Saving your money into a 401(k) or IRA can have some very powerful wealth-building benefits. But clearly one of the biggest drawbacks is that you’re not allowed to access your money for years or even decades. If you try to take it out sooner, than you'll have to pay a penalty! So what happens if you need the money now? What if life becomes difficult and you need to pull the money out for some kind of emergency? Or what if you have done an excellent job of managing your finances and would like to retire early? How can you work around this problem and gain early access to your savings? Don't worry. The IRS knows that sometimes life can throw you curve-balls, and because of this they've made several exceptions … [Read more...] about When Can You Withdraw From Your 401(k), IRA, and Other Retirement Savings?
Retirement
What’s the Difference Between an IRA and 401(k)? Which is Better for My Retirement Savings?
If you're curious to find out what's the difference between an IRA and 401(k) retirement plan, then this is the post that is going to explain everything you need to know! For most U.S. employees, when it comes to saving for retirement, they are offered two main tools to work with: A 401(k) and IRA. Though a lot of people will likely have the opportunity to contribute to both, sometimes the amount of money you plan to set aside for retirement each month can be limited by all the other financial demands going on in your life. That's when you might find yourself having to choose between one or the other. So then, what do you do? Which retirement plan do you choose to stash your savings in hopes that it will grow to its maximum … [Read more...] about What’s the Difference Between an IRA and 401(k)? Which is Better for My Retirement Savings?
The Power of Compound Interest and How It Can Make You Rich!
Are you using the power of compound interest to your advantage? Have you ever wondered how compound interest works? Or better yet, why compound interest can make you so INCREDIBLY RICH over time? Albert Einstein has often been credited as famously stating "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it ... he who doesn't ... pays it." Great quote! But it just barely begins to describe shear potential behind this wonderful financial phenomenon. When used correctly, compounding interest is what can take your modest, periodic savings and turn it into thousands or even millions of dollars later on in your life. And the best part is: You don't have to be financial wizard to take advantage of … [Read more...] about The Power of Compound Interest and How It Can Make You Rich!
What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Quit Your Job?
Question: What happens to your 401(k) when you quit your job or switch to a new one? Your retirement security used to be a BIG consideration when it came to changing employers. In the old days of pension plans, if someone were to quit their job early, they could be potentially giving up life-long future monthly checks worth thousands of dollars! But that was then, and this is now. According to the website The Balance, the average person changes jobs 10-15 times during their career. What changed? A lot. But in terms of the future of your retirement savings, a big influence was the shift away from the pension system towards the 401(k) plan. Though its often a heated debate, there are many aspects to a 401(k) plan … [Read more...] about What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Quit Your Job?
How to Use a 72t Distribution to Get Money Out of Your 401(k) and Retire Early!
Did you know that you can use a 72t distribution to get early access to your 401(k) or most any other retirement account before age 59-1/2 ... WITHOUT having to pay a penalty? One of the biggest obstacles we face when we're saving for retirement is the rule that we have to wait so long in order to finally use it. For years, I had a goal to retire early (long before age 60). But I was completely stumped by how I was actually going to be able to take money out of it. I remember being in my young 20's and thinking "what good is using a 401(k) if I have to wait almost 40 years to get my money back out"? Fortunately, not only did I wise up and realize that saving your money in a 401(k) is a hell of deal (when you look at how … [Read more...] about How to Use a 72t Distribution to Get Money Out of Your 401(k) and Retire Early!
The 401(k) Age 55 Rule for Early Retirement Income
If you’re looking to retire in your mid 50’s and want to be able access your retirement nest egg, then I’ve got some good news for you: The 401(k) Age 55 Rule might allow you to accomplish your goal of early retirement! As most people in the U.S. know, when it comes to retirement planning, the IRS says you have to wait until at least age 59-1/2 to start withdrawing funds from any tax-deferred retirement accounts such as your 401(k) or IRA. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a pesky 10% penalty along with any applicable taxes. If you’re an early retirement seeker like, then this creates a big problem. How are you supposed to be able to access all the money you’ve saved for decades to be able to start your retirement and … [Read more...] about The 401(k) Age 55 Rule for Early Retirement Income
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA – Which One Is Better for You?
When it comes to retirement accounts, there's one debate that almost everyone must consider: A Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA - Which one is better? What are the differences, and how do I know which one is the right one for me? As someone who has both a Roth and a Traditional account, let me tell you: Each one has traits that can be very valuable to you in their own way! In general, no matter which one you choose, you’re doing a great thing by taking advantage of a unique opportunity from the IRS to save and grow your money without having to pay taxes right away (or in some cases, never). Over time, when compared to a “regular” savings or investment account, these tax-advantages will add up in an incredible way. For some … [Read more...] about Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA – Which One Is Better for You?
What is the Minimum Retirement Savings You Could Comfortably Live On?
Have you ever thought to yourself: What's the least amount or minimum retirement savings I could get away with? Don't be bashful about asking it. It's a perfectly valid question to consider; especially when you think how little retirement savings most people actually have. (In case you're wondering, its $107,000 for Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 according to data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).) While the major media outlets would have you believe that you need somewhere between $2 and $3 million dollars, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that you could possibly become financially independent and consider leaving full-time employment for a whole lot less. In fact, if there's one thing … [Read more...] about What is the Minimum Retirement Savings You Could Comfortably Live On?
