What is a 401(k)?

It allows employees to save for retirement by contributing a portion of their salary to the 401(k) account on a pre-tax basis, meaning you don’t pay tax on that portion of your income that goes into your 401(k). The funds in the account grow tax-deferred until you take them out. 

Here's how a 401(k) typically works: 

• Contributions: Employees can choose to contribute a portion of their salary, up to the annual contribution limit set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). These contributions are deducted from the employee's paycheck before taxes are applied, reducing their taxable income for the year. 
• Employer matching: Some employers offer a 401(k)-matching program, where they contribute a certain percentage or dollar amount to an employee's 401(k) based on the employee's contributions. The matching contributions can vary, and they provide an additional benefit to the employee. 
• Investment options: Within a 401(k) plan, participants have a range of investment options to choose from. These options may include mutual funds, index funds, bonds, and stocks. The specific investment choices depend on the plan offered by the employer. 
• Tax advantages: The contributions made to a traditional 401(k) are tax-deferred, meaning that they are not taxed until the funds are withdrawn during retirement. This allows the investments to grow without being taxed each year. However, withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as ordinary income. 

Other options for retirement planning

When it comes to retirement options, in addition to 401(k) plans, there are several other retirement options: 

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs): IRAs are personal retirement accounts that allow individuals to save for retirement on their own, independent of an employer-sponsored plan. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deferred growth, similar to a 401(k), while Roth IRAs provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. 

Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA: SEP IRAs are designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners. Contributions to a SEP IRA are tax-deductible, and the earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawal. 

Simple IRA: The Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) IRA is available to small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. It allows both employees and employers to make contributions to the plan. 

Pension plans: Some employers offer traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit plans, that provide retirees with a fixed monthly income based on their years of service and salary history. Pension plans have become less common in recent years. 

Annuities: Annuities are insurance products that can provide a guaranteed income stream during retirement. They are typically purchased from an insurance company, and the income can be received for a set period or for the rest of the individual's life. 

It's important to note that retirement options can vary based on your state of residence, as retirement plans and regulations may differ.

The information provided on www.onepercentforamerica.org is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for seeking professional guidance.