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403(b) retirement savings plans
Get StartedPrepare for a comfortable retirement with a 403(b) plan
A 403(b) plan is a retirement savings plan designed specifically for employees of public school districts, higher education institutions axnd nonprofit organizations. It is similar to a 401(k) plan, providing a tax-advantaged way for employees to save for their retirement*.
Equitable’s commitment to educators
Equitable has been the #1 provider of K–12 403(b) plans for 10 consecutive years.1
- We’ve been working with educators for over 165 years to help create strong financial foundations.2
- We have one-of-a-kind financial products designed to meet the unique needs of educators.
- Our financial professionals understand 403(b) plans and how they work together with your pension and Social Security.
Benefits of a 403(b) plan
A 403(b) plan offers tax benefits, flexible investment options, and can help bridge gaps in Social Security and pension coverage.
Pre-tax contributions
Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax bracket and, therefore, what you may owe.
Compounding interest
The interest earned in a 403(b) account is reinvested to earn additional interest over time, leading to potential for exponential growth.
Tax-deferred investment earnings
Earnings on your investments grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them in retirement.
Flexibility in investment options
Choose from a variety of investment options that suit your risk tolerance and retirement goals.Closing the gap for a comfortable retirement
Many educators are discovering the benefits of saving for retirement and how a 403(b) plan can enhance their financial security at any stage of their career. By utilizing a 403(b) plan, educators can effectively bridge the gap between pension and Social Security benefits and achieve the income they desire for a comfortable retirement. Here’s how an Equitable 403(b) can help turn your rewarding career into a comfortable retirement:
• Bridge the pension and Social Security gap: A 403(b) plan can supplement your pension and Social Security benefits, providing the additional income needed for a comfortable retirement.
• Secure your finances in the future: By investing in a 403(b), you ensure that you have a dedicated fund growing over time to support your lifestyle after you retire.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you’re actively saving and investing for your future can alleviate the stress associated with financial uncertainty in retirement.
Prepare for a comfortable retirement with a 403(b) plan
A 403(b) plan is a retirement savings plan designed specifically for employees of public school districts, higher education institutions axnd nonprofit organizations. It is similar to a 401(k) plan, providing a tax-advantaged way for employees to save for their retirement*.
Equitable’s commitment to educators
Equitable has been the #1 provider of K–12 403(b) plans for 10 consecutive years.1
- We’ve been working with educators for over 165 years to help create strong financial foundations.2
- We have one-of-a-kind financial products designed to meet the unique needs of educators.
- Our financial professionals understand 403(b) plans and how they work together with your pension and Social Security.
Benefits of a 403(b) plan
A 403(b) plan offers tax benefits, flexible investment options, and can help bridge gaps in Social Security and pension coverage.
Pre-tax contributions
Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, which can lower your taxable income, potentially lowering your tax bracket and, therefore, what you may owe.
Compounding interest
The interest earned in a 403(b) account is reinvested to earn additional interest over time, leading to potential for exponential growth.Tax-deferred investment earnings
Earnings on your investments grow tax-deferred until you withdraw them in retirement.Flexibility in investment options
Choose from a variety of investment options that suit your risk tolerance and retirement goals.Closing the gap for a comfortable retirement
Many educators are discovering the benefits of saving for retirement and how a 403(b) plan can enhance their financial security at any stage of their career. By utilizing a 403(b) plan, educators can effectively bridge the gap between pension and Social Security benefits and achieve the income they desire for a comfortable retirement. Here’s how an Equitable 403(b) can help turn your rewarding career into a comfortable retirement:
• Bridge the pension and Social Security gap: A 403(b) plan can supplement your pension and Social Security benefits, providing the additional income needed for a comfortable retirement.
• Secure your finances in the future: By investing in a 403(b), you ensure that you have a dedicated fund growing over time to support your lifestyle after you retire.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you’re actively saving and investing for your future can alleviate the stress associated with financial uncertainty in retirement.
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Insights and inspiration for educators
Equitable Perspectives offers timely financial news, tips, stories and advice.
