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Retirement Investment Options
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by: JoeJames
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Word Count: 438
There are many retirement saving options out there for people looking to invest in their future. The two most important ones are the 401k and the IRA. There are many different types of each of these options. Both options have different rules too. However, if you use these two options together, you will be able to save a lot of money for your retirement.
A 401k is an option that is set up by your employer. They give you a select number of stocks and mutual funds to invest in and you can set the ratio you want to invest in. This is an optional plan. The money is taken out before taxes meaning your contribution is not taxed. However, when you retire, the money you take out is taxed so if you are in a higher income bracket than when the money went in you will have to pay more taxes than you would. But your money does grow tax free and many employers will match you contribution.
When you use a 401(K), you can invest up to 14,000 dollars per year. This number is inclusive of both your and your employer's contribution into the plan. This type of investment plan is really great when your employer contributes to it but since you will hopefully be in a higher tax bracket when you are older you should consider only investing up to your employer's match.
An IRA is for an individual person. It's just like owning a normal investment account as you can put the money in anything you want. You can hold cash, bonds, or stocks. The investment limit is $5000 a year for age 49 or below. The money you put in is after you paid taxes but it comes out tax free when you are older. However, you have to pay an early withdrawal penalty if you take money out before you are 59 1/2. You original contributions though are tax free at any time.
The bets strategy is to invest in both plans. Use the IRA to diversify your holdings while receiving a tax benefit and use the 401k to receive extra money from your employer and a smaller tax benefit. The best investment strategy uses both to receive the most money and the most tax benefits.
No matter what investment option you choose make sure you max out that option. Maxing them both out is better. That way you save the most money for your future and pay the least amount of taxes on it. Saving for your retirement is important and these two methods are the best way to do it.
About the Author
Joe James gives financial advice for a living. He resides in the southwest of the United States and is a retirement specialist. You can find out more information at his website about figuring out finance.
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