By deciding to plan and save for your retirement, you’ve made a decision you can feel good about. You've realized that a sound savings plan is key toward helping you achieve a more secure future.
Mandatory programs: Helping you put your future first
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS): All eligible employees will be automatically enrolled in the TRS — a defined benefit plan — on their first day of employment.
Optional Retirement Program (ORP): The ORP — a defined contribution plan — may be chosen by certain employees in lieu of the TRS. Generally, you will be informed of your eligibility to participate in the plan at the time of your initial employment.
There are significant differences between the ORP and the TRS. Please be sure to undertake a comprehensive review of these differences.
Voluntary programs: Additional ways to save
Tax-Sheltered Annuity Program (UTSaver TSA): You can elect to make either pre-tax (traditional) or after-tax (Roth) contributions to the TSA 403(b) plan depending on the contribution strategy that makes sense for you. Contact your benefits office to determine how much you can contribute to the plan.
Deferred Compensation Plan (UTSaver DCP): When you retire or otherwise leave employment at the University of Texas System, you can defer any portion of your unused annual leave payment – up to the 457(b) limit – into retirement savings to give your savings another kick.
Learn more about the UT System Retirement Programs .
If you have further questions, contact your Human Resources department.
You'll thank yourself later
The sooner you start saving, the better. Once you decide to save for your retirement, the next step is to decide how much to save. Check our retirement tools and calculators.
You'll start by deciding what percentage or flat dollar amount of your income you can save, and then this amount will be automatically invested in your retirement account each pay period. But before you do that, it's important to educate yourself on general financial, investment and retirement information so you can make informed decisions