#RETIREINEQUALITY

BLUEPRINTS
TO BELIEVE IN

40% of Americans won’t have enough money to retire, and that number hits especially hard in marginalized communities.

At TIAA, we believe in the right to retire securely. That’s why, throughout 2024, we will highlight real individuals’ success stories, showcasing diverse paths to financial goals. Swipe through their Blueprints to Believe In for unique perspectives on building a brighter future.

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Tiffany
Jones-Keaton
Richard
Haberacker
Kelli
Jackson
Marlo
Fox

Tiffany
Jones-Keaton

Senior Manager,
Business Diversity

As an only child to a single mother, it was just me and Mom growing up.

She worked overtime to support me, but I was often home alone.

Advice I’ve Lived By

01

Get the worst home on the best block.

Per my 85-year-old grandmother’s advice, sometimes the “ugly” house in a great area is the best investment in the long run.

02

Lovingly sign a prenup.

Before you exchange rings, exchange legal protection for your long-term financial security.

03

Bet on yourself.

Apply for that job you’re most passionate about. It may be what allows you to leapfrog to your next goal.

For young people building their future:

Pay yourself first via investments, emergency funds and retirement. Never spend 100% and carefully consider before co-signing for friends or family.

Richard
Haberacker

Director,
Primary Market

I grew up in a tiny town in Pennsylvania that still doesn’t have a stoplight.

When I was 12, my parents divorced.

I joined the financial services industry 28 years ago and have been at it ever since.

Advice I’ve Lived By

01

Every little bit counts.

Start early and save what you can. $100 a month adds up.

02

Maintain a modest lifestyle.

If you are OK with your current income but you get a raise, don’t spend that new money on a fancy car or a bigger house. Consider taking half of that raise and adding it to your retirement instead.

03

Pass on the wealth of knowledge.

Our greatest legacy is our children and putting them in a place to be better off than us is all we can hope for.

For young people building their future:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take advantage of tools that your employer offers or seek out the advice of a planner.

Kelli
Jackson

Business
Transformation Lead

I was raised by my loving grandmother in Charlotte, NC.

She lived on a fixed income, so I took on a part-time job at 14 to help out.

I graduated West Charlotte Senior High School as valedictorian.

Advice I’ve Lived By

01

Never lend money if you can’t afford to.

Regardless of who the individual is to you, make sure to set clear boundaries as it pertains to YOUR finances. It’s okay to want to help, it’s not okay to be a crutch.

02

When you live long enough, life happens.

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You may lose your job or become ill, but having a decent savings account can make all the difference in ensuring you will be able to continue paying your bills.

03

Build your financial literacy.

The path we take can be full of twist and turns. Having a basic understanding of money and your finances can provide opportunities to help secure your future.

For young people building their future:

If you work for a company that offers benefits, start contributing as soon as possible. Even something as small as $10 per pay period is important. Contributing to your company’s retirement plan is the easiest way to access “free” money since a lot of companies have matching programs.

Marlo
Fox

Senior Associate
Product Compliance

I grew up in a small town 30 minutes north of Boston, MA.

When I was 10, my parents divorced but remained cordial.

Advice I’ve Lived By

01

Think big picture.

Establish goals, assess your situation, pay with cash, learn how to keep a budget, visualize the life you want. You do not want to be saddled with debt – it is not a great way to start your life.

02

Learn what your priorities are.

We were blessed with twins, Jacob and Baylee. Initially, the cost of fertility treatments was very expensive; it was not covered by insurance. I had to shift my financial priorities.

03

Advocate for your children.

Do everything you need to do when it comes to health and the security of your children. Do your due diligence when finding employment and pay attention to health benefits.

For young people building their future:

Learn how to budget, save and invest, and keep track of your spending. Utilize your benefits wisely, have an emergency fund, minimize debt, and seek advice from an expert!