We discuss North Carolina's decision to end its state-based 403(b) plan, the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Northwestern University 403(b) fee suit, contribution remittance tardiness, and recent market fluctuation.  North Carolina to Discontinue State Based 403(b) Plan at Year End Supreme Court Northwestern University 403(b) Ruling 403(b) Plan Rating Project Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

This episode is a little different. Our guest, author Frank Molinar, CFP®, writes for a military audience. But Scott and Dan were struck by his new book Financial Dominance: Your Battle Plan for a Richer Life, and his approach to educating military members. We think there is a lot of overlap with educating educators. We hope you enjoy.  Financial Dominance: Your Battle Plan for a Richer Life  403(b) Plan Rating Project Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Single vendor. Low costs. Employer match. Auto enrollment. Online enrollment. What is happening? Change is happening. We spotlight the Harris County, GA 403(b) plan.  Award Winning Plan  403bwise Plan Grade 403(b) Plan Rating Project Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Michelle Wolfe talks working with the deaf and hard of hearing, upcoming Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Conference, and saving for retirement.  ITDHH Conference TL; DR: Financial Literacy for Illinois Teachers' Retirement System Members 403(b) Plan Rating Project Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Our podcast openings from 2021. 403(b) Plan Rating Project Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We discuss what we think are the top three 403(b) stories of 2021. Green Light for Single Vendor 403(b) Plans in California? Chicago Public Schools Goes Single Vendor Plan Rating Project Podcast Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Five options available to small school districts who want to offer a great 403(b) plan.    Small School Districts Can Offer Top Notch 403(b) Programs When Bad 403(b) Vendors Offer Good 403(b) Products  Plan Rating Project Podcast Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Does article by benefits attorney offer path for California K-14 403(b) plans to go single vendor? We discuss.  School District 403(b) Plans and Investment Selection California Dreaming of Better 403(b) Plans The Elephant in the Room Plan Rating Project Podcast Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We discuss Chicago Public Schools move to a single vendor 403(b). It has excellent pricing and investing options. The biggest surprise? AIG is the vendor. Video of 403bwise Zoom Event for Chicago Public Schools Plan Rating Project Podcast Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan & Scott share good 403(b) advocacy news. Dan discusses his talk to teachers in Albuquerque.   Albuquerque Teacher Residency Partnership When Bad Vendors Offer Good Investing Choices Plan Rating Project Podcast Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Everyone should be so lucky as to have a colleague like Scott Olsen who works hard to educate his colleagues at Foothill-DeAnza Community College District about saving for retirement.   Foothill DeAnza-Community College District Bogleheads Plan Rating Project Podcast Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We discuss 2022 403(b) and 457(b) contribution limit increase and an article and report that seem to suggest AIG may be getting behind single vendor push. Or maybe we are just crazy.  2022 403(b) Contribution Limits 2022 457(b) Contribution Limits PlanSponsor: K-12 School Districts Confused About Retirement Benefits AIG Report: Meeting Retirement Needs of K-12 Employees Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Crystal Gonzalez is the founder of a non-profit that assists non-profits. She was also a 5th grade student of Dan's way back in the early 2000's. RevComm Foundation Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Cullen Roche, author, money manager, and one of the most astute financial minds we know has some big news.  Pragcap Discipline Funds Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

403bwise launches school district 403(b) & 457(b) database and A-F rating system. Dan and Scott discuss initiative that they hope will bring sunshine and accountability.  Search the Database A-F Rating System Explained Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

California choir director quits teaching and moves to Iowa to farm. We have questions.  Choir Teacher + Author on F.I.R.E. Seed Saver Exchange Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org  

This is not an Onion story. The Newport Beach, California owner of Tax Deferred Services, a firm that provides 403(b)/457(b) plan compliance for more than 300 California school districts was arrested in what the California Department of Insurance (CDI) called a “$4 million securities fraud scheme." Owner of Large 403(b)/457(b) Compliance Firm Booked Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dr. Barbara O'Neill, CFP®, AFC, owner/CEO of Money Talk: Financial Planning Seminars and Publications where she writes, speaks, and reviews content about personal finance. Barbara is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Rutgers University, after 41 years of service as a Rutgers Cooperative Extension educator and personal finance specialist. Dr. Barbara O'Neill Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We talk teacher pension plans and higher education with Money's Kaitlin Mulhere. Kaitlin Mulhere Many Teacher Pension Plans Get Failing Grade Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

34-year-old Flushing, NY middle school science teacher maxes out his 403(b), 457(b) and Roth IRA. Plus he has two side hustles.  The Wealthy Educator  Email Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Devin Carroll, a Texas-based financial planner who runs the Social Security Intelligence blog talks Social Security.  devincarroll.com Social Security Intelligence blog Devin's YouTube Channel Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch and former Iowa teacher and administrator, and current University of Northern Iowa instructor Matt Townsley discuss their new book for members of the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System. Iowa IPERS Book TL;DR Series Interested in Collaborating with Karl? 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We check in with NY teaching couple we interviewed in 2017. 7:25 — 529/retirement plan update/new saving rate 10:23 — 403(b) vendor quality update 13:03 — 457(b) plan update 22:36  — Applying to college landscape 26:07 — Teaching during pandemic 31:29 — NY State 529 plan 36: 14 — Reveal total annual $ cost in fees 37:21 — Travel hacking   Episode #43: Two Educators Get Wise Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Florida middle school principle Joe Peccia Jr. began the school year by helping his staff get wise to their pension, the 403(b), the 457(b), and what to know when working with an advisor.  Principle Joe Peccia Jr. Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan has some thoughts for new teachers that he wishes had been shared with him way back in August, 1993. Dear New Teachers (Blog Post) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch and former Illinois teacher and current Illinois College instructor Eric McClarey discuss their new book for members of the Teachers' Retirement System of Illinois.  Illinois TRS Book TL;DR Series Interested in Collaborating with Karl? 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

