Frequently Asked Questions

While it is usually preferable to save as much as possible for retirement, you should do so within your means.

There are two types of 401(k)s: traditional and Roth. The main difference between the two types is the way taxes are handled. Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made pre-tax—that is, taken from your paycheck before income or other taxes are assessed. You are then taxed on withdrawals from the account when you take them. Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are made after-taxes are assessed on your income, meaning later withdrawals from the account are not taxed again.

Required minimum distributions, or RMDs, are government-mandated withdrawals that begin to affect 401(k) and IRA owners and their beneficiaries when they reach a specific age or at death. Those that inherit a 401(K) or an IRA from a deceased party may also be subject to RMDs depending on the type of account they inherit, the age of the decedent and whether RMDS have already been taken. This is a highly complex subject and should be discussed with a qualified tax professional before beginning to take withdrawals.

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings account, which gives employees the option to contribute a percentage of their salary or a certain dollar amount.

An individual retirement account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged investment vehicle set up at a financial institution that allows you to make investments to help save for retirement.

A rollover is when you move assets from one eligible retirement plan (a 401(k), for example) into a new or existing tax-advantaged retirement account. Many people may elect to roll over a 401(k) when they retire or leave their employer.

It is prudent to discuss any IRA withdrawal strategy with a tax adviser beforehand, since individual circumstances can vary.