Table of Contents
What happens when target date funds mature?
Nothing special happens with a Target Retirement Fund when it reaches its target date. The fund doesn’t stop investing, and you don’t need to take your money out of the fund. The gradual move from stocks to bonds simply continues.
Is Deferred Compensation a good thing?
A deferred comp plan is most beneficial when you’re able to reduce both your present and future tax rates by deferring your income. The key is, the longer you have until receiving the deferred income, the smaller amount you should defer unless it’s apparent there is a tax benefit to deferring more significant amounts.
What are two benefits of investing in a target date fund?
Several advantages of target-date funds include:
- Low minimum investments, allowing for instant diversification among various asset classes (equities, bonds, etc.)
- Professionally managed portfolios, offering a hassle-free investment.
- Low maintenance, as the funds are designed as a one-size-fits-all solution.
How do target-date funds work?
Target-date funds are designed to help manage investment risk. You pick a fund with a target year that is closest to the year you anticipate retiring, say a “2050 Fund.” As you move toward your retirement “target date,” the fund gradually reduces risk by changing the investments within the fund.
What is my target date fund?
A target date fund is an investment fund that automatically changes the direction of your investments from high-risk, high-reward to low-risk, low-reward options as you near retirement. Conservative investments—like some bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) or money market funds—are less risky than aggressive options.
How do I avoid taxes on deferred compensation?
If your deferred compensation comes as a lump sum, one way to mitigate the tax impact is to “bunch” other tax deductions in the year you receive the money. “Taxpayers often have some flexibility on when they can pay certain deductible expenses, such as charitable contributions or real estate taxes,” Walters says.
When should I take deferred compensation?
We often advise clients to take deferred compensation distributions upon retirement and defer commencing Social Security. Each year of Social Security deferral equates to about an 8\% annualized increase in benefits.
Who should use a target date fund?
For people who aren’t going to follow investment markets, learn how to invest, and take a hands-on approach to their retirement, target-date funds are helpful. They’re even a smart move for people who are inclined to frequently change their fund allocation inside their 401(k).
Are target date funds any good?
Conceptually, target date funds are great; they are a simple solution for people who either don’t want to deal with investing or who are intimidated by money. They are a good option for investors who are hands off and who wouldn’t rebalance their investments on their own.
What is a target allocation fund?
A target-risk fund is a type of investment fund with a portfolio asset allocation that holds a diversified mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments to create a desired risk profile.
How does deferred compensation affect Social Security?
For Social Security purposes, though, deferred compensation is counted when it’s earned — not when it’s received. So any money you receive from a deferred compensation plan while you’re between age 62 and your full retirement age doesn’t count against Social Security retirement benefits.