HigherEd Retire

In this episode, listen as Greg shares one of the most common mistakes made by folks contacting him - PROCRASTINATION!Specifically in regards to those that have ex-employer TIAA accounts of which Traditional is held in them. Time-and-time again, once uncovered, we learn that those monies sitting in Traditional are receiving sub-par interest rates. Listen as Greg shares with you a very simple strategy that will boost those underperforming TIAA Traditional rates by utilizing your current TIAA contracts. Additionally, Greg delves into, what he considers, the opportunity cost of keeping you money in high yielding money market funds compared to Traditional....for the long-run. Lot's of folks out there don't take the time to consider interest rate risk we're about to encounter in the year 2025.TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

In this episode, Greg dives into a recent NBC News article that sheds light on TIAA's controversial strategies to offset losses in their recordkeeping business.Greg uncovers some disappointing (in his opinion) sales tactics that TIAA reportedly required their wealth managers to adopt. While acknowledging TIAA's longstanding contributions to the retirement planning industry, Greg discusses how recent changes in SEC transparency mandates have forced the company to pivot its retirement plan platforms, leading to a slowdown in revenue from proprietary investments.To compensate, TIAA has employed, in Greg's view, questionable tactics to boost revenue.Tune in to this episode to evaluate whether your TIAA wealth manager is truly acting as a fiduciary with your best interests at heart.NBC New Article referenced in episode....https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/tiaa-pushes-costly-retirement-products-cover-losses-whistleblower-rcna161198TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

In this episode of "TIAA Simplified," we delve into three critical aspects of TIAA and your Traditional accounts, aiming to provide clarity and actionable insights.Competence in Financial Advisors:We kick off by addressing an essential issue for TIAA participants: the competence of your financial advisor. It's crucial to ensure that your independent, fee-only advisor is well-versed in TIAA-specific issues. Does your advisor have an APIN number? This can be a good indicator of their expertise in navigating your TIAA journey effectively.Understanding Illiquid Contracts:Next, we highlight the importance of recognizing whether your TIAA Traditional monies are in illiquid contracts. We share a real-life scenario where a TIAA participant discovered just before retirement that a significant portion of her Traditional money was illiquid. This revelation could have derailed her retirement plans, but understanding the nature of illiquid contracts and knowing the right exit strategy can turn this challenge into an advantage. We explain how you can navigate these complexities to protect and optimize your retirement savings.Lifetime Income vs. 10-Year TPA:Lastly, we discuss the decision-making process between opting for Lifetime Income versus the 10-Year Transfer Payout Annuity (TPA). Through another real-life example, we illustrate how a TIAA participant, initially skeptical about Lifetime Income, was convinced by the numbers and benefits. We also provide insights into why some independent advisors might urge you to initiate liquidation strategies for your Traditional assets and how to make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term retirement goals.Tune in to this episode of "TIAA Simplified" to better understand these crucial elements of your TIAA Traditional accounts, ensuring you can make well-informed decisions for a secure and prosperous retirement.TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

Welcome to the latest episode of "TIAA Simplified"! In this episode titled "TIAA Membership Program," Greg Shepard introduces an exciting new program designed for those in their accumulation phase—still working towards their retirement goals.Greg discusses the key features of the membership program, including a one-time account optimization and strategy session utilizing Nitrogen software. Participants will also benefit from quarterly webinars covering general economic and market insights, yearly check-in review appointments, and ongoing email support for general questions.With a limited capacity of 10-15 participants initially, Greg emphasizes the personalized attention each member will receive. The first 10-15 participants will also be grandfathered into any future price increases, ensuring continued value for early adopters.Interested in joining the TIAA Membership Program? Reach out to Greg at greg@shepardfinancial.com to learn more and secure your spot today. Don't miss out on this opportunity to optimize your retirement strategy and gain valuable insights from a seasoned financial expert.TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

In this episode, independent TIAA expert, Greg Shepard, delves into questions you've sent his way over the last few months. He closes the episode by elaborating on a key observation he's seen amongst TIAA participants. Questions Greg addresses in this episode....Do you (Greg) have to be local in order to work with me as my advisor?How can I increase my TIAA Traditional rate? TPA Strategies - what are all the nuances associated with TPA's?How do you (Greg) differ from the advisor I use at TIAA or any other independent advisor outside TIAA?In closing, Greg addresses the key observation he's noticed amongst TIAA participants upon retirement. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

Welcome to "TIAA Simplified" with Greg Shepard! In this eye-opening Podcast episode Greg delves into the common mistakes many higher education professionals make in managing their retirement plans. Drawing from his extensive experience, Greg highlights crucial insights and real-life examples to guide viewers towards smarter financial decisions.Key Points:1. Common Mistakes: Greg addresses misconceptions and pitfalls in retirement portfolio management, urging viewers to reassess their strategies.2. DIY vs. Professional Guidance: He explores the risks of managing portfolios independently versus seeking expert advice, emphasizing the importance of fiduciary responsibility.3. Importance of Diversification: Greg stresses the need for a balanced approach to portfolio construction, incorporating diverse investment options to ensure stability and income generation.4. Seeking Expert Assistance: He encourages viewers to consider consulting an independent financial advisor with experience in navigating TIAA and higher education retirement plans.5. Opportunity for Guidance: Greg extends an invitation to those nearing retirement to explore the possibility of partnering with S&A Financial Services for personalized portfolio management and guidance.===========================TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

