Are you on track for retirement?
“I feel like I am on track because I think about it and plan for it. I also monitor my accounts. With TIAA, I have access to my accounts, so I am able to keep tabs of where I am at any time.”
What motivates you?
“I grew up poor. We were rich in many ways, but grew up [financially] poor. There were seven of us, and at a young age I set goals for myself. Certain things that I knew I just did not want to go through, and that’s exactly why I went to college, that’s exactly why I save. I want to be comfortable at 65, because I’m comfortable now.
In terms of earning and obtaining certain degrees, taking on specific jobs, that’s my source of motivation. I want to know if I decide to I could choose to live somewhere else—on an island, in a different state, or down south. I want to be comfortable enough to have choices. Choices are a big thing to me.”
How does TIAA help you keep your retirement goals in sight?
“When TIAA’s financial consultants come to campus, I attend those meetings. I also go online and access my account details there. The online tools are simple and easy to use.”