The Importance of Saving Outside Your Retirement Plan

When planning for retirement, many prioritize maxing out their 401(k) or IRA. These accounts offer tax advantages and often an employer match, making them a cornerstone of retirement savings. However, an often-overlooked aspect of financial planning is the value of diversifying the types of accounts you save into. At Vaultis Private Wealth, we frequently encounter clients with substantial 401(k) or IRA balances but limited savings elsewhere. This can restrict their ability to craft a tax-efficient Lifestyle Distribution Strategy in retirement. By spreading savings across taxable brokerage accounts, Roth IRAs, and traditional retirement plans, you gain flexibility to minimize taxes and optimize your retirement income.

The Power of 401(k) Savings

Saving through a 401(k) is straightforward. You choose a percentage of your paycheck to contribute, up to $23,500 in 2025 (or $31,000 if you’re 50 or older, or $34,750 if you’re aged 60 to 63, thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act’s higher catch-up contribution rules), and deductions happen automatically. Many employers offer a match, boosting your savings effortlessly. This consistent, behind-the-scenes approach allows individuals to build significant retirement nest eggs over time. However, relying solely on a 401(k) can limit your options when transitioning from earning a paycheck to funding your retirement lifestyle.

Why Diversify Account Types?

Diversifying account types creates options to minimize taxes and optimize your Lifestyle Distribution Strategy in retirement. Each account type has unique tax implications and access rules, which can be combined strategically to meet your cash flow needs. Consider these key accounts and their roles in a diversified plan:

• Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs
  Distributions from these accounts are taxed as ordinary income, with marginal 2025 rates for married couples filing jointly ranging from 10% to 37% (for example, 22% for income between $96,951 and $206,700, or 24% for income between $206,701 and $394,600, with the top 37% rate applying to incomes over $751,600). Additionally, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73, requiring withdrawals of approximately 4% of your account balance annually, based on the prior year’s December 31 value. These withdrawals can push you into higher tax brackets, particularly if RMDs exceed your spending needs.

• Taxable Accounts
  Taxable accounts provide unparalleled flexibility, with no age restrictions on accessing funds. You pay taxes annually on dividends, interest, and realized capital gains, but these are often taxed at preferential rates: qualified dividends and long-term capital gains face 0%, 15%, or 20% rates, depending on your income (for example, 15% for married couples with taxable income between $96,951 and $583,750 in 2025). You can also access your principal (basis) tax-free. For instance, to generate $40,000 from a taxable account, you might have $10,000 in dividends taxed at 15% and sell investments for $30,000 with a $20,000 basis, resulting in only $10,000 of taxable long-term capital gains.

• Roth IRAs
  Roth IRAs stand out for their tax-free growth and distributions, provided you meet two conditions: you’re at least 59½, and the account has been open for five years. Unlike taxable accounts, you avoid annual taxes on earnings, and unlike traditional IRAs, there are no RMDs. Contributions in 2025 are limited to $7,000 (or $8,000 if 50 or older), subject to income limits. Because Roth IRAs grow tax-free, it’s often strategic to preserve these funds for later in retirement or for years when your tax bracket is high, using them to supplement income without increasing taxable income.

Crafting a Tax-Efficient Lifestyle Distribution Strategy

In retirement, your focus shifts from saving to generating income to support your lifestyle. A Lifestyle Distribution Strategy involves combining income sources, such as Social Security, pensions, rental income, or part-time work, with withdrawals from your investment accounts. The goal is to meet your cash flow needs tax-efficiently while minimizing your overall tax burden.

To illustrate the power of diversification of account types, consider a common retirement scenario. Imagine you need $100,000 to supplement your Social Security and pension income. If you withdraw this entirely from a 401(k) or IRA, the full amount is taxed as ordinary income, potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket, such as 22% or 24%. Now consider a diversified approach: $40,000 from an IRA (taxed as ordinary income), $40,000 from a taxable account (with, say, $10,000 in dividends and $10,000 in capital gains taxed at preferential rates, typically 15%), and $20,000 tax-free from a Roth IRA. This strategy reduces your taxable income by blending income sources with different tax treatments, keeping you in a lower bracket and minimizing your overall tax burden compared to the IRA-only approach. This flexibility becomes even more critical when considering mandatory withdrawals.

RMDs add another layer of complexity. If your 401(k) or IRA is your only significant account, large RMDs could force withdrawals beyond your needs, reducing your ability to control your tax bracket. A diversified portfolio allows you to draw from taxable accounts or Roth IRAs in years when RMDs inflate your income, preserving tax efficiency.

