Teach and Retire Rich: Recent Episodes
Daniel Otter
Teacher Daniel Otter, Ph.D. and Certified Financial Planner Scott Dauenhauer discuss teacher retirement savings issues sometimes over a couple of micro beers. Never too serious, Dan and Scott strive to make learning about pensions, the 403(b), the 457(b), and investing, fun and understandable.
A Riverside, California teacher was interested in learning about a 403(b). He met with a NLG sales agent via Zoom. Suddenly forms were filled out and electronically signed.
- Video of episode
- Riverside Unified School District Vendor List
- 403bwise/457bwiser Facebook Group
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We all like individualism but individual 403(b) contracts make it difficult for school districts to reform their 403(b) plan. There is a solution.
- Recipe for Going Single Vendor (Learned by Being Burned Episode 5)
- Individual Plans vs Group Contracts Explainer
- 403bwise/457bwiser Facebook Group
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
With vendors like Equitable and National Life Group, what could go wrong?
- Watch video version
- ASBO "Model" 403(b) Plan
- Choice Still Matters — Bringing Clarity to the Modern 403(b) Landscape
- 403bwise/457bwiser Facebook Group
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott tackles July Facebook Group questions. Topics include rolling over a 403(b) when leaving a job; Moving from Equitable to Aspire; Roth IRA vs. Roth 403(b); Performing a 403(b) exchange to a CalSTRS P2 403(b); and What to do with a 403(b) upon retirement.
- Watch video version
- Barb O'Neill columns
- How to Use Aspire Non-Advisor Option
- 403bwise/457bwiser Facebook Group
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
A $300,000 political donation by Security Benefit was the subject of a recent Bloomberg News investigation. We discuss.
- Source article: Billionaire Boehly's Allies Donated Heavily to Kansas Insurance Regulator
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Teacher and Baltimore Teachers Union member Nathan Ferrell walks us through how the stakeholders got it done. He also offers tips on how your district can do the same.
- Baltimore City Public School's Green-rated 403(b)/457(b) Plan
- How 403bwise Grades a Plan
- District Update to Staff About New Plan
- Bolton USA
- nferrell@baltu.org
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan and Scott share a model anti solicitation policy that school districts could use to ban sales agents from campuses.
- Downloadable Model Anti Sales Agent Solicitation Policy
- Podcast: California Tries to Ban 403(b) Sales Agents From Campuses
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
High school science teacher and Buffalo Bills fan helps his colleagues get wise to saving for retirement.
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
New Jersey high school business and personal finance teacher and super 403(b)/457(b) advocate, Chris Nye, moves from high school to elementary school.
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott is back at it answering your questions which include:
- Withdrawing money from a Roth 403(b)
- Keep money in 403(b) at retirement or rollover, and if so to which company?
- Is the Equitable EQUI-VEST Strategies Series 901 "as bad" as the 201 Series?
-
Purchasing out-of-state pension credit: Do it now or wait?
-
457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan and Scott discuss the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) letter to the SEC regarding collective investment trusts (CITs) in 403(b) plans. They also discuss Vanguard's position.
- Advice Only Network
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Bay area high school history teacher and financial educator, Matt Raleigh, is back to talk about an upcoming fin lit for teachers webinar that his union is sponsoring.
- San Ramon Valley Unified 403(b)/457(b) Vendor List
- University of the Pacific class
- Matt's Book for California Teachers
- Article: Spend Half Save Half
- Matt's first pod appearance
- Matt's second pod appearance
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
CEO Eric Simonson discusses the Advice-Only Network, a service that provides access to advice-only fiduciary financial planners from around the country.
- Advice Only Network
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We discuss the proposed bill, and speak with a teacher who advocated for its passage.
- Chico Unified School District 403(b)/457(b) Vendor List
- AB2197
- AB2197 Analysis
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott answers four saving for retirement questions commonly asked in the 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group. We check his answers with AI. Let's just say we wouldn't trust the robots yet.
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise & 457bwiser Facebook Group
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
University of Tennessee Agricultural and Resource Economics professor Karen DeLong talks growing up on a farm, getting financially wise, and sharing her knowledge with students and university athletes.
- Professor Karen DeLong
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott and Dan share their new resource and the reasoning behind it.
- 457bwiser.org
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott and Dan discuss the proposed AXA/Equitable and Corebridge merger and what it could mean for participants.
- Three ways the Corebridge/Equitable merger could shake up the annuity market
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
403(b) super advocates Steve Schullo, Karl Fisch, and Scott Dauenhauer have been driving electric vehicles for years. They share their experiences and offer tips for those considering EVs.
- Karl's EV data
- Join Us on April 5, 2026 for a Special Announcement. Info here
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We dig into how to move money to a better employer vendor. In the 403(b) world this is called an "exchange." In the 457(b) world this is called a "transfer."
How to intiate an exchange/transfer from one employer vendor to another
- Determine compliance administrator
- Determine if exchanges/transfers are permitted (almost always are)
- Determine what new vendors are available (see 403bwise rating system)
- Contact current vendor and ask for paperwork for an "exchange-out" "or "transfer out"
- Open account with new vendor
- Ask new vendor if exchange/transfer paperwork is needed
- Check if compliance administrator requires paperwork
-
Follow all instructions carefully. Exited vendor often unhelpful. Stay on top of process.
-
Support for exchange/transfer process: The 403bwise Facebook Group
- Join Us on April 5, 2026 for a Special Announcement. Info here
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Employers can contribute to a 457(b) but their additions count against the contribution limit. We discuss a workaround: adding a 401(a) plan, which surely Fonzie would give two thumbs up.
- What Are 401(a) Plans?
- Join Us on April 5, 2026 for a Special Announcement. Info here
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
With an assist from the Wealthy Custodian, a California fin lit teacher teaches and learns key fin lit concepts.
- Next Gen Personal Finance
- The Wealthy Custodian
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The Ohio 457(b) is superb. Why did the Ohio ASBO create a low-quality 457(b) to compete with the great Ohio state plan?
- Doh! ASBO (Substack write up with charts)
- The Excellent Ohio 457(b) Plan (pod)
- Pablo Torre Finds Out
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Technology teacher Daniel Picard describes how his small district explored starting a 403(b) but found the state-run MaineStart 457(b) a far superior choice.
- MaineStart 457(b)
- 403bwise MaineStart Grade
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Former teacher Danny Kofke and fiduciary Eric Hansen are principals in the Southern Education Retirement Consortium, an investment collective that serves the K-12 market. They discuss the consortium model which allows small to medium-size schools to band together to get favorable 403(b) pricing and services.
- Souther Education Retirement Consortium (SERC)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Section 125 plans are a great way to save money for health care, dependent care, dental care and disability insurance on a pre-tax basis. American Fidelity, which sells high-cost 403(b) products, runs many of these plans for school districts. In many cases educators must meet with an AF rep in order to get the pre-tax benefit. During these meetings AF sales reps try to sell a blizzard of services. We discuss what employees and employers should do.
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Many teachers are offered a subsidized Medicare plan from their school district when they retire. They are told this is a great benefit that they have contributed to their whole career. Sounds great, right? Most don't realize that what they are being offered is not traditional Medicare. It is a more restrictive form of healthcare called Medicare Advantage. They also don't realize that the choice they make at 65 can affect their healthcare options for the rest of their lives. As they get older and require more healthcare, they may not be able to switch to original Medicare.
We speak with a woman who describes the ordeal she went through to escape Medicare "Advantage."
- What I Learned Trying to Leave an Employer-Sponsored Medicare Advantage Plan
- Dirty Little Secrets of Medicare - YouTube video
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Jeremy Schneider, a founder of Nectarine, an innovative advice-only service that provides access to a fiduciary advisor on an hourly basis, explains what a "deadbox" is and why you might want one.
- Nectarine
- Personal Finance Club IG Account
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Ken Ford of Ford Wealth Management, who we first interviewed in 2015, shares why he is done with the K-12 403(b) market.
- Ford Wealth Management
- 2015 Pod with Ken
- The 7Twelve Portfolio
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We catch up with Jeremy Schneider, a founder of Nectarine, an innovative advice-only service that provides access to a fiduciary advisor on an hourly basis. He updates us on the growth and the new services being offered.
- Nectarine
- March 2024 Pod with Jeremy
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
What is it? How to use it to change contribution amount. We also talk new 2026 contribution limits.
- 403(b) Basics
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott and Dan share their financial resolutions and discuss their favorite book, movie and TV show from 2025. They also discuss the penny's lucrative goodbye.
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Teachers who collect a pension, Social Security, and draw income from a non-Roth retirement account may face an additional Medicare tax. Lucretia Ryan of Financial Freedom for Women breaks it all down.
- Why Am I Paying an Additional Medicare Tax?
- Financial Freedom for Women
- More Dirty Little Secrets of Medicare "Advantage" (YouTube)
- Dirty Little Secrets of Medicare "Advantage"
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
On the 25 year anniversary of the blog post that identified the 403(b) grinch we ask who today is to blame for the blight of the 403(b)?
- How the TPA Grinch Stole the 403(b)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Vanguard raises admin fees on 403(b) plans (again). CIT 403(b) legislation is back in the news. Equitable hits dubious milestone. New financial term.
- April 2025 Admin Fee Increase
- Et tu, Vanguard pod?
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Bay area math teacher and Instagrammer Bree Lee talks teaching and running her popular financial Instagram account Ritual Finance.
- Ritual Finance
- Instagram Bio
- 2023 Interview
- Free Retirement Guide
- Money Guide for CalSTRS Members
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The market is largely being driven by a handful of Artificial Intelligence-focused companies. Is it time to diversify?
- Should You Buy at All-Time Highs?
- Global Diversification Is Still Working
- University of Missouri Risk Tolerance Assessment
- Financial Visualization of Markets (finviz.com)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Age-50 contributions are changing in 2026. Here's what you need to know.
- Treasury, IRS Issue Final Regulations on New Roth Catch-Up Rule
- Catch-Up Contributions for Higher Earners in 457(b) Plans: What You Need to Know (Kiplingers)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Lucretia Ryan of Financial Freedom for Women shares the tricks and traps of Medicare "Advantage" in this recorded 403bwise Event.
- Financial Freedom for Women
- Presentation Slides
- Video of Presentation
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Baltimore City Public Schools is going single vendor. Third-party administrator Omni-TSACG who oversees the current plan that features numerous red-rated vendors is sad.
- Current Baltimore City Public Schools vendor list
- Omni-TSACG letter
- Scott's Rebuttal to Omni-TSACG letter
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Tricks and Treats: Vanguard in a little hot water; Florida doing the right thing; NEA Member Benefits targeted; Equitable doing Equitable things.
- Vanguard Conflicted
- Florida Putting State 457(b) Out to Bid
- Congress Investigating NEA Member Benefits
- Equitable Doing Equitable Things
- Joey Running Tribute
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan's wife, Amanda, had more than $50,000 withheld from her 401(k) plan. This wasn't money that was a match. It was her money. She was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal story on 401(k) theft. Scott and Dan discuss the story.
- Her 401(k) Contributions Vanished—and Her Company Had No Answers (WSJ)
- Search 401(k) Form 5500 Filing
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Barb O'Neill, CFP®, AFC®, walks us through 403(b) withdrawal strategies in retirement.
- Transitioning From 403(b) Saver to Post-Career Spender (blog post w/resources)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We had a blast speaking with North Carolina educator/retirement plan advocate, Daniel Noles. Not only is he helping colleagues get wise to saving for retirement, he makes his own kids listen to our pod. But don't hold that against him! As he closes in on retirement he’s considering a second act as a financial advisor.
- Gaston County Schools - D plan but excellent 457(b) option
- Educator Turned Advisor Mary Ann Sullivan
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Jeff Santoro is an educator from New Jersey and Jason Hall is a financial writer and analyst. Together they host the Investing Unscripted podcast. We talk about getting wise to saving, music, and even engage in a little stock picking.
- Investing Unscripted
- West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We share our recollections of, and interactions with, the former Wall Street Journal columnist, founder of HumbleDollar.com, and friend of 403bwise.
- No Regrets
- Farewell Friends
- Thank You, Jonathan
- Podcast with Jonathan
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Our guest, Danny Kofke, is a jack-of-many-trades: elementary school teacher for 18 years, author of 6 books including Where to Spend. Where to Save. A Teachers Guide to Managing Your Finances, and Director of Training and Outreach for the Southern Education Retirement Consortium.
- Danny Kofke
- Where to Spend, Where to Save: A Teacher’s Guide to Managing Your Finances
- Southern Education Retirement Consortium
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Student loan guru and former teacher, David Gurley, who we have dubbed the "Loan Ranger," returns to update us on the ever-changing world of student loans.
- K-12 Planning
- studentaid.gov
- Student Loan Planner
- Student loan repayment plans have shifted — and more changes are ahead. Here’s what borrowers need to know (CNBC)
- Student Loans Are About to Look Very Different (NY Times)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The managing director for Morningstar Research Services and the author of the Substack column Basis Pointing, Jeff Ptak, talks saving and investing.
- It's So Simple
- Substack: Basis Pointing
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has a lot of pieces, some of which affect educators. Barbara O'Neill gives us the 411 on this legislation.
- An OBBBA Summary for 403(b) Plan Participants
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Lucretia Ryan of FinancialFreedomforWomen.org walks you through the questions to ask to determine when to take Social Security. This is a recording of a 403bwise.org Event that occurred on August 19, 2025.
- FinancialFreedomforWomen.org
- Presentation Slides
- Most Americans Claim Social Security at the Wrong Time
- Podcast: Dirty Little Secrets of Medicare “Advantage”
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Nick Maggiulli, Chief Operating Officer for Ritholz Wealth Management, discusses his blog Of Dollars And Data and his new book The Wealth Ladder: Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Financial Life.
- The Wealth Ladder
- Of Dollars And Data
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Long-time educator, basketball coach, and personal finance instructor, Julius Prezelski, discusses teaching, coaching and his recent retirement.
- Long Time Basketball Coach Fin Lit Educator Retires
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan and Scott drop hint about new project they are working on. They also talk about their recent vacations, and the importance of choosing the right teaching location.
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
More than 20 years ago legislation (AB2506) was proposed to allow California school districts who wanted to reform their 403(b) plan to be able to reform their 403(b) plan. The industry hated the proposal. It threatened their multi-vendor, high-cost, agent-driven model. We speak with former TIAA-CREF Regional Manager, Dick Shafer, whose company spearheaded the effort to fix the broken California K-12 403(b) plan.
- California Dreaming (of better 403(b) plans)
- Dick Shafer
- Green Light for Single Vendor 403(b) Plans in California
- 403bcompare.com
- 403bwise Facebook Group
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: How to start a 403(b) (pod)
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: Asset Allocation (pod)
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Equitable fires agent who threatened teacher. Delaware has an excellent low-cost, state-run 403(b) plan. We discuss.
