TIAA Simplified

Greg Shepard
  • 4.5 (6)
  • Education

Confused by your TIAA retirement plan? You're not alone. The TIAA Simplified Podcast is designed to help higher ed and medical professionals better understand the unique features of their TIAA retirement accounts and make more informed financial decisions. Hosted by Greg Shepard, a financial advisor who has specialized in TIAA retirement planning for more than 20 years, each episode breaks down complex topics into clear, practical guidance you can actually use. Whether you're planning for retirement, evaluating lifetime income options, or simply trying to make sense of your TIAA benefits, this podcast will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. https://tiaasimplified.com/ YouTube Channel for TIAA Simplified: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEEvSjdlIkiPR2GDyWFu88w

  1. 07/01/2024

    TIAA Traditional - Don't Procrastinate!

    In this episode, listen as Greg shares one of the most common mistakes made by folks contacting him - PROCRASTINATION! Specifically in regards to those that have ex-employer TIAA accounts of which Traditional is held in them. Time-and-time again, once uncovered, we learn that those monies sitting in Traditional are receiving sub-par interest rates. Listen as Greg shares with you a very simple strategy that will boost those underperforming TIAA Traditional rates by utilizing your current TIAA contracts. Additionally, Greg delves into, what he considers, the opportunity cost of keeping you money in high yielding money market funds compared to Traditional....for the long-run. Lot's of folks out there don't take the time to consider interest rate risk we're about to encounter in the year 2025. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  2. 06/01/2024

    TIAA Recent News Headlines - Must Listen!

    In this episode, Greg dives into a recent NBC News article that sheds light on TIAA's controversial strategies to offset losses in their recordkeeping business. Greg uncovers some disappointing (in his opinion) sales tactics that TIAA reportedly required their wealth managers to adopt. While acknowledging TIAA's longstanding contributions to the retirement planning industry, Greg discusses how recent changes in SEC transparency mandates have forced the company to pivot its retirement plan platforms, leading to a slowdown in revenue from proprietary investments. To compensate, TIAA has employed, in Greg's view, questionable tactics to boost revenue. Tune in to this episode to evaluate whether your TIAA wealth manager is truly acting as a fiduciary with your best interests at heart. NBC New Article referenced in episode.... https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/tiaa-pushes-costly-retirement-products-cover-losses-whistleblower-rcna161198 TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  3. 05/01/2024

    TIAA - Lifetime Income vs 10yr TPA | Illiquid Contracts | Uninformed Advisors

    In this episode of "TIAA Simplified," we delve into three critical aspects of TIAA and your Traditional accounts, aiming to provide clarity and actionable insights. Competence in Financial Advisors: We kick off by addressing an essential issue for TIAA participants: the competence of your financial advisor. It's crucial to ensure that your independent, fee-only advisor is well-versed in TIAA-specific issues. Does your advisor have an APIN number? This can be a good indicator of their expertise in navigating your TIAA journey effectively. Understanding Illiquid Contracts: Next, we highlight the importance of recognizing whether your TIAA Traditional monies are in illiquid contracts. We share a real-life scenario where a TIAA participant discovered just before retirement that a significant portion of her Traditional money was illiquid. This revelation could have derailed her retirement plans, but understanding the nature of illiquid contracts and knowing the right exit strategy can turn this challenge into an advantage. We explain how you can navigate these complexities to protect and optimize your retirement savings. Lifetime Income vs. 10-Year TPA: Lastly, we discuss the decision-making process between opting for Lifetime Income versus the 10-Year Transfer Payout Annuity (TPA). Through another real-life example, we illustrate how a TIAA participant, initially skeptical about Lifetime Income, was convinced by the numbers and benefits. We also provide insights into why some independent advisors might urge you to initiate liquidation strategies for your Traditional assets and how to make an informed choice that aligns with your long-term retirement goals. Tune in to this episode of "TIAA Simplified" to better understand these crucial elements of your TIAA Traditional accounts, ensuring you can make well-informed decisions for a secure and prosperous retirement. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  4. 04/15/2024

    TIAA Simplified Membership Program

    Welcome to the latest episode of "TIAA Simplified"! In this episode titled "TIAA Membership Program," Greg Shepard introduces an exciting new program designed for those in their accumulation phase—still working towards their retirement goals. Greg discusses the key features of the membership program, including a one-time account optimization and strategy session utilizing Nitrogen software. Participants will also benefit from quarterly webinars covering general economic and market insights, yearly check-in review appointments, and ongoing email support for general questions. With a limited capacity of 10-15 participants initially, Greg emphasizes the personalized attention each member will receive. The first 10-15 participants will also be grandfathered into any future price increases, ensuring continued value for early adopters. Interested in joining the TIAA Membership Program? Reach out to Greg at greg@shepardfinancial.com to learn more and secure your spot today. Don't miss out on this opportunity to optimize your retirement strategy and gain valuable insights from a seasoned financial expert. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  5. 04/01/2024

