Should you contribute to your company’s cash balance plan?

Should you contribute to your company’s cash balance plan?

Author: Nate Reineke July 10, 2024 Duration: 32:25

Episode Overview:

Join Nate Reineke and Ben Utley as they unveil insights into optimizing retirement and investment strategies tailored for self-employed physicians. This episode explores why a solo 401(k) might be more beneficial than a SEP IRA, particularly for those considering backdoor Roth conversions. Additionally, the hosts delve into the intricacies of contributing to 457(b) plans, highlighting key differences and potential risks between governmental and non-governmental options.

Key Highlights:

1.Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA:

-Solo 401(k) plans often offer greater benefits than SEP IRAs for self-employed physicians, especially with higher contribution limits and compatibility with backdoor Roth conversions.

2.Governmental vs. Non-Governmental 457(b) Plans:

-Governmental 457(b) plans come highly recommended for their tax advantages and flexibility. Non-governmental plans, on the other hand, may carry risks of forfeiture and limited flexibility, making brokerage accounts a viable alternative for additional savings.

3.Pitfalls of Non-Governmental 457(b) Plans:

-These plans can pose risks such as forfeiture if the offering company faces bankruptcy, and they may lead to significant tax burdens if distributions are not managed effectively.

4.Cash Balance Plans:

-For older doctors nearing retirement, cash balance plans allow for significant pre-tax contributions and potential tax savings, offering a secured return useful for those close to retirement. Younger doctors should weigh the benefits against brokerage accounts, considering time horizon, rate of return, and tax implications as part of their strategic planning.

5.Rollover IRA vs. Backdoor Roth:

Managing small balances in rollover IRAs can facilitate backdoor Roth contributions, with strategies including consolidating these into active 401(k) or 403(b) plans to avoid immediate tax implications.

Transcript Samples From Key Chapters:

1.Retirement and Investment Planning Advice:

Discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of SEP IRAs versus solo 401(k) plans for self-employed physicians, as well as an examination of 457(b) plans and associated risks.

2.Rollover IRA Versus Backdoor Roth:

Strategies for effectively managing rollover IRAs to enable backdoor Roth contributions without incurring significant taxes.

3.Optimizing Cash Balance Plan Contributions:

Explanation of cash balance plans, their structure, and strategic considerations for doctors at different career stages.

ARE YOU GETTING ALL THE TAX BREAKS YOU REALLY DESERVE?

To find out, get your copy of The Overtaxed Doctor's Retirement Investing Checklist at https://physicianfamily.com/go

GOT A QUESTION?

Write to us at podcast@physicianfamily.com.

 

Disclaimer: See marketing disclosures at www.physicianfamily.com/disclosures


Finding a clear path through financial planning feels uniquely challenging when your career is in medicine and your heart is at home with family. The Physician Family Finances Podcast exists in that specific, demanding space. Host Nate Reineke, alongside co-host Chelsea Jones, brings their experience as Certified Financial Planner™ professionals directly to conversations with physician parents. They understand the dual pressures of managing a practice, caring for kids, and making smart long-term decisions with your earnings. Each episode moves beyond generic advice to tackle the real questions you face, from navigating student loan strategies and investment options tailored to a physician's timeline to planning for retirement without sacrificing your family's present. This isn't about quick tips; it's about building a sustainable framework that aligns with your values and goals. Tune in for a candid, practical discussion that makes complex topics like tax laws and wealth building accessible, so you can gain confidence and clarity with your finances. The entire podcast is built on the principle that securing your future should feel like an achievable part of your life's work, not an overwhelming distraction from it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Physician Family Finances Podcast
Podcast Episodes
#164 Extra, Extra: Hear All About Where Docs Can Keep Extra Savings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
Building on the momentum of your high-earning years can sometimes feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. When it comes to finding a home for your extra savings, it can seem like there are a million account types, and it…
#160 Taxes are a drag. How can physicians cut the weight? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:33
If you have a tax-inefficient portfolio, it can be like swimming with a giant t-shirt on. You can do it, but there is a lot of unnecessary drag. Nate Reineke and Kyle Hoelzle break down what tax drag in a portfolio means…
#159 How Do Doctors Know When To Break Their ARM? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:26
Mortgage rates are on the move once again, and if you have an ARM that is coming up on a variable rate period, it may be time to consider changing your mortgage type. The answer to knowing if you should is easier than yo…
#158 What Should Doctors Upgrade Right Before Moving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
The housing market seems to be heating up again as mortgage rates start to come down. If you’re planning a move, it can be hard to determine what upgrades to do on a house that will actually have a good return on investm…
#156 What is a Mega Backdoor Roth, And When Should Doctors Use One? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:16
If you plan to hit your 401K contribution limit for the year, but see that you can still add money through “after-tax contributions,” you may be wondering if that is a Mega Backdoor Roth and, more importantly, if you sho…