Thank y'all so much for the help. All this information has given me a lot of research to do. Here's what I've found: NEA DirectInvest is available for the 403(b) plan, making that decision relatively easy. The 457 plan is a little trickier, since DirectInvest is not available. For the 457 plan, I have three options: Security Benefit, Valic, and USAA (none of which are responsive, but I'll remain persistent). I cannot find much about VALIC fees online. BJC, do you find the management/administration fees for your plan to be reasonable? Have you noticed any other hidden fees?
As for the Security Benefit plan, these look to be the options (in addition to fund operating fees):
Option 1: No longer available for new accounts.
Option 2: No longer available for new accounts.
Option 3: No up-front sales charge; 1.00% wrap fee: 1%, 0% non-rolling Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).
Option 4 (A share): 5.50% up-front sales charge (rights of accumulation apply); 0.35% wrap fee; No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).
Option 4 (load waived): No up-front sales charge; 0.35% wrap fee; No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).
Option 5 (NAV): No up-front sales charge; 1.25% wrap fee; No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).
Option 6 (C share): No up-front sales charge; 1.20% wrap fee; 1%, 0% non-rolling Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC).
Option 7 (L share): No up-front sales charge; 0.25% non-unitized asset based fee, no contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC).
NAV Option: No up-front sales charge; 0.25% non-unitized asset based fee, no contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC).
Administration Fee (for all applicable options)
$35 a year for accounts less than $50,000. No administration fee for accounts over $50,000.
I'm not sure what "NAV", "L Share" and "C Share" plans are, but would Option 7 be our best bet if we have to go with SB? Any other fees I need to ask about?
Thanks again for all of your help, it's much appreciated.