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One of the most significant improvements on 403(b) plans is the requirement that employee/participants have several choices on where to invest their individual accounts. The downside is that many people don’t feel qualified to evaluate the merits of their investment options and need professional guidance. Districts would be well served to offer the services of expert, trustworthy advisors. Meanwhile, here are some important considerations for assessing retirement plan options:

Think Conservative The old rule of thumb was that the closer you were to retirement age, the more  

Important First Steps for School Districts

• Review current policies, contracts and management procedures for 403(b)s and other benefit programs

• Develop a list of all current benefit providers that details benefits, offered, fees charged and services provided

• Review compliance practices as they relate to the new 403(b) requirements

New York State enacted new rules for hiring retired public employees, reporting attorney information and granting waivers. Public employers, including school districts, should become familiar with the new requirements and carefully review them before hiring retirees.

NEW REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

It is not only students who have much to learn this year. With all of the changes taking place in the world of 403bs, teachers and administrators are going to have to also be very diligent in keeping up with their studies.  With all of the plans and protocols in a state of flux, it has never been more important for you to understand your options as well as have the right tools to evaluate your options.

403(b) UPDATE: The IRS recently announced that they had come up with a prototype of a 403(b) plan that will make it easier for plan administrators to comply with the IRS regulations governing these retirement plans. The prototype is intended to assure employers who adopt it that they will be in compliance with the  

Changes in 403 (b) regulations provide employer’s with unique opportunities to offer an improved benefit package to employees, increase program management effectiveness, and streamline costs. Through economies of scale, the new 403 (b) regulations will allow employers to actually offer more for less.

We’ve all heard the joke that the stock market has dropped so much in value, 403Bs are now called 203Bs. Unfortunately, it’s no laughing matter and the question on everyone’s mind is, what to do?

I’m happy to tell you that in spite of the economic gloom and doom, there is some great news to report. Effective January 1, 2009, and for the first time in forty years, there are new mandated regulations and reforms that will both greatly expand your investment choices and allow you the flexibility to customize your portfolio with an enticing range of asset allocations.