Definition A 401(k) plan is a company-sponsored retirement account that employees can contribute to, often with matching contributions from the employer. The plan allows for tax-deferred growth of investments.
Importance of 401(k) Plans 401(k) plans are a critical component of retirement planning, offering employees a tax-advantaged way to save for their future while reducing their current taxable income.
Contribution Limits As of recent IRS guidelines, you can contribute up to $19,500 annually if you’re under 50.
Definition A 403(b) plan, also known as a tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) plan, is a retirement plan for certain employees of public schools, employees of certain tax-exempt organizations and certain ministers. It allows employees to make tax-deferred contributions from their salary to invest in retirement savings.
Importance of 403(b) Plans 403(b) plans provide a valuable benefit for employees in the nonprofit sector and education, offering a way to grow their retirement savings on a tax-deferred basis, similar to the benefits of a 401(k) in the private sector.
Definition A 457 Plan is a type of tax-advantaged, non-qualified retirement savings plan offered to employees of state and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations. Similar to 401(k) and 403(b) plans, the 457 Plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their salary to the plan on a pre-tax or Roth basis, with the savings growing tax-deferred until withdrawn in retirement.
Importance of 457 Plan The 457 Plan is crucial for government and nonprofit employees as it provides a flexible and beneficial way to save for retirement.
Definition A Defined Benefit Pension Plan is a type of employer-sponsored retirement plan that guarantees a specific retirement benefit to employees based on a predetermined formula. This formula generally considers factors such as the employee’s salary history, years of service and age at retirement. Unlike defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k)), where the final benefit depends on investment performance, a defined benefit plan provides a fixed, predictable income in retirement, which is usually paid out as a monthly annuity.
Definition A SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension IRA) is a type of retirement savings plan specifically designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners. It allows employers to contribute directly to traditional IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) set up in the names of their employees, including themselves if they are self-employed. The SEP IRA offers the advantage of higher contribution limits compared to traditional and Roth IRAs, making it an attractive option for maximizing retirement savings.
Definition A SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) is a retirement savings plan designed specifically for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees. It allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax salary to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and requires employers to make matching or non-elective contributions. SIMPLE IRAs offer an easy and low-cost way for small businesses to provide retirement benefits to their employees without the complexities of other retirement plans.
Definition The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a defined contribution retirement savings plan specifically designed for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, including the Ready Reserve. Established under the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986, the TSP provides participants with a means to save for retirement on a tax-advantaged basis, similar to 401(k) plans available in the private sector. Participants can choose between traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (post-tax) contributions, allowing for flexible retirement planning based on their financial goals.