Navigating Your Retirement Savings: Your Guide to IRA vs. 401(k) - Retirement Planners of America (2024)

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  • March 1, 2024

Finding financial peace of mind in your retirement journey involves strategic planning, and at the core of this financial roadmap are retirement accounts. In this guide, we’ll unravel the basics of two prominent retirement accounts—IRA (Individual Retirement Account) and 401(k). Understanding the distinctions between these accounts is fundamental to making informed decisions for your financial future.

1. IRA (Individual Retirement Account): A Personalized Approach

An IRA is a versatile retirement savings account that offers individuals flexibility in tailoring their investment strategy. There are two primary types: Traditional IRA and Roth IRA.

Traditional IRA:

  • Contributions may be tax-deductible.
  • Earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawal.
  • Mandatory required minimum distributions (RMDs) typically begin at age 72.

Roth IRA:

  • Contributions are made with after-tax dollars.
  • Qualified withdrawals, including earnings, are tax-free.
  • No mandatory RMDs during the account holder’s lifetime.

Considerations

  • Eligibility and contribution limits vary based on income and tax-filing status.
  • Ideal for those seeking personalized investment options.

2. 401(k): Employer-Sponsored Retirement

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax income.

Key Features:

  • Employers may offer matching contributions.
  • Contributions reduce taxable income.
  • Commonly includes a variety of investment options.

Considerations:

  • Contribution limits are set annually and may vary based on income.
  • Beneficial for individuals looking to maximize employer-sponsored retirement benefits.

3. Contribution Limits: Navigating the Numbers

Both IRA and 401(k) accounts have contribution limits, which can change annually. Navigating these limits requires careful consideration of your financial capacity and retirement goals.

4. Tax Implications: Decoding the Complexities

IRA Tax Implications:

  • Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible.
  • Roth IRA withdrawals are tax-free in retirement.

401(k) Tax Implications:

  • Contributions reduce taxable income.
  • Distributions are taxed as ordinary income in retirement.

5. Distributions in Retirement: Planning for Financial Freedom

Both IRA and 401(k) accounts have rules regarding withdrawals in retirement.

IRA Distributions:

  • Mandatory RMDs from Traditional IRAs begin at age 72.
  • Roth IRAs have no mandatory RMDs during the account holder’s lifetime.

401(k) Distributions:

  • RMDs typically begin at age 72 unless still employed.

Our Retirement Planners understand the distribution rules and can help you strategically plan your withdrawals in retirement. They can help you navigate the intricacies of required minimum distributions (RMDs) and assist in crafting a distribution strategy that aligns with your lifestyle and financial needs in retirement.

6. The Power of Professional Guidance: Tailoring Your Retirement Strategy

While this guide provides a solid foundation, the complexities of retirement accounts require personalized attention. A dedicated retirement planner can offer guidance based on your unique financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. They can provide you with a retirement plan that is designed to take advantage of favorable market conditions when possible as well as protect your assets from conditions that threaten your ability to retire or stay retired. A Retirement Planner can provide professional insights, tailored strategies, and ongoing support to help you make the most of your IRA and 401(k) accounts. Click Meet with an Advisor to schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards your retirement as your second childhood without parental supervision.

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RPOA Advisors, Inc. (d/b/a Retirement Planners of America ) (“Retirement Planners of America”, “RPOA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with a primary business location in Plano, Texas. Registration as an investment adviser is not an endorsem*nt by securities regulators and does not imply that Retirement Planners of America has attained a certain level of skill, training, or ability. The “Invest and Protect Strategy” (the “Strategy”) refers to a strategy that Retirement Planners of America fundamentally employs for its clients. Retirement Planners of America previously employed a similar strategy that it referred to as the “buy, hold, and sell” strategy or “buy hold, and protect” strategy. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Therefore, current or prospective clients should not assume that the future performance of the Strategy, any specific investment, or any other investment strategy that Retirement Planners of America recommends will be profitable or equal to past performance levels. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. References to recommendations made under the Strategy that predate 2011; and statements such as and similar to: “we told our clients to be out of the market in 2007 and 2008,” “we told our clients to get back into the market in 2009,” and “clients that followed our advice were out of the market in 2008;” refer to strategies collectively employed and recommendations collectively made by Retirement Planners of America’s principals while employed at Eagle Strategies, LLC., and also at Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Three of the five principals remain as principals today, including the Retirement Planners of America’s founder, Ken Moraif. 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Navigating Your Retirement Savings: Your Guide to IRA vs. 401(k) - Retirement Planners of America (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to keep money in 401k or IRA? ›

If your employer offers a 401(k), you likely want to take advantage of that — especially if the company offers an employer match. If your employer doesn't offer a retirement plan, an IRA is a good way to ensure that you're still saving money on your own.

