Self-directed individual retirement accounts (IRAs), sometimes called ROBS accounts, offer a way to invest in 401(k) plans without an employer. With this setup, you establish an IRA in your own name and then use it to make investments. The key benefit of this approach is that it gives you more control over your retirement savings and investments compared to traditional employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. You can choose from a wider range of investment options and potentially maximize your returns. However, it’s crucial to note that ROBS accounts also come with unique rules and potential drawbacks, so it’s essential to research and consider professional guidance before making any decisions.
Solo 401(k) Plans
A solo 401(k) plan, also known as an individual 401(k), is a retirement savings plan designed for self-employed individuals or small business owners who do not have employees other than their spouse.
Solo 401(k) plans offer similar tax advantages to traditional 401(k) plans, including tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth. However, solo 401(k) plans also have some unique features that make them attractive to self-employed individuals:
- Employer and employee contributions: With a solo 401(k) plan, you can make both employer and employee contributions.
- Higher contribution limits: The contribution limits for solo 401(k) plans are higher than the limits for traditional 401(k) plans. For 2023, the limit for employee contributions is $22,500 and the limit for employer contributions is $66,000.
- Roth option: Solo 401(k) plans offer a Roth option, which allows you to make after-tax contributions that grow tax-free. Withdrawals from a Roth 401(k) are also tax-free if certain conditions are met.
To be eligible for a solo 401(k) plan, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be self-employed or the sole owner of a business.
- You must have net income from self-employment.
- You must not have any employees other than your spouse.
If you meet these requirements, you can open a solo 401(k) plan with a financial institution or investment firm. The following table compares solo 401(k) plans to traditional 401(k) plans:
| Feature | Solo 401(k) | Traditional 401(k) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer and employee contributions | Yes | Yes |
| Contribution limits | Higher | Lower |
| Roth option | Yes | No |
| Eligibility | Self-employed individuals and small business owners with no employees | Employees of companies with 401(k) plans |
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRAs
SEP IRAs are employer-sponsored retirement plans that are available to self-employed individuals and small business owners. They are similar to traditional IRAs, but offer higher contribution limits. Employers can contribute up to 25% of an employee’s salary, or up to $66,000 in 2023, with a maximum of $6,500 from the employee’s own contributions.
Benefits of SEP IRAs
- High contribution limits
- Employer-funded contributions
- Tax-deferred earnings
Eligibility for SEP IRAs
To be eligible for a SEP IRA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be self-employed or own a small business
- Have net income from self-employment
- Establish the plan by the tax filing deadline, including extensions
How to Contribute to a SEP IRA
Employees and employers can contribute to a SEP IRA. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, reducing your current taxable income. Withdrawals from a SEP IRA are taxed as ordinary income.
Contribution Limits
The contribution limits for SEP IRAs are as follows:
| Year | Employer contribution limit | Employee contribution limit |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $66,000 | $6,500 |
Traditional and Roth IRAs
Traditional and Roth IRAs are individual retirement accounts that offer tax benefits for your retirement savings. They differ in the way your contributions are taxed.
- Traditional IRA: Contributions are made pre-tax, reducing your current taxable income. Withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income.
- Roth IRA: Contributions are made after-tax, so you do not receive a current tax deduction. Withdrawals in retirement are tax-free if certain requirements are met.
Brokerage Accounts
Brokerage accounts are investment accounts that allow you to buy and sell a variety of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
Unlike 401(k) plans and IRAs, brokerage accounts do not offer tax-advantaged withdrawals. However, they provide more investment options and greater flexibility in managing your portfolio.
Investment Options
| Account Type | Investment Options |
|---|---|
| Traditional IRA | Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, target-date funds |
| Roth IRA | Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, target-date funds |
| Brokerage Account | Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, options, etc. |
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Hey there! Thanks so much for sticking with me on this journey of 401k investing without an employer. I know it can be a bit of a mind-bender, but hopefully, I’ve shed some light on the subject. Remember, it’s never too late to take control of your financial future. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Oh, and don’t forget to drop by again soon for more money-savvy tips and tricks. Cheers!