By: Bryan Uecker, QPA, QPFC, AIF, AIFA

Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, a new feature allows employees to access emergency savings within their 401(k) plans. This is designed to provide workers with more flexibility to cover unexpected expenses without needing to resort to high-interest loans or credit cards. Here’s a breakdown of the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating emergency savings accounts inside a 401(k) plan:

Pros:

1. Accessibility for Employees:

• Emergency Fund Access: Employees can set aside up to $2,500 in an emergency savings account within their 401(k). This provides a quick and easy way to access emergency funds without having to worry about depleting personal savings or taking on high-interest debt.
• Early Withdrawals without Penalty: If structured correctly, employees may withdraw emergency funds without incurring the 10% early withdrawal penalty (though income tax may still apply).

2. Tax-Advantaged Growth:

• Tax-Deferred Contributions: Contributions to the emergency savings account within the 401(k) plan grow tax-deferred. This can be an attractive option for employees, as the funds will accumulate without being subject to annual income taxes.
• Potential for Employer Contributions: Employers may be able to match emergency savings contributions, further boosting employees’ savings potential.

3. Encouragement of Savings:

• Automatic Payroll Deductions: Employees may be able to set up automatic contributions directly from their paychecks. This can help establish the habit of saving for unexpected expenses, even if it’s just a small amount each pay period.
• Financial Security: Access to emergency savings in a 401(k) plan gives employees peace of mind, knowing that they have a built-in safety net to deal with unforeseen financial burdens.

4. Enhanced Retirement Contributions:

• Employees may contribute to their emergency savings and retirement savings simultaneously, allowing for the long-term benefits of retirement planning while addressing short-term liquidity needs.

Cons:

1. Limited Emergency Fund Access:

• Withdrawals Are Still Subject to Income Tax: While the penalty is waived, emergency fund withdrawals are still subject to income tax, which may reduce the amount of the funds employees actually receive.
• Limits on Withdrawals: Withdrawals from the emergency savings account are restricted to specific qualifying circumstances. Employees may not have the same flexibility as they would with a regular savings account, and not all emergencies may qualify.

2. Reduced Contributions to Retirement Fund:

• Emergency Savings Could Impact Retirement Contributions: If employees are putting funds into their emergency account within the 401(k), it may reduce their ability to maximize contributions to their retirement savings. This could impact long-term financial planning for retirement.
• Potential for Missed Investment Growth: While the funds in emergency savings are protected from market volatility, they may also miss out on the higher returns associated with more aggressive investments in the main portion of the 401(k) plan.

3. Complexity and Administration:

• Additional Administration for Employers: Employers will need to track both regular 401(k) contributions and emergency savings contributions. This adds another layer of complexity to plan administration and may require additional time and resources.
• Employee Confusion: Employees may be confused about how their emergency savings are structured within their 401(k) and how this fits into their overall retirement planning strategy. Clear communication and guidance from employers will be necessary to avoid confusion.

4. Potential for Overuse:

• Overreliance on Emergency Savings: Employees might be tempted to use emergency funds more frequently, draining the emergency savings account. This can reduce the funds available for true emergencies, potentially leaving employees without the necessary resources when they need them the most.

5. Impact on Future Withdrawals:

• Tax Implications: Since the emergency savings are inside the 401(k), any withdrawals from this account will still count toward the total 401(k) balance, potentially increasing the taxable amount when the employee retires or takes distributions.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of emergency savings accounts within a 401(k) plan under SECURE 2.0 offers significant benefits, particularly in providing employees with an accessible, tax-advantaged way to manage unexpected expenses. However, it also comes with challenges related to tax implications, withdrawal restrictions, and the potential for reduced retirement savings growth.

Employers and employees must carefully weigh the pros and cons, ensuring they balance short-term financial flexibility with long-term retirement planning goals. With proper structure and communication, emergency accounts within 401(k) plans can be an excellent tool for enhancing financial security and preparedness.

By James Barrera

Before moving forward put together a business plan. It’s not necessary to expend a lot of time on this document, as long as you can clearly state your intended strategy and clearly define the scope of your intended sales, marketing, and financing efforts.
Starting a business at any age can be a daunting experience, but doing so after age 50 offers its own challenges and opportunities. The risk factor is as high as it is for a business owner of any age. On the other hand, you have a depth of experience and knowledge that is not present in most budding 25-year entrepreneurs.
If you are considering a startup of some kind in your fifties or later be sure you can answer the following questions.

Are you prepared?

This is no time to jump into the marketplace just to see what happens. If you think you have a great business idea then test it against a thorough market analysis. You need to know who your potential competitors and customers are, but even more critically, if there’s likely to be a genuine demand for your product or service.
Before moving forward put together a business plan. It’s not necessary to expend a lot of time on this document, as long as you can clearly state your intended strategy and clearly define the scope of your intended sales, marketing, and financing efforts.

Do you have passion?

For business owners aged 50 and older, there is no getting around a simple fact: you’re just not as young as you used to be. Starting a business requires the stamina to put in many long hours upfront. Not everyone can meet the physical demands of hard work and lack of sleep. You must have passion for this new business. Making money cannot be your sole motivator – since you may not see profits in the early stages.

Have you looked at the costs?

You are going to need start up funds. Whether you put up your hard dollars, obtain a loan for financing, or tap into your retirement funds tax and penalty free you need to find an accountant experienced in new business ventures to realistically assess the likely startup costs. The plus side here is that by age 50 or greater many have managed to put away a substantial amount of money in their 401k/IRA accounts. DRDA’s self-directed 401k program – the BORSA Plan – would give you access to these funds without tax or penalty erosion.

How can you build on your experience?

Starting a business later in life gives you the unique opportunity to draw on a lifetime of experience. By now you have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses. Chances are you have also accumulated a network of contact who can help you along the way, either directly or through referrals to people who can help you.

Are you considering business ownership at age 50+? One of our Business Consultants would be happy to offer you a free initial consultation. Give us a call at 281-488-2022.

By: Bryan Uecker, QPA, QPFC, AIF, AIFA

The IRS has announced the 2025 contribution and benefit limits in Notice 2024-80, released on November 1.

Key Contribution Limits for 2025:

• 401(k), 403(b), 457, and Thrift Savings Plans: The standard contribution limit for these plans increases to $23,500, up from $23,000 in 2024.
• Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 50 and Over: The catch-up contribution limit remains at $7,500, allowing individuals aged 50 and older to contribute up to $31,000 across 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the Thrift Savings Plan.
• Special Catch-Up Contributions for Ages 60 to 63: SECURE 2.0 introduced an additional catch-up provision for individuals ages 60 through 63. In 2025, this special catch-up amount is $11,250 for 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, allowing for a total contribution limit of up to $34,750 for these participants.
• Defined Benefit and Contribution Plans (IRC Section 415): The annual benefit limit for defined benefit plans rises to $280,000 (up from $275,000), and the limit for defined contribution (DC) plans increases to $70,000 (up from $69,000).

Other Key Adjustments:

• Annual Compensation Limits: The maximum compensation considered for qualified plans is now $350,000 (up from $345,000).
• Top-Heavy Plan Key Employee Definition: Limit increased to $230,000 (up from $220,000).
• Highly Compensated Employee Definition: Raised to $160,000 from $155,000.

These 2025 updates, including special catch-up contributions for ages 60-63, provide increased flexibility and savings opportunities for retirement planning.