Year after year we interact with our places of employment, or business, working to provide for ourselves and families. Millions brave traffic congestion, foul weather and bad drivers in the hopes of one day retiring and enjoying the good life. In addition, we must deal with all the other challenges of life.
Conversation regarding retirement can be gleaned in all industries, and all parts of the country. As an objective, nearly all workers ponder the mechanics of having enough funds put away to live comfortably for the remainder of their lives; after they retire. In hopes of reaching that goal steps are taken. Often times a set amount of money is invested into a system, method, plan or program toward the “golden years”.
Retirement dollars can be invested in a number of ways, most of which will meet the desired end to some degree. That end will be better in some instances than others.
Often employers of sufficient capacity and meeting I.R.S. requirements will offer retirement programs such as 401(k), IRA’s, or other types of plans.
Retirement plans such as IRA’s, 401(k)’s, and, 403(b)’s primarily for educators, ministries and others qualifying in the area of 501(c)(3) organizations, arrange investment participation programs. These plans are required to meet certain IRS requirements by federal and, or state law. In programs such as these, participants enroll in the programs offered or suggested, and in an investment vehicle offered through the employer. Each pay period, a specific amount, or percentage of money is deposited into the chosen plan. Some plans are matched up to a certain amount or percentage by the employer.
These plans are federal and or state controlled and regulated by law. Frequent withdrawals are not convenient to do.
Federal and state regulated retirement plans are not the only methods available. Because the money earned belongs to the individual who earned it, more options are available. If individual workers want more control of their money - purchase of stocks, bonds, municipal bonds, etc. are available. Many of these investment vehicles require the assistance of investment professionals, and extensive research. In some types of investments such as insurance products, agents or other experts are advised.
No matter the method, vehicle or plan used, if nothing is done to insure a degree of security for retirement, it may not be as golden as desired.
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