
Michigan 457 plans are a type of deferred compensation plan that allows state and local government employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
These plans are designed to help employees save for retirement and can be a valuable supplement to other retirement plans.
Michigan 457 plans are offered by participating employers and can be administered by the state or a private vendor.
The plan can be administered by the state or a private vendor, allowing employers to choose the best option for their employees.
Plan Overview
A Michigan 457 plan is a deferred compensation plan that allows state and local government employees to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.
The plan is a great way to supplement your retirement income, and it's available to eligible employees of participating employers.
You can contribute to the plan on a pre-tax basis, which means your contributions will be deducted from your paycheck before taxes are taken out.
This can help reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill.
The plan offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.
You can choose from a variety of investment portfolios to suit your risk tolerance and financial goals.
You can also take loans from your plan account if you need to, although this may affect your future retirement benefits.
Be aware that loans must be repaid within a certain time frame, usually five years, to avoid penalties.
The plan also offers a vesting schedule, which means you may not own the employer contributions right away.
You'll typically need to work for your employer for a certain number of years to vest in the employer contributions.
Investment Options
You have two investment companies to choose from with your Michigan 457 plan: TIAA and Fidelity Investments. Contributions can be allocated to either or both of these companies.
You can distribute your contributions among the approved investment funds offered by TIAA and Fidelity Investments.
If you decide to make after-tax Roth contributions, TIAA and Fidelity Investments will keep track of your after-tax contributions and associated earnings separately within your existing U-M account(s).
Rollover Funds
Rollover Funds is an option you may want to consider. You may be able to transfer or rollover funds into your MERS account, giving you more flexibility in your investment choices.
Rollover Funds can be a great way to consolidate your investments and simplify your portfolio. This is because MERS accounts are designed to make it easy to manage your investments from one place.
You may be able to rollover funds from an old 401(k) or other retirement account into your MERS account, potentially increasing your investment options and earning potential. This can be a smart move if you're looking to grow your wealth over time.
Rollover Funds can also help you take advantage of tax benefits and other incentives that may be available to you. By rolling over funds into a MERS account, you may be able to reduce your tax liability and increase your retirement savings.
Investment Options
You can invest your funds with two reputable companies: TIAA and Fidelity Investments. They offer a range of approved investment funds to choose from.

TIAA and Fidelity Investments allow you to allocate your contributions to either or both companies. This means you can split your investments between the two.
Your contributions can be distributed among the various investment funds offered by TIAA and Fidelity Investments. This gives you flexibility in managing your investments.
If you opt for after-tax Roth contributions, TIAA and Fidelity Investments will keep track of your contributions and earnings separately. This means you won't have separate accounts for your Roth contributions.
TIAA and Fidelity
You can access the TIAA and Fidelity Investments websites at any time to open your account, select your investment funds, and name your beneficiary. TIAA's website is tiaa-cref.org/umich. Fidelity Investments' website is netbenefits.com/uofm.
Distribution and Withdrawal
You can withdraw your Michigan 457 plan funds in various ways, depending on your plan rules and contract terms.
If you're looking to take a lump-sum distribution, you may be able to withdraw all or part of your account in a single cash payment. However, this right may be restricted to taking periodic payments under the terms of your contract, so be sure to check your contract or certificate for full details.
If you have a TIAA Traditional Account, you can withdraw funds in a lump sum, but this may be subject to certain restrictions. You can contact TIAA at 800-842-2252 for more information.
Loans
Loans are available from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $50,000 from each employer that you are eligible to take a loan from. You can borrow more if you transfer or roll over money from other employer's plans to the Michigan State University retirement plan, but only if they accept rollovers.
The amount you can borrow may depend on the amount you currently have in the plan that is eligible for loans and whether you have other outstanding loans. You may be able to leave money in your current plan, withdraw cash or roll over the money to an IRA.
Prior to rolling over, consider your other options and compare the differences in investment options, services, fees, and expenses, withdrawal options, required minimum distributions, other plan features, and tax treatment.
Lump-Sum Distribution
A lump-sum distribution allows you to withdraw all or part of your account in a single cash payment, but this right may be restricted by your plan rules and contract terms.
To determine if you're eligible for a lump-sum distribution, you should refer to your contract or certificate, or contact TIAA at 800-842-2252.
You can withdraw all or part of your account in a single cash payment, depending on your plan rules and the terms of your contracts.
Please note that your contract or certificate may have specific details about your lump-sum distribution options.
If you're unsure about your lump-sum distribution options, it's best to refer to your contract or certificate, or contact TIAA for clarification.
You can also contact TIAA at 800-842-2252 for more information on lump-sum distributions.
Fixed Period
When choosing a fixed period for your income, you can select a duration of two to 30 years.
The length of this period is determined by the terms of your contract and your plan's rules, and it will not exceed your life expectancy.
You'll receive all your principal and earnings during this time, and payments will stop at the end of the period.
Here are the possible fixed period lengths:
- 2 years
- 30 years
Keep in mind that this option is designed to provide a predictable income stream for a set amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 457 plan and how does it work?
A 457 plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan that allows you to save money now and pay taxes later. It works by letting you contribute a portion of your income to the plan, tax-free, and delay paying taxes until you withdraw the funds in retirement.
What are the downsides of a 457 plan?
457 plans have limited investment options and are typically only available to government or nonprofit employees. They also come with unique risks, including employer contributions counting toward the annual limit, making them a less common and potentially riskier choice.
What's the difference between 401k and 457?
Differences between 401(k) and 457 plans include a 3-year catch-up option and early withdrawal penalties, with 457 plans offering more flexibility
What are the rules for a 457 plan?
Funds in a 457 plan are tax-deferred, meaning they're not taxed until withdrawal, typically at retirement. Contributions are made pre-tax, allowing your savings to grow tax-free over time
Sources
- https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/financial/retirement-savings-plans/457b-deferred-compensation-plan
- https://www.michigan.gov/psru/reporting-resources/457-plan-for-db-members/state-of-michigan-457-plan-q-and-a
- https://www.mersofmich.com/participant/programs/457-program/
- https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/financial/retirement-savings-plans/comparing-403b-sra-457b-plans
- https://www.tiaa.org/public/tcm/msu/retirement-benefits/plan-405554
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