It will be critical for you to know in advance which products can best meet your financial objectives and to identify a financial professional who sells those products. Different types of financial professionals sell different types of products, and some financial professionals will offer only a limited number of choices. When deciding what's best for you, shop around for the best fit. When brokers or insurance salespersons stand to earn more money for selling Product X over Product Y, they have a natural incentive to steer you toward Product X — even if Product Y might ultimately be a better choice for you.

Our online publication entitled Ask Questions lists in greater detail the questions you should ask about all of your investments. To learn how you can check out the background of a financial professional (before you purchase products or as soon as you finish reading this publication), be sure to read Check Out Brokers and Advisers.

For More Information 

For more information about the types of products available through 403(b) plans, please read the following SEC publications: 

• Annuities — A brief description of fixed, variable, and equity-indexed annuities.
   
• Equity-Indexed Annuities — Describes key features of equity-indexed annuities, including factors indexing methods and interest rate calculation. 
   
• Variable Annuities: What You Should Know — More information about variable annuities, including the bonus credits, transfer issues, and fees.
   
• Invest Wisely: An Introduction to Mutual Funds — Basic information about investing in mutual funds. Much of this information applies to variable annuities, as well.
   
• Mutual Fund Investing: Look at More Than a Fund's Past Performance — Describes some of the factors you should consider in choosing a mutual fund.
   
• Mutual Fund Cost Calculator — Allows you to compare the total costs of owning different mutual funds. 

Where to Find Help with Questions or Complaints