Eight Important Considerations for 401(k) Plans
As a retirement plan, 401(k) plans currently outpace the competition, with more than 54 million Americans participating in a 401(k) plan and nearly 550,000 plans offered. This is a great option for saving for retirement.
Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans are by far the easiest mechanism for workers to get started saving for retirement. And because there is typically an employer match for contributions up to a certain percentage, workers can end up leaving a significant amount of money on the table if they choose to forego participating in the company 401(k) plan.
While most employers will provide employees with information on annual contribution levels and the employer match, there are many things that you should be aware of if you’re planning on contributing to your employer’s retirement plan. Here are eight to consider:
1. In 2019, you can elect to defer up to $19,000 from your paycheck directly into a 401(k) account. In addition, if you’re 50 or older, you’re eligible to contribute an additional $6,000 per year, bringing your yearly maximum to $25,000 in a calendar year.
2. You get an upfront tax break when contributing to a 401(k), as all contributions made are on a pre-tax basis, meaning that the contribution is deferred directly to your 401(k) account before taxes being assessed, reducing your income, and ultimately your tax liability for the year.
3. Contribution levels are adjusted annually, so what you can contribute in the current year could easily change next year, so be sure to keep tabs on the limits, particularly if you’re already contributing the maximum allowed each year.
4. There is no upper age limit to making contributions. One of the major benefits of a 401(k) is that you can continue to make contributions annually as long as you remain employed.
5. Learn what the company match is and take advantage of it, if financially possible. For example, if your employer currently matches your contributions up to 5%, it would benefit you to defer at least 5% of your salary.
6. Understand that your investment options are going to be somewhat limited. In most cases, the firm that currently manages your company’s 401(k) plan will offer a limited number of fund options, usually around twenty, so you won’t have the freedom to invest in the company or companies that you wish.
7. If you consider withdrawing from your 401(k), requesting a loan from the plan may be a better option. Most plans offer low-interest loans, with the principal and interest you pay back going directly into your account.
8. Learn when you can begin to make penalty-free withdrawals and under what circumstances you can make withdrawals. For instance, you can begin to make regular withdrawals starting at age 59 ½ without facing a penalty, but understand that since a 401(k) is a tax-deferred plan, you will be responsible for paying taxes on the amounts withdrawn. In addition, under certain circumstances, you can make penalty-free withdrawals before age 59 ½, such as if you become permanently disabled or pay unreimbursed medical expenses.
If your current employer offers a 401(k) plan, there is no good reason not to participate.
Resources
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/08/28/14-things-you-really-should-know-about-401k-retire.aspx
https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-401-k-357114
*This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information provided is not written or intended as tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for purposes of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Individuals are encouraged to seek advice from their own tax or legal counsel. Individuals involved in the estate planning process should work with an estate planning team, including personal legal or tax counsel. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a representation of a specific investment or the purchase or sale of any securities. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
