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No 401(k) at Work? Consider These Alternatives 

Updated
Retirement Planning
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Man hiking on a sunny day considering options after finding out he has no 401(k) at work

Key Takeaways

  • Traditional IRA and Roth IRA: Traditional IRA allows pretax contributions with tax-deferred growth and taxable distributions, while Roth IRA involves after-tax contributions with tax-free qualified distributions in retirement.
  • SEP IRA: Suitable for self-employed individuals with zero to five employees, allowing pretax contributions up to $69,000 per year or 25% of annual income, according to the IRS.
  • Consider Alternatives: If you lack a 401(k) at work, explore various retirement options like IRAs, SEP IRA, nonqualified variable annuity, or taxable brokerage accounts, understanding their associated risks and aligning them with your financial objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) offer tax-deferred savings, which makes them similar to 401(k)s. Since IRAs have certain income limitations, other options, such as variable annuities and taxable brokerage accounts, may also be worth considering.

Traditional IRA

Like a traditional 401(k), contributions are made to a traditional IRA on a pretax basis. Growth is tax-deferred and distributions are taxed as ordinary income.

The maximum annual contribution to a traditional IRA is $7,000 for people under 50, according to the IRS.1 An additional $1,000 annual catch-up contribution may be made by those age 50 and over.

Roth IRA

Like a Roth 401(k), contributions are made to a Roth IRA on an after-tax basis. Qualified distributions in retirement are therefore tax-free provided that certain criteria are met. You must be at least age 59 1/2 and have had the account for at least five years to take qualified distributions. The maximum annual contribution to a Roth IRA is the same as a traditional IRA: $7,000 for people under 50 and $8,000 for people age 50 and over for 2024.

Please note that a person can contribute to a Roth IRA as long as you have earned an income (up to a limit set by the IRS).

SEP IRA

A Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA is available for self-employed individuals with zero to five employees. Contributions are made on a pretax basis and may not exceed the lesser of $69,000 per year for 2024 or 25% of annual income, according to the IRS.

Nonqualified Variable Annuity

Contributions to a nonqualified variable annuity are made on an after-tax basis and growth is tax-deferred. The earnings are taxed as ordinary income. There is no annual maximum contribution amount and there are no income limitations to make contributions. Although nonqualified annuities are not designed to be retirement savings vehicles, they might help increase your tax-deferred growth.

Taxable Brokerage Account

Contributions are made on an after-tax basis. Account holders pay taxes annually on dividends, interest and capital gains. Employers may make matching contributions to a 401(k) plan on a pretax basis. The maximum annual contribution to a 401(k) plan is $23,000, with catch up contributions of $7,500 per year for those over 50 allowed by the IRS for 2024.

Distributions from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as ordinary income for the calendar year in which they are withdrawn. Qualified Roth 401(k) distributions are tax-free, as long as you are at least age 59 1/2 and have had the account for at least five years, because the account holder pays taxes on contributions. The IRS imposes a 10% early withdrawal penalty on both traditional and Roth distributions made prior to age 59 1/2.2 We recommend you speak to a tax advisor about your situation.

Bottom Line

If you don't have a 401(k) at work, you might want to contribute regularly to a retirement plan or to a long-term investment account that will suit your personal financial situation. Whether you do it yourself, or if you work with a financial representative, consider alternatives to a 401(k) that will work for you. 

Investments inside IRAs, Roth IRAs, SEP IRAs, brokerage accounts, and variable annuities are subject to market and other types of risk. You have to potential to lose some or all of the principal amount invested. It is important that you consider your specific investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon before investing.

Sources

  1. COLA increases for dollar limitations on benefits and contributions. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/cola-increases-for-dollar-limitations-on-benefits-and-contributions.
  2. Retirement Topics - Exceptions to Tax on Early Distributions. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-tax-on-early-distributions.

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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Securities offered through W&S Brokerage Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. W&S Brokerage Services, Inc. is a member of the Western & Southern Financial Group.

Information provided is general and educational in nature, and all products or services discussed may not be provided by Western & Southern Financial Group or its member companies (“the Company”). The information is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal or tax advice. The Company does not provide legal or tax advice. Laws of a specific state or laws relevant to a particular situation may affect the applicability, accuracy, or completeness of this information. Federal and state laws and regulations are complex and are subject to change. The Company makes no warranties with regard to the information or results obtained by its use. The Company disclaims any liability arising out of your use of, or reliance on, the information. Consult an attorney or tax advisor regarding your specific legal or tax situation.