Hi Krow36!
Thank you for the helpful and speedy response!
I just looked back at my form that I completed a couple weeks ago, and dang, there was a box that either I checked saying I wanted to appoint a Financial Professional or it was checked for me. Either way, my bad for not being more vigilant.
The good news is that I have only made one contribution so far ($200/pay period or $400/month). The bad news is that I will likely have to wait until the next open enrollment period to make changes to my plan (I think I heard around the beginning of 2021 would be the next open enrollment period).
Other 403(b) options in my district are: American Century Investors, Ameriprise Financial Services, AXA/Equitable (no thanks), First Investors Funds, Franklin Templeton Investments, Global Atlantic, Pacific Life, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, VOYA, and Waddell & Reed.
It might be worth noting that I was able to locate Vanguard as an option for my school district when I went to the Vanguard Vendor Search Tool (screens attached), but at the beginning of the year, Human Resources sent out that 403(b) vendor list and Vanguard was not listed 🤷♂️ . I absolutely LOVE Vanguard and have been building up a nice Roth IRA in my professional career before I entered teaching.
I am teaching in Illinois, and we do have 457 options at my school district. I do plan on getting involved with a 457, but wanted to ease into investment game first with a 403(b).
Thank you again so so so much!