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Dec

2024

A Beginner’s Guide to 401(k) Retirement Plans

By Pam O’Brien | invest, Investing, Terminology | No Comments

Saving for retirement is one of the most important steps you can take to help secure your financial future. Your employer might offer a 401(k) retirement plan — and possibly matching contributions as well. However, if you’ve never signed up for a 401(k), you might be wondering whether you can afford to take a chunk of money out of your paycheck each pay period, especially if you’re just starting out in your career.

What is a 401(k) exactly and how does it work? Read on to learn about this retirement plan, including how to open and contribute to a 401(k) account, plus how it can help you save for retirement.

What Is a 401(k)?

A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan offered by an employer. You sign up for the plan at work, and your contributions to the 401(k), which may be a percentage of your pay or a predetermined amount, are automatically deducted from your paychecks.

You decide how to invest your 401(k) money by choosing from a number of available options, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Employers may match what individual employees contribute to a 401(k) up to a certain amount, depending on the employer and the plan.

How Does a 401(k) Work?

The purpose of a 401(k) is to help individuals save for retirement. Once you sign up for the plan, your contributions are automatically deducted from your paychecks at an amount or percentage of your salary selected by you.

There are two main types of 401(k) plans. Your employer may offer both types or just one. The main difference between them has to do with the way the plans are taxed.

Traditional 401(k)

With a traditional 401(k), contributions are taken from your pay before taxes have been deducted. This means your taxable income is lowered for the year and you’ll pay less income tax. However, you’ll pay taxes on your contributions and earnings when you withdraw money from the plan in retirement.

Roth 401(k)

With a Roth 401(k), contributions to the plan are taken after taxes are deducted from your pay. Because your contributions are made with after-tax dollars, you don’t get an upfront tax deduction. The money in your Roth 401(k) grows tax-free and you don’t owe any taxes on the withdrawals you make in retirement — as long as you’ve had the account for at least five years.

Traditional 401(k) vs Roth 401(k)

Here’s a quick comparison of a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k).

	Traditional 401(k)	Roth 401(k)
Taxes on contributions	Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, which reduces taxable income for the year.	Contributions are made with after-tax dollars. There is no upfront tax deduction.
Taxes on withdrawals	Money withdrawn in retirement is taxed as ordinary income.	Money is withdrawn tax-free in retirement as long as the account is at least five years old.
Rules for withdrawals	Withdrawals taken in retirement are taxed. Withdrawals taken before age 59 ½ may also be subject to a 10% penalty.	Withdrawals in retirement are not taxed. However, withdrawals taken before age 59 ½ or if the account is less than five years old may be subject to a penalty and taxes.

401(k) Contribution Limits

The amount an employee and an employer can contribute annually to a 401(k) is adjusted periodically for inflation. For 2024, the employee 401(k) contribution limit is $23,000. If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 as part of a catch-up contribution. For 2025, the employee 401(k) contribnution limit is $23,500, and for those 50 and up, there is a catch-up of $7,500. Also, in 2025, those aged 60 to 63 can contribute $11,250 instead of $7,500, thanks to SECURE 2.0.

The overall limits on yearly contributions from both employer and employee combined for 2024 are $69,000. The limit is $76,500, including catch-up contributions, for those 50 and up.

How Does Employer Matching Work?

If your employer offers matching contributions, they will likely use a specific formula to determine the match. The match may be a set dollar amount or it can be based on a percentage of an employee’s contribution up to a certain portion of their total salary. For instance, some employers contribute $0.50 for every $1 an employee contributes up to 6% of their salary.

Employees typically need to contribute a certain minimum amount to their 401(k) in order to get the employer match.

401(k) Withdrawal Rules

The rules for withdrawals from traditional and Roth 401(k)s stipulate that an individual must be at least 59 ½ to make qualified withdrawals and avoid paying a penalty. In addition, a Roth 401(k) must have been open for at least five years in order to avoid a penalty.

When you take qualified withdrawals from your 401(k) in retirement, you’ll be taxed or not depending on the type of 401(k) plan you have. With a traditional 401(k), you’ll pay taxes at your ordinary income tax rate on your contributions and earnings that accrued over time.

If you have a Roth 401(k), however, the qualified withdrawals you take in retirement will not be taxed as long as the account has been open for at least five years.

When you make withdrawals, you can do so either in lump-sum payments or in installments, or possibly as an annuity, depending on your company’s plan.

401(k) Early Withdrawal Rules

Withdrawals taken before an individual reaches age 59 ½ or if their Roth IRA has been open for less than five years, are subject to a 10% penalty as well as any taxes they may owe with a traditional IRA. However, an early withdrawal may be exempt from the penalty in certain circumstances, including:

• To buy or build a first home

• To pay for certain higher education expenses

• The account holder becomes disabled

• The account holder passes away and a beneficiary inherits the assets in their account

• To pay for certain medical expenses

Some 401(k) plans also allow for hardship withdrawals, but there are rules and expenses involved with doing so.

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

If you have a traditional 401(K), you’ll be required to start taking money out of your account at age 73. This is known as a required minimum distribution (RMD) and you’ll need to take RMDs annually. Otherwise, you can face fees and penalties.

The amount of your RMD is calculated based on your life expectancy.

Pros and Cons of 401(k)s

A 401(k) plan comes with benefits for employees, but there are some downsides as well. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a 401(k).

Pros

• Contributions you make to a traditional 401(k) plan may reduce your taxable income, and that money will not be taxed until it’s distributed at retirement.

• Contributions you make to a Roth 401(k) may be withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

• Because you can set up automatic deductions from your paycheck, you are more likely to save that money instead of using it for immediate needs.

