Why 401k instead of savings account?
With a traditional 401(k), you make contributions with pre-tax dollars, so you get a tax break up front, helping lower your current income tax bill. Your money—both contributions and potential earnings—grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it. At that time, withdrawals are taxed at your current tax rate.
You need to make informed choices about where to invest for retirement. Your retirement money should not be in a savings account for two key reasons. Putting your retirement money into savings would mean missing out on tax breaks and earning returns that are lower than the amount you need.
Many companies offer 401(k) plans to encourage employees to save for retirement. Some even match contributions you make yourself. Aim to save at least 15% of your pretax income each year for retirement (including employer contributions). This can be in a 401(k) or another retirement account.
Also consider how you intend to use the funds. If you want money you can tap at any time for medical emergencies, an HSA is a better choice. You can make hardship withdrawals from a 401(k) for medical expenses, but you'll have to pay taxes on them.
- Most plans have limited flexibility as it relates to quality and quantity of investment options.
- Fees can be high especially in smaller company plans.
- There can be early withdrawal penalties equal to 10% of the amount withdrawn before age 59 1/2.
When to invest money. If you don't need the money for at least five years (or longer) and you're comfortable taking some risk, investing the funds will likely yield higher returns than saving. If you're eligible for an employer match in your retirement account, such as a 401(k).
So if you keep your retirement nest egg in a savings account, you might lose out on the higher returns you need to outpace inflation over time. Also, a savings account won't give you any sort of tax break on your money.
The Bottom Line. A 401(k) plan can be a powerful tool for building wealth and the sooner you start saving, the more time you have to capitalize on compounding interest. A savings account, meanwhile, can offer liquidity and flexibility.
A 401(k) is an excellent retirement savings account, but it shouldn't be the only one you choose. Contribute up to your employer's match, then put money in a Roth account and a taxable account. Tax diversification in retirement will protect you from changes in tax law and keep money flowing.
The Bottom Line. "The ideal contribution rate for retirement depends on a few different factors," says Mark Hebner of Index Fund Advisors in Irvine, Calif., "but a good sweet spot is 10% to 15%—more towards 15% if you can afford to do so. The bare minimum is 10%."
Is it still smart to put money in 401k?
One major advantage of a 401(k) is that it allows for easy, consistent contributions, and your employer may offer to match your contribution. Accessing money before retirement could also result in high fees and penalties, and you might have to pay higher taxes in retirement.
Safety: As noted, most high-yield savings accounts are either FDIC or NCUA insured for up to $250,000. Moreover, as deposit accounts, they're not susceptible to the ebbs and flows of the market, so there's little to no chance you'll lose the money you deposit into one.
Transferring Your 401(k) to Your Bank Account
That's typically an option when you stop working, but be aware that moving money to your checking or savings account may be considered a taxable distribution. As a result, you could owe income taxes, additional penalty taxes, and other complications could arise.
The value of 401(k) plans is based on the concept of dollar-cost averaging, but that's not always a reliable theory. Many 401(k) plans are expensive because of high administrative and record-keeping costs. Nonetheless, 401(k) plans are ultimately worth it for most people, depending on your retirement goals.
Many smaller employers don't offer 401(k) plans. Even when they do, workers might balk at participating, because they can't spare the income or they're afraid they might need to withdraw it later on, triggering tax penalties.
Roth IRA matchup, a Roth IRA can be a better choice than a 401(k) retirement plan, as it typically offers more investment options and greater tax benefits. It may be especially useful if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket later on.
Your Retirement Savings If You Save $100 a Month in a 401(k)
If you're age 25 and have 40 years to save until retirement, depositing $100 a month into a savings account earning the current average U.S. interest rate of 0.42% APY would get you to just $52,367 in retirement savings — not great.
Aim for your full 401(k) match
Leslie Beck, a Rutherford, New Jersey-based CFP and owner of Compass Wealth Management, said she has a "rule of thumb" for how to decide between retirement and emergency savings. She always recommends contributing enough money to your 401(k) to get the full company match.
The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.
How much is too much savings? Keeping too much of your money in savings could mean missing out on the chance to earn higher returns elsewhere. It's also important to keep FDIC limits in mind. Anything over $250,000 in savings may not be protected in the rare event that your bank fails.
Where do billionaires keep their money?
Common types of securities include bonds, stocks and funds (mutual and exchange-traded). Funds and stocks are the bread-and-butter of investment portfolios. Billionaires use these investments to ensure their money grows steadily.
How much do you need? Everybody has a different opinion. Most financial experts suggest you need a cash stash equal to six months of expenses: If you need $5,000 to survive every month, save $30,000.
A 401(k) is intended for long-term retirement savings that grow through investments in the financial markets. But 401(k) plans come with restrictions on when funds can be accessed. Savings accounts are lower risk and don't have as many limitations, but can't be invested like a 401(k).
To safeguard your financial health, prioritize paying off high-interest debts, adding to an emergency fund, and paying into a retirement account. Home equity can benefit you financially, but retirement savings may be critical to supplement Social Security payments and pay for essentials later in life.
Although 401(k) plans are an excellent way to save, it may not be possible to set aside enough for a comfortable retirement, in part because of IRS limits. Inflation and taxes on 401(k) distributions erode the value of your savings.