We talk 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, UTMAs and other ways to save for college. We also discuss how to put aside money for other expenses kids may have. 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management Speakpipe

Author and New York Times Your Money columnist Ron Lieber discusses his fantastic new book: The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make  Ron Lieber 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management

NYC teacher Emily Maretsky talks teaching, her varied and interesting teaching experiences, and helping other teachers get wise to saving and investing. https://www.instagram.com/teacherfinancialcoach/ 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management

The Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision can reduce Social Security benefits (from live 403bwise Event recorded 6.7.21). Michael Kitces GPO article Michael Kitces WEP article Devin Carroll WEP Explainer WEP/GPO Facebook Group Social Security Solutions 403bwise Meridian Wealth Management

Kerry Tracy, developer of Bone Bridge® STEM Challenges, discusses teaching, leaving the profession, and starting a teacher professional development business whose mission is to bring "brain-busting" work disguised as fun to teachers and students.  https://www.feelgoodteaching.com/ https://403bwise.org/  

More than 40 million families are set to receive a new Child Tax Credit that some think will slash the poverty rate in half. We go over the details.  IRS Child Tax Credit Information Rich Smith YouTube Child Tax Credit Explainer 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Pending legislation would make saving for retirement easier. We review the highlights which include: auto enrollment, increased catch-ups, and assistance to student loan borrowers among other provisions. 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

National Sales Director for Aspire Financial Services, Matt Drummond, talks K-12 403(b) and 457(b), the company's unique approach to the K-12 market, and shares some big California news.  Aspire Financial Services Matt Drummond 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Ty McGilberry and Tim Catanzano discuss their time at Vanguard and the financial planning firm they formed.  Pegasus Financial Planning 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Award winning author of A Splendid Exchange and the Four Pillars of Investing talks with Scott and Dan about this new book: The Delusions of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups.  The Delusions of Crowds: Why People Go Mad in Groups. If You Can 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Wide ranging interview with nationally syndicated columnist for The Washington Post, Michelle Singletary. We discuss her new book, What to Do with Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide, her upbringing which shaped her financial outlook, her volunteer work, and the upside of adult kids living at home for a period of time.  Michelle Singletary What to Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits 403bwise On Demand Learning Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Fiduciary advisors Breanna Reish, CFP® and Mychal Eagleson, CFP® of An Exceptional Life Financial discuss the difference between investing and speculation in this May 6, 2021 403bwise Event. An Exceptional Life Financial 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Updated information on exiting a bad 403(b). Also, Dan shares two animal adventures.  0-8:46 Dan Shares Two Animal Stories 8:47-38:13 Financial Portion of Podcast CNBC: Invest in Teachers 5.5.21 from 4-5pm EST How to Get Out of a Bad 403(b) Plan 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Two teachers, a custodian, and a personal finance writer share how they successfully retired in this April 15, 2021 403bwise Event. Money Letters 2 My Daughter Late Bloomer Wealth 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

CFP® Emily A. Johnson of Ritholtz Wealth Management holds the CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) designation. She discusses how she assists clients going through divorce.   Emily Johnson, CFP®, CDFA What is a 403(b)? (video) Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure    

Sandy Blair, Director of Retirement Readiness for CalSTRS, and Christina Elliott, Executive Director of Ohio’s state-based 457(b) plan discuss the power of state-based 403(b) and 457(b) plans for K-12 teachers in this April 6, 2021 403bwise Event. CalSTRS Pension 2 Ohio Deferred Compensation 403bcompare 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Retired Colorado teacher Karl Fisch talks about his easy-to-read guide to financial literacy and the Colorado teacher retirement pension PERA (Public Employees' Retirement Association).  TL;DR: Financial Literacy for Employees of Colorado Public Schools: Optimizing Financial Decisions Based on your PERA and School District Benefits Book Resources Colorado PERA Interested in Collaborating with Karl? 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org The opinions expressed in this program are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. Full disclosure

Baltimore math teacher, entrepreneur and prolific travel hacker Justin Garritt talks travel hacking: how to do it, who it is for, and who it is not for.   Garritt Financial Solutions Happy Saver TRR Pod #98 Happy Meter Podcast Choose FI Travel Hacking Travel Freely Rich Smith YouTube Channel The Secret History of the Credit Card 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Recently retired California custodian and super saver, Jeff York, age 55, shares how he is spending his time in retirement.   The Wealthy Custodian Retires Pt. 1 (pod 155) The Wealthy Custodian (pod 74) Custodian Cleans Up His 403(b) (pod 53) 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

One of our favorite guests, Redding, California custodian and super saver, Jeff York, age 55, retires. He shares details on how he's funding his retirement.  The Wealthy Custodian (pod 74) Custodian Cleans Up His 403(b) (pod 53) 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Three educators — Danielle Greco, Jessica Logan and Tara Slyman — and a personal finance author, Jackie Cummings Koski, shared their perspective in this 2.25.21 403bwise Event. 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org

Dan and Scott talk 457(b) video news and California's huge 403(b) vendor lists. Blog: Too Many 403(b) Vendors Blog: California K-12 Teachers Have a Great 403(b) Choice. They Just Don't Know It. In Praise of 403bcompare.com The Paradox of Choice 403bwise Events Meridian Wealth Management 403bwise.org