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Lesson 7

Class Summary

3 min lesson
Last Updated: July 30, 2026

In this class, you learned how a 403(b) works — and how to put it to work for you in the years ahead. Whether you are a teacher, a hospital worker, a nonprofit employee, or anyone else who has spent a career in public service, your 403(b) is one of your most powerful retirement savings tools.

Here is a recap of the key points:

  • What it is: A tax-deferred retirement savings plan for employees of public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and qualifying religious organizations.

  • 2026 contribution limits: $24,500 standard; $32,500 if you are 50 or older; $35,750 if you are 60, 61, 62, or 63 (the new SECURE 2.0 super catch-up).

  • 15-year catch-up: A provision unique to 403(b) plans — if you have worked for the same qualifying employer for 15+ years, you may be eligible for an extra $3,000 per year, up to $15,000 lifetime.

  • Investment options: Annuities (fixed, variable, indexed) and mutual funds — limited to what your employer and vendor offer. Review fees carefully.

  • Withdrawals: Penalty-free starting at 59½ (or at 55 if you separate from your employer in that year or after). RMDs begin at 73 or 75 depending on when you were born.

  • Rollovers: Always use a direct rollover. Consider consolidating multiple old accounts — your financial institution can help you explore your options.

If there is one thing worth taking away from this class, it is this: you are now in the years when your 403(b) decisions have the most impact. Contribution levels, investment allocation, and distribution timing all carry more weight when retirement is within sight. The attention you give it now can make a real difference later.


Next Steps

  • To learn how taxes will work in retirement and how your 403(b) withdrawals will be taxed, visit our Taxes in Retirement 101 class

  • To explore how Required Minimum Distributions work and how to plan for them, visit our Understanding Required Minimum Distributions class


Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal retirement programs.

SOURCES

  1. "IRC 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans." Internal Revenue Service. irs.gov/retirement-plans/irc-403b-tax-sheltered-annuity-plans. Accessed July 2026.

  2. "Retirement Topics — 403(b) Contribution Limits." Internal Revenue Service. irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-403b-contribution-limits. Accessed July 2026.

  3. "Retirement Plans FAQs Regarding 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans." Internal Revenue Service. irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plans-faqs-regarding-403b-tax-sheltered-annuity-plans. Accessed July 2026.

  4. "Updated Investor Bulletin: Retirement Investing Through 403(b) and 457(b) Plans." U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission / Investor.gov. investor.gov/introduction-investing/general-resources/news-alerts/alerts-bulletins/investor-bulletins/investor-8. Accessed July 2026.