401(k) vs. Pension Plan: An Overview A 401(k) and a pension are both employer-sponsored retirement plans. The most significant difference between the two is that a 401(k) is a defined-contribution plan, and a pension is a defined-benefit plan. A defined-contribution plan allows employees and employers (if they choose) to contribute and invest funds to save […]
Read MoreThe 401(k) retirement plan is the most widely known and used employer-sponsored retirement plan. The 408(k) is another type of employer-directed retirement plan in which small business employees can participate. It is also called the simplified employee retirement plan (SEP-IRA). Both the 401(k) and the 408(k) refer to sections of the Internal Revenue Service Tax […]
Read MoreWhen you withdraw funds from your 401(k)—or “take distributions,” in IRS lingo—you begin to enjoy the income from this retirement mainstay and face its tax consequences. For most people, and with most 401(k)s, distributions are taxed as ordinary income. However, the tax burden you’ll incur varies by the type of account you have: traditional or Roth 401(k), […]
Read MoreIf you’re considering leaving a job, and you have a 401(k) plan, you need to stay on top of the various rollover options for your workplace retirement account. One of those options is rolling over a traditional 401(k) into a Roth IRA. This can be a very attractive option, especially if your future earnings will […]
Read MoreAfter you leave your job, there are several options for your 401(k). You may be able to leave your account where it is. Alternatively, you may roll over the money from the old 401(k) into your new employer’s plan, or roll it into an individual retirement account (IRA). You can also take some or all […]
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