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Explore your plan

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

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Resources for your retirement needs

Annual contribution limits

Find out how much you could save for your retirement each year.

Social Security benefits

Learn how to apply for Social Security benefits online.

Understand your 403(b) plan

Discover the basics of this tax-deferred retirement plan with this helpful Q&A.

Understand your 457(b) plan

Learn more about this governmental plan for state or local employees.

Mutual funds in the Lincoln Alliance® program are sold by prospectus. An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the investment company before investing. The prospectus and, if available, the summary prospectus contain this and other important information and should be read carefully before investing or sending money. Investment values will fluctuate with changes in market conditions, so that upon withdrawal, your investment may be worth more or less than the amount originally invested. Prospectuses for any of the mutual funds in the Lincoln Alliance® program are available at 800‑234‑3500.

The Lincoln Alliance® program includes certain services provided by Lincoln Retirement Services Company, LLC and Lincoln Financial Group Trust Company, Inc. with wholesale marketing and distribution services provided by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc. (LFD), a wholesale broker-dealer (member FINRA). All entities listed are affiliates of Lincoln Financial Group, the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation. Unaffiliated broker-dealers also may provide services to customers. Account values are subject to fluctuation, including loss of principal.

This material is provided by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and, in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and their applicable affiliates (collectively referred to as “Lincoln”). This material is intended for general use with the public. Lincoln does not provide investment advice, and this material is not intended to provide investment advice. Lincoln has financial interests that are served by the sale of Lincoln programs, products and services.