re: What’s are the differences between a 403(B) and 457(B) retirement plan?

403 investment options tend to suck, but not always

457 investment options tend to be better than 403 options, but not always

Some of the catch-up rules are different between the two plans.

The main difference, or the one that tends to be the most meaningful IMO, is that 457 money can be taken without penalty prior to 59 1/2 if you retire from the employer. Note that this only applies to 457 and not Roth 457 contributions. 403 money, like a 401k or IRA etc. Has age requirements for taking distributions. 457 as far as I know is the only plan that lets you take distributions regardless of age.