Home » Guides » Money and Finance » Financial Planning » Putting Aside Money for Retirement

Charles Dervarics

Guide to Putting Aside Money for Retirement

Options abound, but start saving early to build long-term wealth

By Charles Dervarics, Writer/Editor

Like being your own boss? Then you should welcome the challenge of building your own retirement plan. Here's the good news: There are more options than ever – most with tax-friendly benefits – that can build long-term wealth.

To examine options for both you and your employees, try a three-part strategy:

  1. Identify the savings plans best suited for your business.
  2. Select an option that can minimize your tax liability.
  3. Diversify your investments to maximize yields.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Step into SEP

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) is one of the most hassle-free retirement plans. Operating much like an Individual Retirement Account, it allows larger contributions and greater tax savings.
I recommend: Contact Merrill Lynch or Fidelity, two financial service companies that cater to needs of the self-employed.

Keep it SIMPLE

Business owners and their staffs both contribute to a Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). This option is open to businesses with 100 or fewer employees who earn at least $5,000 in the previous year.
I recommend: Contact Morgan Stanley or Charles Schwab to learn about SIMPLE plans and compare them to other options.

Find a small business specialist

Some firms specialize in customized small business solutions, including pensions that match a small business owner's annual contributions to fluctuations in earned income.
I recommend: Compare MaxPlans and Vanguard deals for small business.

401(k)s: Choose carefully

Employees may contribute a percentage of their pay to 401(k) plans through payroll deductions. But employers need to consider the complexity of these plans when assessing retirement options.
I recommend: Contact Sharebuilder or Decimal Inc., both of which tout easy-to-administer 401(k) plans for small business.

Compare, compare, compare

Investment companies want your business, and using the Web saves time when comparison shopping.
I recommend: Go to BuyerZone.com to get quotes on 401k and IRA retirement plans.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Select a financial planner carefully. Professionals should develop specific plans and not promote only certain investments.
  • Communicate with employees. State your retirement goals clearly, and work with employees so they understand their options.
  • Start early. Don't wait until age 50 to start thinking about retirement.

The official source of Putting Aside Money for Retirement is
the Retirement Plans page at Business.com

Earn From 1.90% to 2.20%
With GE Capital Corporation. Not An Offer Of Securities For Sale.
For Investors | For Businesses
GEInterestPlus.com
401ks Designed for Small Businesses and Individuals
Low-cost, on-demand and easy-setup plans from ShareBuilder 401(k). Plans for 1 or more priced from $15 month. Learn more.
www.ShareBuilder401k.com
Compare Price Quotes for 401(k) Plans
Easily Compare Prices & Save. Visit Now to Find the Best Deal!
Free Price Quotes | Start Request Now
401kPlans.BuyerZone.com
BGI Defined Contribution
Simple yet Sophisticated Investing. Professionally Managed. Learn More.
SponsorMatch | LifePath
www.bgiDCsolutions.com

Recommended Solution Providers

Fidelity Investments
Retirement options for companies with less than 100 employees.

Vanguard Group
Retirement plans for small business and non-profits.

Wachovia
Small business retirement center articles.

Merrill Lynch
Creating a retirement plan for small business owners and employees.

JP Morgan
Retirement planning for either novice or experienced investors.

Motley Fool: Rule Your Retirement
Free trial newsletter of the Motley Fool on retirement issues.

Best Sites to Learn More

Forbes.com: Retirement
Collection of Forbes reports and articles on retirement.

Microsoft: Small Business Retirement Planning
Articles on small business retirement planning.

NFIB.com: Retirement Solutions
Articles on concerns for small businesses with employees.

SBA: Retirement Plan Basics
Retirement plan management for small business.

Investopedia: Retirement Corner
Bi-weekly column on retirement finances.

US Department of Labor: Small Business Retirement Savings Advisor
Answers questions about retirement savings options for small business employers.

IRS: Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
Articles, publications and forms for small business owners to plan retirement.

Employee Benefit Research Institute: Retirement Research
Research articles on various retirement plans.

Best Blogs and Forums

BenefitsLink Message Board
Forums for small business benefit discussions including 401k, SEP, IRAs and SEOPs.

Taking Retirement
Blog about planning for retirement and how to live right.



FEATURED LISTINGS

What WorksTM for Financial Planning

Irwin Speizer

401(k) Plans for Small Business

These defined contribution retirement plans aren't just for big corporations
One of the most powerful perks you can offer your employees is a pension plan, and one of the most popular types is the 401(k). Named after an IRS code section, the 401(k) allows your employees to fund their own retirement through pre-tax contributions. If you can afford it, you can provide matching contributions. Both you and your employees get a tax break for contributing. A good 401(k) plan can: Help you attract top talent. ... Read more

Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
Download

To advertise on Business.com, click here