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Charting TIAA Retirement Success: Five Essential Reads

“By integrating disciplined market strategies, proactive healthspan practices, and a clear sense of purpose, TIAA employees can create a retirement plan resilient enough to weather uncertainty and enrich their post-career life” – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

“TIAA employees who blend disciplined saving approaches with proactive healthspan management are poised to achieve both financial confidence and improved well-being” – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

The challenges of market volatility, rising health care costs, and potential entitlement changes on retirement planning.
Five must-read books offering strategies on investing, longevity, benefit planning, and lifestyle alignment.
How to integrate financial discipline, healthspan management, and purposeful living for a fulfilling retirement.

For those who are saving for the future, these are uncertain times. Concerns about whether current nest egg tactics will be adequate have increased due to volatile markets, growing health care expenses, and continuous talks about possible reductions to government entitlements. Twenty-five percent of adults with retirement savings have only saved one year’s worth of their current income for the years ahead, according to research by Northwestern Mutual. ¹

The financial or lifestyle planning book is one tool that is frequently overlooked during times of market volatility. In addition to providing timeless truths, a well-chosen title can offer readers practical advice, serve as a reminder of important ideas, and present fresh approaches to decision-making. Senior advisors at Wealth Enhancement—Patrick Ray, Tyson Mavar, and Brent Wolf—have chosen the following five books to aid TIAA professionals in navigating the current environment because of their blend of academic rigor and usefulness.

Mastering the Market Cycle by Howard Marks explores the psychological factors that influence cyclical changes in asset values. According to Marks, investor sentiment—which fluctuates between excitement and fear—often determines the timing and size of market movements, even when underlying value is important. “Fear can take over; it’s to be expected during the lifetime of any long-term investor,” says Brent Wolf. Long-term objectives can be safeguarded by knowing when and why to rebalance or de-risk a portfolio, even though market timing is still difficult to anticipate. TIAA employees can benefit from the clear distinction this book makes between purely emotional reactions and strategic adjustments, essential for remaining disciplined when prices change.

Winning the Loser’s Game by Charles D. Ellis is sometimes written off as outdated, but it still holds valuable lessons. Tyson Mavar praises it as an “unsung classic,” highlighting how it reinforces core investing principles that have stood the test of time. Ellis promotes long-term dedication, diversification, and steering clear of expensive practices like market timing. His strongest endorsement is for passive investing with inexpensive index funds, which can shield investors from transient noise. For TIAA staff seeking to focus on techniques that boost compounding power and lessen the drag of fees and emotional trading, this book offers a timeless roadmap.

Outlive: The Art and Science of Living a Long Life by Dr. Peter Attia and Bill Gifford reminds readers that physical health directly impacts retirement readiness. “What good is a healthy portfolio if your body can’t keep up?” asks Patrick Ray. Drawing on clinical data and epidemiological studies, the authors provide evidence-based suggestions for increasing lifespan and healthspan—strength training, mobility exercises, optimal sleep, and targeted nutrition. Actionable procedures for evaluating metabolic health, increasing muscle resilience, and reducing chronic disease risk can help TIAA team members better match longevity forecasts with retirement funding plans and lower the likelihood of incapacitating health events.

Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan by Marcia MacDonald Mantell approaches Medicare and Social Security elections in a conversational, kitchen-table manner. Tyson Mavar also recommends her sequels— What’s the Deal With Women’s Social Security? and Developing Your Medicare Recipe —for anyone seeking guidance on making the most of benefits. Mantell breaks down complex regulations into manageable chunks, reducing the possibility of costly errors. While these books don’t directly address market volatility, they reinforce that successful retirement from companies like TIAA depends on more than just investment returns; it also requires well-informed decisions and careful lifestyle alignment.

The Good Life by Dr. Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz shifts the emphasis from balance sheets to life satisfaction. Based on an 80-year Harvard study of adult development, it finds that strong connections, meaningful hobbies, and community involvement often indicate long-term happiness more powerfully than financial prosperity. According to Patrick Ray, this book serves as an essential reminder for TIAA retirees that money is just one component of a fulfilling retirement. Cultivating purpose, social ties, and enriching interests can yield non-linear returns unmatched by any portfolio.

When combined, these five books offer complementary perspectives on investment methodology, market behavior, healthspan management, and the socioeconomic factors influencing retirement decision-making. Each title has been recommended by seasoned advisors who have guided clients through both bull and bear markets, offering TIAA employees lessons on purpose, cost-effective investing, preventive health care, efficient benefit management, and emotional discipline.

And here's one bonus publication: With more than 1.5 million copies in circulation, Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money was placed #1 on BookWeb’s Indie Personal Finance Bestseller List in April 2025, reflecting growing demand for behavior-focused investment insights that supplement conventional planning techniques.

Discover five highly regarded retirement planning books that provide professional insights on market cycles, passive index fund strategies, longevity optimization, Social Security elections, and Medicare planning—equipping TIAA pre-retirees and retirees with tried-and-true advice for long-term retirement resilience and portfolio fortitude.

Consider the process of preparing a solid ocean vessel for a long journey: understanding the market cycle gives you the compass you need to navigate choppy waters; Winning the Loser’s Game supplies the provisions and medical kit to endure the journey; Outlive strengthens the hull against health risks; Cookin’ Up Your Retirement Plan equips your lifeboats with Social Security and Medicare expertise; and The Good Life charts rewarding ports of call—helping you sail comfortably through both calm seas and storms for TIAA professionals.

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Articles you may find interesting:

Sources:

1. Northwestern Mutual. Planning & Progress Study 2025 . 14 Apr. 2025, pp. 1–2.

Other Resources:

1. Baker, Brian F. “ Principles of Investing .” Marriott Alumni Magazine , BYU Marriott School, June 2025, pp. 9–10.

2. Kennedy, Robert. “ 2024 Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate .” Fidelity Investments , 8 Aug. 2024, pp. 1–2.

