403-b funds -- best sites

According to Wikipedia, a 403(b) plan is a tax advantaged retirement savings plan available for public education organizations, some non-profit employers (only US Tax Code 501(c)(3) organizations) and self-employed ministers in the United States. It has tax treatment extremely similar to a 401(k) plan, especially after the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. Simply put, employee salary deferrals into a 403(b) plan are made before income tax is paid on it, and allowed to grow tax deferred until the money is taxed as income when taken out of the plan. Beginning in 2006, 403(b) and 401(k) plans may also include designated Roth contributions, i.e., after-tax contributions, which, if certain requirements are met, will allow tax-free withdrawals. Primarily the designated Roth contributions have to be in the plan for at least five-taxable years.

These are some useful sites for people with 403-b retirement funds, which are the counterpart of 401-k accounts for non-profits and the public sector. The sites are in the following categories:

I. Explanations of 403-b funds (and their frequent shortcomings)

 II. Advocacy to improve what your 403-b plan offers

  III. Getting out of a restrictive 403-b

  IV. More Web sites about 403-b plans

"Quick Reference Guide to 403-bs" from Quicken.com

"Frequently Asked Questions about 403-bs" by 403Bwise.com

"Teachers: Do your 403-b homework" by Scott Burns, personal finance columnist of the Dallas Morning News.

"Plans: The Benefit That Sometimes Isn't: Why this plan doesn't measure up to the 401-k"

"Quick Reference Guide to 403-bs" by Quicken.com

II. Advocacy to improve what your 403-b plan offers

“403-bill of Rights” by 403bwise.com

“Shark Attack” from American Teacher

“7 Ways to Lobby for a Better 401-k Plan” by SmartMoney (most or all the suggestions apply to 403-b funds too).