Definition A Roth IRA is a type of individual retirement account (IRA) that allows individuals to contribute after-tax income, with the advantage that withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Established by the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Roth IRAs provide a flexible and tax-efficient way to save for retirement. Importance of Roth IRA The Roth IRA is particularly beneficial for individuals who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
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 A Solo 401(k), also known as an Individual 401(k) or Self-Employed 401(k), is a retirement savings plan designed specifically for self-employed individuals or small business owners with no full-time employees other than the owner and their spouse. This plan allows for higher contribution limits compared to other retirement accounts, offering both employee and employer contributions, making it a powerful tool for maximizing retirement savings. Importance of Solo 401(k) The Solo 401(k) is particularly important for self-employed individuals because it combines the features of a traditional 401(k) with the flexibility and simplicity needed for sole proprietors.
Definition A Spousal IRA is a type of individual retirement account that allows a working spouse to contribute to an IRA on behalf of a non-working or lower-earning spouse. This strategy is designed to help couples maximize their retirement savings, even if one spouse has little or no taxable income. A Spousal IRA can be either a Traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, depending on the couple’s financial goals and tax situation.
Definition A Target Benefit Plan is a retirement savings vehicle that aims to provide participants with a specific benefit at retirement. Unlike traditional defined benefit plans, where the employer guarantees a specific payout or defined contribution plans, which depend on employee contributions and investment performance, a Target Benefit Plan offers a hybrid approach. It sets a target benefit level that the plan strives to achieve, allowing for some flexibility in how benefits are funded and distributed.
Definition Tax-deferred accounts are financial accounts that allow individuals to delay paying taxes on their investment gains until a later date, typically when funds are withdrawn during retirement. This feature can significantly enhance the growth potential of investments, as the entire amount can be reinvested without the immediate impact of taxation. Key Components Tax-deferred accounts come with several important components: Contributions: The money you put into these accounts can often be tax-deductible, depending on the type of account and your income level.