Retirement planning is crucial for anyone who wants to maintain a comfortable standard of living after their working years are over. Following on from my previous article “Retirement Planning: How Much Should You Be Saving” I will delve deeper into the types of retirement accounts available to those who wish to plan ahead and save their future selves a lot of headache. One of the best ways to save for retirement is through a variety of retirement accounts, each with its own unique features. However,  as with everything in life each type of retirement account also has its very own set of pros and cons. Listed below are some of the most popular types of retirement accounts and their benefits alongside their drawbacks, giving you a holistic overview in which you can plan your future with the transparency it requires. 

1. Traditional IRA:

A traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is the standard “go-to” when it comes to retirement planning, most individuals looking to save up for their retirement will likely have access to an IRA.

Pros: Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible, potentially lowering your current tax bill. Growth on your investments in the account is tax-deferred until you withdraw it, and you may be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, so you’ll owe less in taxes.

Cons: Withdrawals from a traditional IRA are taxed as regular income, including any gains, and they are subject to a 10% penalty if taken before age 59 ½. Alongside this, once you reach the age of 72, you’ll be required to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your account.

2. Roth IRA:

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account that offers tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Roth IRA rules dictate that as long as you’ve owned your account for 5 years* and you’re age 59½ or older, you can withdraw your money when you want to and you won’t owe any federal taxes

Pros: Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Additionally, there are no RMDs for Roth IRAs so you can continue to accumulate tax-free growth for as long as you like.

Cons: Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible, so you’ll need to pay taxes on that income upfront. Also, there are income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA. which essentially means that If you don’t earn anything in a tax year, you will be ineligible to contribute to your Roth IRA for that year. The account will still be active however it’s just that you cannot add to it, which may get in the way of your work-free, sunsetting retirement plan.

3. 401(k):

A 401 (k) is an investment fund that some companies will employ which allows you to make monthly or annual contributions from your salary that are stored away into your retirement fund.

Pros: Contributions to a 401(k) come directly out of your paycheck, so it’s easy to save without thinking about it. Often your employer may match a portion of your contribution, which can add up to significant savings over time. You can contribute up to $19,500 in 2021, and if you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $6,500 in catch-up contributions. With some simple maths, you can see how this can quickly snowball if your employer is also matching your donations, meaning more rest and recuperation in your waning years! 

Cons: Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as regular income, including any gains, and they are subject to a 10% penalty if taken before age 59 ½. Also, there are limited investment options offered by your employer’s 401(k) plan.

4. SEP IRA:

 A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners. 

Pros: Contributions are tax-deductible, and the account is easy to set up and administer. You can contribute up to 25% of your net earnings from self-employment up to a maximum of $58,000 as of 2021.

Cons: If you have employees, you’ll need to make contributions to their accounts as well, which can be expensive. Also, like a traditional IRA, withdrawals in retirement are taxed as regular income, including any gains.

Overall, the best retirement account for you depends on your unique situation and goals. Consider the tax benefits, investment options, and contribution limits of each type of account before making a decision. Consulting with a financial advisor can help you make an informed choice that suits your needs.