November 2025 – TIAA Simplified

TIAA vs Fidelity: HigherEd Retirement Plan Showdown (Ep. 6)

By TIAASimplified | November 26, 2025

When it comes to retirement planning in higher ed, two names dominate the conversation: TIAA and Fidelity.

But how different are they really, and how should you choose between them?

Greg Shepard pulls back the curtain on what sets each apart, where they overlap, and how risk tolerance, investment options, and lifetime income strategies all play a role in making the right decision.

What to expect:

Why fees are lower today than they were just a decade ago
How to think about TIAA’s traditional account versus Fidelity’s equity platform
The pros and cons of brokerage link accounts
What questions you should ask before picking a provider
And more!

Connect with Greg Shepard:

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TIAA Traditional: How Can I Balance Annuitization with Other Income Strategies? (Ep. 5)

By TIAASimplified | November 12, 2025

For many, the word “annuitization” can feel confusing or intimidating. But understanding it can unlock powerful retirement income strategies.

In this episode, Greg Shepard explains what annuitization really means, who it’s best for, and the key benefits and risks to be aware of. He also breaks down how it works within TIAA plans, when to consider it, and the hidden tax and inflation factors you need to keep in mind.

Key takeaways:

What annuitization means and how TIAA provides fixed lifetime income
How to combine annuitized income with flexible sources like rollover IRAs and Social Security
Why annuitization may benefit people who are less comfortable with managing money
The estate planning pitfalls of annuities and what beneficiaries need to know
The impact of inflation on annuities and why delaying annuitization may be more advantageous
And more!

Connect with Greg Shepard:

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