Hey there, everyone! Greg Shepard here, and in today's Podcast episode, we're diving deep into a rather specific situation surrounding the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option within TIAA Traditional. As someone who specializes in simplifying the complexities of TIAA accounts, I'm here to shed light on this topic and help you navigate through it.Let me paint the picture for you. Just recently, I had a conversation with an individual from Arizona who found himself in a bit of a predicament with his TIAA retirement plan. He opted for the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option within his GRA account with his TIAA Traditional, directing payments to his rollover IRA at Schwab. However, things took an unexpected turn when he turned RMD age, triggering a series of events that he wasn't prepared for.You see, when you select the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option and hit RMD age within that period, payments from TIAA are redirected to you directly, rather than to your IRA. This caught this individual off guard, leading to confusion and frustration.So, what's the solution? Well, it's essential to understand the implications of your choices and plan accordingly. In this case, after he became a client, we continued both the RMDs from the IRA and the payments from TIAA, but directed the RMDs to a Trust account to avoid doubling his income.This scenario highlights the importance of being proactive and seeking guidance before making decisions that could have significant consequences for your retirement plan.If you're considering the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option or have any questions about your TIAA Traditional investment, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you navigate through the complexities and ensure you make informed choices.Remember, knowledge is power, and being informed is the key to securing your financial future. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, this is Greg Shepard from S&A Financial Services, wishing you all the best on your retirement journey.Lastly, I wanted to let you know that my firm is looking to work with and help one new client per month. My firm remains highly specialized in simplifying the TIAA process and putting together strategies that are easy to understand. If you're within a few years, or a few days, of retirement and want to see if you 're a good fit for my firm. Please feel free to contact me to see how we can make your TIAA life a little easier. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel

Tune in to the latest episode of the HigherEd Retire Podcast, where we delve into the intersection of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and TIAA Traditional investments. Specifically, I explore how the RMD age impacts individuals who have chosen the 5-year fixed option after separating from service.Join me as we break down the implications and considerations for post-service investors. Understand the significance of RMD age in managing your TIAA Traditional investments effectively.Gain valuable insights into navigating RMDs and optimizing your retirement strategy with TIAA Traditional. Don't miss out on this essential discussion tailored to higher education retirees. Tune in now for actionable advice and expert guidance! YouTube Channel

In this special episode of the HigherEd Retire Podcast, I take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each listener who makes this journey worthwhile. Thank you for taking time out of your day to tune in and be part of my journey and community!To showcase my appreciation, I'm sharing two inspiring stories from listeners just like you. These relatable narratives highlight the shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs in navigating their TIAA higher education retirement plans. From financial uncertainties to strategic decisions, these stories resonate with the broader public.Join me as we celebrate the HigherEd Retire community and the connections forged through shared experiences. Your stories matter to me, and I'm honored to be part of your retirement planning journey. Thank you for being a valued listener, and here's to many more insightful episodes together!

Today's podcast episode is a must-listen as we delve into the intriguing realm of TIAA Traditional and a strategy that's making waves—the 120-Day Restoration Rule.This rule, a game-changer in the current high-interest-rate landscape (2023), particularly affects those with liquid TIAA Traditional accounts. If you're not yet familiar with this tactic, buckle up because understanding it could impact you. Now, remember, this isn't financial advice but an eye-opening concept that deserves your attention.In this episode, I dissect the intricacies of the 120-Day Restoration Rule. For participants with older Legacy buckets in TIAA Traditional earning around 4% or less, this strategy could be your ticket to amplified returns, thanks to today's rates (2023). By strategically selling, moving to a money market (or conservative bond investment) for 120 days, and reintroducing back into TIAA Traditional, you could benefit from higher rates—currently hovering around 6% (2023).But, there's a crucial caveat. This strategy shines brightest for those with a substantial history in TIAA Traditional. If you've recently injected a significant sum within the last 12 - 18 months to capitalize on higher rates, the 120-Day Restoration Rule might not be as advantageous. TIAA will prorate the exit funds, impacting the overall outcome. Understanding the nuances of the 120-Day Restoration Rule is paramount. If you're uncertain or curious about how this strategy aligns with your unique situation, I encourage you to reach out to TIAA or, of course, contact me. I'm here to assist you in navigating the intricacies of your retirement plan.YouTube Channel

