Why Do I Need Savings Beyond My Pension?
If Step 7's gap applies to you, this is where you actually do something about it — and MPSERS districts already give you two built-in ways to start, no matter which plan you're in.
💬 GLP Retirement MinuteTwo Options, Available to Every MPSERS Member
A Supplemental Savings Account
A tax-advantaged account available through payroll deduction at your district, regardless of whether you're Basic, MIP, Pension Plus, Pension Plus 2, or DC. It exists specifically to sit alongside your MPSERS benefit, not replace it.
A Second Savings Option
Similar tax treatment to a 403(b), with one meaningful difference: no early-withdrawal penalty once you've separated from service, at any age — which can matter if you retire before 59½.
This is genuinely separate from which MPSERS plan you're in from Step 1. Even a Basic Plan member with zero DC exposure through MPSERS itself can open a 403(b) or 457(b) — these aren't part of your pension plan, they're an entirely separate, optional layer.
The Library covers What Is a 403(b)? and What Is a 457(b)? in more depth, along with pre-tax vs. Roth and how much to consider setting aside.