It's noteworthy that 403(b) plans were legislated in 1958, predating 401(k)s by 20 years. At that time, annuities were the only allowable investment vehicles for 403(b) participants. The 1958 legislation codified what was a savvy savings practice by a few charitable organizations into a tax law available for all nonprofit employees.(Photo: Shutterstock)
(Bloomberg Opinion) –How is it possible that two variations of tax-deferred retirement accounts, born of similar ideals and motivations, have evolved into shockingly different animals?
I refer to 401(k) and 403(b) investment accounts. Despite being part of similar tax codes with nearly identical goals, in practice the portfolios of each bear little resemblance to each other. As a result, millions of American teachers, among others, are retiring with less in savings than they deserve.
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