Welcome back, everyone to another episode of HigherEd Retire! Greg Shepard here from S&A Financial Services, your go-to guide for navigating the complexities of higher education retirement plans, especially those involving TIAA accounts. Today, I've got a game-changing strategy to share, especially tailored for those with a significant age difference between spouses.In a recent scenario, I encountered a participant on the verge of retirement, holding a substantial $700,000+ in TIAA Traditional within an illiquid contract. The catch? His spouse was nine years younger, setting the stage for a unique approach to address liquidity and estate planning concerns.Join me as we delve into a groundbreaking alternative to the traditional lifetime income annuity option - the 10-year TPA (Transfer Payout Annuity). We'll explore why, in this specific case, the age difference played a pivotal role in making the 10-year TPA a more attractive choice.By opting for the 10-year TPA, paid out over nine years with annual payments directed to a Rollover IRA, this couple gained increased liquidity and enhanced estate planning benefits. Discover why this strategy might be your game-changer too, especially if you find yourself in a similar age-discrepant situation.A quick reminder: this episode isn't investment advice, but rather a tool to empower you with knowledge about TIAA Traditional rules and alternative extraction methods. Make sure you understand the nuances of your retirement plan and, if applicable, explore options like the 10-year TPA.If you've got questions or want to share your unique situation, feel free to reach out to me. YouTube Channel

Welcome back to another insightful episode of HigherEd Retire where we unravel the complexities of higher education retirement plans.I'm Greg Shepard from S&A Financial Services, your dedicated guide in maximizing your retirement benefits.Episode Highlights:1. The Higher Ed Retirement Puzzle: Delving into the labyrinth of higher education retirement plans, which often prove perplexing for those navigating TIAA accounts. Drawing on two decades of experience, I've encountered consistent mistakes that can significantly impact your financial future.2. The Scenario: Group Retirement Annuity (GRA) to TIAA Traditional Illiquidity: Illustrating a real-life scenario of an individual with a substantial GRA within TIAA. The allure of TIAA Traditional's new rate (6.75% as of Nov 2023) tempts the move fromunderperforming bond funds.3. The Unintended Illiquidity: Emphasizing the unintended consequence of illiquidity when transferring substantial sums into TIAA Traditional. A cautionary tale of an account becoming illiquid, limiting withdrawal options.4. The Client's Dilemma: Solutions and Options: The client, realizing the mistake, sought professional guidance to navigate the complexities. Exploring solutions such as the Transfer Payout Annuity (TPA) to reinvest and the 120-day separation strategy.5. Public Service Announcement (PSA): Do Your Homework: A crucial reminder to scrutinize and understand the liquidity aspects of TIAA Traditional before making any moves. Advising listeners to reach out to TIAA or contact me for personalized guidance.Conclusion: In conclusion, this episode serves as a beacon of caution and enlightenment for those contemplating moves within TIAA Traditional. Don't let your retirement plans become victims of unintended illiquidity; learn from theexperiences shared here. For personalized advice or questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Your financial well-being is our priority.YouTube Video Channel

Are you in the world of higher education retirement plans? Greg Shepard from S&A Financial Services has some crucial insights to share with you. In this episode, he breaks down a common assumption some make when it comes to retirement planning – that you have to leave your accounts with your current higher education retirement plan vendor. Greg clears up this misconception and explains the diverse options you have when it comes to managing your retirement savings.Key Highlights:1. Empowering Choices: Greg encourages those in higher education not to feel tied to their current retirement plan vendor. Your money, your choice – he highlights the importance of knowing your options.2. Real-Life Scenarios: Greg shares real-life situations where individuals assumed they had to stick with their existing vendor but discovered there are alternative solutions for their retirement savings.3. Options Beyond TIAA: While Greg's focus is on TIAA, he emphasizes that this principle applies to all retirement plan vendors across the board. You have the freedom to decide what's best for your financial future.4. Efficiency and Combinations: Greg discusses how you can maximize your retirement strategy by utilizing the strengths of multiple vendors, creating a more efficient and tailored retirement plan.5. Get Informed: Don't miss out on potential opportunities due to assumptions. Greg welcomes your questions, comments, and thoughts on this vital topic. Reach out to him, and he'll provide his expert insights to help you make informed decisions.If you're in the world of higher education and managing your retirement plan, this episode is a must. Greg Shepard explains how you can have greater control over your financial future by breaking free from the assumption that you're locked into one vendor. Explore your choices and empower your retirement savings strategy. YouTube Video Channel

Join Greg Shepard, specialist in higher education retirement plans, as he shares with you the most popular TIAA Traditional strategies you should think about implementing. Greg has been helping those in higher education for over 20yrs so he'll share some invaluable information in this episode. Listen as he talks through an actual client TIAA Traditional scenario and explains the options afforded to him. Greg shares with you the tool to use on TIAA's website that can really help you out when it comes to your strategy planning. However, as he states in this episode, it can get even more confusing than you may think due to the fact that not ALL strategies may not be shown on the website. Lastly, Greg emphasizes how important it is for you to know and understand all the options available to you when dealing with TIAA Traditional. This is where a knowledgeable fee-only financial advisor could deliver high-level value. YouTube Video Channel

