	>	Open An Account

	>	Access Your Account

Home / FAQ /

Frequently Asked Questions - Investment Options and Performance

		What are my investment options? Can I select the investments for my account? Can I see a list of the underlying funds? Where do I get information on MESP performance? Can I change my investment selection?

What are my investment options?
MESP offers you a choice of seven investment options. You can invest new contributions in any one or combination of these options: Conservative Age-Based Allocation, Moderate Age-Based Allocation, Aggressive Age-Based Allocation, 100% Equity, 100% Fixed-Income, Balanced, and Principal Plus Interest Option (formerly the Guaranteed Option). The Principal Plus Interest Option provides a guarantee of principal and a minimum rate of interest to MESP, but not to account owners or beneficiaries. These options vary in their investment strategy and degree of risk, allowing you to select an option or combination of options that fits your needs and investment philosophy.

The investment approaches described are not recommendations and do not take into consideration personal goals or preferences. After evaluating information you consider important in making an investment choice, the ultimate decision is up to you. It is a good idea to revisit your investment strategy periodically as your goals, personal financial situation, and market conditions change.

Can I select the investments for my account?
You may choose among the seven MESP investment options, but not the underlying mutual funds or other investment vehicles to which funds in the investment option may be allocated. Under federal law, an account owner may not have direct or indirect control over the investments in a 529 Plan. See the list of underlying funds.

Can I see a list of the underlying funds?
Yes, go to the Investment Options page and click on the Underlying TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual funds link for a list and description of the underlying funds.

Where do I get information on MESP performance?
MESP performance for the seven investment options is available online. Go to MESP Performance.

Can I change my investment selection?
Yes. Each time you make a contribution you may select any one of the seven investment options. Once invested in a particular investment option, contributions and any earnings may be transferred to another investment option once per calendar year or upon a transfer of funds to a MESP account for a different beneficiary (see the MESP Disclosure Booklet and Participation Agreements (PDF, 476KB) for more information). Use the Annual Rebalancing of Funds Among Investment Options Form (PDF, 52KB).

Read more FAQs.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

Have a question you don't see listed? Need clarification?

Call us toll-free at
1-877-861-MESP
(1-877-861-6377)

We're available 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time.

Don't forget you can set up an Automatic Contribution Plan (PDF, 157KB) or use Payroll Deduction (PDF, 60KB) for your contributions (if offered by your employer).

PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it here.

Access our glossary for the meanings of terms used throughout this site.

TELL A FRIEND


	Let a friend know about the Michigan Education Savings Program.

	Calculate Your Savings Need

	Compare College Savings Options

	Questions? Call 1-877-861-6377

	Michigan Education Trust

The tax information contained on the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) Web site is not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It was written to support the promotion of the products and services addressed in the Web site. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Michigan Education Savings Program. Please call toll-free 1(877) 861-6377 for a Disclosure Booklet containing this information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your designated beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state's 529 plan.

TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, distributes MESP. The State of Michigan, its agencies, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and its affiliates do not insure any account or guarantee its principal or investment return except for TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company's guarantee to MESP under the funding agreement for the Principal Plus Interest Option. Account value will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

Investment management, program administration and distribution of The Michigan Education Trust (MET) program is provided solely by the Michigan Department of Treasury. MET is not managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. nor is it distributed by TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC.

The MESP Web site contains links to other Web sites. Neither MESP nor TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and its affiliates are responsible for the content of those other Web sites. The accuracy of information on those sites cannot be confirmed.