Saving with the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan 403(b)
Savings accumulate over time.
So, start saving or increase your saving amount today!
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Plan now for a secure retirement
You have a picture of retirement, and the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan 403(b) can help achieve it! Working with your Concordia Retirement Plan pension benefits and Social Security, the 403(b) can help provide you with the income you’ll need in retirement.
- It's simple. Your savings amount is automatically deducted from your paycheck.
- It's flexible. You aren’t locked in – you can update your savings amount simply by completing a new form.
- It's your choice. Decide if you want the tax advantages of saving on a pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax basis, by watching a video or reading this flyer. Remember, there are additional tax advantages for Ministers of Religion.
- It's reasonably priced. The 403(b) has low administrative and investment fund fees.
- It's professionally managed. You’re automatically enrolled in the ProManage PROgram™, which provides professional investment allocation for a small fee – they invest your funds for you. Learn more about ProManage.
IRS Savings Limits
The IRS places annual limits on how much you can save in tax-advantaged retirement savings plans. This is a cumulative limit for all retirement plans including the 403(b) and other employer-sponsored plans. This limit does not apply to individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
For 2026 the limits are:
- $24,500 if you’re under age 50.
- $32,500 if you are ages 50-59, or age 64 or older.
- $35,750 if you are ages 60-63.
These limits can change each year and are generally announced in October or early November for the following year. For more information visit IRS.gov.
Roth Catch Up requirement for High Earners
Starting January 2026, workers age 50 and over with 2025 FICA wages over $150,000 (self-employment (SECA) wages are not subject to this requirement) who make catch-up contributions to the 403(b) must do so on a Roth (after-tax) basis. Standard contributions up to the IRS limit can be pre-tax or Roth.
Those not meeting these criteria, and rostered workers without FICA wages, are not affected.
403(b) resources
It can be hard to start saving or choose how much to save. These resources can help you figure out the right savings plan for you.
Roll funds into the 403(b)
If you have money in another retirement savings account, you may be able to roll those funds into your 403(b) account to take advantage of the low fees and diverse investment options.
Contact Fidelity at 800-343-0860 for more information.
Don't raid your 403(b) piggybank!
When your service with the LCMS ends, just because you can move your money, doesn’t mean you should. You can leave your money in your 403(b) account so you can continue to take advantage of the low fees and diverse fund line up.
WHY STAY IN THE 403(B)
If you need to make a withdrawal – review your “Options when leaving your employer” document.
Concerned about the financial markets?
Check out our “Dozen Principles for Remaining Calm During Stock Market Fluctuations” for tactics on how to handle the downs (and ups) of the markets.
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