How to Decide Between an Annuity or a 401(k)

A 401(k) is an employer-based tax-deferred defined contribution retirement plan. Each pay period, your company deducts a predetermined amount from your paycheck to invest in a menu of options, such as mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETF)s. You set how much money you want deducted.

Some companies may offer a matching contribution. When you retire, you’ll receive your 401(k) in a lump sum to fund your leisure years. Because contributions are not taxed as you build up your account, you’ll have to pay taxes on the 401(k) funds when you withdraw.

A Roth 401(k) is similar to a regular 401(k) except for one major difference: You put after-tax money into the Roth 401(k). Since you’ve already paid taxes on those funds, you don’t have to pay taxes when you withdraw.

An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. To purchase an annuity, you hand over your money to an insurer, either in one large amount or a series of premium payments.

Like a 401(k), the annuity investment grows over many years. The insurer then sends you a check each month after you retire to your death. If you buy an annuity with pre-tax money, you will be taxed on withdrawals. One important fact to consider about annuity payments is that the amount doesn’t change with inflation.

401(k) plans are increasing in popularity among employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 65% of private industry employees had access to the benefit. If retirement savings are important to you, check to see if a potential employer offers a 401(k).

Both annuities and 401(k) deduct fees, but you may pay more with an annuity. Your plan administrator at your workplace can show you how much your 401(k) account is being charged. Annuity fees can be complicated. You may be paying sales commissions, benefit rider fees, and other charges.

Yes, you can borrow from your 401(k) account, although you should think hard before you do. An annuity, on the other hand, prohibits you from borrowing money from the account.

A 401(k) allows you to name a beneficiary in the case of your death. Annuity payments end at your death, unless you purchase a death benefit. Similar to a life insurance policy, the death benefit pays to your designated heirs.

If you take money out of your 401(k) before age 59 and a half, you’ll pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty on top of the income tax due on the funds withdrawn. An early withdrawal from an annuity is called a surrender charge. But the surrender charge amount gradually reduces after several years.

There are several types of annuities and one is a variable annuity. Its value grows from the performance of the underlying portfolio selected by the annuity owner. Although a variable annuity has the potential for higher returns in a market upturn, the product’s value could also plunge. With a fixed annuity, you receive a guaranteed return, making them less risky.

Contributions to a 401(k) are limited. If you are under 50, you can contribute a maximum of $20,500 in 2022. Over 50, you can make a $6,500 catch-up contribution. For matching contributions,the total allowed for an employee-employer pay-in is $61,000 per year for those under-50. If you are over 50 and add in the catch-up contribution, the limit is $67,500. No such limits apply to an annuity. You can invest as much as you want.

Like most investments, choosing a 401(k) or an annuity is a personal decision based on your age, finances, and other individual factors. Both provide the advantage of long-term savings accumulation, tax-deferred growth, and beneficiary options.

If you are still working but haven’t hit your 401(k) contribution limits, you can buy an annuity as you near retirement. Or you can combine both. Some companies offer employees the option of putting part of their 410(k) into an annuity. By combining two you’ll receive a steady income stream in retirement from the annuity plus any upside from the 401(k) investments.