Investing 101

You can call 800-842-2252 to speak with a financial consultant.

Get the basics

3 keys to investing

Smart investing starts with a solid grasp of the basics.

Understand the math

What are compound interest and dollar cost averaging? Increase your financial savvy by learning frequently used terms.

Take control of your savings

Consider saving, and learn about investments that may help you pursue your personal goals.

Automate it

Consider setting up direct deposit into your savings account and using retirement plan features like automatic rebalancing.

Get the basics

Take advantage of compound interest

Compound interest is when you earn interest on your interest—and that may mean more money for you. It’s never too late to start saving, but the sooner you start, the more compounding is likely to help your money grow.

Cathy contributes $5,000 annually starting at age 25. Steve contributes $10,000 annually starting at age 40

Steve contributed $50,000 more than Cathy, but started 15 years later. At age 65, Cathy had $232,418 more than Steve. Saving early has its advantages when it comes to compounding.

Hypothetical illustration only. Not intended to represent the past or future performance of any investment. Assumes contributions are made monthly at a 6% annual effective rate, compounded monthly. Actual performance will vary with market conditions.

Financial education

55% of students report having no exposure to financial education

TIAA joined forces with the Council of Graduate Schools and leading universities to help change this statistic by researching students' financial challenges and creating programs to address them.

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Get the basics

What is dollar cost averaging?

Dollar cost averaging is when you contribute consistently and don't try to time the market.

Research shows that making regular and consistent contributions throughout your career can potentially result in more money when you retire.1

Why TIAA

No matter how much you know, sometimes you need a little help

TIAA provides consultations for all participants.

A conversation

An experienced consultant speaks with you and listens to your needs and goals.

A personalized strategy

We help you understand and choose investment options that might be best for your situation.

A long-term approach

We're committed to your long-term financial growth and well-being.

Next steps

Consider getting started

Calling us

We're here to help.

Weekdays, 8 a.m. − 10 p.m. (ET)

800-842-2252

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Schedule a meeting

Schedule a meeting with one of our consultants.

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Discover more

Products

Mutual funds

TIAA funds can help you pursue financial goals—whether it's retiring in comfort, buying a home, or saving for a rainy day.

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Products

Annuities

Learn how investing in annuities at any stage can help you generate guaranteed income in retirement.2

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Insights

Starting out

Just starting to save for retirement? Pick up helpful tips and pointers.

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1 Dollar cost averaging does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining markets. Because such a strategy involves periodic investment, you should consider your financial ability and willingness to continue purchases through periods of low price levels.

2 Guaranteed income for life is subject TIAA's claims-paying ability.

TIAA products may be subject to market and other risk factors. See the applicable product literature, or visit www.tiaa.org for details.

This material is for informational or educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or investment advice in connection with a distribution, transfer or rollover, a purchase or sale of securities or other investment property, or the management of securities or other investments, including the development of an investment strategy or retention of an investment manager or advisor. This material does not take into account any specific objectives or circumstances of any particular investor, or suggest any specific course of action. Investment decisions should be made in consultation with an investor's personal advisor based on the investor's own objectives and circumstances.

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