It’s Financial Literacy Month. How Much Do You Know About Retirement Accounts?

April is often known for spring cleaning, Easter, and Passover, but it’s also Financial Literacy Month. At its core, financial literacy refers to understanding and effectively being able to use various financial tools and strategies. So, in honor of the month, we’re offering a basic financial primer, with some quick definitions and simple breakdowns of common retirement accounts.

Background: The Decline of Pensions

During the rise of the industrial age, as workers migrated and began working for factories and other enterprises, they shifted away from farming and self-sufficiency and began relying on pensions to fund their retirement. Because these pension plans were managed by their employers who tended to take care of and provide for their loyal employees, workers were little involved in strategies or decision-making when it came to planning for their own retirements.

But times have changed. The first implementation of the 401(k) plan was in 1978, and since then, has gradually supplanted the pension for most American workers. According to a congressional report, between 1975 and 2019, the number of people actively participating in private-sector pension plans dwindled from 27 million to fewer than 13 million, although public employees sometimes still have them.

Today, most workers are responsible for funding their own retirement, which makes understanding and participating in retirement accounts vital.

401(k) Plans

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. With the traditional 401(k), employees can contribute pre-tax income into their own account, selecting among the plan’s list of options which funds they want their money invested in. Many employers will even match employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

(NOTE: In the public sector, there are 403(b)s, 457s, the TSPs (Thrift Savings Plan), and many other retirement plans which work similarly to the 401(k), but may have slightly different rules.)

With a traditional pre-tax 401(k), the employee’s contributions can reduce their taxable income for the year, since the money is deducted from their paycheck. Once an employee reaches age 59-1/2, per the IRS they can start taking withdrawals without incurring penalties, depending on their employer’s 401(k) plan rules. In retirement, they must begin taking withdrawals every year beginning at age 73, and pay taxes on the money withdrawn. (These are called required minimum distributions, or RMDs.)

Some employers also offer a Roth 401(k) option, which uses after-tax dollars. Although you must pay income taxes on the money you put into a Roth 401(k), including any employer Roth account matching amounts, a Roth option offers tax-free withdrawals in retirement as long as the account has been in place for five years or longer, no RMDs, and no taxes to your beneficiaries or heirs.

While the 401(k) can be a great way to save, it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re contributing, how your funds are invested, and what the tax ramifications of your decisions are.

Social Security

Social Security is a part of many Americans’ retirement planning. It was created as a national old-age pension system funded by employer and employee contributions, although later it was expanded to cover minor children, widows, and people with disabilities.

Established in 1935, Social Security payments started for workers when they reached age 65—but keep in mind at that time, the average longevity for Americans was age 60 for men and age 64 for women. With people living much longer, sometimes spending as long as 20 or 30 years in retirement, today Social Security must be supplemented with your own personal savings and other retirement accounts.

IRAs

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) were created in the 1980s as a way for those without pensions or workplace retirement plans to save money for themselves for retirement in a tax-advantaged manner. While the tax treatment and contribution limits vary, the goal is to provide you with the means to build a retirement nest egg that can grow over time.

Types of IRAs:

• Traditional IRA: Allows for tax deductible contributions for some people, depending on their income level and whether they have a plan through their workplace. Any growth in a traditional IRA is tax-deferred, and you’ll pay taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement. Contributions are subject to annual limits, and penalties apply if funds are withdrawn before age 59 ½, with some exceptions. RMDs must be taken annually beginning at age 73 and ordinary income taxes are due on withdrawals.
• Roth IRA: Contributions to a Roth IRA are made with after tax income, meaning you don’t receive a tax deduction when you contribute. However, withdrawals in retirement are tax free if certain conditions are met. This account may be ideal for individuals who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement. Roth IRAs are also tax free to those who inherit them if all IRS rules are followed.
• SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension) and SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match PLan for Employees): For self-employed individuals and small business owners, a SEP IRA or SIMPLE IRA plan can allow for higher contribution limits for both themselves and/or their employees. And since the SECURE 2.0 Act, they can be set up as either traditional or Roth IRAs.

Annuities

Annuities are financial products designed to convert your savings into a monthly income stream, particularly during retirement. While annuities can provide retirement income, they are not suitable for everyone; it’s important to work with an advisor to examine contract terms and consider your overall goals and situation.

Annuities can be purchased using pre-tax or after-tax dollars. They can be purchased with deferred payments over time, or with a lump sum—for example, many people roll over funds from a 401(k) into an annuity. When you purchase an annuity for retirement, you exchange a sum of money for guaranteed* monthly payments over a set period or for the rest of your life. *Keep in mind that guarantees are provided by the financial strength of the insurance company providing your annuity contract.

Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or are near retirement age, it’s never too late to learn more, or take action to create your own personal retirement plan. If you’re unsure about your retirement options or would like assistance planning for your financial future, please reach out to us!