    TIAA Q&A | Observations

    In this episode, independent TIAA expert, Greg Shepard, delves into questions you've sent his way over the last few months. He closes the episode by elaborating on a key observation he's seen amongst TIAA participants. Questions Greg addresses in this episode.... Do you (Greg) have to be local in order to work with me as my advisor?How can I increase my TIAA Traditional rate? TPA Strategies - what are all the nuances associated with TPA's?How do you (Greg) differ from the advisor I use at TIAA or any other independent advisor outside TIAA? In closing, Greg addresses the key observation he's noticed amongst TIAA participants upon retirement. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  6. 03/15/2024

    You're Doing it WRONG! Retirement Income Portfolios

    Welcome to "TIAA Simplified" with Greg Shepard! In this eye-opening Podcast episode Greg delves into the common mistakes many higher education professionals make in managing their retirement plans. Drawing from his extensive experience, Greg highlights crucial insights and real-life examples to guide viewers towards smarter financial decisions. Key Points: 1. Common Mistakes: Greg addresses misconceptions and pitfalls in retirement portfolio management, urging viewers to reassess their strategies. 2. DIY vs. Professional Guidance: He explores the risks of managing portfolios independently versus seeking expert advice, emphasizing the importance of fiduciary responsibility. 3. Importance of Diversification: Greg stresses the need for a balanced approach to portfolio construction, incorporating diverse investment options to ensure stability and income generation. 4. Seeking Expert Assistance: He encourages viewers to consider consulting an independent financial advisor with experience in navigating TIAA and higher education retirement plans. 5. Opportunity for Guidance: Greg extends an invitation to those nearing retirement to explore the possibility of partnering with S&A Financial Services for personalized portfolio management and guidance. =========================== TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  7. 03/01/2024

    TIAA Traditional - Avoiding Pitfalls w/ the 5yr Fixed Period Option

    Hey there, everyone! Greg Shepard here, and in today's Podcast episode, we're diving deep into a rather specific situation surrounding the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option within TIAA Traditional. As someone who specializes in simplifying the complexities of TIAA accounts, I'm here to shed light on this topic and help you navigate through it. Let me paint the picture for you. Just recently, I had a conversation with an individual from Arizona who found himself in a bit of a predicament with his TIAA retirement plan. He opted for the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option within his GRA account with his TIAA Traditional, directing payments to his rollover IRA at Schwab. However, things took an unexpected turn when he turned RMD age, triggering a series of events that he wasn't prepared for. You see, when you select the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option and hit RMD age within that period, payments from TIAA are redirected to you directly, rather than to your IRA. This caught this individual off guard, leading to confusion and frustration. So, what's the solution? Well, it's essential to understand the implications of your choices and plan accordingly. In this case, after he became a client, we continued both the RMDs from the IRA and the payments from TIAA, but directed the RMDs to a Trust account to avoid doubling his income. This scenario highlights the importance of being proactive and seeking guidance before making decisions that could have significant consequences for your retirement plan. If you're considering the 5-Year Fixed Period Payment Option or have any questions about your TIAA Traditional investment, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you navigate through the complexities and ensure you make informed choices. Remember, knowledge is power, and being informed is the key to securing your financial future. Thanks for tuning in, and until next time, this is Greg Shepard from S&A Financial Services, wishing you all the best on your retirement journey. Lastly, I wanted to let you know that my firm is looking to work with and help one new client per month. My firm remains highly specialized in simplifying the TIAA process and putting together strategies that are easy to understand. If you're within a few years, or a few days, of retirement and want to see if you 're a good fit for my firm. Please feel free to contact me to see how we can make your TIAA life a little easier. TIAA Simplified YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com Connect w/ us 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

  8. 02/15/2024

    TIAA Traditional Liquidation Options

    (Formally HigherEd Retire Podcast) Tune in to the latest episode of the HigherEd Retire Podcast, where we delve into the intersection of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and TIAA Traditional investments. Specifically, I explore how the RMD age impacts individuals who have chosen the 5-year fixed option after separating from service. Join me as we break down the implications and considerations for post-service investors. Understand the significance of RMD age in managing your TIAA Traditional investments effectively. Gain valuable insights into navigating RMDs and optimizing your retirement strategy with TIAA Traditional. Don't miss out on this essential discussion tailored to higher education retirees. Tune in now for actionable advice and expert guidance! YouTube Channel 📆 Jump on my calendar to see how we can improve your higher ed retirement plan Website: www.safinancialservices.com email: greg@shepardfinancial.com 913-521-2381 *Disclosure* S&A Financial Services, Inc. is a registered investment advisor. Content presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Always consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding your specific situation.

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About

Confused by your TIAA retirement plan? You're not alone. The TIAA Simplified Podcast is designed to help higher ed and medical professionals better understand the unique features of their TIAA retirement accounts and make more informed financial decisions. Hosted by Greg Shepard, a financial advisor who has specialized in TIAA retirement planning for more than 20 years, each episode breaks down complex topics into clear, practical guidance you can actually use. Whether you're planning for retirement, evaluating lifetime income options, or simply trying to make sense of your TIAA benefits, this podcast will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward. https://tiaasimplified.com/ YouTube Channel for TIAA Simplified: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEEvSjdlIkiPR2GDyWFu88w

Information

  • Creator
    Greg Shepard
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2024
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Greg Shepard
  • Show Website
    TIAA Simplified