Retirement Plans: 403(b), 457(b), etc

I want more information about 403(b) and 457(b) plans.  My employer in my 
tem****ary job has apparently turned over financial/retirement management 
of its employees' contributions to Fidelity, and I will not be 
transferring any money from what I think is a zero-risk zero-return 
account (called UC DCP, which I think means University of California 
Direct Contribution Plan) to this account since I suspect it is loaded 
with fees that would eat up any ac***ulations.

Or so that is what I am reading.

At this point in my complicated life---facts/details about it below, for 
those of you who like to be tested by complicated life situations--I don't

expect to hire/rent/buy the services of a certified financial planner, 
since my employment (and home residence) situation is not stable at the 
moment.  Just in case you were set on telling me to find a CFP.

I just want to know what to do with this some $6000 I have in a non-
performing retirement account.  As paltry as it is, it still represents 
probably 40-50% of my net worth.


========

Facts/Details about Investor's Status

* 48 y male, PhD in life sciences
* Returned in July last year to USA after 15 years abroad
* Net worth: about $6000 in a retirement account and $8000 in a checking 
account;  owned "home" (a flat with total market value in USD about 
$100,000) in foreign country in which wife and 12 y o daughter now live 
but counts as zero to net worth in effect
* Employment history since July 2007 (repatriation):  abominable...keeps 
head above water
* 2007 Form 1040 AGI:  $12,966 (effectively last 6 months of that year, 
since all other income was excluded foreign income)
* 2008 income:  about $8000, including 2.5 months unemployment @[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 $200 per 
week
* Changed residence 4 times since July 2007, currently paying little rent 
to family to hold a room until permanent employment obtained
* Debt: no liabilities at all---who would give credit under these 
conditions----but no assets as well (see net worth above)
* Anticipated major obligations in short or long term:  college education 
sup****t for 12 year old daughter in 5-6 years;  home owner****p;  possibly 
new car owner****p
* Retirement:  no plans to retire at age 65 or even 70...probably will 
have to work until deep-sixed the way things have looked with the year 
since repatriation...to my surprise...never thought a guy with a PhD would

be so untouchable

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