How to ramp up your retirement planning this year

You can take advantage of both the 2018 changes to the tax law and 403(b) contribution limits

A happy middle-aged woman in hiking gear is enjoying the woods

Image caption: You can make changes to your JHU 403(b) retirement plan at any time throughout the year.

As the new year gets underway, make a promise to yourself: Resolve to get your retirement planning in order. That may include saving more in 2018 for retirement with the additional money you receive as a result of the new tax law, and your ability to save more with the increased IRS contribution limit from $18,000 to $18,500 (plus $6,000 catch-up for those age 50 or older).

When it comes to your Johns Hopkins University 403(b) retirement plan, you can take action at any time throughout the year, unlike your health and life benefit elections, which are made annually.

Through the Retirement Choice online portal, you can:

  • Review and change your contribution amounts and investment provider.
  • View JHU 403(b) retirement plan balances and manage contributions.
  • Learn more about the investment options that are available to you.

To do so, visit the myChoices tab on the Benefits website and select the Retirement Choice link.

Additionally, by using your investment provider's website, you can make changes to your investment funds or beneficiaries at any time. Links are below, along with phone numbers for any questions you might have.

You also can get personalized advice at a one-on-one session with your investment provider of choice. The schedule of upcoming campus visits is available on the Benefits website.

For online portal support, call the Johns Hopkins University Retirement Center at TIAA-CREF at 888-200-4074, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

For general plan-related questions, call the Benefits Service Center at 410-516-2000, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or email benefits@jhu.edu.