457 OPT IN FAST PROGRAM

SAVE FOR YOUR FUTURE

It's never too early or too late to start investing towards your retirement!

El Paso ISD believes saving for retirement is important for all employees.

El Paso ISD is introducing the OPT IN FAST Program. The Opt In Fast Program allows employees to easily enroll in the El Paso ISD 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (the Plan). If elected, three percent (3%) of your gross salary will be invested in an account for you in the 457(b) Plan before taxes.

Contributions will be invested in the RAMS Signature Portfolio. This allocation model seeks moderate growth through proper asset allocation and diversification. Remember that all investing involves risk.

You can choose to diversify your investments into other investment portfolios or mutual funds should your investment objectives not fit this default allocation. Additionally, at any time you can adjust your contributions to your account. More information can be found at www.Region10RAMS.org.

To understand fees that are applicable to the 457 Opt In Fast Program click on the EPISD Summary Plan Description.

The El Paso Independent School District has chosen to have the 457 Plan administered through the Region 10 Retirement Asset Management Services (RAMS)* program.

The Region 10 RAMS 457(b) Administration Services are offered to public school districts and other education agencies in Texas.

JEM Resource Partners (JEM) is the third party administrator contracted through Region 10 to provide this service.

HOW TO GET STARTED

• To enroll fast, just click on the OPT IN FAST Election Form, complete the form, sign it and mail it through school mail to EPISD Employee Benefits.

Employee Benefits will set up the deduction for the available payroll date following receipt of your completed election form. It is your responsibility to ensure that the deduction has been entered correctly and that you received confirmation from JEM that your account has been set up and funds are being deposited. Visit JEM Resource Partners (the District's Third Party Administrator) provides Administrative and communication services to our participants. JEM Resource Partners is the main contact for participants.

As of January 1, 2009, EPISD is required to operate under a Written Plan that complies with IRS rules. EPISD's Written Plan is available by going to the Region 10 RAMS website http://www.region10rams.org/plan-descriptions, selecting "457(b)" and selecting EPISD.

You are required to request distributions and loans through http://www.region10rams.org/home.

JEM is completely independent of the investments and vendors offered in the plan

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Every eligible employee of the District should supplement his or her Teacher Retirement System of Texas account. Careful planning for your retirement years should begin early so that your money can work for you and your financial future, but it is never too late.

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CAN REDUCE YOUR TAXABLE INCOME AND ALSO COMPOUND YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS?

Take a look and compare saving pre-tax vs. post tax

Save More and Take Home More!

All contributions are deducted from your paycheck before income taxes are withheld. For the tax year in which you contribute, your income may fall in a lower tax bracket, resulting in lower taxes paid to the IRS. Contributions grow tax-free and any earnings are also tax deferred until they are withdrawn. You will usually be in a lower tax bracket at retirement.

• You can contribute up to the 2012 Yearly Maximum of $17,000 or beginning January 1, 2013, up to the New Maximum of $17,500.
• There are other contributions available under special circumstances:
• Catch-Up >50 Provision allows you to contribute an additional $5,500 if you are over the age of 50.

For further information on the 457 Opt In Fast Program, you may also contact: Kim Dean, Employee Benefits Coordinator at (915) 230-2064