- Equitable Agent Threatens Teacher (blog)
- Equitable Agent Threatens Educator (pod)
- Truth About SIOs (pod)
- 403bwise Facebook Group
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: How to start a 403(b) (pod)
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: Asset Allocation (pod)
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
In episode three of our new pod series: 403(b) & 457(b) Basics, Scott and Dan explain how to get exit a bad 403(b). It's often difficult but very possible.
- Stuck in a Bad 403(b)?
- How to Get Out of Equitable/AXA
- Bad 403(b) Vendors w/Good Choices
- 403bwise Facebook Group
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: How to start a 403(b) (pod)
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: Asset Allocation (pod)
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We check in with Jeff York on how retirement’s going and discuss his attempts to hire an estate fiduciary who would act as the trustee of his estate.
- The Wealthy Custodian (pod)
- The Wealthy Custodian in Retirement (pod)
- Questions to Ask a Professional Fiduciary
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
No doubt that summer is a great time to relax. It can also be a good time to make sure your financial house is in order. Dan & Scott discuss wise money moves, and Dan talks about taking out his first ever car lease.
- State of Student Loans? Chaos (pod)
- The Importance of Asset Allocation
- Tripit
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Plan consultant Barbara Healy, CFP® and her colleague Jackie Fabitore-Matheny, had the solution to what woes the K-12 403(b) more than 25 years ago. Imagine if districts had listened? We talk with Barbara about what could have been (and what might still be).
- Barbara Healy
- EGTRRA
- Industry Lobbyist Brian Graff Describes How Many Vendors His Retirement Plan Has (1:03 mark)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Student loan expert and financial planner David Gourley updates Dan and Scott on the volatile state of student loans (particularly PSLF loans) right now.
- K-12 Planning
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Tennessee passes an anti-pubic employee law that will subject teachers and others to private company financial sales pitches. We break it down into three parts: 1) What it is 2) What we dislike about it 3) What teachers and state employees should do.
- Tennessee Throws Teachers to the Wolves (Blog Post)
- Tennessee Legislators Illegally Voting with Sticks (John Oliver)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The Los Angeles Unified School District created its own 457(b) plan, and it’s excellent. It has won not one, but two awards. We speak with two members of the LAUSD Retirement Investment Advisory Committee who were and are instrumental to its success.
- LAUSD 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan Fund Lineup
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Who better to make sense of the tariff situation than one of our favorite guests, Cullen Roche, economist, and founder and chief investment officer of the Discipline Funds, a low-fee advisory firm.
- An Autopsy of American Exceptionalism
- Three Things - China Deal
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott finds out just how much commission Equitable salespeople get for selling EQUI-VEST products. No wonder they fight reform so hard. No wonder they love to initiate exchanges.
- The Price of Enrollment
- Podcast on SIOs
- Plan Fee Disclosure Form for University of Jamestown
- Equitable Plan Fee Disclosure Brochure
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Who better than best-selling author Morgan Housel to help put April's market volatility in perspective? Well we couldn't get Morgan on the pod but we have the next best thing: Morgan Houselisms! Enjoy.
- 9 Charts on Trump’s First 100 Days in the Markets
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Retired Los Angeles Unified School District teacher, principal and district administrator, Mary Ann Sullivan, is now officially a CFP®! Not only that, she is opening an advice-only, fee-only firm.
Note: Mary Ann meant to say that the number of experience hours needed for a CFP® is 4,000 for apprenticeship and 6,000 for standard pathway (not the 2,000 and 4,000 hours respectively that she mentioned in interview).
- 395 Financial Planning
- Retired Teacher Pays It Forward (Maggie Mason/Santa Barbara)
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series about K-12 403(b) issues)
- 403bwise.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
In episode two of our new pod series: 403(b) & 457(b) Basics Scott and Dan look at asset allocation. They describe what it is, why it's important and they go over several strategies for allocating a 403(b) and a 457(b).
- Importance of Asset Allocation by Barb O'Neill
- The Price of Peace: Why diversification is difficult, but necessary by Nick Maggiulli
- Risk Tolerance Assessment
- Cullen Roche Discipline Funds
- 403(b) & 457(b) Basics: How to start a 403(b) (pod)
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Barbara O’Neill, PhD, CFP, AFC, owner/CEO of Money Talk: Financial Planning Seminars and Publications, and a monthly columnist for 403bwise talks spring cleaning your personal finances.
Spring cleaning is more than deep cleaning and decluttering. It is a great time to neaten up your finances.
- Spring Cleaning Your 403(b) and Personal Finances
- The Truth About So-Called "No Fee" Products
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nicole and Larry Dubill, two Buffalo, NY area educators, share passion for education, music, and 403(b) advocacy.
- Cleveland Hill School District 403(b/457(b) Vendor List
- Hamburg Central School District 403(b)/457(b) Vendor List
- The Truth About So-Called "No Fee" Products
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Teacher who sought to educate colleagues about the 403(b) gets threatening email from Equitable. We read and discuss correspondence.
- Read the letter
- The Truth about Structured Investing Options (SIOs)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Erin Witte, Director of Consumer Protection for the Consumer Federation of America, discusses the work she does protecting consumers in the face of a very anti-consumer climate.
- Erin Witte
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Anonymous attendees dish on remarks made at a recent conference by leaders of lobbying group working to keep broken multi-vendor, sales agent-driven K-12 403(b) market in place.
- Audio + Transcript of Brian Graff LAUSD Appearance
- Video of Brian Graff LAUSD Appearance
- NTSA Puts the Tax in the K-12 403(b)
- Vanguard
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We debut a new pod series: Basics of the 403(b) & 457(b). In this series, which will eventually get its own channel, we will go over the basics of how these plans work, and how they can be used to save wisely for retirement. First off: How to Start a 403(b).
- 403(b) Basics
- CalSTRS Pension 2 Enrollment
- Fidelity Enrollment (need an Employer Plan number)
- Vanguard
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Teacher gets phishy email from Equitable salesperson. Does it violate FINRA section 2210(d)(1)(A) and (B)?
- Equitable to Pay $50 Million Penalty
- What's That Phishy Smell in Your Inbox?
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Lucretia Ryan, financial writer, educator, philanthropist and founder of FinancialFreedomforWomen.org., discusses the options for getting health insurance before age 65. Dan discusses his sudden need for a new healthcare policy.
- Retiring Before 65: How to Avoid Health Insurance Nightmares
- Choose the Best Medicare Plan
- Congressional District Interactive Map: How Much Will ACA Premium Payments Rise if Enhanced Subsidies Expire?
- Financial Freedom for Women
- Dirty Little Secrets of Medicare "Advantage"
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We catch up with New Jersey high school business and personal finance teacher Chris Nye, one of the best 403(b) advocates in the country. He talks teaching personal finance, how teachers may have an excellent 403(b) choice already available and don't know it, and pension drama in New Jersey.
- Fight for Better (our first pod with Chris)
- Adding a 457(b) is As Easy As 1-2-3 (Chris's second appearance)
- Bad 403(b) Vendors with Good Choices
- Using Aspire Non Advisor Option
- Become a New Jersey Pension Advocate
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott and Dan look at the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) which brought a fiduciary standard to most retirement plans. The act went into effect in 1974 but is beginning to show its age.
- How a 50-year-old law changed retirement and why it needs a facelift
- Dawn of ERISA
- Man with a Better Plan - We almost had a simpler retirement system
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC® and Scott Dauenhauer CFP® break down the recently passed Social Security Fairness Act and what it means for some educators. They cover why the WEP and GPO were first put in place and what it's repeal means for:
- Those currently collecting Social Security benefits
- Those new eligible to collect Social Security benefits
- Those lacking enough credits to qualify for Social Security benefits
At the conclusion of the recording of this episode Scott got a call from a family member who he had helped apply for this new benefit who shared the good news that she had just received a Social Security check for more than $9,000.
- The Social Security Fairness Act: A Holiday Season Miracle
- Social Security Administration Social Security Fairness Act
- 403(b) Plans and Social Security
- Guardians of SS FBG
- WEP Chart note: Link mentioned in pod mysteriously stopped working the day after recording. A web search for new link is recommended.
- Opinion: Social Security Fairness Act will be tricky to implement
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Retired educator is prolific writer of state specific retirement guides for teachers (40 and counting); he's running for a seat on the Colorado PERA Board of Trustees; and he writes engaging and educational retirement planning material that he makes available for free. We discuss all of this and more.
- Fisch Financial
- Karl's State Specific Retirement Guides for Educators
- LA Wildfire Relief
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We discuss Vanguard's settlement with the SEC over issues with target date funds held in taxable accounts.
- Vanguard to Pay More than $100 Million Over Target Date Violations
- US Inflation Calculator
- 403bwise Vendor Grades
- LA Wildfire Relief
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Individual barred from acting as a broker goes all in on Florida K-12 market is another example of how broken the K-12 403(b) remains.
- FINRA Broker Check
- LA Wildfire Relief
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Our guest today, Aaron Standish, is the former Financial Literacy Coordinator (K-12) for the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida who recently joined Next Gen Personal Finance as their Partnership & Adoption Manager for the Southeastern part of the country.
- ngpf.org
- NGPF On-Demand Modules
- The Most Important Class You Never Had
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC®, and owner of Money Talk and a regular contributor to 403bwise looks back at key money issues in 2024 and ahead to 2025.
- 2024 Personal Finance Recap for 403(b) Participants
- Million Dollar 403(b) Mistake
- Morgan Housel books & podcasts
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Former Baltimore teacher-turned fiduciary advisor Justin Garritt discuss the top teacher financial mistakes of 2024 that he sees in his practice.
- Garritt Financial Solutions
- Baltimore Banner 403(b) Story
- Jeff Venables
- The Student Loan Planner
- The FIT Position: A Framework for Financial Success
- Morgan Housel books & podcasts
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Mai Nguyen, director of the Department of Social and Emotional Wellness Supports for Buffalo Public Schools, talks supporting the whole child and teacher. She also discusses the 403(b)/457(b) event she held that attracted close to 300 educators.
- Buffalo Public Schools Department of Social, Emotional, and Wellness Supports
- Buffalo City Schools 403(b)/457(b) Plan
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
More like: Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. We review Equitable's new Equi-vest Series 202 403(b) product. Note: We talk Buffalo Bills football and Oregon Duck football for the first six minutes and 25 seconds.
- Equi-vest Series 202
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dr. Jeff Venables is a veteran South Carolina Chemistry teacher whose advocacy led his district to add Aspire, Fidelity and Vanguard to their 403(b) lineup. But he's not done there. He's now lobbying state legislators.
- Jeff's District
- TL; DR Finanical Literacy for Employees of South Carolina Public Schools
- Karl Fisch State Books for Educators
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan and Scott discuss their recent in-person speaking engagement in Florida which has left them a tad under-the-weather. They also discuss how to make the 457(b) even more superior to the 403(b). Finally, Dan hits Scott with a surprise topic. How does he react?
- Council for Great City Schools
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan and Scott discuss accessing 403(b) money at 59.5 while working and the new age 60 "super" catch up provision which will go into effect in 2025. Dan also talks about completing the mission he and three other friends started in 1990: to see a game in every NFL city.
- 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) Age 60 "Super" Catch-Up
- One Weird Trick to Fix Retirement Plans a.k.a. "SECURE" Act 3.0
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Karla Kirkling, executive director of healthcare and benefits at Chicago Public Schools shares how she used data, facts, and common sense to create one of the best single-vendor K-12 403(b) in the country. It is plan that will save employees tens of thousands of dollars in fees over the lifetime of their careers.
- City of Chicago 403(b)/457(b) Plan
- 403bwise Grade of City of Chicago Plan
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Cullen Roche is an economist, author, father and Founder and Chief Investment Officer of the Discipline Funds, a low-fee advisory firm.
- Jan Hatzius
- FRED Economic Data (St. Louis Fed)State 457(b) Plan Rating Project
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Every state runs a generally excellent 457(b) plan that firefighters, police, and other state employees contribute to. These plans often have large assets under management which leads to extremely low-cost investing options. Many states permit educators to contribute to these plans. Unfortunately not all do. We discuss our new tool that allows users to search state 457(b) plans for eligibility, plan costs, availablitly of low-cost index funds and other metrics.
- State 457(b) Plan Rating Project
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Audio recording of our September 25, 2024 event with Lucretia Ryan about the dangers of choosing Medicare Advantage. It is recommended that you click link (below) to visual accompanying Lucretia's presentation before listening to audio.
- Visual Resource to Accompany Lucretia's Presentation
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Little known role — Compliance Administrator — can have massive effect on 403(b)/457(b) quality. Many school districts are being misserved and they don't even know it. Dan also shares a private jet story.
- Are Educator Retirement Plans Getting Hijacked by Compliance Administrators?
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Former custodian Jeff York talks retirement and the joy it has brought him. He also talks finances — including a bold approach to homeowners insurance — and a little fishing.
- 2019 Podcast with Jeff
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Jesse Cramer went from designing satellite telescopes to financial planning. The host of The Best Interest Podcast talks career transition, Rochester, N.Y., and financial planning.
- Best Interest Podcast
- Best Interest Blog
- How Much Life Insurance Do You Need
- Equitable SEC Settlement
- Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement
Pennsylvania advisor Gibson McCracken talks about his time at Equitable and how he's serving educators now.
- Flick Financial
- The Teacher Tribune
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott and Dan have a heart-to-heart about new 403bwise.org tools to help pre-service teachers get wise to the 403(b) and teacher retirement plans.
- On-Demand Learning Module for Pre-Service Teachers
- YouTube video for Pre-Service Teachers
- Blog Post: Inoculating Pre-Service Teachers From 403(b) Sales Sharks
- Equitable SEC Settlement
- Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Award-winning meteorologist and fin lit fan Greg Dee of ABC Action News in Tampa, FL talks investing, forecasting, and a day in the life of a weatherman.
- Greg Dee, ABC Action News Tampa, FL
- Award for Broadcast Meteorology (for life saving work)
- Equitable SEC Settlement
- Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The law firm of Dicello Levitt LLP filed a class action lawsuit against Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company. They allege that Equitable charged investors significant undisclosed fees on their EQUI-VEST variable annuities.
- Case Summary
- Contact Law Firm
- Equitable SEC Settlement
- Our Pod on the SEC/Equitable Settlement
- Bills Fan Wins Fanatics Fest Costume Contest and Tickets to Every Major Domestic Sports Championship
- Our Pod with Bills fan Sarah Petersen
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Part two of our inteview with Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix of the How to Money website and podcast.
