Photo: Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Refreshing Your Financial Priorities for 2026
As we flip the calendar to 2026, it’s a good time to reassess your financial picture and set your priorities for the year ahead. With economic conditions continuing to evolve, focusing on the fundamentals can help you stay prepared, reduce stress, and make progress...
What’s Changing with the SECURE Act 2.0
On September 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued final regulations under SECURE Act 2.0, Section 603 provisions related to 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) catch-up contributions for certain higher-income participants. Beginning January 1, 2026,...
2026 IRS Annual Contribution Limits
The tax law places limits on the dollar amount of contributions to retirement plans and IRAs and the amount of benefits under a pension plan. IRC Section 415 requires the limits to be adjusted annual for cost-of-living increases. The limit on contributions by...
Outwitting Hackers and Avoiding Scams
Laura Kirkland, a 78-year-old retiree, lost $15,000 after a caller posing as a bank fraud specialist convinced her that her account had been hacked. Sounding credible and armed with personal details, the scammer persuaded her to grant computer access and wired...
More Than Money: Redefining Retirement for a Purposeful Life
When we think about retirement, the first question that often comes to mind is: where will your income come from? While that’s a key piece of the puzzle, retirement is about so much more. It’s a time when some dream of slowing down, finally taking those bucket-list...
Maintaining Your UNC Retirement Plan Savings During Rising Healthcare Costs
In today's challenging economic landscape, many state employees face a difficult balancing act: managing increasing medical premiums without corresponding salary increases as of the date of publication. This financial squeeze can make it tempting to reduce retirement...
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Disclaimer
This information is general in nature and may be subject to change. Neither the University of North Carolina (UNC), Empower Retirement, TIAA, nor any of their agents can give legal or tax advice. Applicable laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. For legal and tax advice concerning your situation, you should consult your attorney or tax adviser.
For more information about any of the authorized supplemental retirement carriers or their products, including investment options or charges and expenses, please contact a company representative for a prospectus. Please read the prospectus carefully before selecting a carrier or investment option.
In the event of a conflict between this information and the plan documents, the plan documents will take precedence. The UNC System reserves the right to amend the plan documents at any time.