The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act is a response to a changing retirement landscape: Americans are living and working longer, working part-time in retirement, and are less likely to have the option to rely solely on pensions. When personal savings must stretch further, it’s important for retirees to have a plan for their income in retirement. Luckily, there are ways the SECURE Act can help make saving for retirement easier.
RMDs Pushed Back
Prior to the SECURE Act, Required Minimum Distributions from traditional IRA, 401(k)s, and other qualified retirement plans were due starting at age 70 ½. For some retirees, RMDs mean withdrawing more than they want to in one year. This can mean potentially getting bumped into a higher tax bracket and losing out on years of tax-deferred growth potential. Since Americans are living and working longer, the SECURE Act changed the Required Minimum Distribution age to 72. This means potentially having more time for your funds to grow, and more time to plan how you can make the most of your RMDs. This change could mean rethinking your Social Security claiming strategy, considering a Roth conversion, or deciding how you can reinvest withdrawals.
No Contribution Age Limits
The SECURE Act eliminates the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, which was originally 70 ½. While not everyone may want to, or be able to contribute past this age, it can help those who are working into their 70’s or working part-time in retirement. It could potentially help them to reduce their tax burden and take advantage of tax-deferred growth opportunities.
More Opportunity for Part-Time Workers
Currently, part-time workers who work less than 1,000 hours in a year can’t participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan. Starting in 2021, employees who work at least 500 hours per year for at least three consecutive years will be eligible.
Expanded 401(k) Options
The burden of funding retirement has shifted more to the individual since Baby Boomers started their careers. Fewer retirees have pensions and must rely on their own savings. To address this, the SECURE Act requires 401(k) plan administrators to provide annual lifetime income disclosure statements to plan participants. These give an estimate of how much money someone could have per month if they used 401(k) funds to purchase an annuity. The new law also makes it easier for 401(k) plan sponsors to offer other lifetime income offers.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided only as a general source of information and is not intended to be the primary basis for investment decisions. It should not be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual situation. Please seek the guidance of a financial professional regarding your particular financial concerns. We do not offer tax or legal advice or services, always consult with qualified tax/legal advisors concerning your own circumstances.Insurance and investment products and strategies offered through Networth Advisors, LLC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM). AEWM and Networth Advisors, LLC. are not affiliated companies. We are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other governmental agency. 606468
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Insurance and annuity guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company.
A Roth Conversion is a taxable event and may have several tax related consequences. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA.
