Home Up

Plan Selection
New Plans
Rollover IRA

 

 

SELECTING THE MOST

 APPROPRIATE PLAN  

 

 

Withdrawals prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to penalties and taxes on some plans.

PLAN

IDEAL INVESTOR

SPECIAL FEATURES

IRA

Every wage earner that wishes to save for retirement with dollars that can grow tax-deferred.  Ideal plan for individuals interested in planning ahead for a secure future.

bullet

Contributions can grow tax-deferred.

bullet

Many contributions may still be deductible.

bullet

Personal control of investment media and retirement date.

bullet

Non-deductible contributions require long term record keeping.

ROTH IRA

A wage earner with family income within the Roth IRA AGI limit:  Up to $166,000 joint, $114,000 single filers.

bullet

Contributions can grow tax-deferred forever.

bullet

Owner can determine and change the investments.

bullet

Income (after the later of 5 years or 59 1/2) may be taken tax-free.

bullet

Income withdrawal can be postponed forever.

TSA

School teachers, employees of universities, colleges, hospitals, churches and other non-profit organizations wishing to reduce their personal taxes and save for retirement with tax-deferred dollars.

bullet

Available only to select group of individuals.

bullet

Can usually contribute more than an IRA allows.

bullet

Loan provisions are still available.

bullet

Can invest in annuities or mutual funds.

SIMPLE / IRA

Firm with fewer than 100 employees seeking to minimize filings, limit company contributions and paperwork. One short form sets it up and investments are made to an IRA.  May exclude employees with less than 3 of previous 5 years of service and those under 21.  
bullet

Easy to establish.

bullet

No government filings.

bullet

October 1st deadline for plan set up.

bullet

Full flexibility of contributions.

bullet

No percentage income contribution limitation.

bullet

No contribution required for employees who choose not to participate.

bullet

No top-heavy requirements.

bullet

Limited employer contributions.

bullet

100% usually vested immediately.

SEP

Small firm seeking to minimize filings and paperwork. One short form sets it up and investments are made to an IRA.  May exclude employees with less than 3 of previous 5 years of service and those under 21.

bullet

Easy to establish.

bullet

No government filings.

bullet

Extended deadline for plan set up.

bullet

Full flexibility of contributions.

bullet

100% usually vested immediately.

SARSEP

Business with 25 or fewer employees wanting to offer employees a way to invest through convenient salary reduction in before-tax dollars.  Limit contribution by the business.  Special non-discrimination test.  May exclude employees with less than 3 of previous 5 years of service and those under 21.

bullet

Simple, inexpensive “401(k)”.

bullet

IRA replacement.

bullet

Promote employee participation.

bullet

  100% usually vested immediately. 

bullet

Special non-discrimination test.

bullet

New SARSEP's cannot be established.

 

Profit Sharing

A firm where cash flow and income are somewhat variable. Ideal plan for firm wanting a flexible contribution with a maximum of 25%.  May exclude employees under age 21 and those with less than 2 years of service.

bullet

Full flexibility of contributions.

bullet

Part-time employees may be excluded.

bullet

Vesting schedule may be used.

bullet

Full reporting.

bullet

Integration available.

bullet

Employee contribution is permitted.

Money Purchase

A firm with substantial income.  Ideal for a firm wanting to maximize contributions at a fixed percentage.  May exclude employees under age 21 and those with less than 2 years of service.

bullet

Maximizes deductible contributions.

bullet

Part-time employees may be excluded.

bullet

Vesting schedule may be used.

bullet

Full reporting.

bullet

Integration available.

 

401(k)  Plan

Larger firm where the majority of employees defer a portion of their salary. Ideal for business desiring to contribute on a match basis.  Special non-discrimination tests for deferrals.  May exclude employees under 21 and those with less than 1 year of service.

bullet

Consulting and plan design.

bullet

Comprehensive record keeping.

bullet

Competitive fees.

bullet

Employee communications package.

bullet

Vesting schedule may be used for the employer contribution.

 

Sec. 457 Plan

Installed and administered by the government agency that can limit choices.

bullet

Administration of payroll adjustments.

bullet

Individual enrollment and investments by the employee.

 

 

REQUEST INFORMATION

 

Home ] Retirement Plans ] Annuities ] Mutual Funds ] Life Insurance ] Long Term Care ]

Send mail to webmaster@fimadvisors.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Regulatory Disclosure Information
Securities offered through Mutual Service Corporation. Mutual Service Corporation and LPL Financial are affiliated companies and are members of FINRA/SIPC. FINRA web site is www.FINRA.orgInvestment Advisory Services offered through Financial & Investment Management Advisors, Inc., an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Financial & Investment Management Advisors, Inc. is not affiliated with Mutual Service Corporation or LPL Financial.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, and Certified Financial PLANNER™, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Copyright © 2000-2008 Financial & Investment Management Advisors, Inc.
Last modified: May 01, 2008