Friday, March 29, 2019

Discovering Alternatives To 401k Retirement Plans

By James Bell


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.

Starting in the 1980s, 401ks became the definitive retirement plans for Americans. The name 401k comes from the IRS code by the same name. In most cases, setting up this type of retirement is simple and straight forward.

The upside to a 401k is that people can often allow the account to operate on autopilot once the plan is in place. As individuals contribute money to the plan on a monthly basis, most employers match employee contributions as long as there is no decrease in salary. Most often, individuals cash out the full amount of contributions and matched funds at the specified retirement age. Although, some companies will allow individuals to withdraw voluntary contributions if and when leaving the company.

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.

One of the best alternatives to a 401k is that of an Individual Retirement Account or Roth IRA. When an employer does not provide a 401k as part of a benefit package, individuals can join entrepreneurs and small business owners in setting up this type of retirement account. For, these accounts offer advantages when it comes to taxation on withdrawals from the account during retirement.

In some cases, individuals have been known to add an IRA or ROTH IRA to an existing portfolio with other retirement accounts. Depending on the contributions made to the portfolio and value of overall holdings, contributions may not be tax deductible. Whereas, monies in the account will continue to grow over time as long as that growth does not exceed any plan or government limitations.

Other alternatives include a basic investment account or savings account. In either case, interest can increase the value of these accounts as long as money is left in the account. Whereas, when it comes to setting up an investment account, the individual provides a cashier's check of a certain amount to a broker whom manages and oversees the account.

The most important thing to keep in mind when investing in any retirement account is that the plan is for funds to grow over time. As such, individuals need to make deposits on an ongoing basis to any of these plans to assure the account continues to grow during years leading up to retirement. After which, individuals will most likely have enough in the account to accompany Social Security or other benefits to live a happy and healthy life during retirement.




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