Are you a University of Michigan employee?
If so, you have access to one of the most generous and flexible benefits packages in the country, yet also one of the most complex. Understanding how each piece fits together, and how to use these benefits to support your long-term financial goals, can feel overwhelming without guidance.

At Pilot Wealth Management, we bring over two decades of experience working with U-M faculty, staff, medical professionals, and administrators. We know the ins and outs of the plan, how the different accounts interact, and the strategies that help you get the most from every benefit offered.

Whether you are new to the University or nearing retirement, our goal is simple:
Help you make confident, informed decisions that turn your benefits into a powerful part of your lifelong financial plan.

What Makes the U-M Benefits Plan Unique?

U-M’s package stands apart from traditional employer benefits in both scope and flexibility. Instead of one or two retirement plans, you have access to multiple savings vehicles, each with its own rules, advantages, and planning opportunities:

Retirement Plans Available

• 403(b) Tax-Deferred Plan
  A traditional pre-tax retirement account with voluntary contributions.

• 403(b) Roth Option
  Allows after-tax contributions with tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

• 401(a) Basic Retirement Plan
  The core plan funded by you and the University, featuring automatic contributions and a generous U-M match.

• 401(a) Supplemental Retirement Plan
  Optional contributions that can increase your long-term savings.

• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
  A powerful additional savings tool, especially helpful for high-income earners or those seeking to accelerate retirement savings.

Other Key Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Plans
  Multiple tiers designed for faculty, staff, and medical professionals.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  For healthcare or dependent care.

• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage

• Optional long-term disability enhancements

• Educational Assistance (depending on role)

• Access to TIAA and Fidelity for investment management

These layers of choice create opportunity - if you understand how to coordinate them.
That’s where we come in.

How We Help U-M Employees

Our experience allows us to simplify complexity and build a benefits strategy that works with the rest of your financial life. We help you:

Understand Your Retirement Plan Structure

We walk you through each plan, how they differ, and which combination aligns best with your goals, tax situation, and timeline.

Optimize Contribution Decisions

Should you maximize your 403(b)? Use the 457(b)? Prioritize Roth? Save through multiple plans simultaneously?
We help you find the right balance.

Coordinate Your Investments

Both TIAA and Fidelity offer many investment options; target-date funds, index funds, lifecycle strategies, and annuity options. We help you choose a portfolio that fits your goals and risk profile.

Evaluate Pension-like Options

TIAA Traditional, fixed annuity choices, and lifetime income options can play a role in stable retirement income. We help you understand these decisions before you lock anything in.

Incorporate Benefits Into a Full Financial Plan

Your U-M benefits aren’t siloed.
We integrate them with:

• Tax planning

• Outside IRAs and investments

• Spousal accounts

• Social Security strategy

• Long-term care considerations

• Estate planning and legacy goals

Support Throughout Your Career

Whether you’re onboarding, mid-career, considering a job change, or planning retirement, we help you adjust and refine your approach along the way.