In this episode, Greg Shepard, host of Higher Ed Retire Podcast, will share with you how one would transfer money out of TIAA Traditional in an illiquid account in order to take advantage of higher rates of TIAA Traditional inside a liquid account.As always, Greg stresses that this is NOT investment advice and this particular strategy will be plan specific so make sure to check with TIAA prior to implementing this strategy or any other strategy discussed in this podcast.As Greg mentions, this strategy will probably apply to a lot of those in higher education and this goes to show that there are a lot of different nuances / strategies one could initiate and never even know it was available to them. Listen as Greg shares with you the logistics of how this strategy works as well. Probably the most difficult part of this particular strategy is getting the correct paperwork, which certainly can get confusing and frustrating. Lastly, Greg shares with you how important it can be to have someone in your corner when navigating these tricky waters and necessarily relying 100% on TIAA reps. YouTube Video Channel

Do you find yourself a little overwhelmed because you're about to transition into retirement and you don't really have a great grasp on the financial game plan?Trust me, you're not alone. In this episode, listen as Greg Shepard shares with you a recent encounter he had with someone in that exact situation. You'll hear how Greg stopped this individual in mid-explanation, took a "step back" and simplified things. After Greg was able to share with this individual a simpler, more income producing strategy, he and his wife were able to finally understand the plan and feel less stressed regarding their future. Lastly, Greg shares with you an email he received the day of this recording regarding someone he had been helping deciding to choose the Interest Only option for 100% of their TIAA account. A little unusual, but listen as to why Greg agreed with this strategy - just maybe it could help you out as well with your TIAA account. YouTube Video Channel

In this episode, Greg Shepard, who specializes in helping those in higher education get the most out of their retirement plan, shares with you the 3 most recent popular questions / topics asked to him from those viewing is YouTube channel.In this episode, Greg shares with you what one can do if their TPA (Transfer Payout Annuity) from TIAA Traditional exceeds that of the RMD (Required Minimum Distribution). Question posed to Greg regarding this issue is can one take the difference (the TPA dollar amount greater than RMD) and direct that towards IRA rather than taking the income? The answer is Yes, but the logistics of accomplishing this is a little trickier than one may think. Also, piggybacking off the first topic, higher ed employees wanted to know if they could transfer TIAA Traditional balance NOT converted to a Lifetime Income Annuity? Again, the answer is a resounding Yes, but listen to Greg as he shares with you how to accomplish this. Lastly, Greg shares with you something he's discussed in prior podcasts. With TIAA Traditional realizing such high interest rates, does it make sense to use this fixed investment as a bond alternative?The answer is Maybe, depending on your contract and how you feel about the liquidity issues around TIAA Traditional. Again, listen to this episode and Greg will talk you through the nuances. YouTube Video Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@higheredretire4534

In this episode, listen as Greg shares with you another case where a university participant incorrectly implemented a fairly popular strategy when it comes to TIAA Traditional. Use this as a cautionary tale for you to not repeat the same pitfall. As Greg states over-and-over again, it's well worth your time to discuss anything dealing with TIAA Traditional with a professional that has experience in dealing with TIAA. In this case, the participant did call TIAA for the transaction, but didn't necessarily ask about the strategy or if he was implementing it correctly. Remember, it's not TIAA rep's responsibility to acknowledge one-way-or another if you're implementing a certain strategy correctly. They are not your fiduciary advisor. They will simply give you information and execute the instructions you give them. Unfortunately, in this case, the idea was great, but poor execution cost the participant a tax liability on $200,000. Don't let this be you....!

In this episode, Greg updates the popular episode "TIAA Traditional - Financial Advisor's View" recorded back in January of 2023. Lot's has transpired in that 4ish months and even Greg has learned new tricks-of-the-trade when it comes to TIAA Traditional. Listen as Greg shares with you 3 quick strategies regarding TIAA Traditional. Keep in mind, these strategies are discussed in more depth on other podcast episodes and Greg's YouTube Channel as well. This episode is a tale of one financial advisor changing his view on TIAA Traditional within a span of less than one year. Listen to this episode and find out why....

This, very well, may be the most important Podcast episode I've done to-date. In this episode listen as Greg shares with you a cautionary tale of someone who watched my videos, listened to podcast episodes, and did a great job of arming themselves with good information they didn't know prior.Then, turning around and doing the exact opposite of what he learned. He ran into a very nice, well-dressed financial advisor that convinced him to do just about the opposite of what he thought he should do (by way of learning through videos / podcast).Greg shares this with you so you don't go down this cautionary path as well. As always, if you'd like to bounce ideas off of me regarding your situation, by all means, feel free to do so....

This particular question comes up now-and-again, "should I hire a financial advisor to help me out with my university retirement plan(s)?" This question gets more complicated when those in higher education state that the reps at TIAA and Fidelity serve as their "advisor."Listen as Greg gives you an idea as to when a financial advisor would be advantageous and also shares with you when a financial advisor wouldn't be beneficial to your situation. Greg also dives into the reason as to why reps at TIAA and Fidelity, although great folks, shouldn't be considered your financial advisor. Lastly, learn what type of financial advisor you should be on the lookout for and what type / how much compensation both parties should expect. Podcast Episode - Why I'm a Hypocrite on TIAA Traditional Podcast Episode - TIAA Traditional - Watch Out!

