Inside Iowa State

Nov. 2, 2007

Free investment advice is closer than you think

by Paula Van Brocklin

Are thoughts of a modest retirement savings keeping you up at night? Perhaps you're a new ISU faculty or staff member, and you're wondering how to roll over the 401(k) from your previous employer into Iowa State's plan. Or maybe you are confused by investment jargon, and don't know how to begin to devise your financial future.

These situations and many others are reasons you may want to contact the TIAA-CREF regional office just north of campus at 2713 Stange Rd., Suite 105, in Ames.

The office staffs two full-time investment consultants, a wealth-management adviser (for those who have at least $500,000 to invest) and a licensed sales assistant who can assist Iowa State employees and retirees -- free of charge -- with most any facet of their investment planning.

TIAA-CREF previously offered its services only to its participants and their spouses. A few products now are available to everyone. All government and most non-profit employees qualify for all TIAA-CREF products.

Easy fund allocation

In 2005, TIAA-CREF joined forces with Ibbotson & Associates, an asset allocation company, to develop customized software that analyzes a participant's entire investment portfolio. The software works in conjunction with a program called Third Party Advice & Planning, and recommends how to best allocate funds to meet the participant's financial goals.

This platform allows TIAA-CREF consultants to look at participants' full retirement situations. It reviews their TIAA-CREF information and their additional outside investment choices. The software allocates their TIAA-CREF funds and, at the same time, considers how the outside investments are allocated.

The software has garnered TIAA-CREF recognition in the financial services industry. In 2006, Defined Contribution & Savings Plan Alert, a retirement and health care publication, named TIAA-CREF "Advice Provider of the Year."

The Ames TIAA-CREF office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but don't plan on stopping by over your lunch hour. All meetings with consultants are by appointment only. Call (515) 268-8600 with investment questions or to schedule an appointment.

On-campus assistance

If the short trek north to visit the TIAA-CREF office is inconvenient, there also is on-campus help to address your retirement and investment concerns.

Ann Doty, retirement information specialist in the benefits office, assists employees daily with a multitude of benefits questions. She can explain how a Roth 403(b) works, check on minimum distribution requirements for retirement plans or help roll over a 401(k). While she legally cannot offer investment advice, Doty is a good first stop for employees who need help understanding their retirement benefits.

"I can connect you with the resources you need," she said.

Call 4-7680 to make an appointment with Doty.

TIAA-CREF Ames office

2714 Stange Rd., Suite 105
(515) 268-8600

Campus retirement resource

Ann Doty
ISU benefits office
3770 Beardshear Hall
4-7680