3. LeValley, Donna. “ Five Changes to Social Security in 2025 .” Kiplinger , 3 Jan. 2025, pp. 1–2.

How does TIAA-CREF's current approach to retirement benefits reflect the changing landscape of retiree health care support, and what implications does this have for employees planning for their retirement? How can TIAA-CREF employees leverage available resources to ensure that they are maximizing their retirement readiness?

TIAA-CREF is adapting to the evolving landscape of retiree health care by integrating defined contribution retirement and health care plans, thereby increasing benefits while maintaining cost control. This shift is crucial for employees planning for retirement as it allows for more predictable and sustainable benefits management. Employees should leverage TIAA-CREF’s educational resources, online tools, and direct consultation with wealth advisors to maximize their retirement readiness, ensuring they understand how to optimize their savings and benefits.

In what ways has the transition from traditional defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans impacted TIAA-CREF employees in terms of financial security during retirement? What strategies can employees employ to manage their defined contribution savings effectively to ensure they meet their retirement needs?

The transition from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans at TIAA-CREF has significant implications for financial security during retirement, potentially increasing the responsibility on employees to manage their retirement savings. Employees can enhance their financial security by taking advantage of TIAA-CREF's automatic enrollment, lifestyle funds, and matching contributions strategies. Additionally, they should consider utilizing financial planning services offered by TIAA-CREF to effectively manage and plan their retirement savings.

TIAA-CREF promotes a robust wellness program alongside its retirement benefits. How can the wellness initiatives offered by TIAA-CREF contribute to an employee's overall preparation for retirement? What measures should employees take to integrate wellness into their retirement planning?

TIAA-CREF’s wellness programs are integral to helping employees prepare for retirement by promoting physical and financial well-being. Engaging in these wellness initiatives can lead to reduced long-term health care costs and improve overall health, which is vital for a secure retirement. Employees should actively participate in these programs and integrate wellness into their retirement planning to ensure they remain healthy and financially prepared for their post-working years.

As employees approach retirement, understanding health care costs becomes essential. What resources does TIAA-CREF provide to help employees estimate their future health care expenses, and why is it crucial for employees to factor these costs into their retirement planning?

TIAA-CREF provides several resources to help employees estimate future health care expenses, which is essential for comprehensive retirement planning. Utilizing tools like health savings accounts and retirement health savings plans can aid employees in planning for these costs effectively. Understanding the specifics of Medicare and supplemental insurance options available through TIAA-CREF can also help employees make informed decisions about their health care in retirement.

Facing the challenges of an aging workforce and rising health care costs, how is TIAA-CREF adapting its retiree health care strategies to remain sustainable? What can current employees learn from these changes as they prepare for their future?

Facing an aging workforce and rising health care costs, TIAA-CREF is adapting its strategies by shifting towards health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) and providing access to Medicare Advantage plans through private exchanges. These changes help sustain the financial viability of retiree health benefits. Employees should stay informed about these shifts and plan accordingly to utilize the evolving benefits effectively as they prepare for retirement.

The retirement health savings plan (RHSP) at TIAA-CREF offers unique benefits. How does this plan specifically support employees in managing their health care costs post-retirement, and what should employees consider when contributing to this plan while employed?

TIAA-CREF’s RHSP offers unique benefits by allowing employees to save for health care costs with tax advantages. Understanding and contributing to this plan during their employment can significantly aid employees in managing health care expenses post-retirement. Employees should consider maximizing their contributions to take full advantage of TIAA-CREF’s matching offerings and the tax-free growth of these assets.

TIAA-CREF has moved towards providing financial support for retirees through health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) instead of traditional retiree health benefits. What should TIAA-CREF employees know about the HRA structure, and how can they plan to utilize these funds effectively to cover medical expenses in retirement?

TIAA-CREF’s move to provide financial support through HRAs instead of traditional health benefits requires employees to understand the structure and benefits of HRAs. Planning how to use these funds effectively, including covering medical expenses and insurance premiums in retirement, is crucial. Employees should educate themselves about the terms and optimal uses of their HRA to maximize its value for their retirement health care needs.

Considering recent changes in accounting standards like FAS 106, how has TIAA-CREF adjusted its benefits structure? How can employees understand the implications of these standards when it comes to their retiree benefits and overall financial planning?

With changes in accounting standards like FAS 106 affecting the reporting and funding of retiree benefits, TIAA-CREF has adjusted its benefits structure accordingly. Employees need to understand these changes and their implications on their retiree benefits to plan their finances and retiree benefits more effectively. Awareness of these accounting standards and proactive engagement with HR can help employees navigate these changes.

The rising costs of health care naturally impact retirement planning. How is TIAA-CREF preparing its employees to navigate these rising costs in their retirement? What proactive steps should employees take to mitigate health care costs during their retirement years?

TIAA-CREF is preparing employees for rising health care costs by providing tools and resources to estimate and manage these expenses effectively. Employees should proactively use these resources and consider increasing their health savings contributions to mitigate the impact of medical inflation on their retirement savings.

If TIAA-CREF employees have further questions or need detailed information regarding their retirement benefits, what is the best way to contact TIAA-CREF for assistance? What resources are available through TIAA-CREF's communication channels to ensure employees have comprehensive support during their retirement planning process?

For TIAA-CREF employees seeking further assistance or detailed information regarding their retirement benefits, contacting TIAA-CREF through their dedicated support channels, including customer service lines and online portals, is advisable. Utilizing workshops, webinars, and one-on-one advisement can also provide comprehensive support and guidance in navigating retirement planning effectively.