• Your employer may match your contributions up to a certain amount or percentage.

• The money is yours. If you change jobs or cannot continue to work, you have the ability to either roll over your 401(k) into an IRA or into your next employer’s 401(k) plan.

Cons

• Investment choices in a 401(k) may be limited. Your employer picks the investments you can choose from, and typically the selection is fairly small.

• You typically can’t make qualified withdrawals from a 401(k) before age 59 ½ without being subject to a penalty and taxes.

• You need to take RMDs from a 401(k)starting at age 73. Otherwise you may owe taxes and penalties.

The Takeaway

A 40I(k) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute money directly from their paychecks. Plus, in many cases employers will match employee contributions up to a certain amount — meaning your retirement savings will grow faster than if you contributed on your own.

If you max out your 401(k) contributions, another option you might consider to help save for retirement is to open an IRA online. Not only is it possible to have both a 401(k) and an IRA at the same time, but having more than one retirement plan may help you save even more money for your golden years.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an investment account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds, alternative funds, and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

🛈 While SoFi does not offer 401(k) plans at this time, we do offer a range of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

FAQ

Are 401(k)s Still Worth It?

It depends on your retirement goals, but a 401(k) can be worth it if it helps you save money for retirement. Contributions to the plan are automatic, which can make it easier to save. Also, your employer may contribute matching funds to your 401(k), and there may be potential tax benefits, depending on the type of 401(k) you have.

What happens to your 401(k) when you leave your job?

If you leave your job, you can roll over your 401(k) into your new employer’s 401(k) plan or another retirement account like an IRA. You can also typically leave your 401(k) with your former employer, but in that case, you can no longer contribute to it.

What happens to your 401(k) when you retire?

When you retire, you can start to withdraw money from your 401(k) without penalty as long as you are at least 59 ½. You will need to take annual required minimum distributions from the plan starting at age 73.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

Dec

2024

Women and Retirement: Insight Into the Gender Divide

By Pam O’Brien | invest, Life & Career | Comments Off

Retirement is supposed to be a time for enjoying life after decades of work. Yet many women are in a financially precarious situation when it comes to the so-called “golden years.” In a 2023 SoFi survey, 57% of women said they aren’t saving for retirement. Similarly, 50% have no personal retirement savings according to a 2022 Census Bureau Report.

Given that women now outlive men by approximately six years, according to a recent study in JAMA, they need to save for an even longer retirement than their male counterparts. That makes the fact that they have fewer funds earmarked for retirement even more troubling.

Why aren’t women saving for the future? And how can they start financially preparing for retirement? Read on to learn about the retirement gender divide, why it exists, and some possible solutions for overcoming it.

A Look at Retirement Trends for Women and Men

There has long been a disparity in retirement savings for men and women. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, as women get older, their chances of living in poverty increase, a trend that has persisted for at least 50 years, when such data collection started.

Consider the current retirement savings divide between women and men today, as reported by respondents to the SoFi 2023 Ambitions Survey:

Retirement Savings for Women and Men in US

According to the survey of Americans ages 18 to 75, men have a median retirement savings that’s about $40,000 to $60,000 higher than women’s savings. In addition, 11% more women than men aren’t saving for retirement, and likewise 11% more women don’t know how much is in their retirement savings. In fact, 33% of women have less than $5,000 in retirement savings, the survey found.

	Men	Women
Median Retirement Savings	$70,001-$80,000	$20,001-$30,000
% Not Saving for Retirement	46%	57%
% Who Don’t Know What Their Retirement Savings Is	45%	56%
*Source: SoFi Ambition Survey, 2023

This savings disparity typically begins early in adult life and accumulates over time. Employment, marriage, and motherhood all play a role.

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How Marriage and Children Impact Retirement

Women aged 55 to 66 who have been married once tend to have more retirement savings than women who have never been married, or those who have been married two or more times. According to a recent income survey from the U.S. Census Bureau, close to 37% of women married once have no retirement savings, compared to 41% of women married two or more times and 55% who never married.

Women, Marriage and Retirement Savings*
Women Married Once	Women Married Two or More Times	Women Who Never Married
36.7% have no retirement savings	40.9% have no retirement savings	54.5% have no retirement savings
11.8% have $1 to $24,999	11.8% have $1 to $24,999	11.7% have $1 to $24,999
14.9% have $25,000 to $99,999	13.6% have $25,000 to $99,999	13.6% have $25,000 to $99,999
36.6% have $100,000 or more	33.7% have $100,000 or more	20.2% have $100,000 or more
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Survey of Income and Program Participation

In a divorce, some couples may be required to split their retirement savings or one may need to transfer some of their retirement funds to the other, which could be one of the reasons why the percentage of those without retirement savings is lower among women married two or more times than those who never married.

Motherhood and Money

When women have children, they often take time off from the workforce and/or may work part-time, which can have an impact on their earnings. According to an analysis by the Pew Research Center, among people 35 to 44, 94% of fathers are active in the workforce while 75% of mothers are.

Motherhood is also a time when the wage gap comes into play. In 2022, mothers 25 to 34 earned 85% of what fathers the same age did, while women without children at home earned 97% of what fathers earned, the Pew analysis found. The less money women make, the less they have to save for retirement.

Earnings for Mothers 25-34	85% of what fathers earned
Earnings for Women 25-34 Without Children at Home	97% of what fathers earned
*Source: Pew Research Center, 2023

Earning less also affects the Social Security benefits women get in retirement. While men got $1,838 a month on average in Social Security in 2022, women received on average $1,484, according to the Social Security Administration.