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Why work with a financial professional?Working with an Equitable Advisors Financial Professional can make planning for retirement easier. In fact, according to a recent study, many K–12 employees who work with a financial professional have measurably better outcomes and demonstrate more effective financial behaviors.3 Learn more
Higher savings balance
23% higher savings balance for people who work with a financial professional versus those who don't
Confidence meeting goals
78% versus 60% feel confident about meeting their retirement goals (with a financial professional versus without a financial professional)
Overall satisfaction
84% versus 59% expressed a higher overall satisfaction with the performance of their retirement savings plan -
What is the benefit of pre-tax contributions?Pretax contributions are deducted from your gross income, reducing your taxable income for the year, and potentially lowering your tax bracket. Your earnings grow tax-deferred until you withdraw the money. Learn more
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How does compounding interest benefit my savings?Thanks to the power of compound interest, every dollar you put in has the potential to grow. Start investing as early as you can to help put you on the path to building financial independence.
By putting $150 in pre-tax dollars per day period into your 403(b), your
savings could grow to $331,685 in 30 years.5 -
Is there a limit to what I can contribute to my 403(b) plan?
In 2025, the maximum contribution limit on a 403(b) retirement savings plan is $23,500. Learn more
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How do required minimum distributions (RMDs) work?An RMD is a mandatory withdrawal that individuals must take from their retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs, 403(b)s and other tax-deferred retirement plans, starting at age 73 (or 70½ if you reached that age before January 1, 2020). Learn more
Get started
Investing in an Equitable 403(b) plan is not just a smart financial decision: it's an investment in your future peace of mind. With Equitable's proven track record and commitment to public service employees, you can trust that your retirement savings are in good hands.
Ready to start saving?
*A 403(b) plan, often referred to as a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan, is a retirement plan available specifically to employees of public schools and certain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations – i.e., non-profit organizations. By comparison for context, a 401(k) plan is a qualified plan available specifically to employees of for-profit companies. While they have similarities, 403(b) plans and 401(k) plans are not interchangeable or entirely comparable.
1 LIMRA, Not-for-Profit Survey, Q2 2024 results, based on 403(b) plan participants and contributions. Survey results include Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) and Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America) issued plans.
2 This applies specifically and exclusively to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial).
3 Equitable Value of the Advisor Study, 2022. Independent research conducted by Zeldis Research Associates, and commissioned by Equitable, highlights the financial benefits K–12 educators can gain by working with a financial professional with respect to their 403(b) account. These responses reflect anonymous individual opinions from the survey and are not intended as predictions of any product/investment performance, may not represent the experience of any other plan participant, and should not be relied upon as basis for any purchase decision. Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) and its affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or applicability of the information included in these responses. These responses were collected by Zeldis Research, a third-party vendor not affiliated with Equitable Financial or its affiliates.
4 Based on 2023 federal tax tables, assuming married filing jointly (source: irs.gov). Figures do not take into account any other sources of income, state or local income taxes, tax credits or deductions.
5 This assumes a hypothetical 7.5% return and there are no withdrawals. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax and, if made before age 59½, may be subject to an additional 10% federal income tax. This example is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to represent an expected or guaranteed rate of return for any investment vehicle. This example does not take potential taxes, investment management fees or product-related charges into account. Your rate of return will vary. Amounts are fully taxable upon withdrawal and the accumulation values illustrated will be reduced, based on an individual’s tax rate.
Equitable Financial and Equitable America do not provide tax or legal advice and are not endorsed or affiliated with any school district, state agency or pension plan.
Equitable is the brand name of the retirement and protection subsidiaries of Equitable Holdings, Inc., including Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company (Equitable Financial) (NY, NY); Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company of America (Equitable America), an AZ stock company with an administrative office located in Charlotte, NC; and Equitable Distributors, LLC. The obligations of Equitable Financial and Equitable America are backed solely by their claims-paying abilities. Equitable Financial and Equitable America do not provide tax or legal advice and are not endorsed or affiliated with any school district, state agency or pension plan.