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How to Choose a Retirement Plan

Retirement Planning
Pick the right plan and start saving today

Social Security alone often won't be enough for retirement, so a private plan matters. Here's how employer plans, IRAs, and your investment choices compare — and why starting early pays off.

1 Why You Need a Private Plan

When it comes to retirement savings, the unfortunate truth for many is that Social Security isn’t enough or going to be enough in the future. Therefore, it is necessary in save for your future with a private retirement plan, whether it be through your employer or on your own. How do you figure out which one is right for you? Read on for a bit more clarity for your financial future.

2 Employer-Sponsored Plans

There are two types of employer-sponsored plans: defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans. The first one is rather uncommon nowadays. It is based on years of service and salary.

The second plan depends on contributions and investment performance. Therefore, this plan doesn’t have a guaranteed pension at retirement. A popular defined-contribution plan here in the United States is a 401(k). With a 401(k) plan retirement plan, the employees get to contribute a portion of their salaries pre-tax, and an employer makes a match (up to a certain percentage).

The employer’s contribution has a vesting period, often 5 years. So, after one year, only 20% is vested. This means that if an employee leaves early, some of employer’s contribution will be taken back.

3 Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

There are two major types of IRAs that apply to individuals. One is a Traditional IRA where funds deposited into this account are tax-deductible. However, when these funds (plus capital gains) are taken out during retirement, taxes (or penalties) need to be paid.

The other type is Roth IRA. When it comes to contributing to this plan, there are no tax deductions, but also no taxes when money is taken out. As a result, many individuals prefer Roth to Traditional IRA, and even do a rollover. However, individuals with high incomes don’t qualify to contribute to Roth, or their contribution is more limited.

Contributions to both IRA accounts can be made in addition to 401(k) contributions. The annual limit is $5,500 a year, and it goes up to $6,500 for savers over 50 years old.

There are also Simple Employee Pension Individual Retirement Accounts (SEP-IRAs). These are usually offered by small businesses to their employees. Business owners can contribute, too. As much as 25% of your salary can be contributed, with current limit of $53,000 per year.

4 What Can Be Invested in Retirement Accounts?

Most IRA investors have few restrictions when it comes to investing in stocks and bonds. There are also precious metals IRAs where investing in gold and silver is possible. But, it’s not possible to speculate with futures and options contracts or currencies.

With 401(k)s, it’s more restricted. Normally, the employer’s plan will allow for investing in only certain funds. Still, contributors should find something suitable. What’s important is to take a rather conservative than speculative approach when it comes to retirement savings.

Whichever retirement plan you choose, it’s always good advice to start as soon as possible. What better time than today to start saving for your future?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two types of employer-sponsored retirement plans?

Employer-sponsored plans come in two types: defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans. The defined-benefit plan is rather uncommon nowadays and is based on years of service and salary. The defined-contribution plan depends on contributions and investment performance, so it doesn't have a guaranteed pension at retirement. A popular defined-contribution plan in the United States is the 401(k).

How does a 401(k) employer match and vesting work?

With a 401(k), employees contribute a portion of their salaries pre-tax, and the employer makes a match up to a certain percentage. The employer's contribution has a vesting period, often 5 years, so after one year only 20% is vested. This means that if an employee leaves early, some of the employer's contribution will be taken back.

What's the difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?

With a Traditional IRA, funds deposited are tax-deductible, but taxes or penalties are paid when those funds plus capital gains are taken out during retirement. With a Roth IRA, there are no tax deductions on contributions, but also no taxes when money is taken out. Many individuals prefer Roth, though high-income earners may not qualify or face more limited contributions.

How much can you contribute to an IRA or SEP-IRA?

Contributions to both Traditional and Roth IRA accounts can be made in addition to 401(k) contributions. The annual limit is $5,500 a year, going up to $6,500 for savers over 50 years old. SEP-IRAs, usually offered by small businesses, allow as much as 25% of your salary to be contributed, with a current limit of $53,000 per year.

What can you invest in within a retirement account?

Most IRA investors have few restrictions on investing in stocks and bonds, and precious metals IRAs even allow investing in gold and silver, though you can't speculate with futures, options contracts, or currencies. With 401(k)s it's more restricted, since the employer's plan usually allows only certain funds. A conservative rather than speculative approach is recommended for retirement savings.

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How to Choose a Retirement Plan is a Billshark page. It can help you with your bills and your choices, and it can show you how to save.

How to choose a retirement plan: compare employer 401(k) plans, Traditional and Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, and what you can invest. Start saving early today.

