401(k) reasons to have one
A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan offered by many employers in the United States. It allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax income to a retirement savings account, which can then be invested in a range of investment options. The contributions and earnings grow tax-deferred until the money is withdrawn in retirement.
There are several reasons why a 401(k) can be a good resource for retirement savings. First, it provides a convenient way for employees to save for retirement on a regular basis, as contributions are deducted from their paychecks. This can help ensure that individuals save consistently and avoid the temptation to spend money that should be earmarked for retirement.
Second, many employers offer matching contributions to their employees' 401(k) accounts, which can help increase the amount of money saved for retirement. For example, an employer might offer to match 50% of an employee's contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary.
Third, the tax benefits of a 401(k) can be significant. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, which reduces an individual's taxable income and can lower their tax bill. In addition, the money in a 401(k) account grows tax-deferred, meaning that individuals do not pay taxes on the earnings until they withdraw the money in retirement.
Overall, a 401(k) can be a powerful tool for retirement savings, providing a convenient and tax-advantaged way for employees to save for their future.