Starting a new academic job? One of the biggest—and most overwhelming—financial decisions you’ll face is choosing a workplace retirement plan. In this episode of Academics and Their Money, Neeka Miremadi walks you through a clear, approachable framework to help you understand your options and make a confident choice.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series on workplace investing. Today’s focus: how to choose which type of plan to enroll in, such as a pension vs. an investment-based plan, and how to think through contribution options like pre-tax vs. Roth.

We cover:

• The difference between defined benefit (DB) pensions and defined contribution (DC) plans
• When a 403(b), 457(b), or 401(k) might be a good fit
• Contribution strategies
• Pre-tax vs. Roth contributions—and why having both can offer flexibility in retirement
• The unique features and flexibility of 457(b) plans

Neeka also shares real-life examples from co-host Inga’s career to help ground abstract concepts in practical scenarios. Whether you’re risk-averse, mobile, or just trying to make sense of your options, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your first step.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll dive into choosing a provider and navigating investment options inside your plan.