What truly differentiates the RPA Service Model is not simply our one-on-one personal services, but the availability of independent, unbiased investment advice. Most individual investors simply do not have the time to sift through the vast amounts of information and choices presented to them, accurately assess their current situation and the options in front of them. To make good decisions, investors need to know where they are now, where they want to be at retirement, quantify the assets necessary to generate the income stream needed to achieve their financial goals and then develop and implement an investment strategy to help manage risk while growing their retirement savings. Participants are left wondering:
· What’s a good fund?
· How many funds should I be in?
· When should I make changes?
· Should I be in the market or out of the market?
The RPA Service Model is designed to address the needs of all employees, not just the savvy investor. We find that investors generally fall into three categories: Do It Myself, Help Me Do It, Do It For Me.
Do It Myself
RPA provides the Do-It-Yourselfer with all the tools they need to successfully manage their account. We offer a comprehensive investment menu with “best-in-class” fund manager representation across a broad range of asset classes. The participant communication and education materials have all the necessary information including investment performance reports, fee schedules and fund fact sheets to build an appropriate portfolio. And, with full transactional capabilities available 24/7 over the Internet or through the toll-free telephone number, participants can manage their accounts whenever it’s convenient for them. Of course, they still have access to their on-site service representative just in case they have questions!
Help Me Do It
For those participants who want or need help, we provide regular on-site service visits, including group and individual meetings. During these face-to-face meetings, RPA’s investment professionals provide retirement counseling covering the time horizon, risk tolerance, and the investment experience and objectives of the participant. We even provide personalized recommendations. In this model, while we offer help and advice, the participant ultimately makes all the decisions and is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of their investments.
Do It For Me
More and more participants are asking “Can you just do this for me?” and the answer is YES! Retirement Plan Advisors' PortfolioPlusSM program is an optional, fee-based, managed account option specifically designed for public sector retirement plans. With PortfolioPlusSM, participants have peace of mind knowing that they’ve delegated the ongoing responsibility of managing their retirement.
As a Kenosha School District employee, you are eligible to contribute to both a 403(b) defined contribution plan and/or a 457 deferred compensation plan. Commonly known as TSAs, 403(b) plans have been around since 1958 and you probably have participated in one already. Recently, there have been several enhancements to your NEA Valuebuilder 403(b) plan, including the addition of a Roth 403(b) option. Additionally, the District adopted a 457 deferred compensation plan. You are eligible to participate in one or both programs. To learn more:
You’re probably wondering what’s the difference between 403(b) and 457 plans? Is one plan “better” than the other? Which one is right for me? The 403(b) & 457 Retirement Plan Comparison Chart is available to help you answer those questions. Please remember everyone's circumstances are different. If you need help deciding which option is right for you, email us at: KEA-KUSD@retirementplanadvisors.com or call (866) 669 – 9500.