Navigating the Lynchburg City Schools 403(b) Plan

Retirement income planning for LCS educators and staff transitioning from saving to sustainable lifetime income.

Retirement Planning for Lynchburg City Schools Employees

Educators and administrators with Lynchburg City Schools often retire with two primary assets: a Virginia Retirement System (VRS) pension and a 403(b) account.


The challenge isn’t accumulation — it’s coordination.


Understanding how your 403(b) vendors, contribution history, and pension income work together is essential when transitioning into retirement income.

LCS 403(b) Plan at a Glance

Feature Details
Plan Type 403(b)
Pension Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
Vendors Multiple approved providers
Contribution Type Pre-tax & Roth (if available)
Vesting Immediate (employee contributions)

Key Planning Decisions for LCS Employees

Coordinating Your VRS Pension with Your 403(b)

Many educators underestimate how much of their income will be pension-driven. The 403(b) should be structured to complement—not duplicate—your pension income.

Understanding 403(b) Vendor Fees

LCS allows multiple vendors. Fee structures vary widely. Small percentage differences compound significantly over 20+ years of retirement.

Rollover vs. Leaving Funds in the Plan

At retirement, you may:

  • Leave funds in the 403(b)
  • Roll to an IRA
  • Structure systematic withdrawals

The right decision depends on tax strategy and income goals.

Tax Strategy in Early Retirement

The years between retirement and required minimum distributions are often the most strategic tax-planning window.

Listen: Understanding the LCS 403(b) System

Podcasts coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions About the LCS 403(b)

  • How does my VRS pension affect my 403(b) withdrawal strategy?

    Your Virginia Retirement System (VRS) pension typically forms the foundation of your retirement income. Because it provides a steady monthly benefit, your 403(b) should be structured to supplement—not duplicate—that income.


    In many cases, the 403(b) becomes your flexibility account: covering inflation, healthcare costs, travel, or unexpected expenses. The withdrawal strategy should be coordinated with your pension, Social Security timing, and overall tax plan.

  • Can I roll over my LCS 403(b) when I retire?

    A rollover can provide:


    • Broader investment flexibility
    • Consolidation of multiple vendors
    • Potential fee transparency
    • More structured withdrawal planning

    However, each decision should be evaluated in light of tax implications, creditor protections, and long-term income planning.

  • Should I consolidate multiple 403(b) vendors?

    Many LCS employees have contributions spread across multiple vendors due to changes over their career.


    Consolidation may:


    • Simplify income planning
    • Reduce overlapping fees
    • Improve portfolio coordination

    But consolidation must be done carefully to avoid surrender charges or unnecessary tax consequences.

  • Are 403(b) fees higher than IRA fees?

    In some cases, yes — particularly with older annuity-based 403(b) contracts.


    Fee structures vary widely among vendors. Understanding expense ratios, mortality & expense charges, and administrative fees is essential. Even a 0.50% difference can compound significantly over a 25-year retirement.

  • What is the best age for LCS employees to begin 403(b) withdrawals?

    There is no universal answer. The optimal withdrawal age depends on:


    • Pension start date
    • Social Security timing
    • Tax bracket management
    • Healthcare bridge years before Medicare

    The most strategic window for planning is often between retirement and age 73 (when required minimum distributions begin).

Transitioning from teaching to retirement is a major life shift. The decisions you make in the final five years of your career can shape the next thirty.


Our LCS Retirement Coordination Checklist helps you:

  • Identify hidden 403(b) fees
  • Evaluate rollover options
  • Coordinate VRS pension income
  • Map out a tax-efficient withdrawal plan
  • Avoid common retirement timing mistakes

This checklist was built specifically for Lynchburg City Schools educators and staff.

Download the LCS Retirement Coordination Checklist

LCS Checklist

A Disciplined Approach to Retirement Income

Retirement planning for educators requires more than portfolio management. It requires coordination.


Your pension provides stability.
Your 403(b) provides flexibility.
Your tax strategy provides efficiency.


Our approach is built on three principles:

  • Quantitative discipline — building an income floor based on math, not market predictions.
  • Fiduciary leadership — serving as a fee-only advisor whose loyalty is to your long-term security.
  • The long view — managing for decades of retirement, not quarterly headlines.


The goal is not to maximize returns.
The goal is to maximize confidence.



When you understand how your LCS 403(b) fits within your broader retirement income plan, clarity replaces uncertainty.