TIAA Simplified for HigherEd

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 stra...

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 rec...

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-speci...

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. Partic...

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 - wha...

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 miscon...

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 ha...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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...

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 experienc...

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...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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 laby...

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 div...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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 ma...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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-expl...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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 th...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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. H...

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...

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...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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 pe...

(Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) 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...

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 w...