Automatic Deduction
Your contributions are deducted automatically from your pay, which helps maintain discipline in your personal savings program.
Americans who want to enjoy a comfortable retirement recognize they must rely on their personal savings to supplement Social Security benefits and traditional company pension plans. Here are a few reasons why your employer sponsored 401(k) plan or 403(b) plan is an ideal way to save for retirement:
Your contributions are deducted automatically from your pay, which helps maintain discipline in your personal savings program.
Many employers choose to match a percentage of the money you save. Taking advantage of this match is like taking free money.
Saving through an employer sponsored retirement plan will reduce current taxable income and allows your savings to grow tax deferred until you withdraw the money in your retirement years when you will likely be in a lower tax bracket. Some plans offer an additional choice called a “Roth” option, which allows you to forego current tax benefits in favor of taking tax-free withdrawals in the future.
The rules that cover 401(k) and 403(b) plans put you in control of your account. If you change jobs, you can likely transfer (rollover) your account to your new employer’s plan, or you can choose to rollover your account to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
You decide how much to contribute and how your money is invested. Your investment advisor will help you decide on an investment strategy that is suitable for you and gives you the best chance of meeting your financial goals.
