The Pier: Planning, Investment, Engagement, Retirement

The Pier: Planning, Investment, Engagement, Retirement

Photo: Johnnie Mercer’s Pier, Wrightsville Beach, NC

The Value of Financial Advice

Many people wonder whether working with a financial advisor is worth the time. According to a recent study by the TIAA Institute and TIAA Wealth Management, the answer is yes. Surveying nearly 1,900 Americans and modeling multiple financial scenarios, the research...

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How to Start Saving for Retirement on a Small Budget

People often believe that saving for retirement needs to start with a large amount of money so many often delay saving or avoid starting altogether. Preparing for retirement is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Making informed decisions throughout your career...

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It’s Time for Your Mid-Year Financial Check-Up

  As we begin the 3rd quarter of 2026, we are officially halfway through the year. It is a great time to pause and evaluate your financial progress. A mid-year financial and retirement check-up can help ensure you're on track to meet your goals and give you time...

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Is Your Beneficiary Information Up to Date?

Your beneficiary designations determine who will receive your retirement assets and generally take precedence over your will. Be sure to review and update them after major life events—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a beneficiary—to...

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Supplemental Account Enrollment Moves Online

Enrolling in or making changes to your Supplemental UNC 403(b) and 457(b) is now easier than ever! Simply log in to your Institution’s Empyrean platform, select 'Change Your Current Benefits,' then choose 'Change in Supplemental Retirement.' The system will guide you...

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Creating a Paycheck in Retirement

Creating a paycheck in retirement is about designing a reliable income strategy that will ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses while maintaining financial security throughout your retirement years. We have broken down the basics of creating a paycheck...

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Stacks of coins with plants growing from the top with a line of text that says Investor Corner.
Two women looking at a piece of paper with a line of text that says Frequently Asked Questions.
A handwritten sign that says Invest in Yourself with the line Meet with a Financial Counselor.
A piece of paper with Retirement Plan printed on it with a line of text that says Resource Center.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin

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.