Retirement Is a Top Priority for Women and a Bigger Concern

While saving for retirement is the top goal for women, they are also focused on, and perhaps feeling stress about, paying off credit card and student loan debt, according to the SoFi Ambitions Survey.

Overall, women tend to perceive financial goals and success quite differently than men do. Two-thirds of female survey respondents said their marker of success is being able to feed their families. By comparison, one-third of men said their marker of success is being seen as successful, while another one-third say it’s reaching a certain income bracket.

That divergence may help explain why men are far more likely than women to consider investing a top financial goal, which could help them build retirement savings. For women, investing is at the bottom of the list of their financial priorities, perhaps out of necessity.

Women’s Financial Goals vs. Men’s Financial Goals
Women’s Financial Goals	Men’s Financial Goals
Saving for retirement: 45% Paying down credit card debt: 41% Paying down student loans: 39% Continue Investing: 33%	Continue Investing: 52% Saving for retirement: 49% Paying down credit card debt: 33% Paying down student loans: 27%
*Source: SoFi Ambition Survey, 2023

Retirement is women’s number-one goal and it’s also one of their greatest worries. One in five female respondents to SoFi’s survey said they may not be able to retire.

Those Who Worry They Won’t Be Able to Retire
Women	Men
20%	15%
*Source: SoFi Ambition Survey, 2023

That means women are 33% more likely than men to believe that retirement may not happen for them.

Even if they can retire, there is no guarantee women’s savings will cover their expenses. In fact, women are approximately 10% more likely than men to say they are concerned about outliving their assets and having enough savings, according to a report from McKinsey Insights.

Recommended: When Can I Retire?

¹Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

Why Are Women Facing a Retirement Gap?

In addition to the financial impact of marriage, motherhood, and lower earnings, women also experience some additional barriers to retirement saving.

For instance, a report from the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center found that women tend to score lower in financial literacy than men do. And women with lower financial literacy are less likely to save and plan for retirement, according to the research.

Women also lack confidence when it comes to investing. Only 33% see themselves as investors, according to a 2022 SoFi Women and Investing Insights analysis, and 71% of their assets are in cash, rather than in investments or a retirement account, where their funds might have the potential to grow.

Minding and Mending the Gap

So how can women and society at large move forward and start closing the retirement gap?

The first step is for everyone, across all genders and ages, to build confidence in their financial skills by learning about money, saving, and investing. Knowledge helps create strength and belief in oneself, and it’s never too early or too late to start learning.

There are numerous good resources on retirement planning, to help individuals determine how much they may need to save for retirement and strategies that could help them get there. They can also sign up for financial classes and courses, and they might even want to consult a financial advisor.

At work, employees can participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan or any other retirement savings plan offered. Because money is automatically deducted from their paychecks and placed in their 401(k) account, saving may be easier to accomplish.

How to Start Saving for Retirement

No matter what your age, the time to kick off your retirement savings is now. Here’s how to begin.

Figure out your retirement budget.

To determine the amount you’ll need for retirement, think about what you want your life after work to look like. Do you want to move to a smaller, less expensive home? Do you hope to travel as much as possible? Having a clear picture of your goals can help you calculate how much you might need.

You can also consider the 4% rule, which suggests withdrawing 4% of your retirement savings each year of retirement so that you don’t outlive your savings. That could give you a ballpark to aim for.

Cut back on current expenses.

Take an honest look at what you’re spending right now on everything from rent or your mortgage to car payments, groceries, clothing, and entertainment. Find things to cut or trim — for example, do you really need three streaming services? — and put that money into your retirement savings instead.

Some savvy belt tightening now could help give you a more financially secure future.

Contribute as much as you can to your 401(k).

If you can max out your 401(k), go for it. You’re allowed (per IRS rules) to contribute up to $23,000 in 2024 and up to $23,500 in 2025. If that much isn’t possible, contribute at least enough to get your employer’s matching contribution. That’s essentially “free money” that can help build your retirement savings.

Consider opening an IRA.

If you’ve contributed the max to your workplace retirement plan, opening an IRA online could help you save even more for retirement. You can contribute up to $7,000 in an IRA for 2024, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. IRAs offer certain tax advantages that may help you save money as well by lowering your taxable income the year you contribute (traditional IRA), or allowing you to withdraw your money tax-free in retirement (Roth IRA).

Diversify your portfolio.

Whatever type of retirement account you have, including a brokerage account, diversifying your portfolio — which means investing your money across a variety of different asset classes — may help mitigate (though not eliminate) risk, rather than concentrating your funds all in one area.

Just make sure that the way you allocate your assets matches your retirement goals and your risk tolerance.

The Takeaway

Women are far behind men when it comes to retirement savings, due to a number of factors, including earning lower wages, and motherhood, which can mean time away from work, costing them in lost earnings. There’s also an emotional component involved: Women are less confident about investing overall.

However, building financial strength, and educating themselves about retirement planning is a good way for women to start saving for their future. Cutting expenses and directing that money into savings instead, participating in their workplace retirement plan, and opening an IRA or investment account are some of the ways women can take charge of their finances and help position themselves for a happy and secure retirement.

Invest with as little as $5 with a SoFi Active Investing account.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Investment Risk: Diversification can help reduce some investment risk. It cannot guarantee profit, or fully protect in a down market.

SoFi Invest®

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SoFi Invest encompasses two distinct companies, with various products and services offered to investors as described below: Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of these platforms.
1) Automated Investing and advisory services are provided by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser (“SoFi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC.
2) Active Investing and brokerage services are provided by SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA (www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org). Clearing and custody of all securities are provided by APEX Clearing Corporation.
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Neither the Investment Advisor Representatives of SoFi Wealth, nor the Registered Representatives of SoFi Securities are compensated for the sale of any product or service sold through any SoFi Invest platform.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

SOIN0224029

Dec

2024

Roth IRA Conversion: Rules and Examples

By SoFi Editors | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off

A Roth IRA is a retirement savings account that offers tax-free withdrawals during retirement. You can convert a traditional IRA or a qualified distribution from a previous employer-sponsored plan, such as a 401(k), into a Roth IRA. This is known as a Roth IRA conversion.

A Roth IRA conversion may be worth considering for the potential tax benefits. Along with tax-free qualified withdrawals in retirement, the money in a Roth IRA has the potential to grow tax-free. Read on to learn how a conversion works, the Roth IRA conversion rules, and whether a Roth IRA conversion may make sense for you.

What Is a Roth IRA Conversion?

With a Roth IRA conversion, an individual moves the funds from another retirement plan into a Roth IRA. You pay taxes on the money in your existing account in order to move it to a Roth IRA.

Many retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and traditional IRAs are tax-deferred. The money is contributed to your account with pre-tax dollars. In retirement, you would pay taxes on your withdrawals. But by doing a Roth conversion, you pay taxes on the money you convert to a Roth IRA, and the money can then potentially grow tax-free. In retirement, you can make qualified withdrawals from the Roth IRA tax-free.

You can convert all or part of your money to a Roth IRA.

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How Does a Roth IRA Conversion Work?

As mentioned, when converting to a Roth IRA, an individual must pay taxes on the contributions and gains in their current retirement plan because only after-tax contributions are allowed to a Roth IRA. They can typically convert their funds to a Roth IRA in one of three ways:

• An indirect rollover: With this method, the owner of the account receives a distribution from a traditional IRA and can then contribute it to a Roth IRA within 60 days.

• A trustee-to-trustee, or direct IRA rollover: The account owner tells the financial institution currently holding the traditional IRA assets to transfer an amount directly to the trustee of a new Roth IRA account at a different financial institution.

• A same-trustee transfer: This is used when a traditional IRA is housed in the same financial institution as the new Roth IRA. The owner of the account alerts the institution to transfer an amount from the traditional IRA to the Roth IRA.

¹Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

Roth IRA Conversion Rules

There are a number of rules that govern a Roth IRA conversion. Before you proceed with a conversion, it’s important to understand what;’s involved. Roth IRA conversion rules include:

Taxes

You’ll pay taxes on a traditional IRA or 401(k) before you convert it to a Roth IRA. This includes the tax-deductible contributions you’ve made to the account as well as the tax-deferred earnings. They will be taxed as ordinary income in the year that you make the conversion. Because they’re considered additional income, they could put you into a higher marginal tax bracket. You’ll also need to make sure you have the money on hand to pay the taxes.

Limits

There are two types of limits to be aware of with a Roth IRA conversion. First, there is no limit to the number or size of Roth IRA conversions you can make. You might want to convert smaller amounts of money into a Roth IRA over a period of several years to help manage the amount of taxes you’ll need to pay in one year.

Second, Roth IRAs have contribution limits. For instance, in 2024 and 2025, you can typically contribute up to $7,000, or up to $8,000 if you’re 50 or older.

Withdrawals

The withdrawals you make from a Roth IRA are tax-free. However, with a Roth IRA conversion, if you are under age 59 ½, you will need to wait at least five years before withdrawing the money or you’ll be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty (more on that below).

Backdoor Roth IRAs

A Roth IRA conversion may be an option to consider if you earn too much money to otherwise be eligible for a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs have contribution phase-out ranges, and individuals whose income exceeds those limits cannot contribute to a Roth fully or at all. For 2024, the income limits begin to phase out at $230,000 for those who are married and filing jointly, and $146,000 for those who are single.

However, if you have a traditional IRA and convert it to a Roth IRA — a process known as a backdoor Roth IRA — those income phase-out rules don’t apply. You can use a backdoor IRA as long as you pay taxes on any contributions to the traditional IRA that you deducted from your taxes, as well as any profits you earned.

5-Year Rule

According to the 5-year rule, if you are under age 59 ½, the funds that you convert to a Roth IRA must remain in your account for at least five years or you could be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

The five years starts at the beginning of the calendar year in which you do the conversion. So even if you don’t do the conversion until, say, December 2024, the five years still begins in January 2024. That means you could withdraw your funds in January 2029.

Also, if you complete separate Roth IRA conversions in different years, the 5-year rule would apply to each of them, so keep this in mind.

💡 Quick Tip: How much does it cost to set up an IRA? Often there are no fees to open an IRA, but you typically pay investment costs for the securities in your portfolio.

Is Converting to a Roth IRA Right for You?

Doing a Roth IRA conversion means paying taxes now on the funds you are converting in order to withdraw money tax-free in retirement. Here’s how to decide if converting a Roth IRA may be right for you

Reasons For

If you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket in retirement than you’re in now, a Roth IRA conversion may make sense for you. That’s because you’ll pay taxes on the money now at a lower rate, rather than paying them when you retire, when you expect your tax rate will be higher.

In addition, with a Roth IRA, you won’t have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) every year after the age of 73 as you would with a traditional IRA. Instead, the money can stay right in the account — where it may continue to grow — until it’s actually needed.

If your income is too high for you to be eligible for a Roth IRA, a Roth IRA conversion might be beneficial through a backdoor IRA. You will just need to put your funds into a traditional IRA first and pay the taxes on them.

Finally, if you won’t need the funds in your Roth IRA for at least five years, a conversion may also be worth considering.

Reasons Against

A Roth IRA conversion may not be the best fit for those who are nearing retirement and need their retirement savings to live on. In this case, you might not be able to recoup the taxes you’d need to pay for doing the conversion.

Additionally, if you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits, a Roth IRA conversion would increase your taxable income, which could increase the taxes you pay on Social Security. The cost of your Medicare benefits might also increase.

Those who don’t have the money readily available to pay the taxes required by the conversion should also think twice about an IRA conversion.

And if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, a conversion also likely doesn’t make sense for you.

Finally, if you think you might need to withdraw funds from your account within five years, and you’re under age 59 ½, you could be subject to an early withdrawal penalty if you convert to a Roth IRA.

The Takeaway

A Roth IRA conversion may help individuals save on taxes because they can make qualified withdrawals tax-free withdrawals in retirement. For those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth IRA may be worth considering.

It’s important to be aware of the tradeoffs involved, especially the amount of taxes you might have to pay in order to do the conversion. Making the right decisions now can help you reach your financial goals as you plan and save for retirement.

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FAQ

How much tax do you pay on a Roth IRA conversion?

You pay tax on the money you convert, but the specific amount of tax you’ll pay depends on the marginal tax rate you’re in. Before doing a Roth IRA conversion, you may want to calculate to see if the funds you’re converting will put you into a higher tax bracket.

How many Roth iRA conversions are allowed per year?

There is no limit to the number of Roth conversions you can do in one year.

When is the deadline for Roth IRA conversions?

The deadline for a Roth IRA conversion is December 31 of the year you’re doing the conversion.

Is there a loophole for Roth IRA conversions?

A backdoor IRA might be considered a loophole for a Roth IRA conversion. Roth IRAs have contribution phase-out ranges, and individuals whose income exceeds those limits cannot contribute to a Roth fully or at all. However, a backdoor IRA may be a way to get around the income limits. To do it, you will need to have a traditional IRA that you convert to a Roth IRA.

How do I avoid taxes on Roth conversion?

You cannot avoid paying taxes on a Roth conversion. You must pay taxes on the money you convert.

How do you not lose money in a Roth IRA conversion?

To reduce the tax impact of a Roth IRA conversion, you may want to split the conversion into multiple conversions of smaller amounts over several years. If possible, try to do the conversions in years when your taxable income is lower.

Do you have to pay taxes immediately on Roth conversion?

Taxes on a Roth conversion are not due until the tax deadline of the following year.

Should a 65 year old do a Roth conversion?

It depends on an individual’s specific situation, but a Roth conversion may not make sense for a 65 year old if they need to live off their retirement savings or if they are receiving Social Security or Medicare benefits. A Roth IRA conversion could increase the taxes they pay on Social Security, and the cost of their Medicare benefits might rise.

Does a Roth conversion affect my Social Security?

It might. A Roth IRA conversion increases your taxable income, which could potentially increase the taxes you pay on Social Security.

Does a Roth conversion affect Medicare premiums?

A Roth IRA conversion may affect your Medicare premiums. Because it increases your taxable income, the cost of your Medicare benefits might increase as well.

What is the best Roth conversion strategy?

The best Roth conversion strategy depends on your particular situation, but in general, to help reduce your tax bill, you can aim to make the conversion in a year in which you expect your taxable income to be lower. You may also want to do multiple smaller conversions over several years, rather than one big conversion in one year, to help manage the taxes you owe.

Can you do Roth conversions after age 72?

Yes, you can do Roth conversions at any age. Some individuals may want to consider a Roth IRA conversion at 72 if they prefer to avoid paying the required minimum distributions (RMDs) for traditional IRAs that begin at age 73. If you convert before you turn 73, you will not be required to take RMDs.

How do I calculate my Roth conversion basis?

The concept of basis, or money that you’ve paid taxes on already, might be applicable if you’ve made non-deductible contributions to a tax-deferred retirement account. When you convert the money in that account, in order to calculate the percentage that’s tax-free, you need to divide your total nondeductible contributions by the end-of-year value of your IRA account plus the amount you’ve converting.

Do you have to wait 5 years for each Roth conversion?

No. There is no time limit for doing Roth conversions, and in fact, you can do as many as you like in one year. However, if you’re under age 59 ½, you do have to wait five years after each conversion to be able to withdraw money from the account without being subject to an early withdrawal penalty.

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

Dec

2024

What Is a Non-Deductible IRA?

By Laurel Tincher | Growing Wealth, invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off

A non-deductible IRA is an IRA, or IRA contributions, that cannot be deducted from your income. While contributions to a traditional IRA are tax-deductible, non-deductible IRA contributions offer no immediate tax break.

In both cases, though, contributions grow tax free over time — and in the case of a non-deductible IRA, you wouldn’t owe taxes on the withdrawals in retirement.

Why would you open a non-deductible IRA? If you meet certain criteria, such as your income is too high to allow you to contribute to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, a non-deductible IRA might help you increase your retirement savings.

It helps to understand how non-deductible contributions work, what the rules and restrictions are, as well as the potential advantages and drawbacks.

Who Is Eligible for a Non-Deductible IRA?

Several factors determine whether an individual is ineligible for a traditional IRA, and therefore if their contributions could fund a non-deductible IRA. These include an individual’s income level, tax-filing status, and access to employer-sponsored retirement plans (even if the individual or their spouse don’t participate in such a plan).

If you and your spouse do not have an employer plan like a 401(k) at work, there are no restrictions on fully funding a regular, aka deductible, IRA. You can contribute up to $7,000 in 2024; $8,000 if you’re 50 and older. In 2025, you can contribute up to $7,000; $8,000 if you’re 50 or older.

However, if you’re eligible to participate in an employer-sponsored plan, or if your spouse is, then the amount you can contribute to a deductible IRA phases out — in other words, the amount you can deduct gets smaller — based on your income:

• For single filers/head of household: the 2024 contribution amount is reduced if you earn more than $77,000 and less than $87,000. Above $87,000 you can only contribute to a non-deductible IRA. (For 2023, the phaseout begins when you earn more than $73,000 and less than $83,000. If you earn more than $83,000, you can’t contribute to a traditional IRA.)

• For married, filing jointly:

◦ If you have access to a workplace plan, the phaseout for 2024 is when you earn more than $123,00 and less than $143,000. (For 2023, the phaseout is when you earn more than $116,000, but less than $136,000.)

◦ If your spouse has access to a workplace plan, the 2024 phaseout is when you earn more than $230,000 and less than $240,000. (For 2023, the phaseout is when you earn more than $218,000 but less than $228,000.)

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening any investment account, consider what level of risk you are comfortable with. If you’re not sure, start with more conservative investments, and then adjust your portfolio as you learn more.

¹Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

Non-Deductible IRA Withdrawal Rules

The other big difference between an ordinary, deductible IRA and a non-deductible IRA is how withdrawals are taxed after age 59 ½. (IRA withdrawals prior to that may be subject to an early withdrawal penalty.)

• Regular (deductible) IRA: Contributions are made pre-tax. Withdrawals after 59 ½ are taxed at the individual’s ordinary income rate.

• Non-deductible IRA: Contributions are after tax (meaning you’ve already paid tax on the money). Withdrawals are therefore not taxed, because the IRS can’t tax you twice.

To make sure of this, you must report non-deductible IRA contributions on your tax return, and you use Form 8606 to do so. Form 8606 officially documents that some or all of the money in your IRA has already been taxed and is therefore non-deductible. Later on, when you take distributions, a portion of those withdrawals will not be subject to income tax.

If you have one single non-deductible IRA, then the process is similar to a Roth IRA. You deposit money you’ve paid taxes on, and your withdrawals are tax free.

It gets more complicated when you mix both types of contributions — deductible and non-deductible — in a single IRA account.

Here’s an example of different IRA withdrawal rules:

Let’s say you qualified to make deductible IRA contributions for 10 years, and now you have $50,000 in a regular IRA account. Then, your situation changed — perhaps your income increased — and now only 50% of the money you deposit is deductible; the other half is non-deductible.

You contribute another $50,000 in the next 10 years, but only $25,000 is deductible; $25,000 is non-deductible. You diligently record the different types of contributions using Form 8606, so the IRS knows what’s what.

When you’re ready to retire, the total balance in the IRA is $100,000, but only $25,000 of that was non-deductible (meaning, you already paid tax on it). So when you withdraw money in retirement, you’ll owe taxes on three-quarters of that money, but you won’t owe taxes on one quarter.

Contribution Limits and RMDs

There are limits on the amount that you can contribute to an IRA each year, and deductible and non-deductible IRA account contributions have the same contribution caps. People under 50 years old can contribute up to $7,000 for 2024, and those over 50 can contribute $8,000 per year. People under 50 years old can contribute up to $6,500 for 2023, and those over 50 can contribute $7,500 per year.

IRA account owners are required to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs), similar to a 401(k), from their account once they turn 73 years old. Prior to that, account holders can take money out of their account between ages 59 ½ and 73 without any early withdrawal penalty.

Individuals can continue to contribute to their IRA at any age as long as they still meet the requirements.

Benefits and Risks of Non-Deductible IRA

While there are benefits to putting money into a non-deductible IRA, there are some risks that individuals should be aware of as well.

Benefits

There are several reasons you might choose to open a non-deductible IRA. In some cases, you can’t make tax-deductible contributions to a traditional IRA, so you need another retirement savings account option. Though your contributions aren’t deductible in the tax year you make them, funds in the IRA that earn dividends or capital gains are not taxed, because the government doesn’t tax retirement savings twice.

Another reason people use non-deductible IRAs is as a stepping stone to a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs also have income limits, but they come with additional choices. High income earners can start by contributing funds to a non-deductible IRA, then convert that IRA into a Roth IRA. This is called a backdoor Roth IRA.

One thing to keep in mind with a backdoor Roth is that the conversion may not be entirely tax free. If an IRA account is made up of a combination of deductible and non-deductible contributions, when it gets converted into a Roth account some of those funds would be taxable.

Risks

The primary benefits of non-deductible IRAs come when used to later convert into a Roth IRA. It can be risky to keep a non-deductible IRA ongoing, especially if it’s made up of both deductible and non-deductible contributions, which can be tricky to keep track of for tax purposes. You can keep a blended IRA, it just takes more work to keep track of the amounts that are taxable.

As noted above, it requires dividing non-deductible contributions by the total contributions made to all IRAs one has in order to figure out the amount of after-tax contributions that have been made.

Non-Deductible IRA vs Roth IRA

With a non-deductible IRA, you contribute funds after you’ve paid taxes on that money, and therefore you’re not able to deduct the contributions from your income tax. The contributions that you make to the non-deductible IRA earn non-taxable interest while they are in the account. The money isn’t taxed when it is withdrawn later.

Roth IRA contributions are similarly made with after-tax money and one can’t get a tax deduction on them. Also, a Roth IRA allows an individual to take out tax-free distributions during retirement.

Unlike other types of retirement accounts, a Roth IRA doesn’t require the account holder to take out a minimum distribution amount.

