Tag: TIAA Simplified

TIAA Traditional: Which Contracts do I Annuitize First? (Ep. 8)

TIAA Traditional: Which Contracts do I Annuitize First? (Ep. 8)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re making the most of your TIAA Traditional account, this episode is a must-listen. Greg Shepard breaks down the five essential questions every TIAA participant should ask, whether you’re ten years from retirement or just starting your career.

In this episode, Greg explains how to think strategically about your TIAA Traditional contracts, plan ahead for lifetime income options, and avoid common mistakes that can limit flexibility later. He shares real-world insights on how early preparation can help you retire with confidence and clarity.

Greg discusses:

  • What key actions to take ten years before retirement
  • How to rebalance your portfolio as you approach retirement
  • The most common mistakes people make when planning
  • How to model future income and healthcare costs
  • What to know before choosing an annuitization strategy
  • And more!

Connect with Greg Shepard: 

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

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

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: 

Why 10 Years Out Matters for Your TIAA Plan (Ep. 3)

Why 10 Years Out Matters for Your TIAA Plan (Ep. 3)

Ten. It is a simple number, but when it comes to your TIAA retirement plan, it can make all the difference.

In this episode of TIAA Simplified, Greg Shepard shares why preparing at least ten years before retirement is critical for higher-ed professionals with TIAA accounts. Through real client stories and clear explanations, Greg breaks down the importance of understanding liquidity, portfolio allocation, and the unique rules around TIAA Traditional.

Greg discusses:

  • Why waiting until the last minute can limit your retirement choices
  • The role of TIAA Traditional in your income strategy
  • How to rebalance your portfolio as you approach retirement
  • Common mistakes people make with too much or too little in Traditional
  • And more!

Connect with Greg Shepard: