Once there, I will be contributing about 10% of my salary to a 403(b) with TIAA-CREF and the university will be kicking in another 10%.

Wait, don't go yet, Dan. How does this sound? Let's say that you put up $10,000 and I say to you, give it to me and I'll guarantee to give you back $21,200 after one year. Would you take it? 112% profit!

Well, that's exactly what you can have if you put your contribution into risk-free TIAA Traditional @ 6%. Why try to make that last $1,200 perhaps a little better (or perhaps a little worse)?

Take a look at www.assetbuilder.com and observe the returns on any number of properly asset-allocated portfolios (various risk involved), and compare them to the gift you're getting. You'll be amazed at how well off you are.

Good luck,

Sy