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Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Most people are presented with 2 choices when it comes to retirement planning: a Roth vs. 401k. Now...of course there are more options than this, but mainstream financial professionals are really pushing these two products as the foundation of a sound financial plan.
If you are making a decision between a Roth and a 401(k) plan, consider what your goal is in saving money for your future. If you are trying to save up enough money to live on, a 401(k) probably won't be the best choice. That's because the better you do, the more in taxes you pay. In fact, you may end up paying back more in taxes than you've saved.
Let's key in on one of the things that you're always told about these plans. Aren't you constantly being told that you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire? Think about whether that really makes sense to you. Because, if it's true, then it means you're making less money than when you were working. That may seem fine for some people, but adjust for inflation, and you could be broke when you retire! Is that what you really want?
Your other option, you are told, is the Roth IRA. The Roth is an interesting creature. It gives you the ability to contribute after tax dollars in exchange for tax-free retirement income. Now, there's nothing inherently wrong with that. The problem is not in the tax benefits, but rather the contribution limits. It is typical to find out that you will never be able to save enough money in a Roth.
What it ultimately comes down to is: which qualified retirement plan is the best? But, do you need to use a qualified plan? Most mutual fund investors earn less than the rate of inflation according to DALBARinc.com. In qualified retirement plans, the bulk of your money will probably be invested in - you guessed it - mutual funds. The inherently high fees in some of these plans will further drag down your returns.
What would be an alternative to qualified plans? High cash value life insurance. Many major banks and corporations have been turning to specially designed life insurance policies as a way to build a "perfected savings" for over 100 years. At retirement, you get all of the money back that you put into the contract plus anywhere between 4-6% interest over that time period. If you die unexpectedly, like any insurance policy, the death benefit will will act to accelerate your savings - that you were not able to actually save - to your family.
If you are making a decision between a Roth and a 401(k) plan, consider what your goal is in saving money for your future. If you are trying to save up enough money to live on, a 401(k) probably won't be the best choice. That's because the better you do, the more in taxes you pay. In fact, you may end up paying back more in taxes than you've saved.
Let's key in on one of the things that you're always told about these plans. Aren't you constantly being told that you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire? Think about whether that really makes sense to you. Because, if it's true, then it means you're making less money than when you were working. That may seem fine for some people, but adjust for inflation, and you could be broke when you retire! Is that what you really want?
Your other option, you are told, is the Roth IRA. The Roth is an interesting creature. It gives you the ability to contribute after tax dollars in exchange for tax-free retirement income. Now, there's nothing inherently wrong with that. The problem is not in the tax benefits, but rather the contribution limits. It is typical to find out that you will never be able to save enough money in a Roth.
What it ultimately comes down to is: which qualified retirement plan is the best? But, do you need to use a qualified plan? Most mutual fund investors earn less than the rate of inflation according to DALBARinc.com. In qualified retirement plans, the bulk of your money will probably be invested in - you guessed it - mutual funds. The inherently high fees in some of these plans will further drag down your returns.
What would be an alternative to qualified plans? High cash value life insurance. Many major banks and corporations have been turning to specially designed life insurance policies as a way to build a "perfected savings" for over 100 years. At retirement, you get all of the money back that you put into the contract plus anywhere between 4-6% interest over that time period. If you die unexpectedly, like any insurance policy, the death benefit will will act to accelerate your savings - that you were not able to actually save - to your family.
About the Author:
Author information: Only so much information can be covered in one article. If you would like more detailed information about any aspect of personal financial planning, please visit David's website.
posted by Credit Counseling at
8:20 AM
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