Ways a TSA can help maximize your wealth

• Pre-tax contributions provide an immediate tax break.
• Deposits and gained income accumulate tax deferred, allowing more creation of wealth.

Smart saving
For MTA members, 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) savings provide an immediate federal income tax break by reducing current taxable income with before-tax savings. Members also realize tax-deferred growth of retirement savings by deferring taxes on investment gains.

A systematic savings plan helps people avoid the temptation to spend and encourages them to “pay themselves first.” This approach can capitalize on dollar-cost averaging within a variable funding option by having more units credited when prices are low and fewer when prices are high.

However, dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit nor does it protect against a loss in declining markets. It involves continuous investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels. Any investor would be wise to consider his/her ability to continue purchases in periods of low or fluctuating price levels.

You should also be aware that distributions from your TSA savings are subject to ordinary income taxes. Withdrawals before age 59 1/2 are generally prohibited. But when they are permitted, they are usually subject to a 10% tax penalty.

Annual check-ups
MTA members who enroll in the program receive initial and yearly follow-up personal account reviews. At any time, members can check their accounts by calling a customer service center staffed by licensed professionals or a voice response system that is available on a 24/7 basis.

Click here to learn How to Enroll in the TSA Program.

Variable Annuities are offered by prospectus only, which is available from your registered representative. You should carefully consider the product’s features, risks, charges and expenses, and the investment objectives, risks and policies of the underlying portfolios, as well other information about the underlying funding choices. This and other information is available in the prospectus, which you should read carefully before investing. The amounts allocated to the variable investment options of your account balance are subject to market fluctuations so that, when withdrawn or annuitized it may be worth more or less than its original value. Product availability and features may vary by state. All product guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.

Any discussion of taxes on this Website is intended to be general in nature and is based on our understanding of the income tax law as of May 1, 2006. Tax laws are subject to change and to different interpretations. Neither MTA nor any of the providers and vendors for the plan can provide tax or other legal advice. You should consult your own tax advisor to determine how the tax law applies to your particular situation.

Like most annuity contracts, MetLife contracts contain surrender charges, termination provisions, holding periods and terms for keeping them in force. See your MetLife Representative for complete details. MetLife Financial Freedom Select® and other securities offered by MetLife affiliated broker/dealers including Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (member NASD) or MetLife Securities, Inc. (member NASD/SIPC) 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. T-Flex and Universal Annuity are variable annuities issued by MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, One CityPlace, Hartford, CT 06103-3415. Principal underwriter for the T-Flex and Universal Annuity is MLI Distribution LLC, One CityPlace, Hartford, CT 06103-3415. MTA receives a fee from MetLife in connection with its endorsement.