Rating 403b plans

[Guest mfern]

I am interested in finding out if there is any web site or magazine/periodical that rates 403b/401k plans. I work for a non profit in California and we are looking at various 403b plans and 1 401K -- the providers we are looking at are as follows--

403(B)s

ING Northern Annuity

Lincoln Financial Plan

Metlife Resources Plan

TIAA-CREF Retirement Plan

401K

ABA Member Retirement Plan

Thank you.

[mbozek]

Why would a np be looking at a 401(k) plan instead of a 403(B) plan? There is only one advantage to a 401(k) plan in that participants can invest in individual stocks and bonds as well as mutual funds and annuities. But disadvantages include more complex administration, compliance with qualification requirements, approval of frequent amendments by the IRS, 5500 reporting and non discriminaton requirements which limit contributions by employees making over 90K. In a 403(B) plan all employees can defer up to 12K and over 50 employee can defer 2K more in 2003. Employees with 15 or more years of svc in certain orgainzatons can defer an additional 3k. The 401(k) requirements result in additional admin costs which must be paid by the employer or employees. The Er would be better off establishing a 403(B) plan for all ee and and using the savings to establish a 457(B) plan for HCEs who can defer an additonal 11k above the 403(B) limit.

[Guest benji]

http://www.plansponsor.com/hp_type2/?page_id=14566

[david rigby]

Also try Carol Calhoun's site: http://benefitsattorney.com/

Go to:

Publications,

Charts,

Choosing Among 401(k), 403(B) and 457 Plans.

[IRC401]

You list three insurance companies and an annuity company. Have you considered talking to a mutual fund family???

Why not look at mutual funds and then put together the investments that you want (or are you determined to pay insurance company overhead) ??