College professors at public universities have access to a retirement system that most financial advisors don't understand. TRS, ORP, 403(b), 457 — each with its own rules, contribution limits, and tax implications. The decisions you make early in your career about these systems compound for decades, and many of them are difficult or impossible to reverse.
At Intentional Living Financial Planning, we work with college professors and university faculty who need a financial planner that actually understands higher education benefits. Most advisors treat a 403(b) like a 401(k) and have never heard of the TRS vs. ORP election. We know these systems inside and out — and we help you use them to build real wealth.
You chose academia because the work is meaningful. But meaningful work doesn't always come with straightforward financial planning. Between pension decisions, supplemental retirement accounts, sabbatical planning, and the reality of a professor's income, you need a plan that's built for your specific situation — not generic advice designed for corporate employees.
What We Help College Professors With
TRS vs. ORP election. This is one of the most consequential financial decisions a Texas professor will make — and it's largely irreversible. The Teacher Retirement System (TRS) offers a defined benefit pension, while the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) provides a defined contribution account with portability. The right choice depends on your career trajectory, income expectations, risk tolerance, and retirement timeline. We model both paths so you can make this decision with confidence.
403(b) and 457 plan optimization. As a university employee, you may have access to both a 403(b) and a 457 plan — which means you can defer significantly more than someone with just a 401(k). Most professors underutilize these accounts or invest in high-cost options within them. We help you maximize contributions, select the right investments, and coordinate these accounts with the rest of your financial plan.
Pension planning and retirement projections. Whether you're in TRS or ORP, understanding how your retirement income will actually work requires detailed projections. We model pension payouts, Social Security coordination (or the lack of it for TRS members), supplemental account withdrawals, and tax implications — so you know exactly where you stand.
Tax planning on a professor's income. University income may not be as high as some private-sector salaries, but the tax planning opportunities are substantial. Roth conversions, backdoor Roth IRAs, tax-loss harvesting, charitable giving strategies, and multi-year tax projections can make a meaningful difference in your long-term wealth. We help you keep more of what you earn.
Sabbatical and career transition planning. Sabbaticals, visiting positions, and career transitions create unique cash flow challenges. A semester at reduced pay or a move to a new institution affects your retirement accounts, benefits, and tax situation. We help you plan for these transitions so they don't derail your financial progress.
Estate and legacy planning. Whether your goal is to leave a legacy for your family, fund education for children or grandchildren, or support causes you care about, we help you build an estate plan that reflects your values. We coordinate with your estate attorney to ensure your wealth transfers efficiently and intentionally.
Our Services
We provide comprehensive, fee-only financial planning covering every dimension of your financial life — investment management, tax planning, retirement planning, pension optimization, estate planning, cash flow planning, benefits and open enrollment guidance, and coordination with your CPA, estate attorney, and other professional advisors.
Every plan starts with what matters most to you. We follow a framework of Values, Goals, Decisions, and Actions — ensuring your money is aligned with the life you actually want to live.