Building a Diversified Savings Plan

To achieve flexibility in retirement, diversify your savings now. Continue contributing to your 401(k) to capture any employer match, up to the $24,000 limit (or $32,000 if 50+). Also prioritize:

• Taxable accounts for their accessibility and favorable tax treatment on capital gains and dividends.

• Roth IRAs for tax-free growth, through direct contributions ($7,000 or $8,000 if 50+) or Roth conversions from traditional IRAs, strategically timed with your advisor to manage tax implications.

By diversifying your savings, you create a robust framework for retirement. You’ll have the flexibility to navigate tax brackets, RMDs, and unexpected expenses while optimizing your income. At Vaultis Private Wealth, we view retirement planning as a strategic process of aligning your unique mix of assets with your lifestyle goals. Spreading savings across account types isn’t just about saving more—it’s about saving smarter to minimize taxes and maximize your retirement freedom.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or financial product. The information presented is general in nature and does not take into account your specific financial situation, objectives, or needs. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and all investments carry risks, including the potential loss of principal. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any investment or financial planning decisions. Vaultis Private Wealth is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information in this article.

Retirement Plans for Small Business Owners

As a small business owner, offering a retirement plan is not just about attracting and retaining talented employees—it's also about securing your own financial future. With various retirement plan options available, choosing the right one can be challenging. As a business owner, your retirement planning needs are unique, often intertwined with your business succession strategy and personal financial goals. This article will explore different retirement plans suitable for small businesses, focusing on how they can benefit you as the business owner. We will discuss their features, benefits, contribution limits, and considerations to help you make an informed decision.

1. 401(k) Plans (Traditional and Roth)

Overview: A 401(k) plan is a popular retirement savings option that allows employees, including business owners, to contribute pre-tax dollars from their wages, with the option for employers to match contributions. Additionally, a traditional 401(k) can include a Roth 401(k) feature, allowing for after-tax contributions with tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Ideal for: 401(k) plans are ideal for business owners with more than 25 employees who want to offer a competitive benefits package while maximizing their own retirement savings. The Roth feature is particularly beneficial if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.

Contribution Limits (2024):

• Employee contribution: Up to $23,000 annually

• Catch-up contribution (age 50+): Additional $7,500

• Total contribution (employee + employer): $69,000 or 100% of compensation, whichever is less

Tax Benefits: Contributions to a traditional 401(k) are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income, while Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars, allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Employer contributions are tax-deductible.

Considerations: 401(k) plans require annual non-discrimination testing and have higher administrative costs compared to some other plans. However, they offer flexibility and high contribution limits, making them a robust option for business owners looking to maximize their retirement savings.

As a business owner, this plan type may offer you the ability to save significantly for retirement while providing a valuable benefit to attract and retain top talent.

2. Solo 401(k) Plans

Overview: Also known as an individual 401(k), this plan is designed for self-employed individuals or business owners with no employees other than a spouse. It allows for significant contributions as both employer and employee.

Ideal for: Solo 401(k) plans are perfect for sole proprietors, partnerships, and small business owners with no full-time employees. This plan offers a retirement savings option without the complexity of managing a larger plan.

Contribution Limits (2024):

• As both employer and employee, you can contribute up to $69,000 annually

• Catch-up contribution (age 50+): Additional $7,500

The contribution limits for Solo 401(k) plans is higher than traditional 401(k) plans because you can contribute in two capacities: as both the employee and the employer. This dual contribution ability allows you to maximize your retirement savings more effectively than with other plan types. 

Tax Benefits: Contributions are tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-deferred, providing significant tax advantages for self-employed individuals.

Considerations: Solo 401(k) plans are easy to administer with minimal paperwork but require filing Form 5500 when plan assets exceed $250,000. This plan is ideal for business owners looking to maximize their retirement savings without the administrative burden of a larger plan.

As a business owner, this plan type may offer you the flexibility to maximize your retirement savings while maintaining full control over your contributions and investments.

3. SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)

Overview: A SIMPLE IRA is a straightforward retirement plan that's easy to set up and manage, with mandatory employer contributions.

Ideal for: SIMPLE IRAs are ideal for business owners with 100 or fewer employees who want a low-cost, easy-to-administer plan that still provides valuable retirement benefits for themselves and their employees.

