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What is a defined contribution plan?

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Getting ready for retirement doesn't happen all at once. It takes small steps to create a comfortable and secure plan that aligns with the type of life you want to live after leaving the workforce. A great place to start is exploring the defined contribution plan offered through your employer.

Defined contribution plans are a popular way to save for retirement due to their relative simplicity and potential tax advantages. However, depending on the types of defined contribution plans offered at your workplace, you may decide to choose a combination of choices rather than focus on one.

How do defined contribution plans work?

A defined contribution plan is a retirement account offered through an employer. They include:

You and your employer can both contribute funds into this account up to certain limits set by the IRS each year. Once you contribute to these accounts, you can invest your money in any of the provided mutual funds or other investments available through your particular account administrator.

One major differentiator between a defined contribution plan and a non-401(k) investment account, such as a brokerage account, are the tax advantages. Typically, all investments fall into an income tax bucket of either "tax now," "tax later" or "tax never."

  • Traditional defined contribution accounts are often "tax later" since they only require you to pay income tax when withdrawing money in retirement.
  • Roth-style defined contribution plans (such as a Roth 401(k), Roth 403(b), and Roth 457(b)) have both "tax now" and "tax never" features. Since taxes have already been paid on Roth contributions when they were made, there will be no additional tax liability when you take distributions in retirement. Additionally, your earnings will be tax-free if you make a qualified distribution.1

2023 & 2024 defined contribution plan limits

The IRS sets annual contribution limits for account holders of defined contribution plans. Additionally, people 50 and older can contribute even more through a catch-up contribution.

Types of defined contribution plans
2023 contribution limit
2024 contribution limit
401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and government Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
$22,500 per individual
$23,000 per individual
If age 50 or over (same set of plans)
An additional $7,500, for a total of $30,000
An additional $7,500, for a total of $30,500

How do defined contribution plans differ from defined benefit plans?

Defined benefit plans, also known as pensions, are offered by employers to help employees plan for a specific income in retirement. They also incentivize a long tenure at a company. They offer a lifetime annuity upon retirement that is set at a specific amount, typically calculated based on years of service at the company and an individual's final salary there. In addition to the annuity option, a the company many offer a lump sum distribution which can then be rolled to an IRA.

Defined contribution plans, by contrast, are widely available to working adults. They don't guarantee a particular amount of income in retirement and can change in value based on the performance of your investments. A major advantage of defined contribution plans is their portability; unlike with some defined benefit plans, assets can roll over to a traditional IRA or your new company's 401(k) plan if you change jobs. Portability is dependent on details in the plan document.2

There are benefits and drawbacks to both kinds of plans, but defined contribution plans have grown in popularity with employers over the defined benefit plan or pension model. Ultimately, participation is dependent on what your employer offers.

Making the most of a defined contribution plan

Consider these four strategies to optimize your retirement savings:

1. Aim for the employer match

At many companies, the employer offers a contribution match of some kind in part to encourage employees to save for retirement. This match is an amount they will contribute based on employees' level of saving. For instance, they might offer to contribute 1% of your salary to your retirement account for every 1% you contribute, up to 3%. To access this money fully, you'd have to contribute 3% of your salary into retirement—however, you are effectively compensated at 103% of your salary, which can be a nice opportunity to receive free money while saving for your future.

2. Keep tax-efficiency top of mind

Traditional 401(k) tax advantages arrive early, when you first earn and contribute the money. This is most advantageous if you expect to earn a higher income now than you will later on. Meanwhile, Roth 401(k) tax advantages arrive in retirement. If you're earning a lower income now but expect your income to grow over time, paying the taxes now through a Roth 401(k) account could mean paying less overall, with no tax liability in retirement on those withdrawals.

One strategy for optimizing your taxes is to shift taxable income to the later seasons of your life when you have lower income overall, as you could be in lower tax brackets. Ideally, you'll qualify for deductions from your taxable income when you have a higher income. For instance, those with a higher income might have their contributions taxed at a 35% rate, while those making lower wages may be taxed at only 10%. Taking these deductions off the top of a higher income can potentially yield greater savings.

3. Boost your savings by also using IRAs

If you don't have a defined contribution plan, you can use an individual retirement account (IRA) to save for retirement. However, many people find that a combination approach that utilizes both their employer's defined contribution plan and an IRA can offer more flexibility.

