Ten Things to Know About Your Employer’s Retirement Plan
1. What it is?
Your employer’s retirement plan is a defined contribution plan designed to help you finance your retirement. Federal and sometimes state taxes on your contributions and investment earnings are deferred until you receive a distribution from the plan (typically at retirement).
2. Why do they call it a 401(k)? (Or, 403(b), 401(a), 457(b) etc.)
The 401(k) plan was born over 40 years ago, under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, hence, 401(k). Each plan type [401(k), 403(b), 401(a), 457(b)] is named for specific sections of the IRC tax code.
3. You decide
You decide how much to contribute and how to allocate your investments. This gives you the advantages of easy diversification – a well balanced mix of investment choices, and dollar-cost averaging by making regular investments over time.
4. It’s easy
You contribute your pre-tax dollars and lower your taxable income by making automatic payroll deductions. It’s a simple method of disciplined saving! (Note: you plan may also offer a Roth contribution feature which allows you to contribute on an after-tax basis. Investment earnings on Roth contributions compound on a tax-deferred basis and qualified withdrawals are tax-free).
5. Know your limits
In 2022 you can save up to $20,500 of your income. If you are age 50 or older, you can save an additional $6,500.
6. Incentives
Traditional contributions to your retirement plan are tax-deferred! Also, many employers will match some of your contributions. This is FREE money and a great incentive to contribute to your plan.
7. Vesting
Should your employer make a matching contribution; vesting refers to the percent of your employer contributions that you have the right to take with you when you leave the company.
8. Borrowing
Some plans allow you to borrow a percentage of your account value. Keep in mind that you have to make regular payments plus interest on the loan.
9. Early withdrawals
You may be able to take a distribution before you retire, for instance for certain emergencies (hardships). Understand that it may have a 10% early penalty in terms of Federal and/or state income taxes. While this may be good for emergency situations, your retirement plan is a retirement savings fund, not meant to be a rainy-day fund!
10. Leaving the company
When you leave your job, you can rollover your retirement plan savings to either an individual retirement account (IRA) or a new employer’s retirement plan. This way, you stay on track for your retirement savings goals, without having to start over each time you change jobs.
Questions? Contact MCF at retire@mcfadvisors.com or 859.967.0990
Hunter Nighbert
Financial Advisor
859-967-0990
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
MCF Advisors, LLC (“MCF”) is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an adviser. More information about the adviser can also be found by visiting: https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/. This is not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security. MCF may only transact business in those states in which it is registered, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by MCF), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this blog/newsletter will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this blog/newsletter serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from MCF. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. MCF is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of MCF’s current written disclosure statement and customer relationship summary (“Form CRS”) discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available upon request. The scope of the services to be provided depends upon the needs of the client and the terms of the engagement. If you are a MCF client, please remember to contact MCF, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services.