In this episode of HigherEd Retire, Greg will take time to answer your questions. Thanks to you, HigherEd Retire podcast has reached new heights of popularity. With the newfound attention, comes quite a few questions, which is GREAT! Remember, this podcast is to help those in higher education get the most out of your retirement plan - So keep those questions coming! Greg will take a few questions that pertain to the general public and answer them via podcast episode once per month. This is the first "Office Hours" episode and Greg will continue to answer your questions to the best of his ability as long as you're willing to ask.

TIAA Traditional rates have climbed to a level that's hard to ignore. With these high rates, comes a lot of attention and questions surrounding said investment. Do note, there are A LOT of nuances around TIAA that can make this investment more complex than you think. In this episode, Greg shares with you his views of TIAA Traditional from a financial advisor's perspective. Greg's been working with higher ed retirement plans for over 20+ years so he's been around TIAA Traditional for quite some time. You'll also hear in this episode that there's just too much to get into with TIAA Traditional so Greg will be dividing some of the more important topics related to TIAA Traditional in future episodes. So make sure to subscribe to get those important episodes directly downloaded to you. Podcast Episode - Why I'm a Hypocrite on TIAA Traditional Podcast Episode - TIAA Traditional - Watch Out!

Catchy title, right? Let's be honest, nothing exciting about the Lifetime Income Annuity option presented to you from TIAA Traditional inside the RC contract. I get bored even typing it! However, this could be one of the most important decisions you make when it comes to your retired financial life - AND IT'S IRREVOCABLE!!! Make note that this episode is strictly for the RC contract on the TIAA platform. There's been many higher ed institutions that have mapped over the RA contract to the RC contract. This episode pertains to those TIAA platform plans.Listen as Greg shares with you 3 different options you'll face on how to liquidate that TIAA Traditional account. Greg talks about one particular client faced with this decision and leaves it to you, the listener, as to what you think the best option is. As stated in the episode, make sure you know ALL the fact surrounding the liquidation options prior to making any irrevocable decisions. Also, none of the strategies discussed in this episode should be construed as investment advice. There is no "one-size-fits-all" strategy when it comes to liquidating the TIAA Traditional account. Other Resources:Podcast Episode - Why I'm a Hypocrite on TIAA Traditional Podcast Episode - TIAA Traditional - Watch Out!

It's that time of year again! All the "experts" and market analysts shower you with their take on what the new year will bring and try to convince you how their take on things is so much better than the one you heard 10min ago on a different channel / article. In this episode, take the time to listen to what Greg thinks 2023 will bring, with a caveat. Greg openly tells you that it doesn't matter what he thinks or anyone else for that matter. He'll share with you the "experts" take on 2022 and how that worked out for them. Hint....not very well. In this episode, Greg reminds everyone to be humble and realize that you're not smarter than the stock market - nobody is. He'll share with you actionable tips to take into the new year to help improve your higher ed retirement plan. Other Resources:HigherEd Retire Podcast Episodeshttps://safinancialservices.com/higered-retire-podcastGreg's calendar to talk about your higher ed retirement plan situationhttps://calendly.com/greg-safinancialservices/30minHigherEd Retire YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEEvSjdlIkiPR2GDyWFu88wS&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investmentadvisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not beconsidered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale orpurchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specificsituation.

In this episode, Greg talks about one of his most successful (financially) clients and how he achieved the status of multimillionaire without a huge salary. Since this clients passing, Greg shares with you his successes and missteps for you to avoid. Listen as you'll hear that his client remained humble in the sense that he understood he wasn't smarter than the stock / bond market and that it paid to actually pay a financial advisor in order to brainstorm ideas and help implement them.Lastly, learn what mistakes he made that wasn't apparent until his health deteriorated and realized by myself and his siblings after his death. There's a lot you can learn from this client. As he was a professor for most of his life, he'd be thrilled to know that he's helped some of you out there with just one or two actionable items. Other Resources:Podcast - BrokerageLink Podcast - Roth 403bPodcast - Rollover 403b to IRA

In this episode, Greg shares his thoughts around a popular LinkedIn post he made. Apparently, there's a lot of interest in how your university pension is invested. Listen as Greg talks you through some nefarious investment decisions made by 3 of Canada's largest pension funds and how that relates to your US university pension. Did you know that it's public information as to how your university pension is invested? You also have access to pension performance numbers as well. Lastly, listen as Greg advocates that you, the employee, ask questions about how your pension is invested and above all - ask about investment costs in your pension. In this episode, Greg mentions joining his private LinkedIn Group. Click link below to request to join.HigherEd Retire LinkedIn GroupS&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or as an offer of solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor, competent financial advisor, or attorney regarding your specific situation.