Contribution Limits (2024):

• Employee contribution: Up to $16,000 annually

• Catch-up contribution (age 50+): Additional $3,500

• Employer must match up to 3% of employee contributions or provide a 2% non-elective contribution for all eligible employees

Tax Benefits: Employee contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, and employer contributions are tax-deductible, making it a tax-efficient option for both parties.

Considerations: SIMPLE IRAs have lower contribution limits compared to 401(k) plans and require mandatory employer contributions. However, they are easy to set up and maintain, making them a convenient option for business owners looking for simplicity.

As a business owner, this plan type may offer you a straightforward way to save for retirement while providing a valuable benefit to your employees with minimal administrative burden.

4. SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)

Overview: A SEP IRA allows employers to make tax-deductible contributions to their employees' retirement accounts, with high contribution limits relative to other plans.

Ideal for: SEP IRAs are ideal for self-employed individuals and small business owners with few employees. This plan offers a simple and flexible retirement savings option with significant tax advantages.

Contribution Limits (2024):

• Up to 25% of an employee's compensation or $69,000, whichever is less

• Same percentage must be contributed for all eligible employees

Tax Benefits: Contributions are tax-deductible for the employer, and earnings grow tax-deferred, providing significant tax advantages.

Considerations: Only employers can contribute to SEP IRAs, and they are easy to set up and administer. However, SEP IRAs can be less suitable for businesses with many employees due to the requirement to contribute the same percentage for all eligible employees. This can become costly as your workforce grows. This plan is ideal for business owners looking for a straightforward and tax-efficient way to save for retirement, particularly those with a small number of employees or solo practitioners.As a business owner, this plan type may offer you the ability to make substantial contributions to your own retirement while maintaining flexibility in your annual contribution amounts.

5. Safe Harbor 401(k)

Overview: A Safe Harbor 401(k) is similar to a traditional 401(k) but automatically passes non-discrimination testing, making it easier to manage.

Ideal for: Safe Harbor 401(k) plans are ideal for small to medium-sized business owners who want to maximize their own contributions and those of highly compensated employees without the risk of failing non-discrimination tests.

Contribution Limits (2024):

• Same as traditional 401(k)

Tax Benefits: Safe Harbor 401(k) plans offer similar tax benefits to traditional 401(k) plans, including tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth.

Considerations: Safe Harbor 401(k) plans require mandatory employer contributions, which are immediately 100% vested, providing a strong incentive for employee participation. This plan is ideal for business owners looking for a straightforward way to maximize contributions and ensure compliance.

Non-discrimination testing, which these plans automatically pass, is an annual requirement for traditional 401(k) plans to ensure they don't unfairly benefit highly compensated employees or key company decision-makers. By passing these tests automatically, Safe Harbor plans reduce administrative burden and allow higher-earning employees to maximize their contributions without restriction.

This plan is ideal for business owners looking for a straightforward way to maximize contributions and ensure compliance without the worry of failing non-discrimination tests.

As a business owner, this plan type may offer you the ability to maximize your own retirement savings without concerns about test failures, while also providing a valuable benefit to your employees.

Choosing the right retirement plan for your small business depends on various factors, including the size of your company, your budget, and your retirement goals. Each plan type offers unique advantages and considerations, from contribution limits to tax benefits and administrative requirements. By carefully evaluating these options and consulting with a financial advisor, you can select a retirement plan that best serves your business and your long-term financial goals.

For personalized guidance on selecting and managing the right retirement plan for your business, consider reaching out to Vaultis Private Wealth. Our team of experts specializes in working with business owners like you, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities you face in planning for retirement while managing your business. We can help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning, integrate it with your business succession strategy, and optimize your overall financial picture. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving your retirement goals while maximizing the value of your business.

Disclosures: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult with a financial advisor, tax professional, or legal counsel for advice specific to your business and personal financial situation. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. It is important to carefully consider your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment decisions. Retirement plans are subject to various IRS and Department of Labor regulations. Business owners should ensure that their chosen retirement plan complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including contribution limits and non-discrimination requirements. The tax benefits and implications of retirement plans can vary based on individual circumstances and changes in tax laws. It is recommended to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications for your business and personal finances. The administration of retirement plans may involve additional costs and responsibilities. Business owners should consider these factors when selecting a retirement plan and may wish to engage a third-party administrator or financial institution to assist with plan management. The information in this article is based on current laws and regulations as of the date of publication. Future changes in legislation or regulations may impact the suitability or benefits of certain retirement plans. Regularly review your retirement plan options to ensure they continue to meet your needs.