• Variable Annuity vs 401(k) vs IRA: A Beginner’s Guide

    Variable Annuity vs 401(k) vs IRA: A Beginner’s Guide

    Variable annuities are rarely a substitute for 401(k)s and IRAs. This guide breaks down fees, tax treatment, and when a plain vanilla variable annuity like Vanguard’s might make sense—plus why a taxable brokerage account often wins anyway.


  • Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2026

    Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2026

    Comprehensive retirement plans (401(k), 403(b, 457(b), Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, IRA, Roth IRA, TSP, HSA etc.) contribution limits for 2026


  • Annuity Income Payout vs. Invest & Withdraw

    Annuity Income Payout vs. Invest & Withdraw

    In this issue:

    • Latest in Retirement Savings & Personal Finance: Annuity Is Back, HSA & Retirement Healthcare Improvement, Growing Medical Debt Crisis
    • Tools & Tips: Annuity vs Invest Calculator
    • Annuity Income Payout vs. Invest & Withdraw
    • Market Overview


  • Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2024

    Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2024

    2024 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits 1. 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Plans Employee Contributions: Up to $23,000 (under age 50) Catch-up contribution: $7,500 (ages 50+) Total Combined Limit (Employee + Employer): $69,000 Roth Options: Available for 401(k), sometimes for 403(b) and 457(b) Plan Details: 401(k): Primarily for for-profit companies; includes Roth (after-tax) options. 403(b): For public schools and nonprofits; Roth-style options less common. 457(b): For state/local government and some tax-exempt organizations; Roth availability varies. 2. Solo 401(k) and SEP IRA Solo 401(k): For self-employed individuals/business owners without employees.

    • Employee contributions: $23,000, plus $7,500 catch-up (ages 50+)
    • Employer contributions: up to 25% of compensation
    • Total combined limit: $69,000 or 25% of compensation, whichever is less

    SEP IRA: Employer contributes up to 25% of compensation, up to $69,000. No catch-up contribution. 3. SIMPLE IRA

    • Employee contribution: up to $16,500
    • Catch-up contribution: $3,500 (50+)
    • Employer must match dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of employee salary
    • Immediate vesting

    4. Traditional and Roth IRAs

    • Annual contribution: $7,000
    • Catch-up: additional $1,000 (50+)

    Traditional IRA: Pre-tax contributions, taxable upon withdrawal Roth IRA: After-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals 5. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

    • Federal and uniformed services employees only
    • Employee contributions: up to $23,000 (under age 50), plus catch-ups ($7,500 at 50+)
    • Employer matches up to 5% of salary
    • Total Combined Limit (Employee + Employer): $69,000
    • Pre-tax (traditional) and Roth contributions allowed

    6. Payroll Deduction IRA

    • Annual limit: $7,000; catch-up of $1,000 (age 50+)
    • Pre-tax or Roth contributions
    • No employer matching

    7. Health Savings Account (HSA)

    • Individual coverage: $4,150
    • Family coverage: $8,300
    • Catch-up contribution: additional $1,000 for age 55+
    • Must have a high-deductible health plan
    • Tax-free growth; penalty-free medical withdrawals; penalty-free non-medical withdrawals after age 65 (taxable)

    8. Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)

    • Contribution limits same as IRAs ($7,000 + $1,000 catch-up age 50+)
    • Allows alternative investments (real estate, precious metals, crypto)
    • Requires IRS-approved custodian

    9. Nondeductible IRA

    • Same limits as traditional IRAs ($7,000 + $1,000 catch-up age 50+)
    • Contributions not tax-deductible; earnings taxable at withdrawal

    10. Annuities and Pension Plans (Brief Overview)

    • Annuities: Insurance-based retirement products, providing guaranteed income. High fees, limited liquidity.
    • Pension Plans: Employer-funded defined-benefit plans providing guaranteed lifetime income. Limited investment control.

    11. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Limits for 2024

    • The maximum employee contribution to a health care FSA for 2024 is $3,200.
    • If the FSA plan allows for carryover, the maximum amount that can be carried over to 2025 is $640.
    • For Dependent Care FSAs, the maximum remains $5,000 per household (single or married filing jointly) or $2,500 if married and filing separately.

    12. Health Savings Account (HSA) Limits for 2024 Coverage Type 2024 Contribution Limit Catch-Up (Age 55+) Minimum Deductible Out-of-Pocket Max Self-only $4,150 +$1,000 $1,600 $8,050 Family $8,300 +$1,000 (per eligible spouse, each in own HSA) $3,200 $16,100

    • Individuals age 55 or older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution.
    • HSA contributions can be made until the tax filing deadline (April 15, 2025, for tax year 2024).
    • To be eligible for HSA contributions, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) meeting the minimum deductible and out-of-pocket maximum requirements above.


  • Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2025

    Retirement Plan Contribution Limits in 2025

    Comprehensive retirement plans (401(k), 403(b, 457(b), Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, IRA, Roth IRA, TSP, HSA etc.) contribution limits for 2025