Retirement

IRA

Our Individual Retirement Account offers a variety of investment choices and low fees…plus it’s open to family members.

array(9) { [0]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(30) "become-ami-teacher-150x100.jpg" ["width"]=> int(150) ["height"]=> int(100) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-150x100.jpg" } [1]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(30) "become-ami-teacher-300x200.jpg" ["width"]=> int(300) ["height"]=> int(200) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-300x200.jpg" } [2]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(30) "become-ami-teacher-480x320.jpg" ["width"]=> int(480) ["height"]=> int(320) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-480x320.jpg" } [3]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(30) "become-ami-teacher-768x512.jpg" ["width"]=> int(768) ["height"]=> int(512) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-768x512.jpg" } [4]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(31) "become-ami-teacher-1024x683.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1024) ["height"]=> int(683) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(86) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1024x683.jpg" } [5]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(31) "become-ami-teacher-1280x853.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1280) ["height"]=> int(853) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(86) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1280x853.jpg" } [6]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(31) "become-ami-teacher-1366x911.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1366) ["height"]=> int(911) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(86) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1366x911.jpg" } [7]=> array(5) { ["file"]=> string(32) "become-ami-teacher-1920x1280.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1920) ["height"]=> int(1280) ["mime-type"]=> string(10) "image/jpeg" ["url"]=> string(87) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1920x1280.jpg" } [8]=> array(3) { ["width"]=> int(2400) ["height"]=> int(1600) ["url"]=> string(77) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher.jpg" } } ===========array(8) { [0]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(0) ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-150x100.jpg" ["width"]=> int(150) ["next_break"]=> int(150) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> int(0) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [1]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(150) ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-300x200.jpg" ["width"]=> int(300) ["next_break"]=> int(300) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(150) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [2]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(300) ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-480x320.jpg" ["width"]=> int(480) ["next_break"]=> int(480) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(300) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [3]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(480) ["url"]=> string(85) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-768x512.jpg" ["width"]=> int(768) ["next_break"]=> int(768) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(480) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [4]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(768) ["url"]=> string(86) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1024x683.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1024) ["next_break"]=> int(1024) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(768) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [5]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(1024) ["url"]=> string(86) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1280x853.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1280) ["next_break"]=> int(1280) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(1024) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [6]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(1280) ["url"]=> string(86) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1366x911.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1366) ["next_break"]=> int(1366) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(1280) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } [7]=> array(10) { ["media_query"]=> int(1366) ["url"]=> string(87) "https://www.weabenefits.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/become-ami-teacher-1920x1280.jpg" ["width"]=> int(1920) ["next_break"]=> int(1920) ["ratio"]=> bool(false) ["acceptable_h"]=> int(0) ["acceptable_w"]=> float(1366) ["max_image_width"]=> int(1400) ["image_full_width"]=> int(2400) ["percent_width"]=> int(1) } }

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a great way to save for your future. Increase your retirement savings and take advantage of tax benefits. We offer both our Roth and Traditional IRAs.

Traditional IRAs give you tax-deferred growth and possible tax deductibility now, while Roth IRAs offer tax-free growth, meaning no taxes at all later on.

The WEA Member Benefits IRA program is now available to members and their families who live outside the state of Wisconsin. Find out if your state is eligible.

Program features

  • No-load mutual funds
  • Guaranteed Stable Investment with competitive returns (Wisconsin residents only)
  • Financial coaching for participants
  • Internet and telephone account access 24/7
  • No fees to open or close an account
  • No fees for account changes
  • Low annual administrative fees (0.45%), annual fee cap of $600 for WEAC members, $750 for non-members*
  • No commissions paid to Member Benefits staff
  • Convenient automatic contributions through electronic funds transfer or payroll deduction
*An annual minimum account cost of $25 applies to all accounts. The minimum is waived for all accounts with active contributions. Mutual fund management and redemption fees may apply.

Got $25 and 5 minutes? Then you can start saving for retirement with WEA Member Benefits.

Enroll now.

Participants may make contributions on a before-tax basis, an after-tax (Roth) basis, or some combination of the two up to the IRA limit. For current IRS contribution limits, please visit our IRA/403(b) contribution limits page.

What is a Roth IRA and how is it different from a Traditional IRA?

Roth contributions are after-tax, which means you pay taxes now on your contributions, but all qualified* withdrawals, including earnings, are tax-free.

Traditional IRA contributions may be tax deductible and the earnings are tax-deferred while accumulating in the account; however, contributions and earnings are taxable when distributed. (Please consult with a tax advisor to determine the extent of your ability to deduct your contributions.)

So the question is, do you want to pay the taxes on your contributions now or after you begin taking withdrawals?

*For qualified withdrawals from the Roth IRA, the participant must be age 59½ or older and have held the Roth IRA account for at least five tax years.

What is the benefit of after-tax savings?

One of the greatest benefits of Roth savings is the ability to reduce your tax liability in retirement.

For decades the assumption has been that most people would be in a lower tax bracket in retirement and would benefit from before-tax savings. However, changes in tax policy, including lower tax rates, the taxation of Social Security, and other deductions available under the tax code increase the chances that you could be in the same or higher tax bracket when you retire.

These changes mean that before-tax savings may not always be the optimal tax strategy.

What does this mean to me?

At retirement, Wisconsin public school employees typically have at least three sources of income: a monthly retirement benefit from the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), Social Security benefits, and pre-tax retirement savings. Most of these may be taxable as ordinary income in retirement. Any tax savings realized today could be more than offset by a higher tax bill in retirement. The Roth IRA provides an opportunity to control your tax liability in retirement.

