The past week was one of great turbulence, and nobody can predict how the near future will unfold in financial markets. I am writing to reassure you that TIAA-CREF is on a solid footing. I also want to help you answer some questions that may be on your mind. Therefore I urge you to read this message.
We're Here to Help
Given recent market developments, you may have questions about your retirement savings and other investments. If so, I encourage you to call today to speak with a TIAA-CREF consultant. Our consultants can offer you personalized objective advice, review your current allocations, answer your questions, and help you make sure that your financial plan aligns with your needs and goals.
Sound, Disciplined Strategy
You may wonder about TIAA-CREF's investment philosophy. We believe that a consistent, sound and disciplined approach to investing is the path to financial security. Our commitment to this philosophy has helped us minimize our exposure to risky investments such as subprime securities; it guides us as we continue to seek competitive returns over the long term. Listen to Scott Evans, Executive Vice President of Asset Management, talking about our investment philosophy and how it can benefit you.
Top-Rated Financial Strength
You may also want to know about our stability and strength in the current environment. TIAA is the only company dedicated to serving the academic, research, medical, and cultural fields to receive the highest ratings from all four major ratings agencies, including AAA ratings from Standard & Poor's.1 These ratings, which have been affirmed in the past few months, underscore TIAA's stability, claims-paying ability, and financial strength, and provide an independent assessment of our ability to meet our financial commitments to you.
Call Today
Please call our Telephone Counseling Center toll-free at 1 866 681-0602 to speak with a consultant or schedule an appointment, or call your TIAA-CREF advisor directly. Our website offers more information on our investments and insights on the financial markets, including our Statement on Market Volatility and Recent Events in the Financial Sector.
On behalf of everyone at TIAA-CREF, we are eager to assist you during these turbulent times.
Sincerely,
Roger W. Ferguson, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
1 A++, A.M. Best Company (as of 9/08); AAA, Fitch Ratings (as of 8/08); Aaa, Moody's Investors Service (as of 7/08); AAA, Standard & Poor's (as of 8/08) - the highest possible ratings from these independent analysts. These insurance ratings do not apply to variable annuities, mutual funds, or any other product or service not fully backed by TIAA's claims-paying ability.
All TIAA-CREF investment products are subject to market risk and other risk factors. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC and Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc., members FINRA, distribute securities products. Annuity products issued by TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association), New York, NY.
© 2008 and prior years, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association - College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New York, NY 10017