There are income limits on Roth IRAs, so some high-income earners may not be able to open this type of account. The non-deductible IRA is one way to get around this rule, because an individual can start out with a non-deductible IRA and convert it into a Roth IRA.

How Can I Tell If a Non-Deductible IRA Is the Right Choice?

Non-deductible IRAs can be a way for high-income savers to make their way into a backdoor Roth account. This strategy can help them reduce the amount of taxes they owe on their savings. However, they may not be the best type of account for long-term savings or lower-income savers.

The Takeaway

For many people, contributing to an ordinary IRA is a clearcut proposition: You deposit pre-tax money, and the amount can be deducted from your income for that year. Things get more complicated, however, for higher earners who also have access (or their spouse has access) to an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k) or 403(b). In that case, you may no longer qualify to deduct all your IRA contributions; some or all of that money may become non-deductible. That means you deposit funds post tax and you can’t deduct it from your income tax that year.

In either case, though, all the money in the IRA would grow tax free. And the upside, of course, is that with a non-deductible IRA the withdrawals are also tax free. With a regular IRA, because you haven’t paid taxes on your contributions, you owe tax when you withdraw money in retirement.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen Zigic

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

Dec

2024

Individual Retirement Account (IRA) vs Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

By Dan Miller | invest, Investing, Preparing for Retirement | Comments Off

Although an IRA and a TSP are both types of retirement accounts, they are governed by different sets of rules, starting with the fact that anyone with earned income can open an IRA, but only employees of the U.S. government or the armed forces can fund a thrift savings plan.

A TSP effectively functions more like the government version of a 401(k) plan, with similar rules and contribution limits to these private company-sponsored plans.

When considering the advantages of an IRA vs. a TSP, remember that in many cases it’s possible to fund both types of accounts, as long as you understand the rules and restrictions that apply to each.

What Is an IRA?

You may already be familiar with what IRAs are: These are individual retirement accounts that are tax advantaged in different ways. Anyone with earned income can open an IRA, as long as they meet certain criteria.

Retirement savers can generally choose between traditional and Roth IRAs, with some exceptions owing to Roth eligibility rules (more on that below).

Traditional IRAs allow for pre-tax contributions, while Roth IRAs involve after-tax contributions and permit qualified tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

For tax years 2024 and 2025, the maximum annual amount you can contribute to either type of IRA is $7,000; $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. This is the total annual contribution amount allowed across all ordinary IRA accounts. So, if you contribute $3,000 to a Roth IRA in 2024 or 2025 and you’re under age 50, then you can only contribute up to $4,000 in another IRA for that year.

Calculate your IRA contributions.

Use SoFi’s IRA contribution calculator to determine how much you can contribute to an IRA in 2024.

What Is a TSP?

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is an employer-sponsored plan that is open to members of the military and civilian employees of the federal government. TSPs are tax-advantaged plans that share many similarities to 401(k) plans offered by private employers.

Like 401(k) plans, you can contribute to a traditional TSP or a designated Roth TSP, both of which come with the types of tax advantages that are similar to traditional and Roth IRAs, as described above. In other words, many different types of retirement accounts may also offer a Roth-style option, for after-tax contributions. Be sure to check the rules and restrictions on contributing to both sides of a plan.

Perhaps the biggest difference with a TSP vs. an IRA is the annual contribution limit. You can contribute up to $23,000 for tax year 2024; for those 50 and older there is also an annual catch-up contribution of $7,500 per year, for a total of $30,500.

But contribution limits for IRAs are $7,000 for tax year 2024, and $8,000 for those 50 and up.

¹Terms and conditions apply. Roll over a minimum of $20K to receive the 1% match offer. Matches on contributions are made up to the annual limits.

TSP vs. IRA

In addition, there are other similarities and differences between a TSP and an IRA.

Similarities

Both the TSP and IRAs provide tax-advantaged ways to save for retirement. With both TSPs and IRAs you can choose between a traditional (tax-deferred) account or a Roth (tax-free) account.

• With a traditional-style TSP or IRA, funds are deposited pre-tax, and you owe ordinary income tax on the withdrawals.

• With a Roth-style TSP or IRA, you deposit after-tax money, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free starting at age 59 ½, as long as you’ve held the account for at least five years.

• With both types of accounts, you may face tax consequences and/or a penalty if you withdraw your funds before age 59 ½.

Differences

There are far more differences between TSPs and IRAs, as you’ll see in the table below.

IRAs	TSP
Anyone with earned income can open an IRA	Only members of the military and government employees are eligible
Annual contribution limits for 2024 are $7,000; $8,000 with the catch-up provision	Annual contribution limits for 2024 are $23,000; $30,500 with the catch-up provision
A wide range of investment choices	Investment choices are limited to the funds the TSP provides
You have some control over the investment fees you pay, so be sure to check your all-in costs.	You have little control over the investment fees you pay, though TSP account and investment fees tend to be low.
You cannot take a loan from your IRA	TSP loans may be available
You are solely responsible for contributions	The government typically provides matching contributions of up to 5%
Traditional IRAs are subject to RMD rules; Roth IRAs are not	RMD rules apply to TSPs, but there are different distribution options: e.g. an installment plan or a lifetime annuity, among other choices

Pros and Cons of IRAs

As the name suggests, an IRA is an account that you manage individually. As such, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• You can open an IRA at most brokerage firms, and manage it yourself, as long as you have earned income.

• An IRA account typically offers access to a wide range of investment options.

• Traditional and Roth IRAs offer different tax treatments; you can choose whatever works best for your financial plan.

Cons

• Annual contribution limits are lower than many other types of retirement plans.

