Partnering with the Government
Are you currently in partnership with the government? I bet you are. the governments incentivized you to? Why do you think they invaded 401K’s and IRAs? Those are new. Most people don’t realize the government incentivized you.
MAPFL BLOG
Why it's important to understand Partnering with the Government
Are you currently in partnership with the government? I bet you are. the governments incentivized you to? Why do you think they invaded 401K’s and IRAs? Those are new. Most people don’t realize the government incentivized you. They said, Hey, don’t pay taxes on the seed, let’s hold off. Let’s get those seeds water and grow and sprout and flourish and then harvest them. And that’s when we want you to pay taxes. We want you to pay taxes on the harvest. So the government is giving you all these incentivized programs. And the financial advisors have absolutely eaten that up because they want to manage your money.
Well, there’s a strong argument out there. It’s in your best long term interest, pay taxes on the seed and let that money grow. Not at a tax deferred rate, but at a tax avoided rate. And that many times you’re going to outpace the growth of your 401k’s or the IRA’s, not around it. It depends. No one can tell.
But reality is, if you’re the kind of person who’s very conservative and you want to avoid future pitfalls and potential problems altogether, consider primary life insurance. There’s a lot of bells and whistles with this flexible tool that people aren’t familiar with. I will never say it’s a better investment than your 401k. Could it possibly outperform your 401k possibly buy it for the right reasons, not just purely for growth, but for protection?
Keypoints for Protect Your Income:
- Government Partnership in Retirement Accounts:
- The government has structured retirement savings vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs with tax incentives. The idea is to defer taxes during the growth phase, paying them later when funds are withdrawn (the “harvest”).
- The government’s approach allows individuals to grow their investments tax-deferred, meaning they don’t pay taxes on contributions or gains until the money is withdrawn in retirement. This, in turn, boosts overall taxable income later.
- Tax Strategy Considerations:
- There’s an alternative perspective suggesting it may be better to pay taxes upfront (on the “seed”) and then allow the money to grow tax-free or at a tax-avoided rate rather than just tax-deferred.
- This approach is often considered with Roth IRAs or certain life insurance products, which provide the benefit of tax-free withdrawals. This can potentially yield better net returns over time, depending on individual tax brackets and retirement plans.
- The Role of Financial Advisors:
- Financial advisors often promote tax-deferred retirement accounts since they offer growth potential and allow advisors to manage those assets.
- The advice to use tax-deferred accounts often aligns with advisors’ incentives but may not always be the best option for the individual’s unique financial situation.
- Life Insurance as an Alternative Tool:
- Mario introduces the concept of life insurance as a financial tool for those who are conservative or looking to avoid potential tax burdens in retirement.
- Life insurance offers unique benefits, including flexibility, tax advantages, and protection components. While it’s not marketed as a direct competitor to 401(k)s, it may serve as a supplementary or alternative strategy depending on an individual’s goals.
- Unlike 401(k)s or IRAs, certain types of life insurance policies (like whole or universal life insurance) can grow cash value tax-free, and withdrawals or loans against the policy can be structured to avoid taxes.
- Purpose and Perspective:
- The advice is to consider life insurance for its protective qualities, not solely for growth. It’s framed as a tool that could potentially outperform traditional retirement accounts but should be chosen with broader financial goals in mind, not just investment returns.
Podcasts / Blogs Latest Episodes
Partnering with the Government
Additional Points (for Enrichment)
- Tax Diversification: Incorporating a mix of tax-deferred, tax-free, and taxable accounts can provide greater flexibility in retirement, allowing individuals to manage their taxable income strategically.
- Risk Tolerance and Financial Goals: Conservative investors might prioritize tax certainty and protection over aggressive growth, making life insurance an attractive choice for wealth preservation and protection.
- Long-Term Financial Planning: Decisions about retirement savings, tax strategies, and insurance should be made with a long-term perspective, considering factors like expected tax rates, inflation, and individual retirement goals.
As an IRS representative would explain, retirement plans like 401(k)s and IRAs are governed by several tax rules under the United States tax code. Key aspects include:
- 401(k) Contributions and Withdrawals: Contributions to a 401(k) are tax-deferred, meaning they aren’t taxed when made but will be subject to income tax upon withdrawal, typically in retirement. Elective deferrals are generally tax-free when made, although they are subject to Social Security and Medicare withholding. Early withdrawals (before age 59½) generally incur an additional 10% tax unless specific exceptions apply, as outlined in IRS guidelines under IRC Section 72(t)
IRS
IRS
. - Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): For both IRAs and traditional 401(k) plans, individuals are required to start taking RMDs at age 73 (following the SECURE 2.0 Act adjustment). These mandatory withdrawals aim to ensure the government eventually collects taxes on the deferred income
IRS
IRS
. - Early Withdrawal Exceptions: There are exceptions to the early withdrawal penalty, such as qualified expenses for education, first-time home purchases, and certain hardship cases. This allows individuals to access their funds without penalty under specific circumstances but requires documentation per IRC guidelines
IRS
.
For more details on 401(k) plans and tax regulations for IRAs, you can refer to the IRS’s resources directly on their website: 401(k) Plans and IRA Distributions.
The primary sources for the tax information on 401(k)s and IRAs include:
- IRS Topic No. 424 – 401(k) Plans: This provides details on tax treatment, contributions, and distributions for 401(k) plans. It clarifies tax deferral, early withdrawal penalties, and taxable income at distribution.
IRS
ps://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/401k-plans). - IRS Guidance on IRA Withdrawals and Early Distribution Penalties: Discusses early withdrawal penalties, including exceptions under IRC Section 72(t), appl
IRS
and IRA distributions. Learn more here. - IRS Re
IRS
tions FAQs: Details on mandatory RMDs for retirement plans, including age requirements under the SECURE 2.0 Act for both IRAs and 401(k)s. More details here.
These sources provide comprehensive guidance on U.S. tax code requirements for retirement savings.