Retirement Investment Vehicles
Retirement may be a long, long way off for you or it may be right around the corner. It doesn’t how near or far away it is, you have absolutely got to start investing for it right now. However, saving for retirement isn’t what it used to be with the increase in the cost of living and the instability of social security. Nowadays, you have to invest for your retirement, as opposed to saving for it!
We shall commence by looking at the retirement plan, which is offered by your company. Not so long ago, these plans were quite sound. However, after the Enron collapse and all the problems which followed, people aren’t as confident in their company retirement plans anymore. However, if you decide not to invest in your company’s retirement scheme, there are other things you can do.
First of all, you can invest in bonds, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, mutual funds and stocks in alphabetical order. You do not have to state to anybody that the returns on these investments are to be used for retirement fund. Simply let your money increase over a period of time, and when an investment reaches its maturity date or value, reinvest it and continue to let your money grow.
You can also open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). IRAs are quite popular because the money is not taxed until you withdraw the funds. You may also be able to deduct your IRA contributions from the taxes that you owe. An IRA can be opened at most banks.
A ROTH IRA is a much newer type of retirement account. With a Roth, you pay taxes on the money that you invest in your ROTH IRA account, but when you cash out, no federal taxes are owed. Roth IRAs can also be opened at most larger financial institutions.
Another popular very type of retirement account is the 401(k). 401(ks) are typically offered through employers, but you may be able to open a 401(k) on your own. You should speak with a financial advisor or an accountant to help you decide whether this is right for you.
The Keogh plan is another type of IRA which is more suitable for self employed people. Self-employed small business owners may also be interested in Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEP). This is another kind of Keogh scheme that people typically find easier to administer than a normal Keogh plan.
Whichever retirement investment scheme you decide on, please make sure you do pick one! Again, do not depend on social security, company retirement plans, or even an inheritance which may or may not come through! Take care of your financial future by investing in one kind of investment right now.
If you or anyone you know is nearing retirement, please visit our web site at Retirement and Pensions