Retirement transition: What you can do now

Vanderbilt recently announced steps it is taking to make the retirement plan work even better for employees in 2015. These steps include a streamlined investment lineup and shifting the plan’s administrative services to one provider, Fidelity Investments.

Workshops, one-on-one counseling sessions, and the investment selection window will begin in February; however, there are some things employees can do now to start preparing for the transition.

  1. Visit Vanderbilt’s Retirement Plan Transition website (VUnetID required) for resources, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  The FAQs are updated regularly, so check them often.
  2. Attend an upcoming Information Session.
  3. Look for your Transition Guide in the mail. You can also find an electronic copy on the transition website.
  4. Use the Investment Mapping guide to understand how your existing investments will be affected by the transition, and begin thinking about the funds you would like to direct future contributions to, beginning in April 2015.
  5. If you currently hold annuity investments with TIAA-CREF or VALIC that you are considering moving to the new plan structure, meet with your advisor to understand the details of your contract and guidelines for moving your money.
  6. Schedule a meeting with a Fidelity investment guidance counselor at getguidance.fidelity.com. Step-by-step instructions on how to sign up are listed on Vanderbilt’s Retirement Plan Transition site.

Visit vu.edu/savingmadesimple for more information.