Path A
Start Earlier, Build More Options
The Same Monthly Contribution Can Lead to Very Different Results.
When two employees save the same amount each month at the same hypothetical rate of return, one of the biggest differences is time. Starting earlier gives contributions more years to potentially grow.
Starting Earlier Can Change the Outcome
Illustrative 403(b) values at age 65 using the same monthly contribution and hypothetical return
Same monthly contribution. Same hypothetical return. The difference is time.
Illustrative example only. Assumes $250 monthly contributions, a hypothetical 6% annual return compounded monthly, and contributions made through age 65. Does not reflect fees, taxes, withdrawals, employer contributions, or actual investment performance. Returns are not guaranteed.
Build Over Time
Starting Matters. Increasing Over Time Can Matter Too.
You do not always have to begin with a large contribution. A modest starting amount combined with time and periodic increases may build substantially more retirement value over a career.
How Small Increases Can Add Up Over Time
Illustrative values from age 35 to 65 at a hypothetical 6% annual return
Path B
Gradual Increase
$335,104Starts at $250/month- Years 1–5$250/mo
- Years 6–10$300/mo
- Years 11–15$350/mo
- Years 16–20$400/mo
- Years 21–25$450/mo
- Years 26–30$500/mo
Small increases made over time may have a meaningful effect when they have years to compound.
Illustrative example only. Assumes monthly contributions over 30 years and a hypothetical 6% annual return compounded monthly. The gradual path begins at $250 per month and increases by $50 every five years. Does not reflect fees, taxes, withdrawals, employer contributions, or actual investment performance. Returns are not guaranteed.
Time Creates Options
More Time Can Mean More Than Growth.
Time can do more than help contributions compound. It can also give you more opportunity to understand your pension, refine your retirement timeline, prepare for healthcare costs, and make decisions before retirement becomes immediate.
20+ Years Before Retirement
Build the Foundation
Start or strengthen 403(b) contributions, learn how your pension works, and begin thinking about the long-term retirement picture while time is still on your side.
10–20 Years Before Retirement
Refine the Strategy
Review contribution levels, pension milestones, inflation, and future income needs. This is often a period when small adjustments can still have years to matter.
0–10 Years Before Retirement
Prepare for the Transition
Focus on retirement timing, pension elections, 403(b) assets, healthcare planning, Social Security timing where applicable, and the income you may need month to month.
Put the Pieces Together
A Retirement Date Should Come After the Retirement Picture.
Retirement readiness is not only about choosing a date. It is about understanding the income, assets, expenses, and decisions that shape what retirement may actually look like.
State Pension Estimate
What is your projected monthly pension based on the retirement date you are considering?
Retirement Timeline
How could additional years or months of service affect eligibility, income, or planning decisions?
District 403(b)
How much have you accumulated, and how could your current contribution strategy affect what you build over time?
Social Security
If applicable, when might Social Security become part of your retirement-income picture?
Healthcare Planning
How will healthcare costs fit into retirement, especially before and after Medicare eligibility?
Monthly Retirement Expenses
How much monthly income may you need to support the lifestyle you are planning for?
Start With What You Have
Bring What You Have. We’ll Help You Organize the Rest.
You do not need every document or every answer before scheduling a review. Start with what you have today.
- latest pension estimate, if available
- estimated retirement timeline
- recent 403(b) information, if applicable
- recent pay statement
- Social Security estimate, if applicable
- basic monthly expense expectations
- healthcare questions or retirement concerns you want to discuss
Don’t have everything yet? That’s okay. A review can still help you identify what matters most.
Start With the Time You Have