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Retirement Investors' Club (RIC)

Compare Providers

First, review the following list of product benefits offered by RIC’s four active providers. RIC active providers have new and competitive products and services that include:

• a large selection of investments to meet the savings goals and needs of conservative, moderate, and aggressive investors
• ability to open both your 457 and 401(a) match accounts (inactive providers cannot hold your match)
• detailed account statements sent to your home address quarterly
• reduced fees for variable investments (even a 1% difference can make a big difference over the long term of your investment)
• competitive fixed rate investments
• local investment representatives
• improved customer service with 24-hour toll-free phone and internet access to your account information
• ability to change your investment selection at any time with no transaction fees
• flexible distribution options when you terminate from state employment
• no surrender fees or restrictions (except for Nationwide's fixed rate account which has a 5-year restriction on transfers to other investments or providers while employed by the state of Iowa)
• no annual contract fees
• access to self-directed brokerage accounts (fees apply)
• at least an A+ credit rating

Second, review your annuity policy or call your inactive provider (if you have a life insurance policy, see life insurance transfer options). Some phone numbers and some inactive provider policy details are available here. Provider contact information may also be found on your account statement.

And finally, call your inactive provider or the RIC office. Ask them about your product and services then compare with the active provider investment selections, benefits, and fees. Use the Provider Survey for suggested questions to ask your provider if you call them yourself.

To access active provider information:

• call an active provider and tell them you are a state of Iowa employee looking for alternatives to your current investments
• ask them for product information & application instructions or ask to meet with a representative in your area to walk you through the investment selection & application process
• ask the provider for reasons why you should choose their firm over the other 3 investment providers. RIC's Investment Provider Summary gives sample questions to ask providers.