Complimentary 403(b) Fee Analysis Checklist

1. Find the Plan Fees

Locate the annual account fee, quarterly maintenance fee, or wrap fee on your statement. Ask whether the plan charges a separate recordkeeping or third-party administrator fee. Note any loan fees, distribution fees, or paper-statement fees.

2. Check Expense Ratios

Write down the expense ratio for each fund you hold. Flag any option near or above about 1% for a closer look. That is a question, not a buy or sell signal. Compare similar funds on your approved vendor list when your district uses a TPA such as OMNI.

3. Look for Surrender Charges and Riders

Check whether the contract is an annuity with a surrender schedule. Note the years remaining and the percentage that would apply if you moved money now. List optional riders and their extra cost.

4. Confirm Contributions and a 457(b)

Confirm whether your employer offers a match and whether you are capturing all of it. Match rules vary. Write your current deferral percentage and whether it is pre-tax, Roth, or both. Ask whether a 457(b) is also available so the 403(b) limit stays separate.

5. Write Down Next Steps

Circle anything you cannot find on the statement. Bring the statement to a complimentary 10-minute checkup or an Atlas VirtualWealth session. Decide later whether to stay, change vendors inside the plan, or review a rollover of an old balance.

Related Checklists and Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this 403(b) fee analysis checklist?

It is a short educational list of places fees can appear in a 403(b): administrative charges, fund expense ratios, surrender charges, and rider costs. It is not a quote, a recommendation, or a guarantee of savings.

Do I need a statement before I start?

A recent 403(b) statement or login access helps. If you do not have one yet, book a complimentary 10-minute checkup and we will walk through what to look for.

Is the checklist or checkup complimentary?

Yes. The checklist, the 10-minute 403(b) checkup, and the first Atlas VirtualWealth session are complimentary and come with no obligation.

Will you tell me to move my account?

Not as a default. Some contracts have surrender charges or limited transfer windows. Learn the numbers first, then decide whether staying, changing vendors inside the plan, or a later rollover makes sense.