Why we're different

You have to be different to make a difference

collage of diverse participants
who we serve

We help real people with ambitious goals

For over a hundred years we’ve helped millions of people like you build more secure financial futures. That’s because we understand and specialize in the financial needs of people who work in academic, government, medical and other non-profit fields.

Performance

Our retirees have relied on us for over a century

100% of their income payouts

Our retired participants have received 100% of their income payouts—more than $545 billion since 1918. 1

Low Costs

You're valuable to us, so we offer value for your goals

No matter what you’re up to—we can help support it. That’s why our fees are low and so many of our services are offered at no additional cost.

Investments 91% of TIAA-CREF mutual funds have expense ratios below the median of their respective Morningstar categories 2
Advice Included Personalized financial advice for retirement included with your plan
Insights No additional cost 1:1 consultations, online resources, and supportive communities
Brokerage Free No monthly maintenance fees or commissions for online stock and ETF trades
Help with your goals Help With Your Goals
Retirement Planning

Making sure your money lasts is our priority

It’s all about you and your unique vision for retirement. We’ll follow your lead, create a personalized plan, and help you make changes over time.

Knowing where you stand today

We can help you understand whether you’re on track for the retirement you envision.

Creating a personalized plan

We take the time to understand your values and goals, then help you create a plan to move towards retirement.

Helping meet your goals

We provide ways to help take your retirement savings to the next level.

Our approach
Awards & REcognition

We're not in it for the trophies, but it's nice to be recognized for how we’re different

We focus on driving performance and helping our customers pursue their own goals while staying true to our mission and values. The recognition we receive isn't only about how we perform; it’s also about who we are and what we believe.

View all awards

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice under ERISA. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made based on the investor’s own objectives and circumstances.

Certain products and services are only available to eligible individuals.

1 As of December 31, 2021. Other benefits from TIAA include: surrender benefits and other withdrawals, death benefits, health insurance and disability insurance benefits, and all other policy proceeds paid.

2 Based on Morningstar Direct (as of March 31, 2023) expense comparisons by category, excluding Money Market products. Actual percentage is 91.03%. TIAA-CREF mutual funds are subject to various fees and expenses, including but not limited to management, administrative, and distribution fees. Excludes the class W shares, which are not available for purchase by retail investors.

TIAA-CREF mutual fund and CREF variable annuity products are subject to various fees and expenses, including but not limited to management, administrative, and distribution fees; our variable annuity products have an additional mortality and expense risk charge.

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