1) should I buy back service credit available to me when I was a substitute? 2) Last time I looked at 403bcompare it wasn't updated. 3) Does a company's ratings matter?
The decision to buy back service credit must be made carefully. You will need to review the numbers to determine whether it is worthwhile. For more information, refer to the service credit question on the Ask the Advisor page at CTAinvest.org. You may also want to download the Purchase Additional Service Credit booklet from CalSTRS.
If you have questions about the information available at 403bcompare.com, you can contact them by email at Administrator@403bCompare.com. Please note that this email address is only for questions about the site. For investing questions, check with your financial advisor.
As far as whether a company's ratings matters, they do. However, a company’s ratings should be just one factor when choosing an investment for your 403(b) or 457 plan. You should also consider whether the investment is suitable for your goals, your timeline (how long until you will need access to the money you've accumulated in the account) and your risk tolerance (how much volatility – or ups and downs in value – you are willing to accept. Another important consideration: Review the fees! All investments come with some sort of fees. After all, the providers do need to make some money. But not all fees are equal, and some are outrageous. To learn more, read How Fees Can Affect Your Return.
Important Note: CTA does not give tax, legal or investment advice. You should meet with your tax, legal, and/or investment advisor to determine the best fit for your situation.