- How to Money
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Popular podcast hosts and best friends Joel Larsgaard and Matt Altmix of the How to Money website and podcast, talk friendship, podcasting, and money (pt. 1).
- How to Money
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
On more than one occasion we have heard red-rated vendors declare that fixed insurance products are now subject to a best interest standard for 403(b) sales in most states. This is false.
- Comparing CFP Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct to The NAIC’s Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation #275
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dan and Scott discusses Dan's medical scare and market volatility.
- From Soft Landing to Emergency Landing? by Cullen Roche
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dan shares some of his financial mistakes. He also takes a quick trip down his journalism career memory lane.
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Episode 1 of the 5-part series Learned by Being Burned the short pod series where teachers share how they were sold high-cost annuity products, the barriers they face to getting better, lower-cost investment choices, and the growing advocacy movement working to fix the K-12 403(b).
Note: This episode previously ran two years ago. We thought our growing audience would enjoy hearing this first episode. We will return with regular Teach and Retire Rich episodes next week. The entire series is available on all major podcast platforms.
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b). Episode transcripts also available via this link.
Scott and Dan get a little personal before talking about NTSA’s so-called Elite Advisor Awards.
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Greta Tinaglia, Deputy Chief Financial Officer at Fulton County Schools in Georgia, describes the process of moving their 403(b) plan to one low-cost vendor. The result? Less confusion, bureaucracy, and an 80% fee drop.
- Fulton County Public Schools 403(b) Plan
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The 403(b)ill of Rights is one of the first 403(b) blog posts Dan ever wrote. It first appeared around July 4, 2000. Over the years we have made incremental improvements to it. What follows is a refresh. The new Amendment 12 may be considered radical. Frankly, it's radical that it is even needed.
- 403(b)ill of Rights Refreshed
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
After a career at IBM, Lucretia Ryan founded Financial Freedom for Women, an organization whose goal is to help women gain financial independence. In addition to writing about financial issues, she puts on free retirement optimization workshops for women. After helping her late mother navigate healthcare in retirement, Lucretia warns about the dangers of Medicare Advantage.
- Financial Freedom for Women
- 9.25.24 Event: Medicare "Advantage" Dirty Little Secrets
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Teacher and podcast host Shaun Morgan talks saving for retirement.
- The Teacher Money Show
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We talk journalism, 403(b), and the personal finance beat with Anne Tergesen, reporter for The Wall Street Journal.
- Anne Tergesen
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Maggie Mason is a retired English teacher from Santa Barbara who put on a highly successfully free financial seminar to benefit her colleagues.
- Santa Barbara Education Foundation
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Illinois educator-turned state legislator Karina Villa — who was once sold an unsuitable, high-cost 403(b) — proposed a K-12 403(b) reform bill that would have ended front-end and back-end loads. It would have capped advisor fees and administration fees at 0.50% respectively, and it would have required vendors to offer low-cost index funds and low-cost target date funds. Of course, the bad actors in the industry hated it. And of course they flooded the zone with money, lobbyists, distortions, and outright lies.
Senator Villa discusses the legislative process, the pushback from high-cost vendors, lobbyists, and the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association, and how close the bill came to becoming law. She also shares what's next for 403(b) reform in Illinois.
- Senator Karina Villa
- SB2568
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Teachers-turned fiduciary advisors Emily Maretsky and Andrew Katz-Moses, CFP® share their journey from the classroom to full-time planners in this live 403bwise Event.
- Emily Maretsky Teacher Financial Planner
- Katz-Moses Financial
- The Externship (deadline May 24, 2024)
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott refutes National Tax-Deferred Savings Association research claim, among other things, that the multi-vendor environment leads to more enrollment than single vendor.
- Debunking the NTSA’s 2018 "Improving Retirement Savings for America's Public Educators" study
- NTSA "Study"
- 403bwise Zoom Event on May 21: Curious About Becoming a Fiduciary Advisor?
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We check in with fiduciary advisor Andrew Katz-Moses CFP® five years after the big move to full time advisor.
- Katz-Moses Financial
- 403bwise Zoom Event: Curious About Becoming a Fiduciary Advisor?
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Well that was quick. As is this pod. Something called — perversely, I might add — the Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice, Inc. (“FACC”) has filed a lawsuite to stop the new Fiduciary Rule even before it goes into effect on September 23, 2024.
- New DOL Fiduciary Rule Fact Sheet
- New Fiduciary Rule Not All Bad for K-12 403(b) Participants
- FACC
- Lawsuit Against Fiduciary Rule
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Does the new Fiduciary Rule have teeth? Does it apply to the 403(b)? We also discuss our May 21 event for those curious about becoming a fiduciary advisor.
- New DOL Fiduciary Rule Fact Sheet
- 403bwise Zoom Event: Curious About Becoming a Fiduciary Advisor?
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Former teacher and NGPF alum, Brian Page, shares his new endeavor designed to help couples have better conversations and make better decisions around money and the sharing of family responsibilities.
- Modern Husbands
- Brian Page Money Magazine Money Hero
- ngpf.org
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We address anti-union charges leveled at 403bwise.org
- Shark Attack
- NEA Valubilder Expose
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Rachel is a middle school math teacher from Western, NY. She paid off student loan debt in one year. At age 33 she has a Roth IRA, a 403(b), a 457(b) and a brokerage account. Oh, and she was born on 4.03b day — April 3rd.
- Instagram: @teachertomillionaire
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Dan and Scott talk discuss their keynote address to the Association of Teacher Educators.
- ATE
- 403bwise Enlists Teacher Educators in Fight to Fix K-12 403(b)
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
To celebrate hitting 15,000 Facebook Group members we ask and answer 10 recent questions posted in this vibrant community.
- Bad Vendors Who Have Good Plans
- How to Get Out of a Bad 403(b)
- How to Get Out of AXA/Equitable
- Working with a Financial Professional
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Veteran educator and 403(b) advocate Rose Mendonca of Lowell, Massachusetts is on her way to becoming a CFP®. She talks teaching, helping colleagues, and her next career act.
- Teachers Talk Money
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Grab bag of topics: Illinois single vendor 403(b) legislation (AB 2568); Scott banned (again); IPX transitioning to Aspire; LAUSD adds Vanguard and the 403bwise Facebook Group is very close to hitting a milestone.
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Jeremy Schneider talks selling a tech company, getting wise to financial literacy issues, and starting Nectarine, which aims to offer low-cost fiduciary advice.
- Nectarine
- @personafinanceclub
- Personal Finance Club
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Hockey playing (soon to be!) New York math teacher Sarah Peterson helps colleagues get wise to the 403(b) and the 457(b).
- Peekskill City School District
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Wyoming 8th grade physical science teacher talks teaching, mountain guiding, and recovering from a house fire. He also discusses the excellent financial guide for teachers he has created (available below).
- Trevor Deighton Retirement Planning Resource
- Black Diamond Presents: Safety First
- Photos of Cirque of the Unclimbables/Lotus Flower Tower Photos
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The former personal finance columnist for The Wall Street Journal and current editor of the excellent HumbleDollar.com talks career, money lessons, and how he's approaching the next phase of his work life.
- The Money Pit
- Things I Have Picked Up
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Liz Weston CFP®, longtime personal finance writer, jumps off the retirement cliff.
- Retiring Wasn’t Easy Even After Years of Writing About It
- Investing for Retirement: Why You Might Want to Reconsider That 403(b)
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
A retired educator and administrator who used F.I.R.E. principles to retire early talks about earning her CFP®, passing the exam, and working with clients.
- Mary Ann Sullivan
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
School custodian turned-accountant describes how the mentorship of Jeff York, who listeners to the podcast might better know as the Wealthy Custodian, helped set her on a path to financial stability.
- The Wealthy Custodian
- The Wealthy Custodian Retires (pt. 1)
- The Wealthy Custodian Retires (pt. 2)
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Indiana middle school teacher Thomas Ferguson cares as much about his colleagues retirement savings as he does his own. Not only does he help educate them on saving, he also runs the engaging Instagram account @IndianafinLit
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Did a Southern California benefits consortium fail to act in the best interests of educators? Normally we drop our pods on Friday morning. But this is a time-sensitive episode because of a meeting that will occur Friday, January 12th at 11am PST. In our opinion a Southern California consortium has failed to act in the best interests of educators. We describe the issue in this episode in the hope that educators and others will weigh in by submitting written comments before the meeting and/or attend the meeting via Zoom, which we readily acknowledge is very difficult given teaching schedules.
- FBC Board of Directors 1/12/24 Meeting (Zoom link) Meeting ID: 829 1185 8849 Password: 363162
- 403bwise.org Comments Submitted to FBC Board
- San Diego County Schools Retirement Program Outsources Financial Advisers
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Annual beginning of the year check-in with Barb O’Neill, CFP, AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor), and owner/CEO of Money Talk: Financial Planning Seminars and Publications, and a regular contributor to 403bwise. She shares what 403(b) participants need to know in 2024.
- 2024 Changes Affecting 403(b) Participants
- Secure Act 2.0 (pt 1)
- Secure Act 2.0 (pt 2)
- Secure Act 3.0
- Pod Secure Act 3.0 Podcast
- Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Happy Valley, PA Elementary teacher, Scott Fritz, is the co-author of a Fin Lit book for Pennsylvania teachers. He's also the go-to fin lit person at his school and district.
- TL: DR: Financial Literacy for Employees of Pennsylvania Public Schools
- Scott Fritz Website
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
The nation’s largest teachers union has been promoting high-fee retirement plans to its members that have underperformed, teachers and experts tell The Lever. The products are sold by a private equity-owned insurance company accused of fraud and mismanagement — and as part of the arrangement, the union’s benefit arm gets millions from the firm. Those words were written by our guest, journalist Freddy Brewster of The Lever.
- Largest U.S. Teachers Union Allows Private Equity To Prey On Educators
- Stories by Freddy Brewster
- The Lever
- Chicago Single Vendor Plan
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
California high school teacher Matt Raleigh, and retired Colorado teacher and prolific author, Karl Fisch, share their experience teaching a college level personal finance course for educators. They also discuss how you can design and teach a similar course
- Financial Literacy for California Public School Teachers
- Karl’s Course Information
- A Not So Modest Proposal: Teach My Financial Literacy for Educators Class
- Karl’s Books
- Collaborate with Karl
- Matt Raleigh on teaching and co-writing a saving-for-retirement guide for California teachers (pod)
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
North Carolina high school educators Dave Fleisher and Brandon Speece educate colleagues about saving for retirement, host the Financial Independent Teachers Podcast, and are authors of the new book The FIT Position.
- Financially Independent Teachers
- Dave and Brandon 2022 Podcast
- Learned by Being Burned - Short pod series about how teachers got burned then got wise to the 403(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We speak with Julia Brotherton, educator and president of the Beverly, MA Teachers Association about her dual roles, and how she helps colleagues get wise to saving for retirement.
- Beverly 403(b) Plan
- Episode 5 of Learned by Being Burned - School benefits official explains how he took a school district single vendor.
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
In part 2 of our annual catch-up with one of the wisest financial minds we know, Cullen Roche, we talk the national debt, the value of international investing, possible role of A.I. in investing, and Cullen reveals a new project he is working on.
- Cullen Roche
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
It's our annual catch-up with one of the wisest financial minds we know, Cullen Roche, an economist, author, and founder and chief investment officer of the Discipline Funds, a low-fee advisory firm. We talk inflation, what the Fed might do next, fixed income, residential real estate and deflationary credit events.
- Cullen Roche
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
We love a quality, bidded, single-vendor 403(b) plan. Fiduciary planner Mychal Eagleson CFP® shares three examples where school districts did single vendor very wrong.
- Teach Plan Retire
- Episode 5 of Learned by Being Burned - School benefits official explains how he took a school district single vendor (the right way).
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
James Lange is a CPA, an attorney, and an author. His most recent book, Retire Secure for Professors and TIAA Participants was released this month. Scott describes the book as a Master Class in estate and retirement planning.
- Link for listeners to get a free electronic copy of book: https://faculty-advisor.com/teach/ note: Once you click link, fill in your name and email address, you will receive an email with a link which will generate a pdf download.
- About Jim
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Bree Lee is a Bay Area math teacher who runs an impressive fin lit Instagram account (@ritual_finance) where she posts the basics, the more complex, the workings of the CalSTRS pension and her own paycheck breakdown, monthly budget, and growing net worth.
- Ritual Finance on Instagram
- Bree's Money Guide for CalSTRS Members
- Quit Like a Millionaire
- Arbitrary Lines: How zoning broke the American city and how to fix it.
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Teacher-turned planner, Justin Garritt goes deep on student loans including sharing an important deadline (December 31, 2023) for those looking to get maximum value out of PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness).
- Garritt Financial Solutions
- Teacher/Travel Hacker Turned Fiduciary
- Happy Travel Hacker
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Scott talks TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities), and the dramatic rise in their real rate of return.
- TIPS
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
403bwise Facebook Group reaches a Taylor Swift-like milestone. New Jersey school district throws teachers under the bus.
- 403bwise Facebook Group
- New Jersey District Throws Teachers Under the Bus
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Nothing presented or discussed is to be construed as investment or tax advice. This can be secured from a vetted Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).
Lily Katz of Redfin News discusses the recent story she co-wrote with her colleague Sheharyar Bokhari, Redfin Senior Economist, called: The Typical Teacher Can Afford Just 12% of Homes for Sale Near Their School, Down From 30% in 2019
- The Typical Teacher Can Afford Just 12% of Homes for Sale Near Their School, Down From 30% in 2019
- The Price of 403(b) Enrollment
- Lily Katz
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott reveals the dirty little secret about K-12 403(b) enrollment: it's a loss leader which incentivizes agents to upsell.
- The Price of 403(b) Enrollment
- School Benefits Official Who Did the Right Thing (from the Learned by Being Burned pod series)
- Transcript for pod about School Benefits Official Who Did the Right Thing
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dan and 403bwise community honored by InvestmentNews. We tell the 403bwise origin story.
- How a Former Teacher is Educating the World About 403(b)s
- An Annuity for the Teacher — and the Broker (New York Times)
- 403bwise in 2000
- Paying for College with Ron Lieber (podcast)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
NYC teacher and financial coach Emily Maretsky, who has more than 16,000 Instagram followers (@teacherfinancialcoach), talks family and moving from the classroom to full time financial coaching.
- teacherfinancialcoach.com
- @teacherfinancialcoach
- Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Part 2 of our wide ranging interview with one of the most influential personal finance writers in the country, Scott Burns. A longtime columnist for the Dallas Morning News and the father of the “Couch Potato Portfolio” investing style, Scott is a longtime champion of teachers, and K-12 403(b) reform.
