Before you read too much into this title, I firmly believe you cannot save too much for retirement. Saving early and often is the best path to personal financial freedom for retirement and any other life goals. Figuring out where to save is one of the most important reasons to consult with a financial advisor.
401(k) plans ramped up in the 1980s when 1981 legislation was passed to allow automatic deferral of employee wages into a 401(k) plan. It is the easiest form of saving for most Americans, as it allows us to set it and forget it. It feels safe because it’s regulated by employers, someone else is limiting the investment choices and in many cases doing it for us. And, most employers offer an incentive by matching contributions with more compensation. For these reasons, 401(k) plans are a wonderful saving tool and should definitely be utilized.
The primary motivation for tax deferred investments, such as traditional 401(k) plans is to avoid taxes now and pay them later when you are potentially in a lower tax bracket. There is no guarantee, however, that you will be at a lower tax rate in the future than you are now. Some individuals may prefer to never pay taxes sooner than necessary no matter what the future rate might be. But I think it’s worth considering some of the options for investors.
Why might you consider options beyond saving traditionally in a 401(k) plan?
- If you live off a modest level of income. The chart below is from a recently run client financial plan in MoneyGuidePro financial planning software. This is a situation financial planners are seeing more often. The gold line represents income needs in retirement. The light blue bars are investment withdrawals to meet income. Starting at age 67, the client begins taking social security (the dark blue bars) and then, at age 72, the green bars represent estimated required minimum distributions from tax deferred accounts.
So, at age 72 the client is generating more income than may be needed from social security and required minimum distributions. Thus, potentially paying more taxes than necessary on unneeded income and possibly kicking some of this income into higher tax brackets. Some clients may enjoy this and want to use the excess funds on vacations or other luxuries, which would be great. But oftentimes the distributions get reinvested outside of the tax deferred accounts. Again, potentially having more savings than necessary provides greater flexibility for unexpected expenses.
- You are concerned about taxation for heirs. Less than 1% of Americans need to worry about estate taxes, as the official estate and gift tax exemption climbs to $12.06 million per individual in 2022. For future reference, be aware this is always changing and is expected to be cut in half in 2026.
However, there can be an unintended tax consequence for all heirs from inherited tax deferred accounts like a traditional IRA and/or 401(k). A new tax law went into effect January 1, 2020, that requires tax deferred accounts to be drained by all non-spousal heirs within 10 years following date of death. If the heirs are still working this could mean the inherited assets are distributed and taxed at a higher than expected tax rate.
- You are considering retirement prior to age 59 ½. There is a 10% penalty in most cases for tapping into traditional tax deferred investments prior to age 59 ½. A rule of 55 does exist that provides for penalty free access to employer 401k plans. However, it depends on the employer’s rules as whether this is available.
What are some options that may be worth considering?
- Roth 401(k) contributions. Many 401(k) plans are now offering the option to split savings between traditional and Roth options. Roth 401(k) contributions invest after tax wages that will be invested tax deferred and may be withdrawn in the future tax free by yourself and your heirs. Consider splitting your 401(k) contributions between these options.
- Roth IRA contributions. Once you have maximized the employer match in the 401(k), contribute money to a Roth IRA. This option is limited for individuals with income above $144,000 and married filers with income of $208,000.
- Taxable Investment Account. Taxable investment accounts can be a very efficient option for high income savers. Dividend and interest are taxed at the income tax level when paid. However, capital gains that are earned on many investment vehicles are not taxed until the investment is sold. And capital gain tax rates can be much lower than income tax for many savers. Thus, investment growth taxation may be lower for many investors when a taxable investment account is used versus traditional tax deferred accounts. Additionally, heirs currently receive a stepped-up basis at the time of death, which erases imbedded capital gains from successful investments.
I do not want to discourage savers from using 401(k) plans. Savings are beneficial in any and all forms, and everyone should be utilizing their 401(k) if available. There are also many insurance products that offer alternative considerations as well. It is important to review all of your options and meet with a financial advisor to ensure you are not only saving enough for the future but also considering where to save.
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