In some cases, people begin planning for retirement during their 20s and 30s. Whereas, others wait until there 40s and 50s. Regardless as to when an individual sets up a retirement plan, it should be noted that while 401k retirement accounts are the most popular, there are alternatives to 401k plans which can provide better results. For example, a CD incurs interest over a specific period of time during which individuals can not withdraw funds. Once the account matures, most people transfer the funds to an existing portfolio which includes other retirement accounts.
401k plans became the standard retirement account for a number of Americans in the 1980s. The account was named after the 401k IRS code. In most cases, these accounts are still the most simple and straight forward when it comes to setting up a plan. Whereas, if employed, an employer often works with the employee to set up contribution amounts which fit into the employee's budget.
The upside to this type of account is that most people can allow the account to run on autopilot once the plan has been established. For, by contributing a fixed amount on a monthly basis, most employers match that amount as long as the individual's salary never diminishes over time. In some cases, if an individual leaves a job, the company will allow the individual to withdraw the funds which were put into the account by the individual. Whether matched funds are also distributed is often based company policies and procedures.
As with all types of investment accounts, there are upsides and downsides to 401k plans. For one, while an account can run on autopilot, the individual must assure that deposits are being made as scheduled. Whereas, if the salary of the employee doubles, the increase puts the individual at a disadvantage and most likely in a higher tax bracket.
A good alternative to these older plans is that of an IRA or Roth IRA, both of which are individual retirement accounts. In addition, if an employer does not offer a 401k, individuals can join the self-employed and small business owners in setting up one of these type of accounts. The only difference between a traditional and Roth IRA is when the money going in, or out of the plan is taxed.
Some individuals choose to add either a Roth or traditional IRA to an existing portfolio which contains a 401k. While this is the case, depending on the type of contributions made to the portfolio, those contributions may or may not be tax deductible. However, when this is the case, the money in the account will continue to grow on a tax free basis until withdrawn at the specified age of retirement.
One other alternative is that of a basic investment account. In this case, an individual obtains a broker with a cashier's check in hand, opens an account and contributes as much as one can to the account. After which, any profit, whether from appreciation of interest or dividends will likely be considered capital gains and will be taxed accordingly on an annual basis. Still, the individual will pay a much lower tax rate than on ordinary income.
One of the most important aspects of any investment account is that the money is left in the account. For, most often not only do these accounts have penalties for early withdrawals, the less money in the account, the less interest will be gained over time. As such, to assure that funds continues to grow, it is important to only make withdrawals in a dire emergency.
401k plans became the standard retirement account for a number of Americans in the 1980s. The account was named after the 401k IRS code. In most cases, these accounts are still the most simple and straight forward when it comes to setting up a plan. Whereas, if employed, an employer often works with the employee to set up contribution amounts which fit into the employee's budget.
The upside to this type of account is that most people can allow the account to run on autopilot once the plan has been established. For, by contributing a fixed amount on a monthly basis, most employers match that amount as long as the individual's salary never diminishes over time. In some cases, if an individual leaves a job, the company will allow the individual to withdraw the funds which were put into the account by the individual. Whether matched funds are also distributed is often based company policies and procedures.
As with all types of investment accounts, there are upsides and downsides to 401k plans. For one, while an account can run on autopilot, the individual must assure that deposits are being made as scheduled. Whereas, if the salary of the employee doubles, the increase puts the individual at a disadvantage and most likely in a higher tax bracket.
A good alternative to these older plans is that of an IRA or Roth IRA, both of which are individual retirement accounts. In addition, if an employer does not offer a 401k, individuals can join the self-employed and small business owners in setting up one of these type of accounts. The only difference between a traditional and Roth IRA is when the money going in, or out of the plan is taxed.
Some individuals choose to add either a Roth or traditional IRA to an existing portfolio which contains a 401k. While this is the case, depending on the type of contributions made to the portfolio, those contributions may or may not be tax deductible. However, when this is the case, the money in the account will continue to grow on a tax free basis until withdrawn at the specified age of retirement.
One other alternative is that of a basic investment account. In this case, an individual obtains a broker with a cashier's check in hand, opens an account and contributes as much as one can to the account. After which, any profit, whether from appreciation of interest or dividends will likely be considered capital gains and will be taxed accordingly on an annual basis. Still, the individual will pay a much lower tax rate than on ordinary income.
One of the most important aspects of any investment account is that the money is left in the account. For, most often not only do these accounts have penalties for early withdrawals, the less money in the account, the less interest will be gained over time. As such, to assure that funds continues to grow, it is important to only make withdrawals in a dire emergency.
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