Lucky episode for you - 2 in one. Not sure why I did 2 short episodes, but figured each were too short to stand alone. First part, listen as I share with you why I'm a self-proclaimed hypocrite when it comes to TIAA Traditional fixed account. I'll share with you why I've change my mind for now, but also why you need to be very careful if deciding to proceed with this fixed investment. Second part of episode really lends itself to the employees in the Nebraska University system. Your retirement plan has enhanced in a way that you now have access to an AWESOME feature called BrokerageLink. Listen as I share with you why I think it's a great idea that you educate yourself on this feature and the top 2 benefits you can take away from BrokerageLink. Lastly, I'll share with you via link below access to my new private LinkedIn Group, HigherEd Retire, where I'll share with you all kinds of great nuggets of wisdom when it comes to higher ed retirement plans. Other Podcast EpisodesBrokerageLink - Why are you NOT doing this?TIAA Traditional - WATCH OUT!Request to Join Private LinkedIn Group HERE - for higher ed employees ONLYS&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investmentadvisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not beconsidered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale orpurchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies.Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specificsituation.

You don't have to be an employee of the Univ of Missouri System to appreciate this episode. This story of pension shortfall has been rewritten all over the country at various public higher ed institutions. If you are in the https://safinancialservices.com/services/university-retirement-plans (UM System), listen as Greg walks you through the epic fail of your pension. Learn how the Board of Curators are proposing ways to break your original employment contract regarding the pension (albeit, mistakes made dating decades ago). Listen as you'll learn of ways the CIO is trying to make up for Curators desire to "increase investment returns to pay for employee pensions." This episode is important for ALL higher ed employees dependent upon pensions upon retirement. There's a reason pensions are becoming a dinosaur. Question is, how do these institutions fix this epic fail...? Informative higher ed podcasts found https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (HERE).

In this episode, you'll learn the differences between the 403b and the 457b. Listen as Greg shares with you a couple features of the 457b account that has become more attractive since the rule changes a couple years ago. Most higher ed employees aren't even aware of this account in their retirement plan. Other Resources: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/028b2230-214d-4490-9ac5-9f9e2c489ff3/brokeragelink-part-2.mp3 (BrokerageLink Podcast) https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/54b9e5b3-00eb-4559-9f50-9ddd9ccd190c/roth-403b-prt-2.mp3 (Roth 403b Podcast) https://safinancialservices.com/ (www.safinancialservices.com)

In this episode, Greg brings up a topic discussed in an older podcast episode - BrokerageLink. Maybe the "stay at home" phase of the pandemic was the catalyst to more interest in the stock market? Maybe there's just more education around the BrokerageLink feature? Whatever the case, there's been a lot more interest in this awesome feature in higher ed retirement plans across the country. Listen as I share with you my top 3 favorite reasons to be in BrokerageLink. In this episode, you'll learn if you can access ETF's in your BrokerageLink - a little known secret to many employees. Learn how to possibly lower your costs and get access to just about any sector you can think of. On top of that, open the window to THOUSANDS of investment options. Interested? Listen to this short podcast to help become an expert in your retirement plan. Other informative podcasts https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (found HERE). Want to find out if / how you can take advantage of BrokerageLink? Click on my calendar below for a short phone converstion. https://calendly.com/greg-safinancialservices/30min (CALENDAR LINK )

*This episode stems from an article in Investment News (August 2021) and written by Bruce Kelly. As I explain in the episode, I read the article verbatim, interjecting my thoughts around the subject. SEC recently penalized TIAA $97 MILLION! Listen to this episode to find out why. This podcast episode should be a wake up call to all those in higher ed that run their retirement plan on "auto pilot." Listen as Greg shares with you as to why YOU need to act as your own fiduciary and not rely on your retirement plan vendors to always act in your best interest. Pay close attention to a quick story that Greg shares about an employee that saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in her TIAA account only to find out most of her money was tied up in an illiquid annuity - not what she intended to do. other informative higher ed retirement plan https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (PODCASTS HERE.) https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (TIAA Traditional - Watch Out!) https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (Fiduciary - TIAA / ING / Fidelity Reps NOT the Answer ) https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (Fiduciary Part 2 - Look Out for Yourself, Because Nobody Else Will )

This episode is from a Zoom webinar I did, just repurposed as a podcast. There are a couple times where I refer to the screen.... In this special episode, I'll dive into what I think 2022 will bring.... 2021 was the year of overshooting expectations in the stock market.  Going into 2022, regarding the stock market, where's the catalyst to drive this market higher?  I discuss the future prospects of the bond / stock market, as well as getting into some fun economic "stuff." I'll share with you what the "experts" think 2022 will bring in the stock market and some ideas they have to combat some of the headwinds we may be facing soon. One of the main headwinds is the Fed Funds rate - listen as I discuss how certain sectors of the stock / bond market have reacted during rising rate environments. Lastly, I discuss more of the macro-economic picture and how we're in this for the long run - remember, it's a marathon and not a sprint. Other informative podcast found https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (HERE).

