their employer to add it to the list of vendors.

Contributions to the 403b retirement plan can be stopped at any time and the amount being paid in can be changed too. Employers may limit the amount of times you can change the contribution value and it is best to check any restrictions before you start the plan.

When you take out a 403b plan, as well as your contributions you will have to pay investment company fees and administration fees. Investment fees can vary and will be specified by the investment company. The amount you pay is calculated on the whole amount you have in the account. For example if you have $100 in your account and the investment fee is 3%, you will be charged $3.

The 403b retirement scheme was brought in to help employees of the job types mentioned previously. Whilst many of the employees receive a pension, it is normally much lower than the salary that they earn. By having a 403b plan the provision of additional income when the adult retirement age is reached can be maintained.

If you are interested in learning ore about the 403b retirement plan or any of its options, there is an abundance of advice available online. If you prefer you can also speak to a finance professional who can run through the options with you. - 32535

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