SELF-DIRECTED BROKERAGE ACCOUNT
Take control with access to a broad array of investments
If you work with a personal financial advisor who provides you guidance with your investment decisions and you want a broader array of investments than is offered within the Target Date Funds or Core Funds, you may open a Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account® and transfer a minimum of $5,000 and up to 50% of your account balance.*
*Additional fees are involved when opening a Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account®
Benefits
• Invest in any of more than 7,900 mutual funds through Schwab
• Receive special tax benefits as a pastor or ministry staff including higher contribution limits through our 403(b)(9) retirement plans, housing allowances for pastors, 100% vesting from the first dollar contributed, and more
• Access to a team of retirement readiness and financial wellness professionals at no cost to you
• Rollover options are available
Who Can Participate?
Ministers, church ministry staff, and church school staff who work for a PCA church, an ARPC church, or a preapproved like-minded organization may be eligible to participate.
Employees working for pre-approved 501(c)(3) organizations that share common religious bonds and convictions with the PCA may also qualify. To determine how to become an approved organization, contact our office.
Tax Advantages
Housing Allowance
Ministers who participate in our 403(b)(9) retirement plans may be eligible for a housing allowance income exclusion during retirement. This provision may provide significant tax savings to you during your retirement years.
For example, a minister in the 22% tax bracket with $20,000 of annual housing allowance would save $102,414.27* in income tax over a 15-year retirement—and the tax savings would increase for ministers in a higher tax bracket or with a larger housing allowance.
*When tax savings are invested returns are not guaranteed, calculated at a 6% rate of return.
Traditional vs. Roth Contributions
Our retirement plans provide you with the choice of making pre-tax employee contributions, or Roth employee contributions. You also may divide your contributions between the two types. Each offers valuable tax advantages, and you should consult with your personal financial advisor or a member of our team to determine which is best for you.
Get Started
Connect with a Geneva team member to learn more
FAQ
How much do you charge for financial and retirement planning?
It’s free. We are here to guide and help you in any way we can. We have a team of benefits specialists and financial planning advisors ready to serve you.
How much should I be saving for retirement?
It really depends. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. But, it’s never too late to start saving! Our retirement readiness team would love to help you construct a plan to reach your goals.
What are the tax advantages with a 403(b)(9) retirement plan?
There are two ways to save, each with its own tax advantages.
· With traditional 403(b) contributions, you save with pre-tax dollars, which reduces your taxable income and your current tax obligation. You pay no income tax on your savings or investment returns until you retire and begin taking a distribution from the plan.
· With Roth 403(b) contributions, you save after tax dollars. When you take a distribution from the plan, that distribution will be tax-free, provided your account had been open for at least five years and you are at least age 59 ½.