Goal Setting Resources

Learn how to set financial goals and prepare for retirement with easy-to-use planning tools.

^{Note: Some links will require registration to the TIAA or Vanguard websites.}

Quick Lessons

Basic Financial Principles

Start with the basics: join your retirement plan, set goals, manage debt, and budget wisely.

Saving for Retirement

Saving for retirement? Learn how to level up with tips on investments, Roth contributions, and taxes.

Living in Retirement

Learn how to turn savings into income, maximize Social Security, and enjoy a fulfilling retirement.

5 Steps to Retirement Planning

Start Here

Officers

Newly-hired Officers are automatically enrolled into the Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan (VRSP) 60 days from your date of hire at 3%. Contributions will be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. Columbia makes contributions as soon as you become eligible.

Support Staff

Newly-hired Support Staff may start contributing to the Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan (VRSP) right away by logging into CUBES. Contributions will be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. Columbia makes contributions immediately upon hire.

Maximize your contributions to the VRSP. The IRS sets a maximum contribution limit each year, where you can contribute up to 80% of your paycheck on a pre-tax or Roth after-tax basis. Please review the table below.

Under a change made in SECURE 2.0, a higher catch-up contribution limit applies for employees aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 who participate in these plans. This higher catch-up contribution limit is $11,250 instead of $7,500.

Year: 2025
Annual Contribution Limit: $23,500
Catch-up Contribution Limit (age 50+): $7,500
Ages 60-63 Catch-up Contribution Limit: $11,250
Social Security Wage Base: $176,100

Year: 2026
Annual Contribution Limit: $24,500
Catch-up Contribution Limit (age 50+): $8,000
Ages 60-63 Catch-up Contribution Limit: $11,250
Social Security Wage Base: $184,500

As you approach retirement, your allocation of retirement investment funds may need to change. View your fund performance and investment options at TIAA and Vanguard. Use their helpful calculators and planning tools.

TIAA and Vanguard retirement planning specialists visit the campuses regularly. Sign up for a one-on-one session or join a webinar. And attend our customized workshops offered throughout the year.

Explore all the Retiree Benefits—health, tuition, financial, and well-being programs—to help you plan for your retirement needs and reach your financial goals.