Beginning in January of 2006, a brand new retirement savings plan will be unveiled called the Roth 401k. This new plan allows for "after-tax" contributions as opposed to "pre-tax" dollars with a traditional 401k. Upon withdrawal at retirement, no tax is due, which is not the case with a 401k, since the tax has been deferred and is due at retirement. Check with your employer to see if the Roth 401k will be implemented; a recent survey shows that 31% of employers will offer it.
Income tax rates have been cut, the marriage penalty done away with, and the "death tax" is also on a path to no more. All of this is a result of the Bush administration's Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act which was passed by a Republican congress in 2001. Another provision of that act goes into effect on January 1st, 2006, a hybrid of a traditional 401k and a traditional Roth IRA called the Roth 401k.
Yet another employer sponsored savings plan, the new Roth 401k works in almost the same way as a traditional 401k plan. Workers invest a portion of their income into a fund along with contributions from their employer (if any). The difference is that the traditional 401k is funded with "pre-tax" dollars and the Roth 401k plan uses "after-tax" dollars. However, with the Roth 401k, withdrawal of your money at retirement will be tax free like a Roth IRA. The traditional 401k plan defers the tax owed during your career until retirement.
Although it may sound like the best of both worlds, it is important to note that no employer is required to offer this new Roth 401k plan. In fact, a recent survey by employee benefits consulting firm Hewitt and Associates found that only 31 % of employers currently offering the traditional 401k plan are considering implementing the new Roth 401k.
Employees may now want to begin inquiring whether their employer will be offering the new retirement plan in 2006. Contribution limits for the retirement plans are: in 2005, $14,000 for a 401k and $4,000 for an IRA, whether Roth or traditional. In 2006, this amount will increase to $15,000 for both 401k and IRAs.
Do you know your 401(k) plan?
Taking full advantage of your 401(k) – how well do you know your plan.
Consumers, start your engines. There is still time to get a great deal on a new car.
If you're looking to buy a new car, now is the time. Interest rates, although rising, are still at historical lows, and along with buyer incentive programs like the highly successful "employee discount," the end of 2005 is a great time to purchase. Many indicators point to a slowing economy, so consumers should take advantage of the rates and the willingness of dealers to clear their lots at year end.
Save yourself from homebuying disasters.
Buying a house will most likely be the most important purchase you make in your life. The lenders and agents are counting on you to walk blindly into your home purchase. Make them work for you. Take the extra time, arm yourself with the knowledge of home buying and lending practices in order to make informed, sound judgments and decisions.
