FAQ
Investments
Why do I have a negative return on my 403(b)? Nobody told me I could lose money.
If you invest in the financial investments that include stocks and bonds, there is always a chance for a loss. The greater the chance for a large gain, the greater the chance for a large loss. If you are uncomfortable with that possibility, MBA does offer its MBA Income Fund which primarily invests in church loans. The MBA Income Fund has a fixed rate of return that is declared each quarter. Before making a decision on investing, always read our fund descriptors and the prospectuses of the underlying funds. They should tell you the risks involved.
Can you make my requested change to investments over the phone?
For your protection, MBA requires all investment changes to be completed in writing. To make a request, download and complete the Investment Change form located here. Once the form is completed, submit it to MBA by email, mail, or fax using the information provided on the form.
Alternatively, you can quickly change your investment by logging into your account online using your User ID and password. You are allowed two investment changes per calendar quarter. Click here to login to your account.
How do I make a change to my 403(b) investments?
Go to www. AGFinancial.org. Click on 'Client Login' and then 'MBA Retirement Login'. You will enter your Social Security number and your PIN. On the left side bar there are the options of changing your current balance (realign portfolio) and/or your future (new) contributions. This second option changes only the new monies that go into your account where the first changes only the current balance in your account. If you wish to change your current balance and future monies you will need to make changes on both options. Once you have completed this process you will receive a confirmation number. We suggest you print off this page for your records. You will receive a confirmation letter regarding this change as well. Be sure to look it over to be sure the change as made accurately. If you notice a discrepancy please contact our offices immediately.
How many investment changes am I allowed to make?
Two per calendar quarter.
Can I change the investment on a specific amount of money?
You can view your retirement account online as well as make account changes by visiting our web site and clicking on "Client Login". Once you click on a retirement account click on the link to go to the "Member Retirement Home Page". To do a specific dollar amount you need to be in your account. Once you are in your account, on the left hand side under Plan Services you will see "Transfer Funds". Click on this option. You will then have the option to move a specific dollar amount of a specific percentage from one fund option to another.
Once you have completed this process you will receive a confirmation number. We suggest you print this for your records. You will receive a confirmation letter regarding this change as well. Look it over to be sure the change was made accurately. If you notice a discrepancy, please contact our offices immediately.
What type of funds make up the different investments offered by MBA?
The 403(b) plan offers a variety of investments in each strategy for diversification purposes. You can read about the underlying investments in the prospectuses and fund descriptors located here.
Am I charged any fees?
If you are invested in the MBA Income Fund, there are no separately charged fees for account or investment management. The declared rate is what you earn.
If you are invested in any other investment option, there are small fees for administration (record keeping, statements, etc.) that total 64 basis points (64/100 of 1%) of the investment balance on an annualized basis. These fees are in addition to the underlying mutual fund expenses that the fund sponsor charges. All of the strategies use no-load institutional class shares.
If you request special services, such as a retirement loan, or special handling, there are fees that are charged to offset expenses.
What comprises the investments of the MBA Income Fund?
The vast majority of the investments of the MBA Income Fund are loans to churches and affiliated ministries. The remainder of the portfolio is fully screened investments in cash, fixed income investments, U.S. Stocks, international stocks, and stocks in emerging markets. Though there is some market element in the underlying investments, the MBA Income Fund pays a fixed rate of return that is declared quarterly by MBA's board of directors.
Why do I have to send in a written request to make an investment change?
The written request is required to protect you and your account. By making it in writing, we can ensure that an authorized user is changing the investment. It also helps protect against errors in making your investment changes. You may also make the investment change yourself by logging into your account at www.AGFinancial.org. Click on the Client Login button.