What is the main difference between a 401 K and and IRA retirement plan? ›

The main difference between 401(k)s and IRAs is that 401(k)s are offered through employers, whereas IRAs are opened by individuals through a broker or a bank. IRAs typically offer more investment options, but 401(k)s allow higher annual contributions.

Is it better to withdraw from 401k or IRA? ›

A 401(k) may provide an employer match, but an IRA does not. An IRA generally has more investment choices than a 401(k). An IRA allows you to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty for certain expenses like higher education, up to $10,000 for a first home purchase or health insurance if you are unemployed.

Can I contribute full $6000 to IRA if I have 401k? ›

A work 401(k) is a nice perk to help you increase your retirement savings. If you're also trying to save outside of your employer-sponsored retirement plan, however, you might run into some problems. The good news is that you can contribute to an IRA even if you also contribute to a 401(k) at work.

At what age is 401k withdrawal tax free? ›

Once you reach 59½, you can take distributions from your 401(k) plan without being subject to the 10% penalty. However, that doesn't mean there are no consequences. All withdrawals from your 401(k), even those taken after age 59½, are subject to ordinary income taxes.

What are the disadvantages of rolling over a 401k to an IRA? ›

Any Traditional 401(k) assets that are rolled into a Roth IRA are subject to taxes at the time of conversion. You may pay annual fees or other fees for maintaining your Roth IRA at some companies, or you may face higher investing fees, pricing, and expenses than you did with your 401(k).

What are the two most popular personal retirement plans? ›

Three of the most popular options are a solo 401(k), a SIMPLE IRA and a SEP IRA, and these offer a number of benefits to participants: Higher contribution limits: Plans such as the solo 401(k) and SEP IRA give participants much higher contribution limits than a typical 401(k) plan.

Why use an IRA over a 401k? ›

For most people, rolling over a 401(k) (or a 403(b) for those in the public or nonprofit sector) to an IRA is the best choice. That's because a rollover to an IRA offers: More control over your portfolio and more personalized investment choices.

Should I open an IRA if I have a 401k? ›

Add tax-deferred growth of earnings, and what's not to like? But as positive as all this is, there's a good case for having an IRA in addition to your 401(k). An IRA not only gives you the ability to save even more, it might also give you more investment choices than you have in your employer-sponsored plan.

What is the age 55 rule? ›

This is where the rule of 55 comes in. If you turn 55 (or older) during the calendar year you lose or leave your job, you can begin taking distributions from your 401(k) without paying the early withdrawal penalty. However, you must still pay taxes on your withdrawals.

How do I avoid tax on IRA withdrawals? ›

You still won't pay any taxes on a Roth IRA if you withdraw only your contributions. If you start withdrawing your earnings from your money then an early withdrawal will trigger taxes. You will have to pay a penalty of 10% on both types of accounts if you withdraw before you are 59 1/2.

How much tax do you pay on IRA withdrawal at age 70? ›

Roth IRA withdrawals represent exceptions. They are tax-free if taken after age 59 1/2 and the account has been open for at least five years.

Can I contribute to an IRA if I make 150k? ›

You can contribute to a Roth IRA if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is: Less than $153,000 (single filer) 2023 tax year. Less than $228,000 (joint filer) 2023 tax year. Less than $161,000 (single filer) 2024 tax year.

Are backdoor Roth IRAs allowed in 2024? ›

Yes. Backdoor Roth IRAs are still allowed in 2024. However, there has been talk of eliminating the backdoor Roth in recent years. And the future is, of course, difficult to predict.

Can you max out both an IRA and a 401k in the same year? ›

Though you may not be able to claim a tax deduction on all your contributions, you can max out each type of account in the same tax year. Plus, the IRS permits those who are at least 50 years old to make additional “catch-up” contributions into each account.

Should I still keep putting money in my 401k? ›

401(k) contribution options

While you shouldn't stop investing in your 401(k) during a market downturn, there are some things you can do to help protect your saved cash. Set retirement goals: Without a plan, going into any extensive life choice isn't a promising idea. The same goes for investing.

How can I avoid losing money in my IRA? ›

A Roth IRA can lose money like any investment. Losses may result from poor investment selection, market volatility, early withdrawals and investment fees. You can avoid losses by diversifying, watching fees closely, investing in safe assets and avoiding early withdrawals.

What are the advantages of rolling over a 401k to an IRA? ›

Rolling over a 401k to an IRA can provide more control, better investment options, and access to more robust tax strategies, as well as other advantages like better communication, simplified recordkeeping, and estate planning benefits.

Should I still be putting money in my 401k? ›

Most retirement savers should continue to contribute to their plan and stick to their strategic asset allocation, since buying the dips should allow the portfolio to grow even larger over the long run.

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