
A 457 plan is a type of deferred compensation plan offered to certain government and tax-exempt employees.
You can start contributing to a 457 plan as early as age 18, but the plan's employer determines the age at which you can retire and begin taking distributions.
Typically, 457 plans offer a range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
These investment options can be tailored to your individual financial goals and risk tolerance, allowing you to create a diversified portfolio that suits your needs.
457 Plan Overview
A 457 plan is a type of retirement savings plan offered by tax-exempt organizations, such as government agencies and certain non-profit organizations.
You can start contributing to a 457 plan as early as age 18, and the plan's administrator can impose a maximum age for contributions, which is typically 70 1/2.
Retirement Plans
If you're considering a 457 plan, you'll want to know about the investment options available. MissionSquare Retirement offers a variety of investment options for 401 defined contribution and 457 deferred compensation retirement plans.
MissionSquare or MSQ Funds are collective trust funds sponsored by the VantageTrust Company, and many of the investment options are these Funds. Each Fund listed below is invested in a single underlying MissionSquare Fund or in a single third-party mutual fund.
Here's a list of the investment options available in a 457 plan:
Keep in mind that some or all of these Funds may not be available in your plan, and you'll need to log in to your account online or contact MissionSquare Plan Services to view the specific investments available in your plan.
Core Benefits of the Plan
The 457 Plan offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive retirement savings option.
One of the key advantages is its easy-to-understand fee structure, which includes low fund expense fees.
You can invest in a variety of options, including Fixed Accounts, Target Date Funds, numerous Mutual Funds, and a Self-Directed Brokerage Account.

The plan also allows for penalty-free account modifications, such as changing your contribution amount, reallocating your investments, or adding or replacing an investment provider.
457b Pre-Tax and 457b Roth payroll contributions are also allowed, giving you more flexibility in how you save for retirement.
Immediate vesting means you own the contributions you make from day one, without any waiting period.
Some of the key benefits of the plan include:
- Easy to understand fee structure and low fund expense fees
- Penalty-free account modification, such as contribution change, investment reallocation, and Investment Provider addition/replacement
- 457b Pre-Tax and 457b Roth payroll contributions are allowed
- Immediate vesting
Contributing to the Plan
As you consider contributing to your 457 plan, it's essential to understand the investment options available to you. Most 457 plans offer a range of investment options, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
The investment options in your 457 plan will depend on the plan's provider and the specific investments they offer. Some plans may have a more limited selection of investment options, while others may offer a wide range of choices.
You can usually choose from a variety of investment portfolios, such as a conservative portfolio with a mix of low-risk investments or an aggressive portfolio with a higher risk tolerance. Some 457 plans may also offer a target date fund, which automatically adjusts its investment mix based on your retirement date.
It's a good idea to review the investment options in your 457 plan and consider your personal financial goals and risk tolerance before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are disadvantages of 457?
457 plans have limited investment options and are typically available to government or non-profit employees only, making them less common than other retirement plans. Additionally, non-governmental 457 plans can be riskier due to fewer employer contributions and stricter annual limits.
Are 457 plans good investments?
457 plans can be a good investment option for high-income professionals, offering tax benefits and potential long-term savings. However, the level of protection and stability varies between government-run and private plans.
Sources
- https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/rfsuny/investment-options/plan-101102
- https://www.missionsq.org/products-and-services/457-and-401-plans.html
- https://sers.pa.gov/DeferredCompensationPlan-Investing.html
- https://www.varetirement.org/dcp/investments.html
- https://myfloridacfo.com/deferredcomp/home/PlanSaveRetire/plan
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