Administrators & Church Employees

How We Can Help

Church administrators and employees are essential to the life and mission of their congregations—and they deserve the same thoughtful retirement planning as anyone else. At Simplicity Guardian, we understand the unique financial challenges you may face, from modest salaries and limited retirement benefits to navigating Social Security and rising healthcare costs. Our team is here to provide clarity, support, and personalized strategies to help you build a secure and confident financial future. With the right guidance, retirement can be not just possible, but purposeful.

How We Can Help

Customized Retirement Planning – We create tailored strategies designed to align with your income, benefits, and long-term goals—even if your church offers limited retirement options.

Social Security Optimization – We help you understand your eligibility, explore benefit options, and incorporate Social Security into your broader retirement strategy.

Healthcare & Insurance Guidance – From Medicare to long-term care planning, we’ll help you evaluate healthcare costs in retirement and prepare accordingly.

Faith-Aligned Financial Advice – Our guidance respects your values and vocation, helping you plan for the future while continuing to serve your community with purpose.

Ongoing Support & Education – We provide tools, resources, and one-on-one support to help you stay informed and confident throughout your financial journey.

Contact us For more Information

frequently asked questions

A 403(b)(9) is a special type of retirement plan specifically designed for employees of churches and certain church-related organizations. Unlike a traditional 403(b), which is governed under ERISA (in many cases), a 403(b)(9) is considered a “church plan” and is exempt from many ERISA requirements. This can offer more flexibility in plan design but may also mean fewer protections or administrative standards.

Yes. One of the unique benefits for ordained ministers is that they may be able to exclude housing allowance from taxable income, even in retirement, if it is properly designated and distributed from a 403(b)(9) plan. This can provide significant tax savings but must be planned for correctly with the help of a financial or tax advisor.

Eligibility is typically extended to church employees, clergy, and workers of church-affiliated organizations like schools, hospitals, or missionary groups. Each plan sets its own eligibility rules, so employees should check with their plan sponsor for specific details.

Yes, many 403(b) plans offer both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) contribution options. Pre‑tax contributions reduce your taxable income now, while Roth contributions are made after‐tax and grow tax‑free, with qualified withdrawals also tax‑free. Choosing between them depends on your current and expected future tax bracket. Roth contributions are made after-tax but grow tax-free, which can be beneficial if you expect higher taxes in retirement.

Church 403(b) plans often offer a range of investment options such as mutual funds, annuities, or faith-based investments aligned with the organization’s values. The specific lineup varies by plan provider, so it’s important to review the investment choices and understand their fees, risks, and long-term growth potential.

  • Annuity contracts (fixed or variable), typically issued by insurance companies
  • Custodial accounts that hold SEC‑registered mutual funds

Some plans, commonly church plans, may now also offer collective investment trusts (CITs), depending on the provider and plan design.

Source:

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/1/403bplan.asp

This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial guidance. Before you make any decisions regarding your personal financial situation, you should consult a financial or tax professional to discuss your individual circumstances and objectives. The source(s) used to prepare this material is/are believed to be true, accurate and reliable, but is/are not guaranteed.

Useful Guides

Optimizing Social Security

In Today’s World

Social Security planning is one of the most important elements in any retirement plan, but understanding how to make informed decisions about your Social Security benefits can also feel complex and frustrating. In our guide, “Optimizing Social Security in Today’s World,” you’ll find practical information and easy-to-understand steps to help you evaluate your Social Security options.

A Short Introduction To Long-Term Care

What To Know And How To Prepare

If you know someone who takes care of their parents or if you’ve done it yourself, you know how demanding it can be. Now, think about a time when you might need that same care. Even if your family members are nearby and can help you around the house as you get older, they might not be able to provide you with all the care you need. That’s why having a long-term care strategy can help give you and your family feel more prepared and potentially reduce the financial strain of an unexpected expense.

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