GBurns Posted December 6, 2004 Posted December 6, 2004 Does anyone know of a compilation or source showing the best performing Mutual Funds which are popular in the 403(b) arena? George D. Burns Cost Reduction Strategies Burns and Associates, Inc www.costreductionstrategies.com(under construction) www.employeebenefitsstrategies.com(under construction)
Lori Friedman Posted December 6, 2004 Posted December 6, 2004 Performance will give you just 1/2 of the overall picture. You also need to get information about loads and fees. Too many custodial accounts charge exhorbitant amounts, all borne by the plan participants, that greatly diminish any investment earnings. You might begin by looking at the websites for some of the major 403(b) carriers. I know that we don't "name names" or endorse products at this website, so I'll leave it at that. Lori Friedman
Michael Devault Posted December 6, 2004 Posted December 6, 2004 You might also find the comparison website established by the California State Teachers' Retirement System. The address is www.403bCompare.com This is the comparison website that Cal STRS is required by law to administer. I don't believe that they are required to validate the information that's provided by the various vendors, but it does provide good summary of what's available. I hope it's of use to you.
Guest xycid Posted December 6, 2004 Posted December 6, 2004 This is not a very trivial issue, it all depends. You should check with the financial company that manages your 403(b). In my case, it's Vanguard and they give you a list of all their funds with their 1 and 5-year performance. You'll be the judge. I had very good luck in the last two years with Vanguard's Emerging Market and European International Growth funds. But it's essentially just like in the stock market, higher returns equal higher risks.
GBurns Posted December 7, 2004 Author Posted December 7, 2004 Why not "name names"? The named would certainly appreciate the extra publicity and if given with a caveat, it would not be an endorsement. Joel ????????? Are you going to let Lori get away with her post???? xycid, I hope that you do think that "the financial company that manages your 403(b)" would tell me what is better than what they sold me? But thanks for the reply and disclosure. George D. Burns Cost Reduction Strategies Burns and Associates, Inc www.costreductionstrategies.com(under construction) www.employeebenefitsstrategies.com(under construction)
joel Posted December 7, 2004 Posted December 7, 2004 Does anyone know of a compilation or source showing the best performing Mutual Funds which are popular in the 403(b) arena? ===================================================== Hi George, The most popular funds/VA are rarely the best performers, i.e.; the Opportunity Plus Variable Annuity underwritten by ING which pays the NY State Teachers Union a $4 million dollar annual endorsement fee. This VA sports fees of about 200-300 basis points. Who pays this endorsement fee? The teacher/investor/union dues paying member!! Check it out at: http://www6.ingretirementplans.com/Sponsor...ents/index.html. ING has similar arrangements with teacher unions in other states as well. This is an example of what is going on in the k-12 403b area. It is a national disgrace. Peace and Hope, Joel
joel Posted December 7, 2004 Posted December 7, 2004 George, You may want to check this out as well: http://www.403bwise.com/features/nysut_jlf.html Joel
Guest newlifeca Posted December 11, 2004 Posted December 11, 2004 Vanguard funds are excellent, low cost, index options. Hard to go wrong there. Be careful of some of the poor investment choices that are offered via 403b plans. Fidelity has some good funds, and like vanguard, a large selection of options. www.403bwise.com has good information.
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