Back by popular demand - Roth 403b topic! In this episode, Greg continues the conversation started in the last episode titled "Roth 403b" where he deconstructed what a Roth 403b is and gave 2 client scenarios that were advantageous when using the Roth feature in their higher ed retirement plan. The Roth 403b topic spurred a lot of questions not answered in the first episode. Therefore, Greg put together a list of 4 questions that you can ask yourself to find out if you're a fit for a Roth 403b. Also, Greg will shed some light as to who might be a good candidate for a Roth 403b. Informative podcasts on higher ed retirement plans found https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (HERE). https://player.captivate.fm/episode/06961809-c0aa-49f5-9378-de057e2555cc (Roth 403b) (1st episode regarding Roth 403b) Podcast regarding https://player.captivate.fm/episode/06961809-c0aa-49f5-9378-de057e2555cc (BrokerageLink)

In this episode, Greg Shepard will unpack the Roth 403b for you to decide if it's a good option for you. Most likely, your plan now gives you the option of contributing to a Roth 403b through your employer retirement plan. In this episode, Greg will go over.... What is a Roth 403b? How the Roth 403b compares to a traditional 403b Who might benefit from a Roth 403b How to begin a Roth 403b You don't want to miss this episode! Next to the BrokerageLink feature, this is the most underutilized feature of MOST university retirement plans (not all plans allow for Roth feature). Invest the time to listen to this short podcast. Your future self will thank you....! Other informative podcasts on Univ retirement plans can be found https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (HERE). Not sure what BrokerageLink is? Check out https://player.captivate.fm/episode/17781ede-e51b-46e0-8e71-09768f763e52 (this podcast)....

In this episode, you're going to learn how to gain access to socially responsible / green energy investments inside your university retirement plan. Your host, Greg Shepard, will share with you how your colleagues are accessing these investments and how one of Greg's clients now has her portfolio in 100% in socially responsible / green energy investments. This is information you won't attain by attending your HR Benefits seminar. Greg has 20 years experience in dealing with higher ed retirement plans and this podcast focuses on all the "ins-and-outs" of higher ed retirement plans that's not known by many university employees. other informative podcasts can be found https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (HERE).

In this podcast, your host, Greg Shepard, will discuss rolling over your 403b to an IRA. This accounts for other higher ed accounts as well, such as 457b's and 401a's. You'll learn the following in this podcast... Scenarios as to when you'd want to rollover your 403b to an IRA…. Old employer plan Retired 59 ½ yr old rule How you go about doing the rollover. Greg will discuss the logistics of the process and how dealing with TIAA can be a headache if you're not familiar with how the process works. Greg will discuss where to send your money when you request the rollover. You'll learn where Greg custodies his clients accounts as well as a few other vendors he recommends. Most importantly, learn why you'd want to rollover your 403b to an IRA. Greg will discuss a few reasons as to why it could be advantageous to you and your situation. Lastly, stay tuned to the end as Greg will entice you with an offer that he hasn't made on any of his podcasts to date. Resources in the podcast... https://safinancialservices.com/ (https://safinancialservices.com/) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/abae90a7-3e3e-42fe-a411-00c7eeb179cb (TIAA Traditional - Watch OUT! ) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2919d234-c580-4bb2-b8b4-2490ed0b03c9 (Age 59 1/2 In-Service Withdrawals ) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/17781ede-e51b-46e0-8e71-09768f763e52 (What is Brokeragelink? )

This podcast, hosted by Greg Shepard, piggybacks on a previous episode regarding the word "fiduciary" and the role it plays in your higher ed retirement plans. Specifically, Greg dives into 2 real-life stories from clients of his. You'll learn how to recognize a true fiduciary that acts in your best interest and why the reps from TIAA and Fidelity (other vendors as well) aren't your best answer. Listen to a situation one of Greg's clients found herself in that could have been 100% avoided if her reps from TIAA truly were to act in her best interest. Don't find yourself in this situation....

In this podcast, Greg Shepard, speaks about 2 real-life situations regarding clients of his that had unfortunate experiences with their TIAA Traditional account. You'll learn why you NEED to know the restrictions and parameters around your TIAA Traditional account before it's too late. Greg shares a story about a lady in higher ed that did a fantastic job saving for her retirement. Her only downfall - 100% of it was TIAA Traditional. Listen to why she cried in his office once he told her something that TIAA failed to tell her over the course of about 25 years - DON'T LET THIS BE YOU!!!

Scared of a market downturn? Who isn't, right? In this episode, Greg Shepard will share with you how to identify how much risk is in your portfolio and what you can do to lessen the risk and make your portfolio more efficient. Gone are the days where one just arbitrarily agrees to a 70/30 or 60/40 mix of stocks and bonds. With the evolution of technology in the investment advisory world, one can identify how much risk they're willing to take in order to determine the stock / bond ratio in their portfolio. Listen to other informative podcasts at https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (www.safinancialservices.com).

