What is a Money Market Fund? A money market fund is a mutual fund with investments in high-yield money market instruments such as federal securities, CDs, and commercial paper. The intent is to make such instruments (normally purchased in large denominations by institutions) available indirectly to individuals. Are Money Market Funds a Safe Investment? Money markets are relatively safe because money in these accounts is invested in low-risk, short-term securities. Money market funds are still susceptible to volatility and although it may be lower than other vehicles, there is still some risk involved. How Does a Money Market Fund Work?…
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The most popular retirement account of the past decade is the Roth IRA. It offers tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals after age 59.5, and no minimum distribution requirements. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roths are funded with after-tax dollars, which means there is no deduction for a contribution. Evaluating whether to contribute to a pre-tax or Roth IRA is a common exercise. Many are drawn to the upfront benefit because of the tax savings and/or they expect their rate will decline in retirement. However, if your time horizon is decades, Roth savers are much more likely to end up with more after-tax money.…
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Self-employed individuals have multiple options to save for retirement and invest in a tax-efficient manner. One of those options, the Solo 401(k), can be particularly attractive to entrepreneurs running their own business, including those with both a 9-to-5 corporate employer and a “side-hustle” that earns them additional income. What is a Solo 401(k)? A Solo 401(k) plan, also commonly referred to as a solo-k or uni-k, is just like any other 401(k) plan, but is designed to cover a self-employed person with no employees other than his or her spouse. Because it covers only one employee, there is no burdensome…
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Most people have heard of Roth IRAs. Those who qualify typically contribute and those who do not qualify can sometimes find a way to do so, as we explain here. In either case, you can do MORE. Take a Step Back and Understand Plan Types and Limits 2021 Retirement Plan Limits Account Type 2021 Limits IRA $6,000 50+ Catch-Up Limit $1,000 Simple IRA $13,500 50+ Catch-Up Limit $3,000 SEP IRA $58,000 401(k) $19,500 50+ Catch-Up Limit $6,500 Profit Sharing Plan $58,000 Defined Benefit Plan (Annual Limit) $230,000 Depending on your current occupational status and business structure, you may or may…
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What is a 401(k) Retirement Plan? A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that allows employees to defer a portion of their wages to individual accounts. Generally, contributions to the plan are made on a pre-tax basis. However, some employer-sponsored plans allow for after-tax, or Roth 401(K) deferrals. Employers may also match their employees’ 401(K) deferrals up to a certain amount. Annual contributions are typically limited up to a maximum amount allowed by the IRS. What Should I Do With My Old 401(k)? When deciding what to do with an old 401(k), there are typically four options, each with pros…
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What is RMD Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are withdrawals that the IRS requires you to take from tax-deferred accounts (such as IRAs) each year. These withdrawals can be done in a lump sum, or can be taken out gradually over the year, but the RMD must be reached by December 31st of that year. You must begin taking RMDs by April 1st of the year following your 72nd birthday and then annually thereafter. The RMDs are taxed at ordinary income tax rates. See more about RMDs on the IRS website. How Do I Calculate my Required Minimum Distribution? You can calculate your…
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What is An IRA? An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an account that allows you to save for retirement through tax deferred (traditional) or tax-free (Roth) growth. Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA A traditional IRA allows you to contribute pre-tax income directly into your retirement account. This is called tax-deferred because instead of paying taxes currently, you’ll pay (income) taxes when you withdraw money out of the account. Roth IRA A Roth IRA allows you to contribute income that has already been taxed. This means that as you grow your money in your Roth IRA, you will not have to…
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