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"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

403b vs IRA (1/4) If you’re currently a professor, or a retired one, it’s important to know how your 403(b) account may differ from an IRA managed by a local advisor. The differences mainly boil down to 1) investment options, 2) fees, 3) employer control, and 4) tax efficiency. 1) Investment Options: A 403(b) is usually limited to investing only in mutual funds. In an IRA, you have access to a greater array of investment options, including individual securities such as ETFs, stocks, or bonds. Having a sound investment strategy is important to avoid reverse dollar cost averaging, which can negatively impact your portfolio. This is when you take withdrawals from your account systematically, even when the market is down, which can lead to selling more shares than necessary and reducing the return on your account. Have questions? Let’s chat. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.
403b vs IRA (1/4) If you’re currently a professor, or a retired one, it’s important to know how your 403(b) account may differ from an IRA managed by a local advisor. The differences mainly boil down to 1) investment options, 2) fees, 3) employer control, and 4) tax efficiency. 1) Investment Options: A 403(b) is usually limited to investing only in mutual funds. In an IRA, you have access to a greater array of investment options, including individual securities such as ETFs, stocks, or bonds. Having a sound investment strategy is important to avoid reverse dollar cost averaging, which can negatively impact your portfolio. This is when you take withdrawals from your account systematically, even when the market is down, which can lead to selling more shares than necessary and reducing the return on your account. Have questions? Let’s chat. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.


Job loss can come with a lot of stress—especially with your finances. Not sure what money moves you should make after getting laid off? This article covers immediate, short- and long-term steps you can take: https://bit.ly/3Vi3z7S If you’re considering an adjustment to your financial plan due to a change in employment, let’s talk.

Job loss can come with a lot of stress—especially with your finances. Not sure what money moves you should make after getting laid off? This article covers immediate, short- and long-term steps you can take: https://bit.ly/3Vi3z7S If you’re considering an adjustment to your financial plan due to a change in employment, let’s talk.


"...And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:67

"...And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:67


Hoping for an early retirement? You may be able to access funds from your retirement account without any penalty from the IRS. There’s a catch, of course. Usually, you must wait until at least age 59 ½ to access the funds in your retirement account in order to avoid a 10% penalty from the IRS. However, if you separate from your employer the year you turn age 55 or older, you can access your retirement dollars and bypass the 10% penalty before you turn 59 ½. You’ll still have to pay income taxes on the pre-tax dollars, of course. In other words, this is an example of when keeping your funds in your old employer 401(k) may be in your best interest. Have questions? I’m happy to help. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.

Hoping for an early retirement? You may be able to access funds from your retirement account without any penalty from the IRS. There’s a catch, of course. Usually, you must wait until at least age 59 ½ to access the funds in your retirement account in order to avoid a 10% penalty from the IRS. However, if you separate from your employer the year you turn age 55 or older, you can access your retirement dollars and bypass the 10% penalty before you turn 59 ½. You’ll still have to pay income taxes on the pre-tax dollars, of course. In other words, this is an example of when keeping your funds in your old employer 401(k) may be in your best interest. Have questions? I’m happy to help. See Thrivent.com/social for important disclosures.