A retirement plan is a great way to save for your future. You may have heard about IRAs, but did you know that there are other types of plans that can work for you? Here’s what you need to know about IRAs and other individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Social Security won’t be enough.
Social Security won’t be enough. Social Security is not an investment, it’s not a savings account, and it’s definitely not a pension. It’s also not a retirement plan in the way you might expect (like a 401(k)). But don’t worry—this doesn’t have to be confusing or scary!
In fact, you can make a lot of progress toward your financial goals by simply understanding what Social Security really is and how it works.
The bottom line: Social Security will probably provide some income for you in retirement but there are limitations on how much that income will be worth.
A 401(k) plan isn’t the only savings option.
And what about other retirement accounts? You might have heard that a 401(k) plan isn’t the only savings option out there. The truth is, 401(k) plans are a great way to save for retirement — but they aren’t your only option.
Within this guide, let’s discuss what you need to know about other types of retirement accounts, such as Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs: how they work, and which one might be right for you.
There are many different kinds of plans.
There are many different kinds of plans.
- 401(k) plans: Employers can contribute up to $19,000 per year into an employee’s account. You can also contribute up to $6,000 a year on your own. This type of plan is common in the United States and allows you to avoid taxes until you withdraw money from the account at retirement age (usually 55 or older).
- 403(b) plans: These are similar to 401(k)s but are offered by nonprofits such as universities and hospitals instead of private companies. They often consist of both employer contributions and employee contributions (upwards of $15,000 per year). The money is taxed when withdrawn from these accounts at retirement age like with traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
You can choose your own investments.
You can choose your own investments. You can choose investments that are right for you. You can choose investments that are low risk, or high risk, or in line with your goals.
You might want to be more conservative with your money in retirement than you were when you were younger—and that’s okay! It’s better to be safe than sorry, after all!
There are tools to help you make good choices.
There are tools to help you make good choices.
One of the best ways to prepare for a secure retirement is through an individual retirement plan or IRA. With an IRA, you can grow your money in a tax-advantaged way until you retire and withdraw it at that time. You can also use Roth IRAs if you meet certain qualifications regarding income levels and withdrawals.
You should be aware that not all IRAs are created equal. Different types offer different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important that you choose one that works best for your needs before investing in it! “Traditional IRAs come with a number of restrictions, including how much can be contributed and when you can start withdrawals without penalty” as stated by SoFi professionals.
You need to begin planning now if you want a secure future. Don’t wait until it’s too late!