The Retirement Benefits Group (RBG) is a division within Equitable Advisors that focuses on delivering full-service Financial Planning to employees in Public Schools and 501(c)3 organizations.  With a national presence of nearly 1,000 dedicated and licensed Financial Professionals, the RBG maintains a strict and dedicated approach towards providing employees with the 403(b) retirement plan.  Our clients are our most important asset, and we endeavor to provide them with exemplary and personal one-on-one service each and every day.

What is a 403(b) plan?

A 403(b) plan, also known as a Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA), is a retirement benefit for employees of public schools and tax-exempt organizations.  You can think of this as a non-profit employee's version of a 401(k) plan.

Why should I consider a 403(b) plan?

You should consider this benefit to create an additional "bucket" of money for your retirement years.  Too often, most people will be entirely reliant on things like Social Security or their State Retirement Plan.  These are income sources in which you are a "participant" where you have no control over how much you must contribute, how the money is invested, and how you will receive your distribution.  With a 403(b) plan, you are the "owner."  Here, you make the call on how much you would like to contribute and how you would like to access the account down the line.

What are the benefits?

There are 3 major reasons why most people will invest in a 403(b) plan:

1) This benefit will function as a Retirement Supplement.  Instead of being entirely dependent on your State Retirement and/or Social Security, you can create an additional bucket of income for your later years. 

2) Your contributions are payroll-deducted and enable you to set up a Disciplined Savings Account.  If you're like most people, whatever you take home as income generally goes right out the door to pay for bills, expenses, and lifestyle.  A 403(b) creates a forced savings plan where you "pay yourself first."  The two biggest regrets that we hear from our retirees are, "I wish I had started saving earlier," and "I wish I had put away more."

3) Your contributions are made on a Pre-Tax basis.  In other words, what you contribute is not necessarily what you feel missing from each paycheck.  For instance, if your budget allows you to miss $300, then you can actually invest $400 every two weeks.  What a great way to jumpstart your retirement savings!*

How can I enroll?

We at Equitable pride ourselves on a one-on-one approach to engaging with our clientele.  We believe that each individual has a unique situation which deserves special consideration before setting up a 403(b) account.  Therefore, every individual who enrolls in a 403(b) plan with one of our associates will receive the personalized attention that they deserve.  We are happy to meet with you either at your place of work, in our office, or as a guest in the sanctity of your home. 

*Figures are based upon a hypothetical tax bracket of 25%.  Your actual tax bracket may vary from this example.  Please contact a tax professional for actual figures.