The 401(k) is simply objectively better. The employer-sponsored plan allows you to add much more to your retirement savings than an IRA – $20,500 compared to $6,000 in 2022. Plus, if you're over age 50 you get a larger catch-up contribution maximum with the 401(k) – $6,500 compared to $1,000 in the IRA.
In many cases, a Roth IRA can be a better choice than a 401(k) retirement plan, as it offers a flexible investment vehicle with greater tax benefits—especially if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket later on.
And between the end of last year and 2022, the money invested in IRAs is expected to grow at a faster pace than 401(k)s, with IRA assets jumping 37 percent to $12.6 trillion. That compares to an estimated 20 percent rise in 401(k) assets to $6.6 trillion.
Understanding IRAs
An IRA is a type of tax-advantaged investment account that may help individuals plan and save for retirement. IRAs permit a wide range of investments, but—as with any volatile investment—individuals might lose money in an IRA, if their investments are dinged by market highs and lows.
A traditional IRA can be a great way to turbocharge your nest egg by staving off taxes while you're building your savings. You get a tax break now when you put in deductible contributions. In the future, when you take money out of the IRA, you pay taxes at your ordinary income rate.
Bonds tend to be secure because they preserve the initial amount you invest. And generally, U.S. Treasury offerings, which include TIPS, bonds, bills and notes, tend to be among the safest IRA investment options available. That is because the U.S. government fully backs them.
In general, if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket when you retire, a Roth IRA may be the better choice. You'll pay taxes now, at a lower rate, and withdraw funds tax-free in retirement when you're in a higher tax bracket.
Even though both accounts are retirement savings vehicles, a 401(k) is a type of employer-sponsored plan with its own set of rules. A traditional IRA, on the other hand, is an account that the owner establishes without the employer being involved.
Good alternatives to a 401(k) are traditional and Roth IRAs and health savings accounts (HSAs). A non-retirement investment account can offer higher earnings, but your risk may be higher, too.
One key disadvantage: Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax money, meaning there's no tax deduction in the year of the contribution. Another drawback is that withdrawals of account earnings must not be made before at least five years have passed since the first contribution.
Advantages of a Roth IRA
You don't get an upfront tax break (like you do with traditional IRAs), but your contributions and earnings grow tax-free. Withdrawals during retirement are tax-free. There are no required minimum distributions (RMDs) during your lifetime, which makes Roth IRAs ideal wealth transfer vehicles.
While a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan can be considered the backbone of your retirement savings, there's a good case for having an IRA as well. ... Working together, a 401(k) and an IRA can help you maximize both your savings and your tax advantages.
Traditional IRAs offer the key advantage of tax-deferred growth, meaning you won't pay taxes on your untaxed earning or contributions until you're required to start taking distributions at age 72. With traditional IRAs, you're investing more upfront than you would with a typical brokerage account.
Traditional IRAs (individual retirement accounts) allow individuals to contribute pre-tax dollars to a retirement account where investments grow tax-deferred until withdrawal during retirement. Upon retirement, withdrawals are taxed at the IRA owner's current income tax rate.
If you're age 50 or over, the IRS allows you to contribute up to $7,000 annually (about $584 a month). If you can afford to contribute $500 a month without neglecting bills or yourself, go for it!
Unlike traditional savings accounts, Roth IRAs don't earn interest on the account alone. Essentially, a Roth IRA account starts out as an empty investment basket — meaning you won't earn any interest until you choose investments to house within the account itself.
You can leave your 401(k) with your former employer or roll it into a new employer's plan. You can also roll over your 401(k) into an individual retirement account (IRA). Another option is to cash out your 401(k), but that may result in an early withdrawal penalty, plus you'll have to pay taxes on the full amount.
Most retirement savers should open an IRA with a broker
Because you're investing your retirement cash for the long-term — and hoping to eventually have enough to comfortably stop working — you need higher returns than you'll get at a bank. This is why you probably want to open an IRA at a brokerage.
Yes, you can have both accounts and many people do. The traditional individual retirement account (IRA) and 401(k) provide the benefit of tax-deferred savings for retirement. Depending on your tax situation, you may also be able to receive a tax deduction for the amount you contribute to a 401(k) and IRA each tax year.
Save with security and flexibility. Traditional and Roth IRAs from Principal Bank® offer the features and tax advantages IRAs are known for, with the added security of FDIC insurance up to $250,000 per depositor. Principal Bank also offers the option for full FDIC insurance on IRAs with balances over $250,000.