
The State of Tennessee 457 Plan is a great option for state employees looking to save for retirement. It's a deferred compensation plan that allows you to set aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes are taken out.
This plan is designed to help you save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis, which means you won't have to pay taxes on the money until you withdraw it. This can be a big advantage, especially for those who are in a higher tax bracket.
The State of Tennessee 457 Plan is administered by the State of Tennessee and is available to all state employees. It's a popular option because it offers a low-risk investment option with a guaranteed rate of return, as well as a variety of investment options to choose from.
Benefits and Features
The Tennessee 457 plan offers a range of benefits and features that make it an attractive option for state employees.
Contributions to the plan are made on a pre-tax basis, which can help reduce your taxable income.
You can contribute up to $19,500 in 2022, and an additional $6,500 if you are 50 or older.
The plan also offers a Roth option, allowing you to make after-tax contributions and potentially tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Tax Benefits
Tax Benefits are a major advantage of this system. Many users have reported significant savings on their tax bills.
The tax benefits are due to the system's ability to optimize energy consumption, which reduces the user's carbon footprint and makes them eligible for tax credits. This can amount to thousands of dollars in savings over the course of a year.
One user reported saving $2,500 on their taxes after installing the system. This is because the system is designed to work in conjunction with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to reduce energy consumption.
Tax benefits can vary depending on the location and type of system installed. However, many users have reported significant savings on their taxes.
Investment Options
High-yield savings accounts can earn you up to 2.5 times the standard interest rate, making them a great option for short-term savings goals.
With a minimum deposit of $1,000, you can open a certificate of deposit (CD) and earn a fixed interest rate for a set term, typically ranging from 6 months to 5 years.
Investing in a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan can help you save for education expenses while reducing your tax liability.
You can also invest in a brokerage account, which allows you to buy and sell a variety of investments, such as stocks, bonds, and ETFs, with no fees or minimums.
The average annual return on a diversified stock portfolio is around 7%, making it a popular choice for long-term investors.
By investing in a mix of low-risk investments, such as bonds and CDs, you can create a balanced portfolio that generates steady returns with minimal risk.
State Retirement
As a regular full-time employee in the State of Tennessee, you're likely familiar with the state's retirement plans. All regular, full-time employees participate in one of these plans.
Faculty and administrative employees have two plan options to choose from, so it's essential to review your options carefully to ensure you're comfortable with your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cons of a 457 plan?
457 plans have limited investment options and are typically only available to government or nonprofit employees, making them less common than 401(k)s. Additionally, non-governmental 457 plans may carry more investment risk.
How many years do you have to work for the state of TN to retire?
To be eligible for retirement benefits, you must work for the state of TN for at least 5 years and be vested in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. After 5 years of creditable state service, you'll be guaranteed retirement benefits when you meet age requirements.
What are the rules for a 457 plan?
Funds in a 457 plan are tax-deferred, meaning they're withdrawn from income without taxes until withdrawal, typically at retirement. This allows the funds to grow tax-free for several years.
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