• Eligibility rules for Roth IRAs are complicated and can be limiting.

• Only you can fund an IRA; there is no employer match for a traditional IRA or Roth.

• You cannot take a loan from any type of IRA (but you may be able to take early withdrawals under some circumstances without owing a penalty; see IRS.gov).

Pros and Cons of TSPs

Remember that you can only participate in a TSP if you are an employee of the federal government or a member of the armed forces. Here are some other considerations.

Pros

• The annual contribution limits are higher than IRAs, and the same as 401(k) plans.

• TSPs include an employer match up to 5%.

• When setting up your income plan in retirement, TSPs offer a range of options for taking withdrawals, including fixed installments and a lifetime annuity option.

• You can take a loan from a TSP.

• TSP accounts have lower fees, generally, than IRA accounts

Cons

• Investment options within a TSP can be limited.

• If you leave your government job, you can no longer contribute to your TSP.

• TSP plan participants have less control, and cannot opt for lower-fee or investment options.

Can You Roll a TSP Into an IRA?

Yes, you can rollover your TSP funds into a qualified trust or eligible retirement plan. Eligible retirement plans include IRAs as well as qualified employer-sponsored plans.

Keep in mind that generally you generally need to rollover funds from a traditional TSP account into a traditional IRA and funds from a Roth TSP account into a Roth IRA in order to avoid taxes on the amount you rollover.

You may want to consult with a professional.

The Takeaway

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a government program intended to help government employees and members of the military save for retirement. It is an employer-sponsored plan similar to a 401(k). An individual retirement account (IRA) is also a way to save for retirement, but is an account you open and manage yourself.

While there are advantages and disadvantages to each, a TSP allows you to invest more of your savings over time; contribution limits are lower for traditional and Roth IRAs.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

Help grow your nest egg with a SoFi IRA.

FAQ

Is a TSP or IRA better?

A TSP and an IRA are two different ways to save for retirement, and may suit different people for different reasons. Contributing to an IRA may provide you with more investment options, while you can save more in a TSP and the government may match some of your contributions — but not everyone has access to a TSP.

Should you move your TSP to an IRA?

If you leave government service, you can’t contribute to your TSP anymore — but you may be able to open an IRA and rollover the TSP funds. Doing a TSP-to-IRA rollover within the standard 60-day window can help ensure that you don’t have to pay any taxes or penalties, and this may help your retirement plan.

Is a TSP the same as an IRA?

No, a TSP is not the same as an IRA. A TSP is for employees of the government or the armed forces, and it’s comparable to an employer-sponsored plan like a 401(k) or 403(b). By contrast, anyone can open an IRA, as long as they have earned income and qualify.

Photo credit: iStock/Dilok Klaisataporn

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INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

SOIN0523003

A Beginner’s Guide to 401(k) Retirement Plans

What Is a 401(k)?

How Does a 401(k) Work?

Traditional 401(k)

Roth 401(k)

Traditional 401(k) vs Roth 401(k)

401(k) Contribution Limits

How Does Employer Matching Work?

401(k) Withdrawal Rules

401(k) Early Withdrawal Rules

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Pros and Cons of 401(k)s

Pros

Cons

The Takeaway

FAQ

Are 401(k)s Still Worth It?

What happens to your 401(k) when you leave your job?

What happens to your 401(k) when you retire?

Women and Retirement: Insight Into the Gender Divide

A Look at Retirement Trends for Women and Men

Retirement Savings for Women and Men in US

How Marriage and Children Impact Retirement

Women, Marriage and Retirement Savings*

Motherhood and Money

Retirement Is a Top Priority for Women and a Bigger Concern

Women’s Financial Goals vs. Men’s Financial Goals

Those Who Worry They Won’t Be Able to Retire

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.1

Why Are Women Facing a Retirement Gap?

Minding and Mending the Gap

How to Start Saving for Retirement

Figure out your retirement budget.

Cut back on current expenses.

Contribute as much as you can to your 401(k).

Consider opening an IRA.

Diversify your portfolio.

The Takeaway

Roth IRA Conversion: Rules and Examples

What Is a Roth IRA Conversion?

How Does a Roth IRA Conversion Work?

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.1

Roth IRA Conversion Rules

Taxes

Limits

Withdrawals

Backdoor Roth IRAs

5-Year Rule

Is Converting to a Roth IRA Right for You?

Reasons For

Reasons Against

The Takeaway

FAQ

How much tax do you pay on a Roth IRA conversion?

How many Roth iRA conversions are allowed per year?

When is the deadline for Roth IRA conversions?

Is there a loophole for Roth IRA conversions?

How do I avoid taxes on Roth conversion?

How do you not lose money in a Roth IRA conversion?

Do you have to pay taxes immediately on Roth conversion?

Should a 65 year old do a Roth conversion?

Does a Roth conversion affect my Social Security?

Does a Roth conversion affect Medicare premiums?

What is the best Roth conversion strategy?

Can you do Roth conversions after age 72?

How do I calculate my Roth conversion basis?

Do you have to wait 5 years for each Roth conversion?

What Is a Non-Deductible IRA?

Who Is Eligible for a Non-Deductible IRA?

Get a 1% IRA match on rollovers and contributions.

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.1

Non-Deductible IRA Withdrawal Rules

Contribution Limits and RMDs

Benefits and Risks of Non-Deductible IRA

Benefits

Risks

Non-Deductible IRA vs Roth IRA

How Can I Tell If a Non-Deductible IRA Is the Right Choice?

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.¹

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.¹

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.¹

Double down on your retirement goals with a 1% match on every dollar you roll over and contribute to a SoFi IRA.¹

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