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Retirement Saving May Get Easier in 2025 With a Little Help From Your Employer | Global News Avenue

Retirement Saving May Get Easier in 2025 With a Little Help From Your Employer

Main points

  • A recent survey found that employers are increasingly adopting provisions from SECURE 2.0, the federal retirement law to be passed in 2022.
  • One of the most popular rules adopted by employers is the 401(k) hardship withdrawal self-certification, which makes it easier for people to access funds in an emergency.
  • The law allows for matching contributions on a Roth basis, meaning workers pay taxes up front and can let their money grow tax-free over time, although fewer employers have adopted this practice.
  • Nearly 40% of employers have adopted a higher balance threshold of $7,000 to force former 401(k) participants out of the plan.

Saving for retirement could get even easier by 2025 as more employers adopt Security 2.0A recent survey found that federal retirement law will be passed in 2022.

A survey of employers by retirement records manager Alight Solutions shows many employers have either already incorporated companies or intend to introduce legally mandated changes to their superannuation. 401(k) plans for this year.

These include a higher threshold for being forced out of the scheme after leaving an employer, making it easier for workers to accept Difficulty Withdrawal from their 401(k) plan and provide after-tax matching contributions in the 401(k) plan.

These benefits may be available to you, depending on your employer.

Hardship withdrawals could get easier

Previously, when workers wanted to take early access to their 401(k) without incurring any fees, punishthey must demonstrate “serious and urgent financial need” by providing documentation to Plan Sponsorsaid Michael Espinosa, president of TrueNorth Wealth Retirement Services.

Employers can now offer a self-certification option for early withdrawal, allowing workers to prove their need to receive 401(k) distributions without the hassle of providing documentation such as unpaid medical bills.

“The process of withdrawing funds from a 401(k) has become faster for those experiencing emergencies,” Espinoza said.

In the “Alight” survey, difficulty Self-certification is one of the most widely adopted SECURE 2.0 rules, with 42% of employers saying they have included it. Another 28% said they would “definitely” or “probably” add it, and of that group, nearly 60% planned to include it in their plans for 2025.

Joe Petry, certified financial planner (CFP) and founder of Mayfair Financial, noted that while self-certification may make it easier for people to access funds in an emergency, people should still exercise caution when taking hardship withdrawals.

“There’s a reason you can’t withdraw (401(k)) funds without penalty before age 59 1/2,” Petry said. “Once you retire, you don’t have many other income options.”

After-tax employer matching contributions

If you receive 401(k) matching contributions From your employer, it’s likely to be on a pre-tax basis, meaning you won’t pay taxes on the contributions until you withdraw the money in retirement.

However, SECURE 2.0 allows employers to Ross Basically, this way you pay taxes on your upfront contributions but don’t have to pay taxes on your investment gains later.

If given the option of receiving matching Roth contributions, people should consider their current income versus what they consider their retirement income, Petry said.

People with higher incomes would be better off taking pre-tax measures now matching contribution Petry said reduce taxes now. Those who believe they will have higher income in the future may choose to make Roth contributions to avoid paying taxes at a higher rate later.

This provision is less attractive than some other rules – only 13% of employers said they had adopted it. Nearly a quarter of employers said they would “definitely” or “probably” adopt the clause, with more than 40% saying they needed more legal clarity on the clause before doing so.

401(k) plans will force elimination of higher minimum balances

when you leave your jobyou can leave the money in your 401(k) or roll it over Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Or, if allowed, your new employer’s 401(k) plan.

However, prior to SECURE 2.0, if your 401(k) balance was less than $5,000, your former employer could force you to Deposit the money into an IRArather than leaving it behind. Starting in 2024, the new law raises that threshold to $7,000.

Nearly 40% of employers in the Alight survey said they had already adopted higher redundancy limits, with more than a quarter saying they would “definitely” or “probably” adopt them.

Although this can help avoid tedious paperworkstill making sure you don’t forget your Old 401(k) account, as this may cost you.

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