A 401(k) allows people to set pre or post tax money aside for retirement. The average life expectancy in the United States has increased by ten years from 1950 (68) to 2012 (78). Many older Americans must now work part time in order to maintain the quality of life that they’re accustomed to. Learn more about a 401(k), it’s features, and why it is a critical component of any retirement plan….(read more)

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A 401K is a type of retirement savings plan widely used in the United States. It is a type of qualified employer-sponsored plan that allows employees to save and invest a portion of their salary before taxes are taken out. The name 401K comes from the section of the Internal Revenue Code that created this type of plan.

The beauty of a 401K is that the money you contribute is not taxed until you withdraw it in retirement. This means that you can save more money now because you are not paying taxes on the money you contribute. The money in your 401k account grows tax-free until you withdraw it in retirement.

Employers may also offer a matching contribution to your 401k account. For example, if your employer offers a 50% match on your contributions up to 6% of your salary, and you contribute the maximum 6%, your employer will add an additional 3% of your salary to your 401k account. This is essentially free money that you can use to grow your retirement savings.

401K plans typically offer a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, stock and bond funds, and target-date funds. It is important to understand your investment options and choose the ones that are right for you based on your retirement goals and investment preferences.

One of the key advantages of a 401K plan is that it is portable. If you change jobs, you can typically roll over your 401k account to a new employer’s plan or to an individual retirement account (IRA) without taxes or penalties.

It is important to note that there are contribution limits to 401K plans, which vary depending on age and other factors. In 2021, the contribution limit for employees under age 50 is $19,500 per year, while those over age 50 can contribute an additional $6,500 in catch-up contributions.

In conclusion, a 401K is a valuable tool for retirement savings, offering tax-deferred growth and the possibility of employer matching contributions. It is a great way to save for retirement and secure your financial future.