Retirement income planning expert Cathy DeWitt Dunn urges Texas teachers to understand their 403b product options when it comes to annuities

DALLAS, July 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cathy DeWitt Dunn, president of Dallas Fort Worth-based financial services company, DeWitt & Dunn, LLC, and host of the syndicated radio show, Safe Money Talk Radio, has words of encouragement for teachers regarding their retirement accounts. Texas teachers can choose to say no to falling portfolio values and high fees by taking control of their 403(b) retirement plans. Today's Texas teachers have the option of moving their 403(b) monies from variable annuity ownership into fixed index annuity ownership.

A 403(b) is the teaching profession's equivalent of a 401(k) investment plan. Nearly 80% of all 403(b) money is tied up in annuities, with the majority in variable annuities. Variable annuities were particularly popular in the 1980s and 1990s during times of strong market growth. Variable annuities provide exposure to market upside but do not offer principal protection or performance guarantees.

"Variable annuities made sense for some investors when markets were going strong," said DeWitt Dunn. "However, markets don't always go up. In fact, we've seen two 50% stock market drops since 2000 that have taken a toll on millions of Americans' retirement accounts. Many investors, including teachers, are now demanding options that offer principal protection, performance guarantees, and the potential for growth. For teachers and their 403(b)s, a fixed index annuity offers these benefits and more."

As part of a 403(b) retirement plan, a fixed index annuity provides the opportunity to participate in stock market gains. However, unlike a variable annuity, the account's principal––including any gains made from contributions, bonuses, or positive stock market performance––is locked in and 100% protected by the insurance company against any losses. Fixed index annuities have also eliminated the fees involved with variable annuities, which may make them a less expensive option for a retirement income solution.

Many Texas Teachers do not know they are allowed to move their existing 403(b) account to a safe alternative, and that doing so is a non-taxable transaction. DeWitt Dunn is currently working with plans that provide up to a 5.5% matching bonus on all contributions. Once enrolled in a 403b plan driven by a fixed index annuity, teachers may contribute into the plan via a payroll deduction on a continuing basis.

"Over the past year, we've helped teachers across Texas protect their 403(b) retirement accounts from market instability and losses by moving them out of variable annuities," said DeWitt Dunn. "If you're a teacher, protecting your retirement nest egg while still benefiting from market upside can be accomplished by completing some fairly simple home work––namely choosing a safe, high quality fixed index annuity for your 403(b)."

Additional information specifically for teachers and 403(b) retirement income planning may be found by visiting www.annuitywatchusa.com/just-for-teachers.

About DeWitt & Dunn, LLC
DeWitt & Dunn, LLC is proud to be on the forefront of innovative financial solutions for retirement income planning. The company specializes in helping individuals and families strengthen their retirement outlook with lifetime income solutions not available from traditional brokerage houses. DeWitt & Dunn has helped thousands of people start their personal journeys towards a stronger retirement with strategies designed to protect principal, generate retirement income that can't be outlived, and eliminate market loss. Additional information on DeWitt & Dunn and Annuity Watch USA may be found by visiting www.annuitywatchusa.com

SOURCE DeWitt & Dunn, LLC