- Scott Burns
- Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Wide ranging interview with one of the most influential personal finance writers in the country, Scott Burns. A longtime columnist for the Dallas Morning News and the father of the “Couch Potato Portfolio” investing style, Scott is a longtime champion of teachers, and K-12 403(b) reform (part 1 of 2).
- Scott Burns
- Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Counselor from Connecticut gets taken for an expensive ride. It could happen to you.
- Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Bank’s Say It Is Not Their Problem.
- Stuck in AXA (First pod with Adam)
- Learned by Being Burned — teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Private equity is everywhere: emergency rooms, nursing homes, veterinarians, your favorite retailers, and maybe some day your retirement plan. Yet, according to our guest Brendan Ballou, author of Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America, few understand what these firms are or how they work.
- Plunder: Private Equity's Plan to Pillage America
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Buffer annuities — sometimes called Structured Investment Options - are pitched as a no-cost investment. Sounds good, right?
- The Risk of Buffer and Floor Strategies
- SEC Warning
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Massachusetts 5th grade teacher Brian Kramer, who describes himself as an Aspiring Financial Literacy Advocate, discusses teaching, how he and his wife got out of Equitable, term life insurance, saving in a Roth IRA, and perhaps earning the CFP® designation.
- Northborough School District 403(b) Plan
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Former teacher, current financial planner, and 24-7 student loan forgiveness guru, David Gourley returns to make sense of where student loan forgiveness stands in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling, and the recent Biden Administration announcement of a seemingly new program. David has a message for public sector borrowers: there is a lot to be optimistic about.
- Contact David
- studentaid.gov
- Biden administration announces $39 billion in student loan forgiveness
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk to a real doctor — not a phony one like Dan — who after being burned by salespeople, started the White Coat Investor, the most widely-read, physician-specific personal finance and investing website in the world.
- White Coat Investor
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Former professional baseball player and current Florida high school teacher, Ole Sheldon, discusses his new book The Impact of Fees on Retirement Investing: Written by a Teacher for Teachers which grew out of his doctoral dissertation on this topic.
- The Impact of Fees on Retirement Investing: Written by a Teacher for Teachers
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Yanely Espinal is the author of Mind Your Money and the Director of Educational Outreach at our favorite non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance. To her 58,000 youtube followers she is known as MissBeHelpful, a fin lit channel she founded in 2015 that has racked up more than 4 million views. Yanely also hosts the Financially Inclined, a podcast about "all the money lessons we wish we learned earlier."
In part 2 of this two-part interview, Yanely talks about her pivot from education to YouTube Fin Lit star and all of the opportunities it has led to.
- Mind Your Money
- NGPF
- MissBeHelpful YouTube Channel
- Financially Inclined
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Yanely Espinal is the author of Mind Your Money and the Director of Educational Outreach at our favorite non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance. To her 58,000 youtube followers she is known as MissBeHelpful, a fin lit channel she founded in 2015 that has racked up more than 4 million views. Yanely also hosts the Financially Inclined, a podcast about "all the money lessons we wish we learned earlier."
In part 1 of this two-part interview, Yanely talks growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn; the economic challenges she and her family faced; earning a scholarship to Brown University; and working as an elementary teacher.
- Mind Your Money
- NGPF
- MissBeHelpful YouTube Channel
- Financially Inclined
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Auto Enrollment has led to a massive increase in saving for retirement participation, especially among the young. We discuss data from new Vanguard 401(k) report, and what it could mean for the 403(b) and 457(b). We also talk a little travel hacking at beginning of podcast.
- Report: Generational Changes in 401(k) Behaviors
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Micah Hauptman, the director of investor protection at the Consumer Federation of America, talks about his job and the fight to implement a fiduciary standard.
- Consumer Federation of America
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share how they were burned by sales agents and "trusted" advisors and how they got wise to the 403(b) plan)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Teacher Tim Whalen of Illinois succinctly describes the many beneifts of having a single vendor 403(b) plan.
Illinois math teacher Tim Whelan discusses his career, family, effort to earn a CFP®, and his fight to stop NTSA-backed legislation that would deny Illinois school district's the ability to offer a single vendor 457(b) plan.
- Mr. Whelan Financial
- SB 0734
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Listening to the education and advocacy podcast series Learned by Being Burned: Teachers and the K-12 403(b) motivated South Carolina high school teacher to advocate for and get better 403(b) investment choices in his South Carolina school district.
- York 3 vendor list
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
After their own missteps, New York music teachers Hana and her husband James are helping colleagues get wise to the 403(b). Hana may have the best story ever for how and where she first signed up for a 403(b).
Episode begins with Dan talking about his current living arrangement.
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott calls them the "boring administrative sh*t" but investment committees can be game changers in ensuring quality 403(b) and 457(b) plans. What are they? How do they work? And why you should consider starting or serving on one.
- New York State laws on Deferred Compensation Committee
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
NTSA pushing bill to ban single vendor 457(b) plans in Illinois. But only for K-12 institutions. Not police plans. Not firefighter plans. Not government employee plans.
Bad New Jersey 403(b) legislation is on the move despite sponsors telling teachers it was dead.
- SB 1233 (Illinois)
- Senator Michael W. Halpin (D) 36th District
- Representative Stephanie A. Kifowit (D) 84th District
- Bill A1974 (New Jersey)
- Learned by Being Burned (teachers share 403(b) horror stories)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk about our recent talk with CalSTRS, and take another look at how to access 403(b) money.
- Accessing 403(b) Money
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We dig into the two advising services firm offers: 1) Vanguard Digital Advisor; and 2) Vanguard Personal Advisor.
- NerdWallet Ratings
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We go over the insurance policies every educator should consider having.
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Taylor Swift is amazing for so many reasons: talented singer-songwriter, role model, activist. But did you know that she has written 10 songs about the K-12 403(b)?
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
SB 263 — which could be a model for other states — will decrease the number of sales of life insurance and annuities to consumers that are not in consumers’ best interests by prohibiting insurance producers from receiving incentives beyond allowable commissions or fees (such as prizes, rent reimbursement, etc.) for their sales and also prohibiting producers from making sales when they do not know if the product is in the consumer’s best interest.
Bill also cover sale of life insurance products.
- SB 263
- Insurance Agent (Producer) Compensation Disclosure For Annuities and Life Insurance Policies Form
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
If only Congress had adopted a 2003 Bush Administration plan to drastically simplify saving for retirement. We interview William Sweetnam the Benefits Tax Counsel at the Treasury Department from 2001-2005.
- 2003 ERSA/LSA/RSA Plan
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Classic bank run has many wondering how they can protect their savings.
- Learned by Being Burned (short pod series that explains why the K-12 403(b) is so bad and what teachers are doing to fix it)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Three ways the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association (NTSA) is working right now against the best financial interests of teachers.
- Link to Soundbite of NTSA Lobbying Against Single Vendor 403(b) in LAUSD
- Banned by the NTSA
- NTSA Works Against Teachers Best Financial Interests (Contains links to Illinois and Maryland bills)
- Mike Halpin Sponsor of Illinois 457(b) Bill SB1233
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Matt Raleigh on teaching and co-writing a saving-for-retirement guide for California teachers.
- TL;DR: Financial Literacy for California Public School Teachers: Optimizing Financial Decisions Based on Your CalSTRS Benefits
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Teacher turned travel-hacker/blogger extraordinaire, Zac Hood talks leveraging credit card use to travel "freely."
- Travel Freely
- Award Hacker
- Point.me
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
That is how much money teacher-turned planner David Gourley has saved teachers in student loan repayment.
- Teach Plan Retire Newsletter
- New Biden Student Loan Repayment Plan (January 2023)
- July 2022 PSLF Waiver Event (Podcast)
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
On January 31, 2003, the Bush Administration announced a plan to drastically change how Americans save in defined contribution plans. Unfortunately that plan never got the public debate it deserved. Scott and Dan discuss the never implemented plan.
- 2002 Bush Administration Retirement Savings Plan
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Horrified by complexity of SECURE Act 2.0 and saving for retirement in general, Dan and Scott devise a better way to save for retirement, medical expenses and college.
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We welcome back Barb O’Neill, CFP, AFC (Accredited Financial Counselor) and 403bwise columnist to discuss wise 403(b) and other money moves to make in 2023.
- 403(b) New Year's Resolutions
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
In part two of our two-part look at SECURE 2.0, we focus on provisions most applicable to the 403(b) and educators.
- SECURE Act 2.0 (pt. 1)
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
SECURE: Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement or Exasperation? Part one of two part look at new retirement savings legislation.
- SECURE Act 2.0 Explainer
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dallas area educator Rashad Muhammad and his teacher wife are well on their way to financial security after paying off more than $85,000 in debt while also saving for a home down payment. Additionally, they are retirement plan super savers. But it wasn’t always this way.
- Journey to a Million (YouTube)
- Learned by Being Burned (short podcast series)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We break down what we consider to be the top 5 403(b) stories of 2022.
- CITs in the 403(b)?
- CITs: A Welcome Addition to 403(b) Plans
- SECURE 2.0 (recorded before passing)
- SEC Fines Equitable $50 Million
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
In part two of our conversation with money manager Cullen Roche, he discusses the concept of All Duration Investing and his recent paper on the topic.
- All Duration Investing
- Pragcap
- Three Minute Macro
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Cullen Roche, author, money manager, and one of the most astute financial minds, returns to talk video making, inflation, housing and markets in part one of our two part conversation.
- Pragcap
- Three Minute Macro
- Discipline Funds ETFs
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Kevin Benson, executive director of the Southern Education Retirement Consortium, believes he has the solution for small and mid-size school districts looking to offer quality 403(b), 457(b) and 401(a) plans.
- SERC Solutions
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Was it all just a dream? New Jersey teachers are losing a fantastic 403(b) option: Lincoln Investment's Participant Directed Platform.
- Bad Vendors Who Offer Good Investing Choices
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Tax Deferred Services, whose CEO was arrested in what the California Department of Insurance called a “$4 million securities fraud scheme,” blankets teacher email inboxes with deceptive message.
- TDS CEO: Arrested Development
- "Set up" a Zoom Appointment with TDS
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Illinois Principal Scott Liska teamed up with the business manager to dramatically improve Evergreen Park ESD 124's 403(b) and 457(b) plan.
- Evergreen Park ESD 124 Plan Offerings & Grade
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Looking for a higher interest rate in your fixed investment(s)? Scott details some provisions that might help.
- Market Value Adjustments
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Interest rates are rising. What should you be doing?
- Estate Planning Simplified
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Teacher Shaun Morgan discusses online teaching, and his upcoming free Teach Toward Retirement Summit.
- Free Registration
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We regrade 403(b) vendor list for Broward County Public Schools. But they sure didn't make it easy to get information.
- Broward 403bwise Grade
- Broward County Public Schools
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
What are they? How do they work? What role if any should they play in saving for retirement?
- Cullen Roche
- 3-Minute Money videos
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
A union that does it right. New Jersey's bad 403(b) bill. Crazy markets.
- NGPF California Access to Financial Education (CAFE) grant
- NGPF Financial Equity & Empowerment (FEE) grant
- UTLA Fin Lit Workshop
- Pod: New Jersey’s Bad 403(b) Bill
- Ben Carlson on Market History, CFA
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Educators and state employees have access to multiple excellent, low-cost retirement savings vehicles.
- Kentucky Deferred Comp
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Districts are responding to our 403(b) Plan Rating Project. We recently heard from two school districts asking us to upgrade their D-rated plans because of improvements they had made.
- School Districts Who Are Improving Their 403(b) Plans
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
New RMD rule changes proposed for the 403(b)/457(b); AIG works on its core; Aspire follows Vanguard model.
- Track Proposed RMD Change
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Our guest today is a fee-only, advice-only CPF® and fiduciary who specializes in providing hourly advice to do-it-yourself investors. He's a long-time advocate of simple, low-cost investing. He isn't all about work though. How can you be when you live in sunny San Diego? In 2019, he and his wife, Lien, dedicated one full year to travel.
- Jon Luskin
- Jon Luskin Blog
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
North Carolina teachers Dave and Brandon help colleagues get wise to saving for retirement.
- Financial Independent Teachers podcast
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
North Carolina teachers Dave and Brandon help colleagues get wise to saving for retirement.
- Financial Independent Teachers podcast
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Southern California high school math teacher gets a Fidelity 457(b) added to his vendor list.
- Chaffey Joint Union High
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Southern California high school math teacher gets a Fidelity 457(b) added to his vendor list.
- Chaffey Joint Union High
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
One of our favorite guests, teacher/travel hacker Justin Garritt talks about his decision to leave the classroom to become a full-time fiduciary advisor. We also talk travel hacking and carrying a "whole ham" on a flight.
- Garritt Financial Solutions
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
In the wake of the SEC's settlement with Equitable Financial we are getting a lot of inquiries about how to find the right kind of financial advice.
- SEC Settlement Announcement
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Fifty million more reasons to hate Equitable Financial after the Securities and Exchange Commission fined the firm $50 million for "materially misleading statements and omissions concerning investor fees."
We discuss settlement and ask the question: Why would any school district continue to let this firm sell financial products to its employees?
- SEC Settlement Announcement
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Student loan expert (and former teacher) David Gourley discussed a time-sensitive student loan provision that could save borrowers thousands of dollars.
Prior to event he asked for volunteers to share their loan data sets. He analyzed three submissions. During the event he announced that these three educators would save $14,000, $23,000, and $50,000 respectively.
David also answered lots of student loan questions.
- Contact David
- Federal Student Aid Info About Waiver
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Educators in several states have access to a 401(k). We discuss the similarities and differences between the 403(b) and 401(k), and we ask the question: Should all educators have access to a 401(k)?
- ERSA (Bush II-era Retirement Plan Proposal
- NGPF co-founder Tim Ranzetta on The Long View
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
In language eerily similar to Pennsylvania's Act 5, which prevents school districts from going single vendor, proposed New Jersey legislation would require large school districts to have at least three 403(b) vendors.
We speak with “Izzy” Tannenbaum, partner at Withum, a tax advisory and public accounting firm. Izzy supports the intent of the bill but acknowledges it contains flaws.
Sponsors of Bill A1974
- Raj Mukherji
- Roy Freiman
Resources
- Israel Tannenbaum
- (New Jersey) State Bill Would Require Multiple 403(b) Providers
- Bill A1974
- Hey Pennsylvania K-12 Teachers: The Insurance Industry Just Made Your 403(b) Plans Worse
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Recently retired 49-year old LAUSD veteran talks teaching, saving for an early retirement, and what's next.
- Delia Fernandez, CFP®
- Joe Manchin and the A.C.A.
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Security Benefit releases dubious "study" that to the surprise of no one supports its sales-agent based approach.
