Took the plunge into 457b

[Rural]

Signed up for the 457b at work today, not quite but almost maxing it out. I'm 85% equities (index funds) and 15% bonds, all lowish but not wonderful expense ratios (between .40 and .60) no Vanguard funds available, these are all TIAA-CREF. I could get Vanguard going with the other company at work, but then it would all be in annuities. Ironically, TIAA-CREF let's me out of annuities.

I'm/we're old for such an aggressive asset mix, but we each have a pension in a pretty healthy state system, so I'm looking at that as my "safe" bond equivalent.

I'm going to let it run at that amount for a month and see what I have left in take-home. I may up it for the next month if I can (ie: if there's any money left). I got a look at the options available to my husband from his new job, and they stink, expenses running 1.90 and over! So we invest perhaps all of my pay in pretax...

Comments, anyone? I still have time to make changes.

[Zamboni]

You probably already realize this, but 457b is a great deal because it's pre-tax contribution you can withdraw ALL of the money without penalty at any age (you do have to pay tax upon withdrawal, of course.)  My former employer offered this, but my current one does not, alas.  Congratulations for making the most of the option! 

[Rural]

Yep, that's the cool thing about the 457. Withdrawal anytime after separation from the job. If my husband's job also offered one (it doesn't), we'd be looking hard at it in spite of the terrible expense ratios.

[aj_yooper]

Sounds like you scoped this out very well and no annuity!  All your employees will be tucked in nicely.  I agree on the AA you picked, given your pension.