Additional things to note:

2023 & 2024 IRA contribution limits

IRA types
2023 contribution limit
2024 contribution limit
Roth IRA and Traditional IRA
$6,500 per individual
$7,000 per individual
If age 50 or over (same IRA plans)
An additional $1,000 for a total of $7,500
An additional $1,000 for a total of $8,000

4. Pay yourself first to automate good saving habits

When you first start a new job or role at your company, your defined contribution plan represents a powerful opportunity. You can choose a dollar amount or a set percentage—anywhere from 1% to 10% or more—to subtract from your paycheck and contribute toward your defined contribution plan. You won't see those funds for years, so saving in this way may mean you never miss the money in the first place. The "pay yourself first" method is a chance to practice good stewardship of your resources without having to make the conscious decision to save each month.

Of course, if you do have a major change in circumstances, you can always reduce that automatic contribution by working with your HR department or plan administrator. You're not locked in forever. With busy lives full of decisions, many of us value the opportunity to make a wise choice like this one time and reap the benefits for years to come.

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Are your retirement savings on track?

Each decade of your working life serves as a guide to navigating the nuances of creating a strong retirement plan. Explore retirement saving guideposts in your 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

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3 potential disadvantages of defined contribution plans

All forms of retirement savings have benefits and drawbacks. Knowing the structure of defined contribution plans can help you prepare ahead of time and minimize pitfalls.

1. Vesting

Some employer contributions aren't "fully vested," or owned outright by you, until you've worked at the company for a certain amount of time. Ask if your company has a vesting schedule—if there's a good chance you might leave this job before the vesting period, you might choose a different way to save for retirement, since you may or may not be eligible to keep your employer's matching contributions if you aren't there for long enough. Your own contributions are always 100% vested.

2. Fees may vary

While IRAs often have many investment options, some defined contribution plans only have a few choices available. These funds may have substantial management fees, which can eat into the returns you gain from your investments. Reviewing the fees on both IRA and defined contribution plan options helps you make informed decisions.

3. Retirement income is not guaranteed

Defined contribution plans do not guarantee you a given monthly or annual payout each year of retirement. You'll need to manage your account's level of risk, especially as your retirement date approaches.

Get help to plan your retirement savings wisely

Thrivent's Retirement Readiness survey revealed that younger generations are more likely to rely on just one savings strategy, whereas those nearing retirement are more likely to have a mix of assets for retirement. Between your day-to-day savings account, your investment accounts and your retirement accounts, you may feel unsure about how to save in a way that equips you for the future.

A trusted Thrivent financial advisor can help you balance out and diversify your accounts. These knowledgeable professionals offer guidance tailored to your individual situation to help you gain clarity about your long-term financial goals.

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1Distributions of earnings are tax-free as long as your Roth IRA, Roth 403(b) or Roth 401(k) is at least five years old and one of the following requirements is met: (1) you are at least age 59½; (2) you are disabled; (3) you are purchasing your first home ($10,000 lifetime maximum); or (4) the money is being paid to a beneficiary.

2There may be benefits to leaving your account in your employer plan, if allowed. You will continue to benefit from tax deferral, there may be investment options unique to your plan, fees and expenses may be lower, plan assets have unlimited protection from creditors under Federal law, there is a possibility for loans, and distributions are penalty free if you terminate service at age 55+. Consult your tax professional prior to requesting a rollover from your employer plan.

3For 2023, your contribution deduction is reduced if MAGI is between $73,000 and $83,000 on a single return and $116,000 and $136,000 on a joint return. If you're married filing jointly and an active participant in an employer sponsored retirement plan and your spouse is not, the deduction for your spouse's contribution is phased out if MAGI is between $218,000 and $228,000.For 2024, your contribution deduction is reduced if MAGI is between $77,000 and $87,000 on a single return and $123,000 and $143,000 on a joint return. If you're married filing jointly and an active participant in an employer sponsored retirement plan and your spouse is not, the deduction for your spouse's contribution is phased out if MAGI is between $230,000 and $240,000. If you're a married taxpayer who files separately, consult your tax advisor.

42023: You may contribute to a Roth IRA if your modified adjusted gross income for 2023 is less than $138,000 (single filer) or less than $218,000 (joint filer). Contribution reduced if MAGI is between $138,000 and $153,000 on a 2023 single return and $218,000 and $228,000 on a 2023 joint return. 2024: You may contribute to a Roth IRA if your modified adjusted gross income for 2024 is less than $146,000 (single filer) or less than $230,000 (joint filer). Contribution reduced if MAGI is between $146,000 and $161,000 on a 2024 single return and $230,000 and $240,000 on a 2023 joint return. If you are a married taxpayer who files separately, consult your tax professional.

Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes. May not be representative of actual results.

While diversification can help reduce market risk, it does not eliminate it. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.

Thrivent and its financial advisors and professionals do not provide legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your attorney or tax professional.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The fund prospectus contains more information on investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, which investors should read carefully and consider before investing. Available at Thrivent.com.   

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