- "Study" Press Release
- How to Find the Right Kind of Advisor
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Vendors like AXA/Equitable and National Life Group sell high-cost products to educators but make excellent low-cost retirement plans available to their employees. We look at these firm's 401(k) plans.
- Form 5500 Search
- Blog: National Life Group Hypocrisy
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Part 2 of interview with former AXA/Equitable vice president for business development. Topics covered include: firm's feelings toward 403bwise.org; company name change; importance of ASBO; key markets; where firm will be in 10 years.
- Part 1
- Equitable Bermuda Triangle
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Former AXA/Equitable vice president for business development dishes on firm that dominates the K-12 403(b) market in terms of market share and participant anger (part 1 of 2).
- Equitable Bermuda Triangle
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Former teacher teaches executive function techniques to middle school, high school and college students.
- EF Specialists
- City Year
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Student loan experts David Gourley and Mychal Eagleson, CFP® discuss a time-sensitive student loan provision that could save borrowers thousands of dollars.
- Contact Mychal and David
- Federal Student Aid PSLF Waiver Info
- An Exceptional Life Financial
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
At what price point does it make sense to invest in a taxable brokerage account over a pre-tax 403(b)?
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Terry Slack is a Superintendent (known as District Administrator in Wisconsin) who gets the importance of offering a low-cost 403(b). His district's A-rated single vendor plan has a 75% participation rate. We talk with Terry about why and how he prioritizes employee wellness.
- Wisconsin-Dells A-rated 403(b) Plan
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The market is off close to 13% year-to-date. We discuss why this might not be such a bad thing.
- Risk Tolerance Questionnaire
- Asset Allocation Information
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
iBonds are paying eye-popping rates. We discuss.
- Treasury Direct
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We profile teacher Barb Besal who narrated Learned by Being Burned: Teachers and the K-12 403(b), and veteran journalist Steve Buel who researched, reported and wrote the series.
Barb Besal's November 2020 pod interview
Teacher and member of state task force on financial literacy, Michele Bentivegna, talks teaching financial literacy.
- Arizona Financial Literacy Task Force on Fin Lit
- ngpf.org
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Retirement plan bill that passed the House on a 414-5 vote and is expected to be signed into law brings significant changes to retirement plans. We discuss.
- CIT Pod
- What is a CIT?
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott's out this week, but Dan has two important announcements.
- The Long View Podcast
- Learned by Being Burned podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We share our ratings for 3,041 school district 403(b) plans. We read the names of the school districts who earned a B or an A.
- District Plan Rating Project
- It's Brutal Out Here
- Learned by Being Burned podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We speak with Morningstar's director of personal finance, co-host of The Long View podcast, and author of 30-Minute Money Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Finances, and the book Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds: 5-Star Strategies for Success.
- Christine Benz
- Learned by Being Burned podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
One of our least favorite companies looks to be in some hot water with the SEC.
- Equitable (AXA) Preparing for $50 million SEC Civil Monetary Penalty
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Learned by Being Burned: Teachers and the K-12 403(b). The short series that explores the dysfunctional world of supplemental retirement plans, the maddening industry behind them, and the growing movement to fix what is broken.
We share big news that has been two years in the making.
- Learned by Being Burned
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We debunk some 403(b) misunderstandings.
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Extended conversation with Andrew Hallam. We discuss healthcare for the nomad and meeting up in person.
- Andrew Hallam
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Retired teacher, author, and world traveler Andrew Hallam discusses living the good life and other key concepts from his new book.
- Andrew Hallam
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
After briefly discussing a new paper on teacher knowledge and preparedness for retirement, we go over 5 things every teachers should do to ensure a healthy retirement.
- Survey: Teachers' Preparedness for Retirement: Results from a Nationally Representative Teacher Survey
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Benefits attorney Jeff Chang explains how California K-12 public schools and community colleges can do as the UC and Cal State (university and college) systems do: Go single 403(b) vendor.
- School District 403(b) Plans and Investment Selection
- School District 403(b) Plans and Recordkeeper Selection
- School District 403(b) Plans and Participation-Directed Investments
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We discuss North Carolina's decision to end its state-based 403(b) plan, the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Northwestern University 403(b) fee suit, contribution remittance tardiness, and recent market fluctuation.
- North Carolina to Discontinue State Based 403(b) Plan at Year End
- Supreme Court Northwestern University 403(b) Ruling
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
This episode is a little different. Our guest, author Frank Molinar, CFP®, writes for a military audience. But Scott and Dan were struck by his new book Financial Dominance: Your Battle Plan for a Richer Life, and his approach to educating military members. We think there is a lot of overlap with educating educators. We hope you enjoy.
- Financial Dominance: Your Battle Plan for a Richer Life
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Single vendor. Low costs. Employer match. Auto enrollment. Online enrollment. What is happening? Change is happening. We spotlight the Harris County, GA 403(b) plan.
- Award Winning Plan
- 403bwise Plan Grade
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Michelle Wolfe talks working with the deaf and hard of hearing, upcoming Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Conference, and saving for retirement.
- ITDHH Conference
- TL; DR: Financial Literacy for Illinois Teachers' Retirement System Members
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Our podcast openings from 2021.
- 403(b) Plan Rating Project
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We discuss what we think are the top three 403(b) stories of 2021.
- Green Light for Single Vendor 403(b) Plans in California?
- Chicago Public Schools Goes Single Vendor
- Plan Rating Project Podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Five options available to small school districts who want to offer a great 403(b) plan.
- Small School Districts Can Offer Top Notch 403(b) Programs
- When Bad 403(b) Vendors Offer Good 403(b) Products
- Plan Rating Project Podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Does article by benefits attorney offer path for California K-14 403(b) plans to go single vendor? We discuss.
- School District 403(b) Plans and Investment Selection
- California Dreaming of Better 403(b) Plans
- The Elephant in the Room
- Plan Rating Project Podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We discuss Chicago Public Schools move to a single vendor 403(b). It has excellent pricing and investing options. The biggest surprise? AIG is the vendor.
- Video of 403bwise Zoom Event for Chicago Public Schools
- Plan Rating Project Podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dan & Scott share good 403(b) advocacy news. Dan discusses his talk to teachers in Albuquerque.
- Albuquerque Teacher Residency Partnership
- When Bad Vendors Offer Good Investing Choices
- Plan Rating Project Podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Everyone should be so lucky as to have a colleague like Scott Olsen who works hard to educate his colleagues at Foothill-DeAnza Community College District about saving for retirement.
- Foothill DeAnza-Community College District
- Bogleheads
- Plan Rating Project Podcast
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We discuss 2022 403(b) and 457(b) contribution limit increase and an article and report that seem to suggest AIG may be getting behind single vendor push. Or maybe we are just crazy.
- 2022 403(b) Contribution Limits
- 2022 457(b) Contribution Limits
- PlanSponsor: K-12 School Districts Confused About Retirement Benefits
- AIG Report: Meeting Retirement Needs of K-12 Employees
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Crystal Gonzalez is the founder of a non-profit that assists non-profits. She was also a 5th grade student of Dan's way back in the early 2000's.
- RevComm Foundation
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
NY teaching couple had saved $2 million in their 403(b) and 457(b) plans by October 2019. We catch up with them to see where they are now. We also discuss their summer side hustle: running a popular, hands-on summer camp (total amount saved revealed at 54:54).
- Wealthy Teachers (pod #80)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Cullen Roche, author, money manager, and one of the most astute financial minds we know has some big news.
- Pragcap
- Discipline Funds
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
403bwise launches school district 403(b) & 457(b) database and A-F rating system. Dan and Scott discuss initiative that they hope will bring sunshine and accountability.
- Search the Database
- A-F Rating System Explained
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
California choir director quits teaching and moves to Iowa to farm. We have questions.
- Choir Teacher + Author on F.I.R.E.
- Seed Saver Exchange
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
This is not an Onion story. The Newport Beach, California owner of Tax Deferred Services, a firm that provides 403(b)/457(b) plan compliance for more than 300 California school districts was arrested in what the California Department of Insurance (CDI) called a “$4 million securities fraud scheme."
- Owner of Large 403(b)/457(b) Compliance Firm Booked
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dr. Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC, owner/CEO of Money Talk: Financial Planning Seminars and Publications where she writes, speaks, and reviews content about personal finance. Barbara is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, after 41 years of service as a Rutgers Cooperative Extension educator and personal finance specialist.
- Dr. Barbara O'Neill
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk teacher pension plans and higher education with Money's Kaitlin Mulhere.
- Kaitlin Mulhere
- Many Teacher Pension Plans Get Failing Grade
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
34-year-old Flushing, NY middle school science teacher maxes out his 403(b), 457(b) and Roth IRA. Plus he has two side hustles.
- The Wealthy Educator
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Devin Carroll, a Texas-based financial planner who runs the Social Security Intelligence blog talks Social Security.
- devincarroll.com
- Social Security Intelligence blog
- Devin's YouTube Channel
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch and former Iowa teacher and administrator, and current University of Northern Iowa instructor Matt Townsley discuss their new book for members of the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System.
- Iowa IPERS Book
- TL;DR Series
- Interested in Collaborating with Karl?
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We check in with NY teaching couple we interviewed in 2017.
- 7:25 — 529/retirement plan update/new saving rate
- 10:23 — 403(b) vendor quality update
- 13:03 — 457(b) plan update
- 22:36 — Applying to college landscape
- 26:07 — Teaching during pandemic
- 31:29 — NY State 529 plan
- 36: 14 — Reveal total annual $ cost in fees
-
37:21 — Travel hacking
-
Episode #43: Two Educators Get Wise
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Florida middle school principle Joe Peccia Jr. began the school year by helping his staff get wise to their pension, the 403(b), the 457(b), and what to know when working with an advisor.
- Principle Joe Peccia Jr.
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dan has some thoughts for new teachers that he wishes had been shared with him way back in August, 1993.
- Dear New Teachers (Blog Post)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch and former Illinois teacher and current Illinois College instructor Eric McClarey discuss their new book for members of the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois.
- Illinois TRS Book
- TL;DR Series
- Interested in Collaborating with Karl?
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, UTMAs and other ways to save for college. We also discuss how to put aside money for other expenses kids may have.
- 403bwise
- Meridian Wealth Management
- Speakpipe
Author and New York Times Your Money columnist Ron Lieber discusses his fantastic new book: The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make
- Ron Lieber
- 403bwise
- Meridian Wealth Management
NYC teacher Emily Maretsky talks teaching, her varied and interesting teaching experiences, and helping other teachers get wise to saving and investing.
- https://www.instagram.com/teacherfinancialcoach/
- 403bwise
- Meridian Wealth Management
The Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision can reduce Social Security benefits (from live 403bwise Event recorded 6.7.21).
- Michael Kitces GPO article
- Michael Kitces WEP article
- Devin Carroll WEP Explainer
- WEP/GPO Facebook Group
- Social Security Solutions
- 403bwise
- Meridian Wealth Management
Kerry Tracy, developer of Bone Bridge® STEM Challenges, discusses teaching, leaving the profession, and starting a teacher professional development business whose mission is to bring "brain-busting" work disguised as fun to teachers and students.
https://www.feelgoodteaching.com/
https://403bwise.org/
More than 40 million families are set to receive a new Child Tax Credit that some think will slash the poverty rate in half. We go over the details.
- IRS Child Tax Credit Information
- Rich Smith YouTube Child Tax Credit Explainer
- 403bwise On Demand Learning
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Pending legislation would make saving for retirement easier. We review the highlights which include: auto enrollment, increased catch-ups, and assistance to student loan borrowers among other provisions.
- 403bwise On Demand Learning
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
National Sales Director for Aspire Financial Services, Matt Drummond, talks K-12 403(b) and 457(b), the company's unique approach to the K-12 market, and shares some big California news.
- Aspire Financial Services
- Matt Drummond
- 403bwise On Demand Learning
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Ty McGilberry and Tim Catanzano discuss their time at Vanguard and the financial planning firm they formed.
- Pegasus Financial Planning
- 403bwise On Demand Learning
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Award winning author of A Splendid Exchange and the Four Pillars of Investing talks with Scott and Dan about this new book: The Delusions of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups.
- The Delusions of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups.
- If You Can
- 403bwise On Demand Learning
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Wide ranging interview with nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary. We discuss her new book, What to Do with Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide, her upbringing which shaped her financial outlook, her volunteer work, and the upside of adult kids living at home for a period of time.
- Michelle Singletary
- What to Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits
- 403bwise On Demand Learning
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Fiduciary advisors Breanna Reish, CFP® and Mychal Eagleson, CFP® of An Exceptional Life Financial discuss the difference between investing and speculation in this May 6, 2021 403bwise Event.
- An Exceptional Life Financial
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Updated information on exiting a bad 403(b). Also, Dan shares two animal adventures.
- 0-8:46 Dan Shares Two Animal Stories
- 8:47-38:13 Financial Portion of Podcast
- CNBC: Invest in Teachers 5.5.21 from 4-5pm EST
- How to Get Out of a Bad 403(b) Plan
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Two teachers, a custodian, and a personal finance writer share how they successfully retired in this April 15, 2021 403bwise Event.
- Money Letters 2 My Daughter
- Late Bloomer Wealth
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
CFP® Emily A. Johnson of Ritholtz Wealth Management holds the CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) designation. She discusses how she assists clients going through divorce.
- Emily Johnson, CFP®, CDFA
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Sandy Blair, Director of Retirement Readiness for CalSTRS, and Christina Elliott, Executive Director of Ohio’s state-based 457(b) plan discuss the power of state-based 403(b) and 457(b) plans for K-12 teachers in this April 6, 2021 403bwise Event.
- CalSTRS Pension 2
- Ohio Deferred Compensation
- 403bcompare
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch talks about his easy-to-read guide to financial literacy and the Colorado teacher retirement pension PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association).
- TL;DR: Financial Literacy for Employees of Colorado Public Schools: Optimizing Financial Decisions Based on your PERA and School District Benefits
- Book Resources
- Colorado PERA
- Interested in Collaborating with Karl?
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Baltimore math teacher, entrepreneur and prolific travel hacker Justin Garritt talks travel hacking: how to do it, who it is for, and who it is not for.
- Garritt Financial Solutions
- Happy Saver TRR Pod #98
- Happy Meter Podcast
- Choose FI Travel Hacking
- Travel Freely
- Rich Smith YouTube Channel
- The Secret History of the Credit Card
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Recently retired California custodian and super saver, Jeff York, age 55, shares how he is spending his time in retirement.
