RETIREMENT PLANS
The field of retirement planning has grown tremendously in both scope and significance. So it is important to briefly review the many kinds of retirement plans that are available since each plan is designed to fulfill specific needs. Broadly speaking, retirement plans can be divided into two categories: qualified and non-qualified plans.
Qualified plans are those that, by design or by definition, meet certain requirements established by the federal government under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and consequently receive favorable tax treatment. ERISA was created to help protect retirement assets by implementing rules that qualified plans must follow to help ensure that plan fiduciaries do not misuse plan assets. The plans also allow you to defer taxes on your investments earnings until distribution that creates the potential to compound and accumulate. Contributions limitations do exist for the different plans.
Non-Qualified plans are those that do not receive favorable tax treatment but do allow you to defer taxes on your investments earnings, dividends and capital gains until distribution. In a non-qualified retirement plan also allows you to not pay taxes on your earnings until you access them, allowing more of your assets the potential to compound and accumulate, but with no contribution limitations as with qualified plans because of federal government regulations.
At MML Financial & Insurance Services, we can assist you in determining whether you wish to implement or alter your retirement plan. We offer consultations and plan design for the following qualified plans:
• IRA's ( Individual Retirement Account)
• ROTH IRA's (After Tax Individual Retirement Account)
• TSA-403(b) (Tax-Sheltered Annuities)
• SEP's (Simplified Employee Pensions) Small Business Owners and Self- Employed Individuals.
• SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) Small Business Owners and Self-Employed Individuals.
• 401(k) Cash or Deferred Arrangements
Retirement Planning/Analysis and Investment Portfolio Review will help determine whether a qualified plan or non-qualified plan is appropriate for your financial planning goals.
Plan distributions are subject to tax and an additional 10% tax penalty if withdrawn prior to attaining age 59 1/2.
INVESTMENT PLANS
Many clients have accumulated various accounts, perhaps an IRA, 401(k) or a joint account brokerage with a spouse. Do you ever wonder whether your investment portfolios are working together in a cohesive manner? Is your portfolio performing as expected? Are there more suitable choices within your same asset class? Our Retirement Planning/Analysis, Investment Portfolio Review and Asset Allocation Modeling will help sort all that out. With Retirement Planning/Analysis we consider your specific monthly income need at retirement, factor in inflation and your current accumulated retirement assets, and measure that against your goal. Investment Portfolio Review allows sorting of investments choices to determine whether your past goals are still your present and future goals. Are you on track? Asset allocation modeling is spreading your investments over various asset classes. These may include large company stocks, small company stocks, government bonds, international bonds, cash and more. We can create a custom asset allocation model based on your specific risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals to help optimize the potential of your portfolio. Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.
At MML Financial & Insurance Services, we can assist you in determining whether you wish to implement or alter your investment plan. Plan design is available with an array of investment choices to choose from. Investors should consider the fees and charges associated with implementation.
COLLEGE PLANS
You want to help your loved ones go to college. But when they're ready, will you be able to afford it? In 18 years, a four-year private college education will cost over $228,000 *
We can help you develop a college savings strategy that meets your family's needs.
Created in 1996 by section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, 529 savings plans offer distinct federal tax advantages to save for qualified college education expenses.
There's no greater gift of knowledge. Consider this as part of your estate planning strategy, giving the gift of an education is a great legacy for you and your loved ones. With a 529 college savings plan, you help pay for your loved one's education while you remove significant assets from your estate without paying federal gift taxes or relinquishing control of those assets.
An investor should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with 529 plans before investing. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers. More information is available in the issuer's official statement. The official statement should be read carefully before investing.
*Source: The Annual Survey of Colleges of the College Board and Data Base, 2003-2004 © 2003 College Entrance Examination Board. All rights reserved.www.collegeboard.com