Starting September 30, 2024 the university has added a new option for your retirement plan - self-directed brokerage accounts. This option allows plan participants to buy and sell investments outside of the plans’ core investment options through a self-directed brokerage account within the plan. Available investments include certain publicly traded mutual funds not already offered in the plans' core investment options.
A brokerage account can be a valuable service for those looking to invest outside of the plans’ core investment options. Keep in mind, however, that there are risks associated with a self-directed brokerage account and participants are solely responsible for researching, selecting, and monitoring their investments. Brokerage accounts are for knowledgeable, experienced investors who understand the risks associated with all of the many investment choices available and seek a greater role in managing their retirement savings.
To learn more about this new option, please contact or visit your retirement carrier.
The brokerage service available through Vanguard is called the Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account (referred to as PCRA) provided through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Schwab’s dedicated call center at 888-393-PCRA (7272) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Eastern time. Questions about you retirement plan can be directed to Vanguard at 800-523-1188 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Eastern time, excluding market holidays.
To open and access a brokerage account log in to your retirement plan account at vanguard.com/retirementplans. For more information about setting up your individual brokerage account, check out Vanguard's informational flyer.
To open a brokerage account log in to your retirement account via secure access at tiaa.org/case. From your account’s homepage, select the retirement account that is eligible for the self-directed brokerage option. It typically takes two business days for TIAA to establish the brokerage account. You can then trade in the brokerage account by visiting tiaa.org/case or by calling 800-842-2252, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
To view the available mutual funds visit tiaa.org/fundfamilies. To find out more about the individual brokerage accounts, check out TIAA's informational flyer. For help setting up an individual brokerage account, follow the instructions provided in TIAA's User Guide or in TIAA's instructional video.