The earlier you begin saving, the more beneficial it will be. Fortunately, regardless of whether you are employed by a large company, your retirement plan consultant in Fresno CA, knows a small enterprise, or are self-employed, there is a retirement plan available that can accommodate your unique circumstances.
Here are the top selections from Business Insider’s editors for the most effective retirement plans to help you build your savings in 2025.
Establish a New Retirement Account
Types of Accounts
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) serve as retirement savings options available to anyone who has earned income. They are ideal for those who are unemployed, do not have a workplace retirement plan, or wish to complement their 401(k) contributions with an additional retirement savings account. IRAs provide significant investment potential for long-term growth.
Regardless of whether you possess a 401(k) or another type of employer-sponsored retirement plan, you typically have the option to establish a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA to maximize your tax advantages. While you are allowed to open multiple IRAs, the combined contributions across all your IRAs must not surpass the yearly limit.
Here are a few types of specialty IRAs worth considering:
Self-directed IRAs: Self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) empower investors by providing access to a broader spectrum of investment choices, such as precious metals, commodities, and cryptocurrencies. For instance, the top bitcoin IRAs and the top gold IRAs fall under this category of SDIRAs.
A 457(b) plan is a retirement savings account provided by state and local governments, as well as tax-exempt organizations. To fund your 457(b) plan, you can request that your employer deduct a specific amount from your paycheck and place it into your retirement account. Certain employers also permit you to make Roth contributions.
As 457(b) plans serve as additional savings options, it is possible to make early withdrawals before reaching the age of 59 ½ without incurring a 10% penalty.
Advantages of 457(b) Plans:
Savings options for older employees to catch up
Income that is tax-deferred or growth that is tax-free
Drawbacks of 457(b)s:
Should be an employee of either state or local government entities or a tax-exempt organization
Generally does not provide an employer matching contribution
403(b) Plans
A 403(b), also known as a tax-sheltered annuity, is a retirement savings option provided by public educational institutions, religious organizations, and other nonprofit entities. This plan functions in a manner akin to a 401(k) retirement plan, enabling workers to invest either pre-tax or post-tax funds.
Your employer might offer a matching contribution benefit. Nevertheless, your investment choices are restricted to those selected by your employer for your plan.
Advantages of 403(b)s:
Payroll deductions for your retirement plan are automated
Growth that is tax-deferred or withdrawals that are tax-free
Benefits from employer matching
Drawbacks of 403(b) Plans:
The retirement plan provided by the employer restricts the available investment choices.
Individual 401(k)
For individuals who are self-employed and do not have any employees, a solo 401(k) plan offers a stronger retirement savings option compared to a regular traditional or Roth IRA. The contribution limits for solo 401(k)s significantly exceed those of a typical IRA.
The total contributions from both you and your employer must not surpass $70,000 or 25% of your compensation after taxes, depending on which amount is lower.
Advantages of a solo 401(k):
Both employees and employers can make contributions to your retirement plan
Increased catch-up contribution limits for individuals aged 60-63
Income that is tax-deferred or withdrawals that are tax-free
A solo 401(k) retirement plan allows for the inclusion of spouses
Drawbacks of a solo 401(k):
To be eligible for this retirement plan, you must either be a business owner or the spouse of one.
For an account to stay active, consistent contributions are required.
You must not have any employees, apart from a spouse.
SEP IRA
A SEP IRA is a type of retirement plan designed for self-employed individuals and small business owners, allowing them to make significant tax-deductible contributions. This plan offers flexibility in contribution amounts, making it a popular choice for those looking to save for retirement while managing their business finances effectively.
Vesting serves as a safeguard for employees from financial setbacks. For example, the IRS states that if an employee has not worked over 500 hours in each year for five consecutive years, an employer may retain portions of the employee’s account balance that are not completely vested.
Advantages of SEP IRA:
Equal contributions to retirement plans are required from employers for all eligible employees.
Employer contributions that are vested immediately.
Income that is tax-deferred or withdrawals that are tax-free.
Disadvantages of SEP IRA:
Contributions can solely be made by the employer
Employers are required to provide equal contributions for every eligible employee
Selecting the Ideal Retirement Plan for You
Choosing the most suitable retirement plan for your financial circumstances relies on factors such as your job, relationship status, earnings, and investment choices.
Business owners who employ fewer than one hundred staff members have the option to establish either a SEP IRA or a SIMPLE IRA. SEP IRAs are ideal for those who prefer to make contributions exclusively to their employees’ retirement savings, since employees are not permitted to contribute.
Conclusion
We have a strong team of professionals helping ensure you receive all the assistance you need not only in developing your retirement income strategy, but in maintaining it throughout your retirement. Contact us today at 559-230-1648 or visit us today at Soutas Financial to see how we can help you Retire ”Your Way!”
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Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. The commentary on this website reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints, and analyses of the author, Soutas Financial, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”), or performance returns of any Foundations client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security, or any security. Foundations manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Foundations deems reliable any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources that is included in any commentary, but in no way guarantees its accuracy or completeness.
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