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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 CHET performance?
Can I change my investment selection?

What are my investment options?
CHET offers a choice of eight investment options. You can invest new contributions in any one or combination of these eight options: Managed Allocation Option, Aggressive Managed Allocation Option, High Equity Option, 100% Equity Index Option, Social Choice Option, 100% Fixed-Income Option, Principal Plus Interest Option, and the Money Market Option. The Principal Plus Interest Option provides a guarantee of principal and a minimum rate of interest to CHET, but not to account owners or beneficiaries. Effective February 18, 2008, transfers from the Principal Plus Interest Option to the Money Market Option will not be permitted. (If this restriction changes, investors will be notified prior to the effective date of any such change.) These choices vary in their investment strategy and degree of risk, allowing you to select an option or options that may best fit your needs and investment philosophy. For a description of these investment options, please refer to the Investment Options section.

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 eight CHET 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 CHET performance?
CHET performance for the eight investment options is available online. Go to CHET Performance.

Can I change my investment selection?
Yes. Each time you make a contribution you may select any one of the eight 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 CHET account for a different beneficiary (see the CHET Disclosure Booklet and Participation Agreement (PDF, 2,144KB) for more information). Effective February 18, 2008, transfers (including transfers when there is a change of the Beneficiary) from the Principal Plus Interest to the Money Market Option will not be permitted. (If this restriction changes, investors will be notified prior to the effective date of any such change.) Use the Annual Rebalancing of Funds Among Investment Options Form (PDF, 41KB).

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Don't forget you can set up an Automatic Contribution Plan (PDF, 157KB) or use Payroll Deduction (PDF, 45KB) for your contributions (if offered by your employer). If you are a State of Connecticut employee, use the Connecticut State Employee Payroll Deduction form (PDF, 75KB).

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

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The tax information contained on the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (the Plan) 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.

The Plan is administered by the Connecticut State Treasury. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI) serves as Program Manager. TFI's affiliate, TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, is the distributor.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Plan. Please call toll-free 1-888-799-2438 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.

The State of Connecticut, 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. Account value will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

The Plan Web site is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any security that may be referenced on the site. Such offer or solicitation can be made only through the Disclosure Booklet.

The Plan Web site contains links to other Web sites. Neither the Plan Trust nor TFI and its affiliates are responsible for the content of those other Web sites. The accuracy of information on those sites cannot be confirmed.