drioux writes (in part):

I have read in several places that the money from the 403(b) accounts should go to an IRA account distinct from my other IRA accounts that I started with money that actually passed through my hands. Is this true? Or, should I say, is this good advice?

I reply:

Usually, yes. Pixy and KAT will know more, but my understanding is that if you commingle 403(b) funds with other IRAs you will (1) lose the ability to place the non-403(b) funds into a Roth IRA; (2) lose the option of rolling the 403(b)funds back into a 403(b) or 401(k), should you later wish to do so; and (3) lose some potential protection from creditors -- I am fairly confident that your creditors cannot reach funds in a 403(b) rollover, but I am not so certain that they cannot reach funds in a traditionally funded IRA. Good luck. --Bob