403(b) services

Vanguard delivers a smart, efficient 403(b) plan

Vanguard 403(b) Services is a simple way for you to offer the benefits of a world-class plan to your employees.

Ready to invest in a 403(b)?

Call 877-859-5756
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

Call 877-859-5756
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

Top-notch services save you time

When you choose Vanguard 403(b) Services, you're signing up for low costs, streamlined plan management, and a trusted partner.

The plan's premier administration and recordkeeping services are delivered through our partnership with Newport Group, a nationally recognized retirement services provider.*

Less time spent on plan administration means more time for managing your organization.

Services included:

  • Assistance with setting up your plan.
  • Day-to-day support from a dedicated plan sponsor team.
  • Comprehensive plan reports and customizable, on-demand reporting capabilities.
  • Automated debit and remittance of authorized third-party administrator (TPA) fees and expenses.
  • An option to set the mutual fund lineup, including funds from other companies.

Easy online plan management

The secure plan sponsor website helps you carry out your duties effectively. With online management tools, you can:

  • Enroll plan participants.
  • Securely process plan contributions.
  • Schedule or generate reports on demand at the plan or participant level.
  • Approve participant transaction requests.
  • Track money sources, including Roth 403(b) contributions, employer contributions, and vesting.

Plan sponsor

An employer that establishes a retirement plan to benefit its employees.

Third-party administrator (TPA)

An individual or organization hired by a plan sponsor to run the retirement plan selected by the sponsor.

Mutual fund

A type of investment that pools shareholder money and invests it in a variety of securities. Each investor owns shares of the fund and can buy or sell these shares at any time. Mutual funds are typically more diversified, low-cost, and convenient than investing in individual securities, and they're professionally managed.

Plan participant

Anyone who contributes to a retirement plan, or is retired and receiving benefits from it.

Roth IRA

A type of IRA that allows you to make after-tax contributions (so you don't get an immediate tax deduction) and then withdraw money in retirement tax-free as long as you meet the requirements.

Vesting

The process by which employees gain nonforfeitable ownership of the retirement account balances or benefits contributed on their behalf by an employer. Full vesting rights, outlined in the plan, are gained over time; minimum vesting rights are established by law.

How your plan participants benefit

Vanguard 403(b) Services gives your participants the means to plan for financial security, including:

  • Roth 403(b) contributions.
  • Low-cost funds.
  • Easy online account management.

See how plan participants benefit

About Newport Group

With more than 30 years of experience in retirement plans, insurance, and consulting, Newport Group supports 403(b) plan sponsors and their participants by providing the highest levels of flexible, responsive services.

Learn more

Vanguard: A stable partner

When you select a plan partner, you want a long-term relationship. With Vanguard, you can rest assured we'll be there for you.

We began serving investors in 1975, started offering 403(b) plans in 1982, and have steadily grown into one of the world's largest and most respected mutual fund companies.

The Vanguard you count on with your money today will be the same one you can trust tomorrow.

Why we're different

Broad investment options

By selecting Vanguard, you have access to a diversified portfolio of low-cost mutual funds (including our lowest-cost Vanguard Institutional Target Retirement Funds), additional cost savings through the Admiral™ share class of mutual funds, and the flexibility to offer investments from other companies.**

The smart choice for cost & fees

The fee structure for Vanguard 403(b) Services is simple and compares favorably with the competition. What's more, there's no asset-based fee for plan sponsors. Our track record of lowering the cost of investing even has a name—The Vanguard Effect®.

Diversification

The strategy of investing in multiple asset classes (like stocks, bonds, and cash) and among many securities in an attempt to lower overall investment risk.

Asset-based administration fee

A fee determined by deducting a percentage of the assets held in an account. Although the percentage stays the same, the dollar amount deducted changes as the account balance changes.

Portfolio

The sum total of your investments managed toward a specific goal.

We're here to help

It's easy to get started with a Vanguard 403(b) Services plan for your institution. We’ll help you every step of the way.

Existing plan sponsors

Call 877-893-5426

Prospective plan sponsors

Call 877-859-5756

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

Already a plan participant? Log in to access your account.

Log in

We're here to help

It's easy to get started with a Vanguard 403(b) Services plan for your institution. We’ll help you every step of the way.

Existing plan sponsors

Call 877-893-5426

Prospective plan sponsors

Call 877-859-5756

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time

Already a plan participant?
Log in to access your account.

Log in

Make retirement saving easy

If you don't know how to start saving for retirement, we can help you figure out how much you'll need and how to balance all your savings goals.

Get the basics about saving for retirement

Consolidate your accounts

Consider moving accounts you hold elsewhere to Vanguard. You'll enjoy more control of your portfolio now and get a clear picture of your investment strategy.

Transfer accounts to Vanguard

Use our handy tools

You're putting money away for your future, but how do you know if it will be enough?

See if you'll have enough to retire

*Retirement plan recordkeeping and administrative services are provided by The Vanguard Group, Inc. (VGI). VGI has entered into an agreement with Newport Group, Inc., to provide certain plan recordkeeping and administrative services on its behalf. Custodial services are provided by Newport Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Newport Group, Inc. Newport Group, Inc., and Newport Trust Company are not affiliated with The Vanguard Group, Inc., or any of its affiliates.

**Vanguard average mutual fund expense ratio: 0.09%. Industry average mutual fund expense ratio: 0.54%. All averages are asset-weighted. Industry average excludes Vanguard. Sources: Vanguard and Morningstar, Inc., as of December 31, 2022. 

For more information about Vanguard funds or ETFs, visit vanguard.com to obtain a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information about a fund are contained in the prospectus; read and consider it carefully before investing.


All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.