- The Wealthy Custodian Retires Pt. 1 (pod 155)
- The Wealthy Custodian (pod 74)
- Custodian Cleans Up His 403(b) (pod 53)
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
One of our favorite guests, Redding, California custodian and super saver, Jeff York, age 55, retires. He shares details on how he's funding his retirement.
- The Wealthy Custodian (pod 74)
- Custodian Cleans Up His 403(b) (pod 53)
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Three educators — Danielle Greco, Jessica Logan and Tara Slyman — and a personal finance author, Jackie Cummings Koski, shared their perspective in this 2.25.21 403bwise Event.
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Dan and Scott talk 457(b) video news and California's huge 403(b) vendor lists.
- Blog: Too Many 403(b) Vendors
- Blog: California K-12 Teachers Have a Great 403(b) Choice. They Just Don't Know It.
- In Praise of 403bcompare.com
- The Paradox of Choice
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Two professors and a Dean of a College of Education discuss how to educate pre-service teachers about the 403(b) and saving for retirement before the sales sharks get to them (403bwise Event recorded on 1.27.21).
- Eric McClarey
- Mark Schug
- Anthony Scheffler
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Bad AXA/Equitable things come in threes.
- Equitable Bermuda Triangle
- Mutating 403(b) Phish
- 403bwise Events
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Dan Dews and his wife were early F.I.R.E. folks. They did it before there was even a name for it.
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
We talk 457(b) with Christina Elliott, executive director of Ohio’s excellent state-based 457(b) plan which is open to all Ohio K-12 public school teachers.
- Ohio Deferred Compensation Plan
- 403(b)/457(b) Side-by-Side Comparison
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Dr. Anthony Scheffler, Dean, School of Education at Lindenwood University talks teacher preparation and educating pre-service teachers about saving for retirement.
- Lindenwood University
- Anthony Scheffler
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Recording of our January 6, 2021 event with three teachers who successfully added better 403(b) and/or 457(b) investment choices.
- 403bwise Events
- Adam Pod
- Tara Pod
- Chris Pod
- 403bwise Advocacy Tools
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
New Jersey teachers says no to bad 403(b) choices and yes to educating colleagues about saving for retirement.
- 403bwise Events
- When Bad 403(b) Vendors Offer Good Investing Choices
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Undaunted by roadblocks, 30-year-old Speech Language Pathologist gets a better 403(b) vendor.
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
- Build Your Stax by NGPF.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
We continue conversation about ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing with Joey Fishman, an Investment Advisor Representative at Ritholtz Wealth Management.
- Joey Fishman
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
We talk ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing with Joey Fishman, an Investment Advisor Representative at Ritholtz Wealth Management.
- Joey Fishman
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure
Rochester, New York math teacher Craig Mills is helping colleagues get wise to saving for retirement. Also, Dan, a Bills fan, and Craig, a Dolphins fan, bond over their mutual dislike of the New England Patriots.
- Picture from Dan's 1995 Trip to a Miami Dolphin Game
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott and Dan address more questions posed by the 403bwise Facebook Group. They also continue to hash out a half-baked plan to start a 403(b) themed brewery.
- 00:08 Social Security and teacher pensions
- 08:14 Solid Roth IRA and house paid Off. Should I start a 403(b) or taxable brokerage account?
- 14:04 What to do with a bad 403(b) vendor?
- 19:45 Which vendors should I lobby my district to add?
- 23:17 Dan’s beer name ideas
- 25:09 How to help co-workers without sounding boorish, condescending and sales-ish?
- 27:34 Scott comes up with name of 403(b) themed brewery
- 29:05 What to do with bonds in a rising interest rate environment?
-
40:20 Dan comes up with more beer names
-
403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott and Dan address questions posed by the 403bwise Facebook Group. They also hatch a half-baked plan to start a 403(b) themed brewery.
- 1:39 The math behind retiring early vs. waiting to maximize pension benefit
- 24:35 Health Savings Account (HSAs)
- 33:16 Does it make financial sense to switch school districts?
- 37:46 Retire early once pension benefit has been maximized?
-
43:46 What to do with 403(b) plans from former employers
-
403bwise Teaching and Advocacy Tools
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Creative high school chemistry teacher talks effective teaching strategies, and teaching teachers about saving for retirement.
- Teacher Story with Barb
- 403bwise Teaching and Advocacy Tools
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Mark Schug, President of Mark Schug Consulting Services and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, discusses teaching middle school, research work, and his new book designed to help teachers get financially fit.
- Mark Schug
- Mark and Dan on NGPF Podcast
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Teaching teachers about the 403(b) before they enter the classroom.
- Eric McClarey
- Financial Concepts Every New Teacher Should Know
- 457(b) > 403(b)?
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Super advocate Chris Nye shares how easy it was to add a 457(b) from Fidelity at his school district.
- Fight for Better
- 457(b) > 403(b)?
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott discusses how to convert a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and how to do a Backdoor Roth Contribution. Dan talks about dentistry.
- How to Convert to a Roth IRA
- Convert IRA Roth Calculator
- How to Do a Backdoor Roth Conversion
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk Roth IRA which for many teachers can be a better option than the 403(b).
- Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Aaron Standish is the Financial Literacy Coordinator (K-12) for the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida. It's a position every school district should have. He can be reached on Twitter at @SDPBC_FinLit
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Innovative high school personal finance teacher and newest member of Next Gen Personal Finance, Brian Page, talks teaching personal finance, NGPF, and luggage choices.
- NGPF
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
In California, it's the worst of 403(b) times (too many vendor choices), and it's the best of 403(b) times (generally at least one good vendor). Unfortunately, not all districts in the state have at least one good vendor. We challenged the community to find the lemons. Challenge met!
- 403(b) Lemon Challenge
- 403bcompare.com
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Twenty-something music teacher Keelan paid off $45,000 in student loan debt. He shares financial wisdom in his blog: Millennial Educator.
- Millennial Educator
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
403bwise launches new vendor search tool that allows users to quickly see if they have Vanguard or Aspire available at work.
- Find a Good Vendor
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Former teacher turned investment advisor representative helps school districts move to a single vendor 403(b) plan.
- Investors Asset Management
- Katie Oliver
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
New Jersey teacher was sold multiple, terrible, misleading variable annuity products. Lucky for her, fiduciary planner Scott Dauenhauer did some digging...
- How to Get Out of a Bad 403(b)
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
New York speech pathologist gets wise to saving for retirement while helping others.
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Email: pennypinchingpathologist (at) gmail.com
Across the country teachers are being spammed by phony financial professionals. A savvy high school teacher almost took the bait.
- PERA Lead Generation Company
- File an FTC Complaint
- 403(b) Trojan Horses (Pod)
- Football Coach Scores with 403(b) (Pod)
- We Teach and Live Well
- Cookie Monger
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk $40 million AIG/Valic settlement with the SEC.
- Link to Stories on Settlement
- Pod: You Down with SEC?
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Crystal, a 36-year old high school choir director and author, plans to retire soon.
- Crystal's Book: Retirement for Teachers: How to Come Up with a Plan That Works for You
- Seed Savers
- California Teachers Have Great 403(b) Choices. They Just Don't Know It.
- Pod: 403(b) Trojan Horses
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Speech pathologist discusses concerns about teaching in the fall in the midst of a global pandemic.
- In Defense of Our Teachers by Dave Grohl
- 403bwise Advocacy
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott and Dan talk with northern California high school teacher Greg Ford who is a member of the first-ever 403bwise Super Advocacy cohort. Bonus material: Dan gets results of his Covid-19 screening on air.
- 403bwise Advocacy
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Former Teach for America and charter school teacher Eugenie´ George talks about her new book which explores how personal history, ancestry and environments influences money habits.
- Our Money Stories: A Six Week No B.S. Holistic Financial Wellness Plan
- @_EugenieGeorge
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We re-introduce an updated 403(b)ill of Rights. Ten simple ideas that are hardly revolutionary.
- 403(b)ill of Rights
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk with Nancy Hall, vice president of customer experience for EP Navigator Plus, an affordable, user-friendly estate planning service.
- EP Navigator Plus
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) are being touted as a way to lower investment costs in the K-12 403(b) plan. We talk CITs with Ben Taylor, senior vice president at the consulting firm Callan.
- Ben Taylor
- The Case for CITs in the 403(b)
- Bill Introduced to Allow Collective Investment Trusts in 403(b)s
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Veteran math teacher David Gourley is leaving the classroom to run The Budget Teacher, a service that helps teachers take control of their finances.
- The Budget Teacher
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Bob Phillips of WEA Member Benefits in Wisconsin talks about his unique organization and their excellent 403(b) plan for teachers.
- WEA Member Benefits
- Previous Podcast with WEA
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Recording of our May 13, 2020 event with Aspire Financial Services and Vanguard about how to get better K-12 403(b) choices. We are also joined by teacher advocates Nancy Bachety, Adam Holy, and Chris Nye.
- Vanguard 403(b) Information
- Aspire Financial Services 403(b) Information
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Sales agents utilize "Trojan Horse" tactics to hook teachers on high-cost 403(b) products.
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? (video)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Pension maximization. What is it? Does it make sense? We also discuss our recent event with Aspire Financial Services and Vanguard.
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk with Diana Britton, author of Teachers are Getting Schooled in Retirement, a piece she wrote for wealthmanagement.com. The story is so good we use it in our 403b education events to help get people up to speed on the problems with the K-12 403(b).
- Teachers Are Getting Schooled on Retirement
- A Studebaker Auto Plant and ERISA
- Transparency with Diana B
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott shares what it's like to work with clients during a pandemic. Dan shares a few wise and unwise money moves he has made recently.
- 403bwise Events
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Furloughs and layoffs are coming. At a minimum school districts must add one low-cost vendor now to help ease some financial pain.
- Blog: Crisis Mandates School Districts Fix 403(b) Now
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We discuss a way to get out of a bad 403(b) that is available in 2020 as a result of the recently passed CARES Act.
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott and I talk CARES Act student loan information with fiduciary planner Mychal Eagleson, CFP® and president of An Exceptional Life Financial.
- An Exceptional Life Financial
- CARES Act Student Loan Information
- February 2019 interview with Mychal
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We discuss the recently passed CARES Act and how it impacts teachers.
- Rebates for individuals (3:45)
- Penalty-free distribution from 403(b)/457(b) etc. (27:43)
- 403(b)/457(b) etc. loan provisions (36:35)
- RMD changes (50:44)
-
Charitable contributions (53:25)
-
Jeffrey Levine
- An Exceptional Life Financial
- 403bwise CARES Act Information
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Three teachers share the investment decisions they are making in the wake of recent market turbulence. Dan talks about changes he's making to his son's 529 plan. Dan and Scott talk about the video conferences they are hosting using Zoom and Nearpod.
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
The 403bwise Facebook Group community had a lot of questions about market volatility. We try to provide answers.
- The New York Times Annuity Scam Article
- The New York Times: Your Money and the Coronavirus: You Asked, Experts Answered
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
A Jonathan Clements blog post is the inspiration for latest podcast.
- Jonathan Clements
- Cullen Roche
- Cullen Roche on Teach and Retire Rich podcast
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
An annuity huckster's email is the inspiration for a deep dive into the dark world of equity-indexed annuities.
- The Myth of "Free" No-Expense Fixed or Equity-Indexed Annuities
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk crashing markets and what it means for our listeners.
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
To mark our 100th podcast, we look back at our very first episode. We also hear from 10 teachers and 1 custodian who share their 403(b) "aha" moment.
- All Podcast Episodes
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
We talk Roth IRA which for many young teachers may be a superior choice than the 403(b).
- 457(b), 401(a) and Roth IRA
- Loose Chaos Stickers
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Justin, a Baltimore city math teacher saves more than 75 percent of his income. He discusses teaching, his financial journey, the "happy meter," and his top teacher savings hacks.
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Recording of our 2020 Wise Money Moves video conference with CFPs Scott Dauenhauer and Breanna Reish, two fiduciary planners with a deep knowledge of the financial issues facing teachers.
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Wealth of Confidence
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
When the NTSA goes low. We write a song, and then enlist our creative friends.
- What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott and Dan were all set to attend the National Tax-Deferred Savings Association's conference in Denver this weekend and then Scott got an email.
Also, 403bwise.org releases a What is a 403(b)? video
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Scott thinks a new 457(b) rule could make that plan a better choice than the 403(b).
- Pod #63: The 457(b)
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Today’s guest, Rob Phelan, who we are jokingly dubbing Rob FI-elan, is the kind of teacher you wish you had or that your kids had. Not only does he teach them personal finance concepts, he teaches them how to start their own business. He is also part of the FI or Financial Independence movement which means he has several side hustles.
- The Simple Startup
- Rob’s Teachers Pay Teachers page
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Teacher Chris Nye, who we are dubbing the "403(b) Guy" is remarkable. Not only has he gotten better vendor choices for his district, he has helped countless teachers via educational workshops and one-on-one meetings.
- 06:00 AXA guy cometh
- 07:02 Need 25 colleagues interested to add T. Rowe Price
- 08:27 Educating colleagues
- 11:06 Helping colleagues get out of bad choices
- 11:56 Colleague inspired to add Vanguard
- 13:35 How to become a 403(b) advocate
- 17:40 Importance of investing costs
- 22:20 Threats from salespeople?
- 24:04 Speaks to all new employees
- 27:25 Will soon speak to all employees
- 29:06 A true passion
- 29:29 Teaching personal finance
- 32:08 What’s next?
Jackson School District
New Jersey Education Association
403bwise.org Advocacy Tools and Resources
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org
In this last pod of the year we answer some reader questions, give a preview of some 2020 403bwise initiatives and Dan reads a poem called: How the TPA Grinch Stole the 403(b).
00:34 Jibberish including discussion of Star Wars and German soldiers on crystal meth
04:35 403bwise Facebook Group killing it
07:09 Dan gets and misses a Facebook Inquiry from a TV Reporter
08:15 Dan Flynn has a word generator
09:46 Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA (pre-tax vs. Roth)
18:11 Special Medicare Tax
20:44 403(b) and 457(b) 2020 contribution limits
26:20 403bwise 2020 initiatives
30:34 How the TPA Grinch Stole the 403(b)
Hidden Payments and Costly Plans Dent Teachers’ Retirement Savings
Texas Teachers Told to Take Closer Look at 403(b) Retirement Plans as New Law Takes Effect
How the TPA Grinch Stole the 403(b)
In what we are jokingly calling an emergency pod, we discuss the just released article Teachers Pay High Fees for Retirement Funds. Unions Are Partly to Blame. by Anne Tergensen and Gretchen Morgenson of The Wall Street Journal. This is the union-focused 403(b) article we have been long hoping for.
- Teachers Pay High Fees for Retirement Funds. Unions Are Partly to Blame.
