Get the basics
3 keys to investing
Smart investing starts with a solid grasp of the basics.
Understand the math
What are compound interest and dollar cost averaging? Increase your financial savvy by learning frequently used terms.
Take control of your savings
Consider saving, and learn about investments that may help you pursue your personal goals.
Automate it
Consider setting up direct deposit into your savings account and using retirement plan features like automatic rebalancing.
Get the basics
Take advantage of compound interest
Compound interest is when you earn interest on your interest—and that may mean more money for you. It’s never too late to start saving, but the sooner you start, the more compounding is likely to help your money grow.
Steve contributed $50,000 more than Cathy, but started 15 years later. At age 65, Cathy had $232,418 more than Steve. Saving early has its advantages when it comes to compounding.
Hypothetical illustration only. Not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. Assumes contributions are made monthly at a 6% annual effective rate, compounded monthly. Actual performance will vary with market conditions.
Financial education
55% of students report having no exposure to financial education
TIAA joined forces with the Council of Graduate Schools and leading universities to help change this statistic by researching students’ financial challenges and creating programs to address them.
Get the basics
What is dollar cost averaging?
Dollar cost averaging is when you contribute consistently and don’t try to time the market.
Research shows that making regular and consistent contributions throughout your career can potentially result in more money when you retire.1
Why TIAA
No matter how much you know, sometimes you need a little help
TIAA provides consultations for all participants.
A conversation
An experienced consultant speaks with you and listens to your needs and goals.
A Personalized Strategy
We help you understand and choose investment options that might be best for your situation.
A Long-term Approach
We’re committed to your long-term financial growth and well-being.
Why TIAA
Meet real TIAA customers
“I make sure to automatically set aside funds before I can touch them.”
International Education Development Administrator
43 years old
Participant since 2012
“TIAA is teaching me how to manage my money and plan for the
future.”
Professor and entomologist
Participant since 2012
Participant since 2012
*These quotes describe the circumstances and experiences of specific participants from one or more of the companies in the TIAA organization (“TIAA”). It may not be representative of the experience of other TIAA customers and is not indicative of future performance or success. Individual results and experiences will vary.
Insights
Learn more about investing
Next steps
Consider getting started
Calling us
We’re here to help.
Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET)
Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET)
800-842-2252
Start your plan
Get started with the Retirement Income Evaluator. Log in is required.
Discover more
Products
Mutual funds
TIAA funds can help you pursue financial goals—whether it’s retiring in comfort, buying a home, or saving for a rainy day.
Products
Annuities
Learn how investing in annuities at any stage can help you generate guaranteed income in retirement.2
Insights
Starting out
Just starting to save for retirement? Pick up helpful tips and pointers.
COMMUNITIES
Woman2Woman
Share ideas with experts and peers. Join the conversation in our Woman2Woman community.
145130