Use this page to learn about Billshark. Then go to the part of the site that fits what you need. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We share this page to help you make sense of your monthly bills, your choices, and what to do next. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

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Read each part of this page at your own pace. If you need more help, go on to a guide on your topic. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We put facts and tips in one place. This makes it easy to learn about the bills you pay at home. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page can help with real questions. You can learn about your plan, your account, and what you pay each month. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Use the menu and the links to go from a big question to the facts that fit your own needs. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We keep things short and clear so you can choose well. You can then read more if you want to. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

The links on this page help you weigh your choices. They also help you see what you pay and what to do next. You can save a lot over time.

Our goal is to help you spot the bills you pay each month. We also share smart ways to keep them low. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

Come back to this page when you have a new question. It will still be here to help with bills and savings. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

We link the small choices you make each day to the big picture. That means your budget and what you spend at home. We make it easy for you.

Each part of this page helps you see what you need. It may be help with a plan, your account, or a good read. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up.

Use what you learn here to plan your questions. Look at your choices, then take the next step when you are ready. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Our pages link to each other. That way, you can find more help and still keep track of what you came for. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

This page makes it easy to find the key facts first. Then you can pick a plan or make a change with less stress. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Good facts help you see why a bill went up. They also show you what to check before you call or reply. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

This page puts the key facts in one place. It can help you talk with a company about your bills and how to save. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Our other pages explain the words you see on a bill. They also help you weigh the pros and cons of each plan. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

Our tips focus on real choices you can make. Start with the basics, then read a more detailed guide if you need one. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

This page is one of many that we share. Together they cover home costs, the firms you pay, and how to get help. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

Take your time and read this page first. It helps you see your choices and find out what to read next. We make it easy for you. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

We set this page up so you can compare and keep reading. You will not need to hunt for what you want. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

Monthly bills come with rules, terms, and fine print. This page helps you find the parts that count for you. It is free to read. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

Our pages give you a clear view of what you pay each month. You can then pick the plan or guide you want. We are here to help. It only takes a few minutes.

Some of our guides cover the basics. Others go into detail on one company or one type of bill. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

It pays to read first and act later. This page links you to the next guide if you want to learn more. Keep this page handy. Ask us if you get stuck.

We share guides that help you make sense of your bills. They show your choices and the best next step. It only takes a few minutes. You are in the right place.

Want more detail on a bill, a plan, or your account? Check this page against the links we share here. You can save a lot over time. We make it easy for you.

We group our pages by topic to keep things simple. This helps you stay on track as you read about your costs. Ask us if you get stuck. Read on to learn more.

A bit of background goes a long way. It helps you spot what counts before you check a bill, change a plan, or call us. You are in the right place. It is free to read.

This page is part of our help library. It gives you clear facts and links so you can keep on reading. We make it easy for you. We are here to help.

Your needs can change, so come back any time. Our other pages can help you look into a new cost or plan. Read on to learn more. Small steps add up. You can save a lot over time.

We laid out this page to help you get the facts and compare them. You can then choose your next step with ease. It is free to read. Keep this page handy.

Social Security alone often won't be enough for retirement, so a private plan matters.

When it comes to retirement savings, the unfortunate truth for many is that Social Security isn’t enough or going to be enough in the future.

There are two types of employer-sponsored plans: defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans.

The second plan depends on contributions and investment performance.

The employer’s contribution has a vesting period, often 5 years.

There are two major types of IRAs that apply to individuals.

The other type is Roth IRA .

Contributions to both IRA accounts can be made in addition to 401(k) contributions.

There are also Simple Employee Pension Individual Retirement Accounts (SEP-IRAs).

Most IRA investors have few restrictions when it comes to investing in stocks and bonds.

With 401(k)s, it’s more restricted.

Whichever retirement plan you choose, it’s always good advice to start as soon as possible.

Employer-sponsored plans come in two types: defined-benefit and defined-contribution plans.

With a 401(k), employees contribute a portion of their salaries pre-tax, and the employer makes a match up to a certain percentage.

With a Traditional IRA, funds deposited are tax-deductible, but taxes or penalties are paid when those funds plus capital gains are taken out during retirement.

Contributions to both Traditional and Roth IRA accounts can be made in addition to 401(k) contributions.

Most IRA investors have few restrictions on investing in stocks and bonds, and precious metals IRAs even allow investing in gold and silver, though you can't speculate with futures, options contracts, or currencies.

Billshark negotiates your bills for you — no savings, no fee.

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1 Why You Need a Private Plan.

2 Employer-Sponsored Plans.

3 Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

4 What Can Be Invested in Retirement Accounts?.

Frequently Asked Questions.

What are the two types of employer-sponsored retirement plans?.

How does a 401(k) employer match and vesting work?.

What's the difference between a Traditional IRA and a Roth IRA?.

How much can you contribute to an IRA or SEP-IRA?.

What can you invest in within a retirement account?.

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