Client Login

Blog

TIAA Simplified Blog consists of short posts specifically to help those in higher education simplify and strategize around their confusing retirement plans, often with an emphasis on TIAA accounts.  Blog author, Greg Shepard, has specialized in helping those in higher education navigate those often-times-confusing retirement plans for over 20yrs.   

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Dear valued clients,We are thrilled to announce that something special is on the horizon—our brand-new series of blog posts will be launching soon! These posts are designed with you in mind, aiming to provide valuable insights, tips,...

Friday, May 3, 2024

Many of you have reached out to me with questions about loyalty bonuses, wondering what they entail and how they impact your retirement income.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Many individuals believe they can manage their retirement portfolios independently, driven by a sense of familiarity with their current financial setup. In my conversations with folks, this approach often leads to poor results.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Higher ed employee with TIAA looking at retirement? This blog exposes a strategy to implement in order to get away from those lackluster bond choices. Learn how Traditional can fit in your retirement plan.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Are you struggling to decipher the complexities of your TIAA retirement plan? Greg Shepard, a seasoned financial advisor, shares insights into common pitfalls and creative solutions encountered by individuals like you.

Show All

Monday, February 5, 2024

Recently retired, a client faced TIAA complexities, seeking help for a clear retirement plan. Options induced confusion, a familiar tale for those nearing or newly in retirement. This story might resonate with many of you who are retiring.

Friday, January 19, 2024

have you received your 2023 TIAA year-end statement and noticed those mysterious "Revenue Service Credits"? These credits can be a welcoming surprise. This blog post dives into the details of these mysterious credits.

Monday, January 15, 2024

In a recent scenario, we encountered a participant on verge of retirement, holding $700,000+ in TIAA Traditional within illiquid contract. The catch? His spouse was nine years younger, setting the stage for a unique approach to address liqu

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Greg Shepard from S&A Financial Services, your go-to resource for optimizing higher education retirement plans. Today's topic is In-Service Transfers, a powerful strategy that could make a significant impact on your financial future.

Friday, December 15, 2023

Greg Shepard here from S&A Financial Services. In this crucial December update, I'm shedding light on a significant RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) mistake you absolutely need to avoid, especially if you're dealing with TIAA accounts.

Friday, December 1, 2023

In this blog post, Greg addresses a consistent mistake he's observed in higher ed retirement plans with TIAA Traditional. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances before making any moves within TIAA Traditional.

Friday, November 17, 2023

In today's HigherEd Retire Blog, Greg Shepard, an independent advisor specializing in higher ed retirement plans, discusses liquidity options with TIAA Traditional inside various contracts.

Friday, November 10, 2023

Greetings educators! Greg Shepard here from S&A Financial Services, your guide through the intricate landscape of higher education retirement plans, especially those under the umbrella of TIAA. Today, I want to delve into a critical...

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Hello, HigherEd retirees, and welcome back to the HigherEd Retire Blog, your dedicated source for unraveling the complexities of higher education retirement plans, with a special emphasis on TIAA accounts. Today, we're delving into the...