- Meridian Wealth Management
- 403bwise.org
Part two of our interview with Dr. Carolyn McClanahan, a medical doctor who became a certified financial planner. We touched on a cross section of healthcare and planning topics:
- 00:23 Which Senator killed the public option?
- 01:48 Importance of the public option
- 02:10 Elisabeth Rosenthal book How Health Care Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back
- 04:25 Ideas for fixing healthcare
- 5:16 Origin of “ObamaCare”
- 06:11 Ted Kennedy and healthcare
- 06:35 Nixon had a good healthcare plan
- 08:24 The craziness of employer based healthcare
- 09:56 Is Long-Term Care Insurance worth it?
- 11:44 The Big Four of Aging
- 15:44: "Primary Care for All!"
- 19:58 Aging parents and healthcare
Time to Expand Community Health
Carolyn McClanahan, MD, CFP®
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org
We talk to Dr. Carolyn McClanahan, a medical doctor who became a certified financial planner. She discusses the intersection of health and personal finance and her firm's unique approach to planning: focusing on the here and now.
Carolyn McClanahan, MD, CFP®
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org
403bwise.org Facebook Group
In part two of a two-part series on working with planners, Dan interviews fiduciary advisors Scott Dauenhauer CFP® and Breanna Reish CFP® about how a planner can help a teacher approaching retirement. We also discuss planner compensation.
Breanna Reish, CFP®
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org
403bwise.org Facebook Group
Dan interviews fiduciary planners Scott Dauenhauer CFP® and Breanna Reish CFP® about how a planner can help teachers. In part one we look at helping the new teacher, and helping the mid-career teacher.
Breanna Reish, CFP®
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org
403bwise.org Facebook Group
Topics include: Dan's trip to Buffalo to talk 403(b) with Williamsville, NY teachers, 2020 403(b) contribution limits, and how Horace is not the 403(b) Mann.
Buffalo, NY Grain Elevators
Buffalo Riverworks Brewery + Hockey
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org Facebook Group
We talk new 403(b) articles from The Wall Street Journal and The Dallas Morning News. We also discuss AXA gaslighting.
Hurting Texas teachers to help pad insurance company pockets
Bill declares open season on Texas teachers’ retirement funds
SEC Probes AIG Unit on Retirement Products for Teachers
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org Facebook Group
We talk Buffalo Springfield 2019 moment and Florida’s misnamed Model 403(b) Plan.
For What It’s Worth 2019
Florida Model 403(b) Plan
Thrift Savings Plan
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org Facebook Group
We talk about our newest blog post — An Even Fishier Smell in the Teacher's Lounge — growth of the 403bwise.org Facebook Group, the video of our appearance on the Motley Fool Answers podcast and our participation in an S.E.C. 403(b) event.
An Even Fishier Smell in the Teacher's Lounge
RISE 2.0 of California
Motley Fool Answers with Dan and Scott
Next Gen Personal Finance
Scott and Dan talk with one of the smartest financial minds: Cullen Roche who runs the Orcam Financial Group. Scott and Cullen talk money, finance, and economics while Dan takes notes!
pragcap.com
Orcam Financial Group
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org Facebook Group
We talk to a New York teacher couple who have saved a substantial sum in their 403(b) and 457(b) plans.
Teach and Retire Rich (book)
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org Facebook Group
Jackie Cummings Koski, author of Money Letters 2 My Daughter, a book of financial wisdom written for her then high school aged daughter. Jackie will soon retire from a corporate job to focus on her passion: spreading financial literacy. We talk about her book, how she achieved F.I.R.E. (Financially Independent Retire Early), and her future plans around teaching personal finance.
Resources:
Money Letters 2 My Daughter
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bwise.org Facebook Group
Scott goes deep on how to access a 403(b)...
- 02:00 Accessing after age 59.5
- 09:54 Accessing before age 59.5 but after age 55
- 15:18 Accessing before age 50 a.k.a. S.E.P.P. a.k.a. 72(t) withdrawal
- 19:20 Borrowing from a 403(b)
- 26:03 Disability
- 27:43 Divorce
- 33:40 Death
Resources:Accessing a 403(b)
457(b) Information
The 457(b) Plan Podcast
Working with a Financial Professional
403bwise.org Facebook Group
We talk to coach and longtime F04 (Friend of 403bwise) Chad Stoner who, along with his teacher-baker wife, Stacey, is building an impressive retirement portfolio.
Resources
Stacey @TheCookieMonger
Episode 19 – The College Solution (pt. 1)
Episode 20 – The College Solution (pt. 2)
Episode 27 – Dan’s Daughter Chooses a College
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
Scott and Dan interview District of Columbia teacher turned 403(b) advocate turned advisor Andrew Katz-Moses who wrote an article that details how the financial service industry preys on new District of Columbia Public School employees. They also discuss Scott and Dan's upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.
Katz-Moses Financial
DCPS retirement plans are costing educators millions. We can fix it
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
Scott and Dan discuss strategies the insurance industry uses to hook teachers on their high fee products.
There is Still a Fishy Smell in the Teachers' Lounge
AXA "Advisors" had a seat at the table at the San Francisco Unified School District New Teacher Orientation.
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
We catch up with super saver Jeff York, a school custodian who we interviewed in episode 53, which has been our most listened to pod to date. Jeff shares what he has been up to, how he helps colleagues, and he gives us a glimpse of his future plans.
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bcompare.com
We talk to Jocelyn, a Bay Area California 4th grade teacher who suspected something wasn't quite right with her 403(b) plan.
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
403bcompare.com
Dan talks to Massachusetts high school teacher Adam Cole about transition from teaching math to teaching personal finance. They also discuss Adam's efforts to help his colleagues better understand the 403(b).
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
Next Gen Personal Finance
Dan and Scott share big changes at 403bwise. We discuss how it happened and what it means for the K-12 403(b) advocacy movement.
403bwise.org
Meridian Wealth Management
Next Gen Personal Finance
Dan picks up his conversation with Long Island, N.Y. teacher Nancy Bachety who drops some big news.
Next Gen Personal Finance
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Dan talks teaching, teaching personal finance, and 403(b) advocacy with one of our favorites: Nancy Bachety.
HEARTH electronic collection of books and journals in Home Economics and related disciplines at Cornell University
Next Gen Personal Finance
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
With Scott out of the country, Dan is joined by fiduciary planner, Breanna Reish, CFP®, as they interview a Pittsburgh middle school science teacher who is trying to get better vendor choices.
Act V: New Pennsylvania Law Requires 4 403(b) Vendors
Wealth of Confidence
Late Bloomer Millionaire
403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Scott, Dan and longtime 403(b) advocate Steve Schullo meet up in Riverside, California to talk 403(b) with fiduciary planner, Breanna Reish, CFP®, and a member of the 403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory.
Wealth of Confidence
Late Bloomer Millionaire
403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
An AXA rep comes calling at Scott's wife's school and claims to be a fiduciary. The CFP® Board is making changes to the Fiduciary Standard. Dan talks Liverpool FC (only briefly) and about his visit to Olney Charter High School in Philadelphia to talk saving for retirement with teachers. Finally, another 403(b) story appears in a major publication.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Reps and the CFP® Designation
The Annuity Trap That Teachers Need to Avoid
We talk Dan's presentation at recent retirement plan workshop for Los Angeles Unified School District teachers put on by United Teachers Los Angeles.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Next Gen Personal Finance
The 457(b) Plan (#63)
403bcompare.com (#52)
We talk to Mychal Eagleson, CFP®, AIF®, ChSNC® owner of An Exceptional Life Financial and a member of the 403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory.
An Exceptional Life Financial
403(b)wise
403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory
457(b) Information
457(b) Information from the IRS
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
We talk 457(b) plan. What is it? How does it work? How is different than a 403(b)? Is it better than the 403(b)?
403(b)wise
457(b) Information
457(b) Information from the IRS
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
We talk increased 403(b) contribution limits, our visit to the New York Times, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) involvement in the 403(b), and a not-so-golden 403(b) product.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
We speak with Daniel Alexander, CEO and Managing Director of Principal Review, a firm taking on the conflict of interest service and sales structures that exist within group sponsored retirement plans (ERISA and Non-ERISA including the 403(b) plan). Principal Review’s services include a Conflict of Interest Audit that identifies conflicted structures that serve to undermine the health of the plan and its participating employees. The firm then provides solutions to remedy the conflict.
https://www.principalreview.com/
retireaware.com (company blog)
dalexander@principalreview.com
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
Adam, a 27-year-old counselor from New Haven, Connecticut, was sold an AXA 403(b) five years ago. After reading The New York Times series on the 403(b), including Think Your 403(b) Plan is Bad? Talk to a Teacher, he started doing homework about his plan. He soon realized he was trapped in a high-fee plan. He reached out to us to see what can be done.
Connecticut Bill Would Force Fee Disclosures for Teacher Retirement Plans
The 403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
Delia Fernandez, MBA and CFP®, is founder and president of Fernandez Financial Advisory, LLC, an independent, fee-only financial planning and registered investment advisory firm in Los Alamitos, California, which she opened in 1994. She helps individuals and small business owners plan and invest for their future. She describes herself as the "Kind of advisor she would like to use."
Delia is a frequent speaker to employee groups and is often quoted in publications such as the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times. She also is an instructor in the financial planning program at the University of California, Irvine’s Department of Continuing Education.
Delia Fernandez
The 403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
Our guest is Ryan Frailich, a fee-only planner from New Orleans and a former teacher, who was recently profiled in a March 16, 2018 New York Times story called Teachers and Annuities: A Questionable Match and Hard Products to Shed.
Ryan who operates Deliberate Finances, recently passed the CFP® exam and is now working on completing his 6,000 planning hours. He’s also a future member of the 403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
We discuss the launch of The 403(b)wise Fiduciary Advisor Directory.
The 403(b)wise Advisor Fiduciary Directory
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Pod with advisor Dave Grant (#12)
Pod with advisor Inga Chira (#31)
Pod with advisor Tony Isola (#36)
Moreland & Arbuckle
Wait, the market goes down? Dan and Scott talk fluctuation, flu and media market fever.
A Wealth of Common Sense
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
Scott and Dan discuss increased 403(b) and 457(b) contributions, the raging bull market, and the Buffalo Bills finally making it back to the playoffs.
403(b) Contribution Limits
457(b) Contribution Limits
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
On October 21, 2017 a pretty damaging New York Times article came out about a company — TIAA or TIAA CREF — that we have long admired. We discuss.
The Finger-Pointing at the Finance Firm TIAA
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
Jeff bought three annuities in the late 90s because he wanted to diversify. Then he got wise. Jeff, a public school custodian, shares his remarkable story of extreme saving.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
Wouldn’t it be great to know how much the investments in your 403(b) cost? Wouldn’t it be great to know if there were surrender charges and how long they last? Such a resource exists and it’s called 403bcompare.com We talk 403bcompare with Mike Wilson one of the architects of the site’s redesign.
403bcompare
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
In a bit of a surprise, Vanguard announced they will no longer be the record keeper of their small market 403(b) plans (less than $20 million). The firm also rolled out plan fee changes.
How The New Vanguard 403(b)7 Helps and Hurts
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Moreland & Arbuckle
We interview Doug Lynam, director of Educator Retirement Services for Long View Asset Management. Doug was featured in a June 9, 2017 NY Times piece by one of our favorite writers Ron Lieber. Story was titled The Monk Who Left the Monastery to Fix Broken Retirement Plans.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
LongView Asset Management LLC
The Monk Who Left the Monastery to Fix Broken Retirement Plans
Moreland & Arbuckle
An AXA 403(b) was not music to the ears of Elementary music teacher and his teacher wife. They have successfully moved to a lower cost option.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Scott helps Dan and his wife consolidate their many retirement savings plans from past and present employers.
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Dan interviews a New Jersey teacher and his wife who are getting their financial lives in order. They discuss tackling debt, sharing money management duties, working multiple jobs, and, of course, being stuck with a bad 403(b).
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
David Martin, Vice President, Client Analytics and Research, Fidelity Investments, discusses the 2017 Higher Education Faculty Study.
Key takeaways:
- Professors give themselves a "B"
- One third feel like beginning investors
- Three in ten unsure how retirement savings are invested
Retirement Readiness Survey for Higher Education Professionals
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Micah Hauptman is the financial services counsel at the Consumer Federation of America. Micah and his organization are fighting to save the Department of Labor’s Conflict of Interest Rule (a.k.a. the fiduciary standard) which is under assault by the Trump administration.
Micah Hauptman
Conflict of Interest Rule Fact Sheet
Email comments to: EBSA.FiduciaryRuleExamination@dol.gov. Include RIN 1210-AB79 in the subject line of the message.
To President-Elect Trump: What If Everything You’ve Been Told About the DOL Fiduciary Rule Is Wrong?
The Committee For The Fiduciary Standard
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
We discuss the latest NY Times 403(b) article When Teachers Face the Task of Fixing Their Retirement Accounts. We also speak with Connecticut state representative Matthew Lesser (D) who is trying to improve 403(b) plans in the state.
Matthew Lesser
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Christina and Matt, two New York educators who live in Connecticut, discuss past investing mistakes, steps they are taking to save better, and they have questions about saving for college.
Saving for College
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Beer
Misty Mountain IPA by Back East Brewery of Bloomfield, CT
Hurricane Kitty by Keegan Ales of Kingston, NY
Saturday Morning Cartoons Breakfast Cereal Milk Stout by Brew Rebellion of San Bernardino, CA
Double White by Marble Brewery of Albuquerque, NM
In episode 18, Ed Mills, a.k.a. "The Millionaire Educator" described how he and his teacher wife socked away more than $100,000 in 2015. In this episode, Ed describes how he and his family did what many dream of doing.
Millionaire Educator
Accessing money prior to age 59 1/2
Roth conversion
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
Dan interviews 23-year-old soon to be teacher Melissa of Albuquerque, NM. She is about to be married and she is about to enter the classroom full time. What should she know about saving for retirement?
Think Your Retirement Plan Is Bad? Talk to a Teacher
An Annuity for the Teacher — and the Broker: A look inside the high-pressure job of selling workplace annuities to public schoolteachers
Even Math Teachers Are at a Loss to Understand Annuities
Nonprofit Employees, Already Underpaid, Face Special Challenges in Retirement
How to Fix a Retirement Plan at a School or Nonprofit
403(b)wise
Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, and one of the most impressive women in finance, talks Cubs baseball, investments, the power of internships, and other really cool topics.
Ariel Investments
TED Talk: Color blind or color brave?
Vanity Fair interview with Mellody
Ariel Community Academy
Scott interviews retired teacher and reform advocate Steve Schullo about Los Angeles Unified School District's award winning 457(b) plan. They discuss what the 457(b) is, how it is different than a 403(b), how it is similar to the 403(b), and how Steve's work led to a strong plan for LAUSD employees.