Is the Roth IRA right for everyone?

Before-tax contributions and tax-deferred growth are key advantages of Traditional IRAs. However, there will be some who will benefit more from after-tax (Roth) contributions and tax-free growth.

A Roth IRA gives you tax-free access to some of your nest egg in retirement, allowing you to manage your tax situation and possibly prevent you from moving into a higher tax bracket.

Member Benefits does not provide personal legal or tax advice; you may want to consult with a tax professional to assess the right type of contribution for you.

Not everyone is eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. Your income must not exceed the stated Internal Revenue Service limits.

Moving money from one account to another is referred to as a transfer, rollover, exchange, or conversion. It’s important to understand your options for moving and managing your money to maximize your retirement savings within your account(s). We accept funds from 401(k), 403(b), 457, IRA, and other retirement accounts. 

Move money

See our fees listed below and find out why fees matter and how they impact your current and future savings.

WEA Member Benefits IRA Fees

Compare our fees with other providersWEA Member Benefits IRA
Annual administrative fee (capped annually at $600 for WEAC members and $750 for nonmembers)0.45%
Surrender chargesNone
Sales commissionNone
Mortality and expense (M&E) feeNone
Fees to open, or close accountNone
Inactive Account* minimum annual fee$25
Other administrative feesNone
*Inactive accounts are accounts with no contributions within a calendar year. Investment management and redemption fees apply.

 

How can you keep your money working for you in retirement?

yourINCOME PATH™ can help!

yourINCOME PATH is the suite of options and support we offer to help turn your retirement savings account balance into income during retirement.

We offer several income management options to fit your unique goals and needs during retirement. And Member Benefits provides these services at no additional cost.*

Visit the yourINCOME PATH page to read more about the program and review retirement income management strategies, then learn how to get started on your own income strategy.

Member Benefits is here for you to and through retirement.

Learn more about yourINCOME PATH

 

*If you choose to invest in the WEA Tax Sheltered Annuity or WEA Member Benefits IRA program, fees will apply. Consider all expenses before investing.

Member focused

We operate as a trust which reinvests any profits back into programs that benefit participants. As a member organization, we have only your best interest at heart. Helping you achieve your financial goals is our mission.

Open to family

Family members, like your spouse or domestic partner, children and their spouses, parents, and parents-in-law, may also be eligible to open a WEA Member Benefits IRA account. (Certain state residency required.)

Personal consultations

Our experienced consultants will take the time to help you develop a plan that is right for you.

Schedule a personal phone consultation.

 

Access 24/7

Access your account information by phone or online at any time.

Low fees

• No-load mutual funds
• No transfer fees
• No surrender penalties or withdrawal charges
• Low annual administrative fee of 0.45% ($4.50 per $1,000 invested) and annual fee cap of $600 for WEAC members and $750 for nonmembers.*

*An annual minimum account cost of $25 applies to all accounts. The minimum is waived for all accounts with active contributions. Mutual fund management and redemption fees may apply.

We have a Guaranteed Investment

The Guaranteed Stable Investment fills the role of a fixed-income investment in your portfolio. The Guaranteed Stable Investment traditionally offers a very competitive rate of return.** (Wisconsin residents only)

Transfers and rollovers

We accept rollovers from a variety of retirement plans including IRAs, 401(k), 457(b), Simple IRA, and SEP IRA.

If fees are taking a big bite out of your retirement savings, why not roll over to a low-cost IRA offered by Member Benefits?

**Interest is compounded daily to produce a yield net of Empower’s administrative fee of 0.60%. Empower Annuity Insurance Company (EAIC) is compensated in connection with this product by deducting an amount for investment expenses and risk from the investment experience of certain assets held in EAIC’s general account.
All earnings on investments are credited gross of 403(b) and IRA program fees.
The Guaranteed Stable Investment Fund is a group annuity insurance product issued by EAIC. Amounts contributed to the contract are deposited in EAIC’s general account. Payment obligations and the fulfillment of any guarantees specified in the group annuity contract are insurance claims supported by the full faith and credit of EAIC. EAIC periodically resets the interest rate credited on contract balances, subject to a minimum rate specified in the group annuity contract and subject to change. Past interest rates are not indicative of future rates. Participant Level Protections (PLPs) are in place to help preserve the guarantee of the fund. PLPs may limit your ability to withdraw funds from the fund. For more information on the PLPs and how it may affect your account, please call Retirement and Investment Services at 1-800-279-4030, Extension 8568.

The WEA Member Benefits IRA program* is now available to members and their families who live outside the state of Wisconsin. If you live in one of the eligible states, you and your family** may enjoy the benefits of saving with a WEA Member Benefits IRA.

The WEA Member Benefits IRA program is available to those who meet eligibility guidelines and live in the following states:

  • Wisconsin
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Dakota
  • Texas
Enroll in an IRA

 

If you would like to know when the WEA Member Benefits IRA will be available in your state, fill out the form below.

Request for IRA eligibility

Please contact me when the WEA Member Benefits IRA becomes available in my state.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Email*

For more information, contact us at 1-800-279-4030 or retirement@weabenefits.com.

*To be eligible for this program, you must meet the IRS eligibility requirements for contributing to an IRA. Restrictions may apply. Certain state residency required.

**Your spouse/domestic partner, parents, parents-in-law, and children and their spouses may also participate in our IRA program if they live in one of the approved states.