My wife is eligible for a 403(b) at her job, but we are unsure if this is the best place to allocate our money. We have the financial ability to max out her 403(b) and both of our traditional IRAs this year, but we want to make sure this makes sense. We are also unsure of the difference between a 403b and a 401k. Neither of us can participate in 401ks through our jobs, but we want to make sure there is nothing about a 403b that makes it an expensive place to invest.
Her 403(b) is through TIAA Cref. They offer the following Vanguard funds:
Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional (VINIX)
Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral (VBTLX)
Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Admiral (VEXAX)
Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund Investor (VMFXX)
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral (VTIAX)
Is it possible to invest in a few of the above funds to mimic VTSAX? I am happy to provide any additional information that is needed to give a thorough answer.
Thanks!