In this episode you'll learn how to use the best of TIAA AND Fidelity in the same retirement plan. Most higher ed employees have the choice of using TIAA or Fidelity. For those employees, did you realize you can use BOTH TIAA and Fidelity. Why you ask? I'll answer that very question in this episode. Some things TIAA does better and some things Fidelity does better, why not combine the 2 to get the most out of your retirement plan? Makes sense, right? More episodes available at https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (www.safinancialservices.com)

In this episode you'll learn about a retirement strategy that many miss out on - Taking an In-Service Withdrawal when your older than 59 1/2. It's a strategy that many wish they had taken advantage of immediately after they were eligible. Greg Shepard will share with you 5 reasons you should consider this strategy. More episodes found at https://safinancialservices.com/podcast (https://safinancialservices.com/podcast)

In this episode, Greg Shepard will dive into the ins-and-outs of Target Date Funds. Probably unbeknownst to you as an employee, this is most likely where your monthly contributions default to every contribution period. Here, you'll learn What a Target Date Fund is Is there a conflict of interest? What other options you have What options you should choose Greg Shepard, and advisor at S&A Financial Services, Inc. understands you can get into the weeds with this retirement "stuff." If you're looking for some help, shoot him an email at greg@shepardfinancial.com or check out the website at www.safinancialservices.com Another great podcast for you is https://player.captivate.fm/episode/17781ede-e51b-46e0-8e71-09768f763e52 (What is BrokerageLink)? More podcast episodes found at www.safinancialservices.com

The word "Fiduciary" is a funny and often times misused word in my industry. In today's Podcast, Greg Shepard will inform you as to why TIAA / ING / Fidelity just can't act as a true fiduciary. Learn how an ex-client of mine made a mistake in believing she was making the right decision in going with TIAA directly. In this episode you'll learn how to determine if your financial advisor is a true fiduciary and how to hold him / her to their word. More resources found at www.higheredretire.com (www.higheredretire.com)

If you're a KU (University of KS) employee that qualified and will take advantage of the VSIP later this year, then you MUST listen to this podcast episode. In this episode, you'll learn strategies about the VSIP retirement plan that you wont find anywhere else - including at TIAA or ING. Make sure you're armed with all the information before you make irrevocable choices to your retirement plan. Other Resources available at www.higheredretire.com (www.higheredretire.com) Brokerage Link Podcast (https://player.captivate.fm/episode/17781ede-e51b-46e0-8e71-09768f763e52)

Today, you'll learn why the stock market is skyrocketing during the worst pandemic in modern US history and how politics can come into play. In this podcast you'll learn... The typical phases of a Bear Market and where we are in the cycle Reasons why the stock market is doing well during this pandemic Economic Outlook (opinion) How to find out your Risk Number More resources found at www.higheredretire.com (www.higheredretire.com)

College costs are rising A LOT faster than inflation. Imagine what college could cost 10 years from now. Can you afford it? How do you pay for it? Something's got to give, right? In this podcast, I'll share with you 6 reasons as to why I think the 529 Plan is the best thing going out there to save for college costs. Some topics and questions that I attempt to get to the bottom of.... Which 529 Plan should you choose? What happens if your little one doesn't go to college? Who owns the 529 account? What's considered a qualified distribution? Taxes - What you need to know? How is financial aid impacted? Other resources found at www.higheredretire.com (www.higheredretire.com) Great resource for 529 information www.savingforcollege.com (www.savingforcollege.com)

If you’ve ever thought about hiring an advisor or you currently have an advisor you’re working with you may be trying to figure out if they’re doing the right thing or if you even hired the right person.  You just generally don’t know how or where to find out this kind of information.  If this has crossed your mind, then this podcast will be for you.  You'll learn... What fee your financial advisor should be charging you and how he / she should be charging those fees. What services your financial advisor should be providing you. What types of "financial advisors" are out there and which ones to stay away from. More resources and information found at www.higheredretire.com (www.higheredretire.com)

Today I'll discuss some of the provisions in the 900 page CARES Act that is directed to help those in higher education get through some difficult financial times if impacted by COVID-19. Learn new ways to distribute money from your retirement plan as a distribution or a loan. I'll discuss the tax implications and help you decide which option may be best for your situation. Other resources found at www.higheredretire.com (www.higheredretire.com)

One of the most overlooked aspect of retirement planning is Disability Insurance. Some of you may have this option through your employer and some of you don't. Do you know if your employer offers it or not? In this podcast, I'll let you know why Disability Insurance is so important and why it may be the best time to look into it during this COVID pandemic.

Today i’d like to piggyback off of a previous podcast I’ve done regarding brokerage link accounts. The reason behind this podcast is that I'd like to share with higher ed employees how to invest in certain sectors of the market within their retirement plan. All higher ed employees have the "core" retirement plan where they'll have maybe 10 - 30 investment choices in their Voluntary Retirement Plan. Of which, none (maybe one) are sector funds. How do I get into certain sectors like tech, bio health care, utilities, etc...? Today you'll learn exactly how to do that. Once again, this is information you're not going to receive by attending a HR seminar or talking to your retirement plan vendor rep. More resources found at (www.higheredretire.com)