xnswim2, because you used the word "flip", it sounds like you have read some of the posts in the last six months on this topic.

My reason for replying is to make sure that you read my old posts (LINK) and (LINK) that discusses the consequences of "flipping" if you, far in the future, annuitize your TIAA Traditional accumulation. (Believe me, you don't know now whether or not you will!)

You should also note Ray's more recent two posts (LINK) and (LINK) in which he describes how an old account with less principal delivered a higher monthly payment, simply because the money in it had never been flipped.

Note that if you have the time, you can click a button on those posts to see the entire discussion.

Tim