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The right answer is, It Depends.

I like a ROTH IRA. Here we pay tax on our contributons. Qualified distributions from a ROTH IRA are tax free. The ROTH IRA also allows us to take our Annual Contributions out of the IRA at any time without tax or without penalty for any reason, even to make a trip to Vegas and put it all on red.

A Traditional IRA is OK too. Here we do not pay tax on our annual contributions giving us a tax advantage now. All distributions from a Traditional IRA are subject to income tax, and if taken before age 59.5 years, there is a 10% penalty. There are a few items that qualify for avoiding the 10% penalty.

Everyone can contribute to a Traditional. Not everyone can take the tax deduction. This is called an after tax Traditional IRA. The earnings are tax deferred. When you take a distribution from this IRA part of the distribution is subject to income tax and part of the distribution is tax free. These amounts are based on the ratio of your after tax contributions to the total amount of the IRA.

Both IRAs will provide you with more investment choices when you use a discount broker as the IRA custodian.

IRAs typically are afforded $1,000,000 of bankruptcy protection. This may vary from state to state.

The 401k contribution is taken from our pay each pay day. Some employer's offer a matching contribution. The Traditional 401k is not taxed when we contribute. It is taxed when we take a qualified distribution. Investment choices are usually limited to a set of mutual funds and savings accounts. Some 401k plans offer a loan feature. I do not recommend you ever take a loan from your 401k account.

Some employers offer a ROTH 401k. Your contributions are taxed as you make the contribution. When you take the qualified distribution from the plan your money comes out tax free. When the employer makes a matching contribution to this IRA, it is a tax deferred contribution. You will pay ordinary income taxes on distributions of the employer's contribution.

When you start contributing to a 401k plan, READ the Summary Plan Description. You will be given a copy, read it.

The big advantage of a 401k plan is for 2008 you can contribute up to $15,500. And if you are over age 50, you can contribute an additional $5,000. This "Catch-up" contribution can be made even if your 401k limits you to an amount lower than the $15,500.

Which is better? It Depends.

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The four types of pension plans available for retirement savings are defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, cash balance plans, and hybrid plans.


What are the different types of defined contribution plans available for retirement savings?

The different types of defined contribution plans available for retirement savings include 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). These plans allow individuals to contribute a portion of their income towards retirement savings, with the contributions often matched by employers in the case of 401(k) and 403(b) plans.


What are the differences between retirement plans for LLCs and S Corporations?

The main difference between retirement plans for LLCs and S Corporations is that LLCs can offer a wider variety of retirement plan options, such as SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k) plans, while S Corporations are limited to offering only certain types of retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans. Additionally, the eligibility requirements and contribution limits may vary between the two types of businesses.


What are pension plans?

Pension plans are a type of retirement plan in which the employee and employer make contributions. These contributions are invested and to be received upon retirement. In most all cases pension plans are tax exempt. The two types of pension plans are defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. A defined benefit plan guarantees an amount upon retirement no matter how the investment performed. A defined contribution plan is not a guaranteed amount and heavily depends on the investment performance.


What are the differences between SEP, SIMPLE, and qualified plans?

SEP, SIMPLE, and qualified plans are all types of retirement plans, but they have key differences. SEP plans allow employers to contribute to employees' retirement accounts, while SIMPLE plans require both employer and employee contributions. Qualified plans, on the other hand, meet specific IRS requirements and offer tax advantages. Each plan has its own rules and benefits, so it's important to understand them before choosing the right one for your retirement savings.

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What are the 4 types of pension plans available for retirement savings?

The four types of pension plans available for retirement savings are defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, cash balance plans, and hybrid plans.


What are the different types of defined contribution plans available for retirement savings?

The different types of defined contribution plans available for retirement savings include 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). These plans allow individuals to contribute a portion of their income towards retirement savings, with the contributions often matched by employers in the case of 401(k) and 403(b) plans.


What is the best way one could benefit from personal finance retirement?

There are many factors involved in retirement planning. Three of the most important are what is your current source of income,how much is your current income, and how long until you plan to retire. Several tax advantaged plans include Roth and Traditional IRAs, 403Bs,401Ks,and SEPTS. These are a few types of accounts to consider depending on your circumstances.


What are the differences between retirement plans for LLCs and S Corporations?

The main difference between retirement plans for LLCs and S Corporations is that LLCs can offer a wider variety of retirement plan options, such as SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k) plans, while S Corporations are limited to offering only certain types of retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans. Additionally, the eligibility requirements and contribution limits may vary between the two types of businesses.


Where can I find information about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of retirement plans?

The best and cheapest way to find lots of information quickly about retirement plans is on the internet. Companies such as Fidelity and Merrill Lynch offer information right on their websites. Also ask your own company what type of retirement plans they offer.


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What are some common types of retirement accounts?

Common types of retirement plans available include the 401k, the Defined Benefit Plan, the Profit Sharing Plan, and many others. More options and more information about these plans can be found on retirementplans.org


How can I find different types of retirement plans?

The main types of retirements plans are Individual retirement accounts, 401(k)s, Simple IRAs etc. The best choice will depend on the applicant's situation. The best option will be to visit a independent financial advisor and they will guide you in the right direction.


What are pension plans?

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What are the differences between SEP, SIMPLE, and qualified plans?

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What are 3 common types of pension plans for individuals?

Three common types of pension plans for individuals include defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Defined benefit plans guarantee a specific payout at retirement based on salary and years of service, while defined contribution plans, like 401(k)s, depend on contributions from the employee and employer, with the final amount varying based on investment performance. IRAs allow individuals to save for retirement with tax advantages, offering both traditional and Roth options based on income and tax preferences.