Investment Options

Mutual funds under a custodial or trust account agreement are intended as long-term investments designed for retirement purposes.  Money distributed will be taxed as ordinary income in the year the money is distributed.  Account values fluctuate with market conditions, and when surrendered the principal may be worth more or less than the original amount invested.  A group fixed annuity is an insurance contract designed for investing for retirement purposes.  The guarantee of the fixed account is based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.  Although it is possible to have guaranteed income for life with a fixed annuity, there is no assurance that this income will keep up with inflation.  Early withdrawals, if taken prior to age 59½ will be subject to the IRS 10% premature distribution penalty tax, unless an exception applies.  Amounts distributed will be taxed as ordinary income in the year it is distributed.  An annuity does not provide any additional tax deferral benefit; tax deferral is provided by the plan.  Annuities may be subject to additional fees and expenses to which other tax-qualified funding vehicles may not be subject.  However, an annuity does offer other features and benefits, such as lifetime income payments and death benefits, which may be valuable to you.

For 403(b)(1) fixed or variable annuities, employee deferrals (including earnings) may generally be distributed only upon your: attainment of age 59½, severance from employment, death, disability, or hardship. Note: Hardship withdrawals are limited to employee deferrals made after 12/31/88. Exceptions to the distribution rules: No Internal Revenue Code withdrawal restrictions apply to '88 cash value (employee deferrals (including earnings) as of 12/31/88) and employer contributions (including earnings). However, employer contributions made to an annuity contract issued after December 31, 2008 may not be paid or made available before a distributable event occurs. Such amounts may be distributed to a participant or if applicable, the beneficiary: upon the participant's severance from employment or upon the occurrence of an event, such as after a fixed number of years, the attainment of a stated age, or disability. For 403(b)(7) custodial accounts, employee deferrals and employer contributions (including earnings) may only be distributed upon your: attainment of age 59½, severance from employment, death, disability, or hardship. Note: hardship withdrawals are limited to: employee deferrals and '88 cash value (earnings on employee deferrals and employer contributions (including earnings) as of 12/31/88).