METLIFE RESOURCES INTRODUCES ENHANCED 403(b) PRODUCT
NEW YORK, July 31, 2008
MetLife Resources, a division of MetLife, today announced that it has bolstered its suite of solutions for 403(b) plans not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) with the launch of an innovative new product, ExpertSelectSM. Through ExpertSelect, MetLife makes available the objective investment expertise of Morningstar Associates, LLC. This new product is designed to help employers offer 403(b) plans that have a broad range of investment options to their employees.
"Employers are facing complex issues related to the new 403(b) regulations, but many are using change as an opportunity to make a fresh start and redesign their retirement savings plan," says Thomas G. Hogan, Jr., senior vice president and head of MetLife Resources. "Through ExpertSelect, employers can offer a plan with an attractive mutual fund program enhanced by the investment expertise of Morningstar Associates, LLC."
ExpertSelect offers a pre-selected mutual fund lineup designed to help employers with the selection of products for their 403(b) retirement plans. Created specifically for non-ERISA plans, this product leverages Morningstar Associates’ rigorous quantitative and qualitative evaluation to provide this list of screened, high-quality mutual funds representing a wide range of asset classes. Participants can choose from this list, as well as a competitive fixed account option, to build a well-diversified portfolio within their employer’s 403(b) plan.
"ExpertSelect is part of our holistic approach for non-ERISA 403(b) plans, particularly in the K-12 public school market," added Hogan. "Offering ExpertSelect along with our variable annuity product—MetLife Financial Freedom Select® (MFFS®) variable annuity—allows employees to choose which product better suits their needs. Those wanting to invest in mutual funds to save for retirement can choose ExpertSelect and those interested in a product that can generate guaranteed income during retirement can choose MFFS."
More than 700 MetLife representatives are available at work locations to help employees choose the funding options that will meet their retirement goals. As their retirement savings grow, plan participants will also have access to Wealth Management Services available through MetLife Securities, Inc.
About Morningstar, Inc. and Morningstar Associates, LLC
Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company offers an extensive line of Internet, software, and print-based products and services for individuals, financial advisors, and institutions. Morningstar provides data on more than 270,000 investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles. The company has operations in 18 countries and minority ownership positions in companies based in three other countries. Morningstar Associates, LLC is a premier provider of customized investment advisory solutions for institutions and their clients. Morningstar Associates is a registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc.
Morningstar is not affiliated with MetLife or MetLife Resources and is solely responsible for its own advice.
About MetLife Resources
MetLife Resources, a division of MetLife, provides retirement plans and other financial services to healthcare, education, and not-for-profit organizations. Celebrating 140 years, MetLife is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading provider of insurance and financial services with operations throughout the United States and the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. Through its domestic and international subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife, Inc. reaches more than 70 million customers around the world and MetLife is the largest life insurer in the United States (based on life insurance in-force). The MetLife companies offer life insurance, annuities, auto and home insurance, retail banking and other financial services to individuals, as well as group insurance, reinsurance and retirement & savings products and services to corporations and other institutions. For more information, please visit www.metlife.com/mlr.
The fixed account option is available through annuity contracts issued by MetLife Insurance Company of Connecticut, Hartford, CT 06103. MFFS is available through annuity contracts issued by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), New York, NY 10016. Variable annuity products are distributed by MetLife Investors Distribution Company (member FINRA), 5 Park Plaza, Suite 1900, Irvine, CA 92614. Product availability and features may vary by state.
Variable annuities are offered by prospectus only, which is available from a registered representative. A customer should carefully consider the product’s features, risks, charges and expenses, and the investment objectives, risks and policies of the underlying portfolios, as well other information about the underlying funding choices. Amounts allocated to the variable investment options of an account balance are subject to market fluctuations, and when withdrawn or annuitized, may be worth more or less than their original value. The principal value and rate of return in a variable annuity will fluctuate due to market conditions. Therefore, at any point in time, the value of the annuity contract may be worth more or less than the owner’s actual investment in the contract. There is no guarantee that any of the variable options in this product will meet their stated goals or objectives. This and other information is available in the prospectuses, which a customer should read carefully before investing.
Mutual funds are offered through MetLife Securities, Inc. a MetLife affiliate, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. All mutual funds are offered only by prospectus.