What is a 457(b)?
LAUSD 457(b) Plan
FinCon
Steve Schullo
Planner Tony Isola, CFP of Ritholtz Wealth Management, joins Scott and Dan to discuss the first two New York Times stories in a series on public 403(b) plans. They also take on the teacher bashing expressed in some of the comments to these stories.
Think Your Retirement Plan Is Bad? Talk to a Teacher
An Annuity for the Teacher — and the Broker: A look inside the high-pressure job of selling workplace annuities to public schoolteachers
Claymation: What do a fox, a wolf, and sheep have to do with the 403(b)?
A Teachable Moment
“It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it.” — Upton Sinclair
Our guest, Jennifer Polk, PhD, helps graduate students and PhDs achieve "career and life goals" often beyond academia.
From PhD to Life
403(b)wise
Meridian Wealth Management
We interview planning couple Dina and teacher turned planner Tony Isola. Together they head up the 403(b) division at the powerhouse Ritholtz Wealth Management firm.
Dina strives to provide clarity and common sense to demystify the “jargon” of the financial world, so that investors stop feeling intimidated or inadequate when considering their financial planning options.
Tony is a former teacher who gets it. He saw first hand the abuses in the 403(b) world. While the profession lost a great classroom teacher, it gained a strong 403(b) advocate.
Ritholtz Wealth Management Team
A Teachable Moment
Joe Strummer
Subscribe to the Teach and Retire Rich podcast
We interview one of the unsung heroes of the 403(b) world: Ed Derman, retiring Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS). Ed discusses the work he has done on behalf of teachers in the state of California.
CalSTRS
403(b)compare
We discuss recent class action lawsuits filed against Duke, M.I.T, N.Y.U., Penn University, and Vanderbilt University, and Yale University for excessive retirement plan fees.
M.I.T., N.Y.U. and Yale Are Sued Over Retirement Plan Fees
We talk 403(b) Church Plans with Chicago area rabbi Evan Moffic of the Congregation Sole.
Rabbi Evan Moffic
Reform Pension Board
IRS Church Plan Information
403(b) Shark Attack
Mark Eichenlaub, a 7th grade teacher in Illinois, discusses how he was able to get his employer to add a quality, low-fee vendor.
Prosperous Teachers
Teach and Retire Rich
403bwise.com
Meridian Wealth Management
Inga Chira brings a unique perspective to the Higher Education market. She is a professor and a CFP®. In episode 31 she talks to us about teaching and saving in higher ed.
Attainable Wealth
Teach and Retire Rich
403bwise.com
Meridian Wealth Management
In episode 29 high school social science teacher Dustin Voss talked about teaching financial literacy at Fenger Academy High School in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode, two of his students share what they have learned in his class.
Dustin Voss began teaching in 2007 in Chicago Public Schools. After his first year of teaching at South Shore School of Technology, he was laid off and did a year of substitute teaching. in 2009 he was hired at Fenger High School and has taught civics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and other social science classes since. He has a masters degree in curriculum and instruction and achieved National Board Certification in 2013.
Dan's daughter Lily discusses the process of choosing a college. She also offers tips for high school kids just starting this process.
Scott and Dan discuss how two groups — The NTSA and the NEA — make saving for retirement harder for teachers. They also discuss the redesign of 403bwise.
Retired teacher Steve Schullo and 403bwise founder Dan Otter share what it is like to lose a spouse. They also discuss the financial implications of losing a loved one.
Too many unions fail teachers when it comes to the 403(b). But not this Wisconsin-based union. Dan and Scott speak with Sonja Penner, manager of communication for WEA Member Benefits.
Dan interviews the author of Wild West: Providing Fiduciary Advice to Public School Employees, a book that details how advisors can serve the K-12 market.
Beer
Our guest drinks a True Brewmance IPA from 8 Bit Brewing Company of Murrieta, California. Dan drinks a Red Chair NWPA Northwest Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, Oregon.
Dan and Scott examine the annuity. We look at the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Beer
Scott drinks a #9 Not Quite Pale Ale from Magic Hat Brewing Company of Burlington, Vermont. Dan drinks an Otra Vez Gose-Style Ale from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company of Chico, California.
Dan and Scott talk with Lynn O'Shaughnessy of the College Solution, a website designed to help parents and students navigate the often stressful process of applying to and paying for college. Topics covered include: the absurdity of college rankings; the dangers of focusing on a handful of schools; the metrics that lead to a happy college student; why research universities may not be the best choice for undergrads; and the realities of athletic scholarships.
Beer
Scott drinks an Islander IPA from Coronado Brewing Company of Coronado, California. Dan drinks a Grapefruit Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point of San Diego, California.
Dan and Scott continue their talk with Lynn O'Shaughnessy of the College Solution, a website designed to help parents and students navigate the often stressful process of applying to and paying for college.
Beer
Scott drinks an Islander IPA from Coronado Brewing Company of Coronado, California. Dan drinks a Grapefruit Sculpin IPA from Ballast Point Brewing Company of San Diego, California.
Dan and Scott talk with Ed Mills a.k.a. The Millionaire Educator. Ed and his wife, who is also a teacher, saved $104,000 in 2015. Not only are he and his wife hard-core savers, they are also willing to move from one school district to another to gain access to better 403(b) investment choices, or to trigger the separation from service provision that allows them to move their 403(b) assets to lower cost investments.
Beer (and Wine)
Ed drinks a red "Black Box" cabernet wine. Scott drinks a Chain Breaker White IPA from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, Oregon. Dan drinks an Adobe Igloo, a winter style brown ale by Santa Fe Brewing Company of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Dan and Scott take a look back at their 2015 investing successes and failures. They also share 2016 savings plans and investing goals.
Dan and Scott visit Amy Biehl Charter High School in downtown Albuquerque, NM where every senior takes a hybrid economic and financial literacy course. This isn’t your typical course. Topics covered include: political ideology and economic policy, predatory lending, and red lining along with financing college, cars and mortgages. Dan and Scott interview students Jonathan, Alicia, Serina, and their teacher Bryan Wehrli.
Beer
Dan and Scott drank the following beer at Dan's AFTER the interviews were conducted: Bosque Lager by Bosque Brewing and Elevated IPA by La Cumbre.
Dan and Scott interview fiduciary planner Sheryl Garrett, CFP, owner of the Garrett Planning Network. Founded in 2000, the Garrett Planning Network has grown into a national network of hundreds of hourly-based, fee-only financial planners. The Network exists "to make competent, objective advice accessible to all people." Sheryl has been singled out by president Obama for her support of advisor fiduciary standards. In this interview, Sheryl discusses a variety of financial planning topics including what the Garrett Planning Network is and why it was needed. She also discusses the fight to get a fiduciary standard in place.
Beer (and Hard Cider)
Sheryl drinks a Wicked Apple hard cider by Redd's of Milwaukee, WI.; Scott drinks a Pumpkin Ale from Saranac Brewery of Utica, NY; Dan, who has a cold, drinks a Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride tea by Celestial Seasonings.
Dan and Scott interview Warwick, N.Y. based planner Ken Ford owner of Warwick Valley Financial Advisors. Ken has begun to focus on working with K-12 teachers in the Warwick, N.Y. area. He talks about his effort to serve what he believes is an underserved market: K-12 teachers.
Beer
Ken drinks an Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Company of Lakewood, NY; Scott drinks a #9 Not Quite Pale Ale from Magic Hat Brewing Company of South Burlington, VT; Dan drinks a Slice of Hefen Wheat Ale from La Cumbre Brewing Company of Albuquerque, NM.
Dan and Scott interview Scott Senseney of Fidelity's Tax Exempt Market Business. Topics covered include: Fidelity’s approach to the K-12 market (they have approximately 4,000 client accounts); how to get Fidelity in your school district; Fidelity’s approach to the college/university and tax-exempt markets; and Fidelity's recent success at winning single vendor RFPs. We also asked Scott about the challenges of increasing enrollment in public K-12 403(b) plans, how Fidelity personalizes service, and his prediction for the public (non-ERISA) 403(b).
Beer
Dan drinks a Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale which is collaboration beer from New Belgium of Fort Collins, CO and Ben & Jerry's of Burlington, VA.; Scott drinks a Mission St. Hefeweizen from Trader Joe's of Monrovia, CA.
Dan and Scott interview Dave Grant, a Certified Financial Planner who specializes in working with teachers. Dave grew up in England and came to the United States because of a girl — a teacher — who is now his wife. Dave talks about his business model, working with teachers, and a new financial initiative he just launched called: The Finance for Teachers Network (FFTN). The goal of the network is to bring educator-focused financial advisors from across the United States into one place to learn best practices from each other, understand how to further their skills in working with K-12 and college educators, and get coaching in how to serve more educators than they currently are.
Beer
Dan drinks a Bosque Lager from Bosque Brewing of Albuquerque, NM.; Scott drinks an Arrogant Bastard Ale from Stone Brewing of San Diego, CA.
Dan and Scott interview Mark Luckinbill of Aspire Financial Services. Mark is head of 403(b), 457(b) and IRA products for Aspire. One way to describe the firm is an aggregator of mutual fund companies and investment products. Through the Aspire platform educators or staff can get access to most of the popular mutual fund companies including low cost, no-load funds like Fidelity and Vanguard. Aspire is available in more than 3,500 school districts across the country.
Beer
Dan drinks a Pumpkick Ale from New Belgium Brewing of Fort Collins, CO; Scott — in our continued effort to "Draft" Massachusettes Senator Elizabeth Warren" to share a beer with us and discuss financial issues — drinks a Downtime Pilsner from The Boston Beer Company of Boston, MA.; Mark drinks a Freak of Nature Double IPA from Wicked Weed Brewing Craft Beer of Asheville, NC.
Dan and Scott interview retired teacher and 403(b) advocate Steve Schullo and husband Dan Robertson. The couple, who co-wrote Late Bloomer Millionaires, share how they met, talk about their financial mistakes and successes, and discuss the financial challenges of same sex couples.
Note: Dan Robertson passed away shortly after the release of this episode. Words cannot express the loss we feel. RIP Dan Robertson.
Dan and Scott critique the podcast to date, explain the meaning of the phrase Teach and Retire Rich, discuss recent market volatility, and Scott announces a movement to get a certain financial hero of ours on the podcast.
Beer
Dan drinks a Black IPA from Santa Fe Brewing Company of Santa Fe, NM; Scott drinks an Inversion IPA from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, OR.
Dan and Scott interview retired Los Angeles teacher Steve Schullo, who almost single-handedly started the 403(b) reform effort. After being duped into buying a high-fee variable annuity as a new teacher, Steve began a decades long effort to help teachers get better investment choices. He’s battled administrators, benefits officials, unions, and financial industry lobbyists. Steve, along with husband Dan Robertson, co-wrote Late Bloomer Millionaires which details their investing mistakes and successes. Steve talks about growing up on a farm in northern Wisconsin, his service in Vietnam, teaching, 403(b) advocacy, investing, and meeting his partner Dan Robertson. Note: Dan Robertson passed away not long after the release of this episode. Words cannot express the loss we feel. RIP Dan Robertson.
Beer
Dan (Otter) drinks an Outlaw lager from Rio Grande Brewing Company of Moriarty, NM; Scott drinks an Inversion IPA from Deschutes Brewery of Bend, OR.
Dan follows up with 6th grade teacher Joe Minnuto about the bad 403(b) choices available to him and his wife, who is also a teacher. Dan and Joe also talk Buffalo sports including “Wide Right” and “No Goal!”
Beer
Dan drinks a Wet Mountain IPA from the Canteen Brewhouse of Albuquerque, NM; Joe drinks a Tangier IPA from Southern of Tier Lakewood, NY.
Dan and Scott try to help 6th grade teacher Joe Minnuto with his bad 403(b) choices. Topics covered include: 90-24 outside-of-plan exchange, 403(b) vs. a Roth IRA, Third Party Administrators (TPAs), Vanguard and TPAs, Aspire and open architecture plans, investor share class vs institutional share class, and the 457(b).
Beer
Dan drinks a Happy Camper IPA from Santa Fe Brewing Company of Santa Fe, NM; Scott drinks a Tower 10 IPA from Karl Strauss of San Diego, CA; Joe drinks a Buffalo Lager from Flying Bison Brewing Company of Buffalo, NY.
Dan and Scott offer advice on what to do if stuck with bad 403(b) choices. Topics covered include: How to know if you have a bad 403(b); Steps to take to get a better plan; and Foregoing a 403(b) for a Roth IRA. They also discuss the fee-finding resource 403(b)compare.com; Dan shares a bit about his recent trip to England where he took in a Liverpool football (soccer) match at Anfield. Scott shares a bit about his recent trip to Hawaii.
Beer
Dan drinks a Farmer's Tan Red Ale from Tractor Brewing of Albuquerque, NM; Scott drinks a Diesel Punk from World Brews of Novato, CA.
Dan and Scott continue their discussion on the much misunderstood 403(b). Topics covered include: pre-tax 403(b) contributions; post-tax Roth 403(b) contributions; options for a 403(b) when leaving an employer; penalty-free acess to the 403(b); hardship withdrawals and what happens to a 403(b) during a divorce. Scott gives his verdict on Dan's 2001 decision to roll over his CalSTRS pension into an IRA when he left California.
Beer
This is part 2 of our podcast on the 403(b) which was recorded right after part 1 where we drank beer. While two beers in one day of recording sounds like a good idea, it probably wouldn't make a good podcast. Two beers in one sitting might make us do something really unwise like recommend high fee variable annuities.
Dan and Scott discuss the much misunderstood 403(b) retirement plan. Questions addressed include: What is it? How does it work? How can it be invested? How much can be contributed? When can it be accessed?
Beer
Dan drinks a Riverwalker IPA from Bosque Brewing of Albuquerque, NM. Scott (with apologies) drinks a Blue Moon from Coors Brewery of Conglomerateville, INC.
Dan and Scott discuss how teacher pension plans work. Dan describes how in 2001 when he left the state of California he rolled over his CalSTRS pension into a Vanguard Rollover IRA. Scott is not sure that was a good idea.
Beer
Dan drinks a Wildflower Wheat from Marble Brewery of Albuquerque, NM; Scott drinks an Orange Wheat from Hanger 24 Craft Brewing of Redlands, CA.
Dan and Scott describe how they got into teacher retirement plan advocacy. They also lay out their vision for the Teach and Retire Rich Podcast.
Beer
Dan drinks a Red Ryeot from La Cumbre Brewing Company of Albuquerque, NM; Scott drinks an Upheaval IPA from Widmer Brothers Brewing of Portland, OR.