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Retirement Planning

  • Overview
  • About retirement plans »
    • 401(k)s and other plans
    • Why participate?
    • Another plan option: Roth 401(k)/403(b)
    • Three steps
    • Starting early
    • Ease into investing
    • Playing catch-up
    • What will your retirement look like?
    • Don’t forget your beneficiaries
    • Access your money in an emergency
  • Develop an investment strategy
  • Changing needs
  • Life stages
  • Other references
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Learning tools
  • Retirement checklist

Good financial planning starts with knowing what your company retirement plan is all about. The more you know, the more benefit you get.

What are 401(k)s and other salary deferral plans?

Employer-sponsored salary deferral plans make investing for retirement easy. Learn more about the benefits and details. 

Why participate in a salary deferral plan?

You can’t rely on Social Security alone to cover your retirement needs. Here’s how an employer-sponsored retirement plan can help. 

Another plan option: Roth 401(k)/403(b)

Does your retirement plan accept Roth contributions? Learn more about the Roth option. 

Three steps to getting your retirement savings plan on track

Educate, evaluate and adjust: Here are three steps to help get your investing plan in place. 

Benefits of starting early

One key to a successful retirement is investing for the long term. See how getting an early start on investing can help build your nest egg. 

Ease into investing

Starting to save today — rather than waiting — is key to reaching your retirement goals. 

Playing catch-up

If you’re getting a late start on saving for retirement or have fallen behind in your contributions, you can still build a comfortable nest egg. 

What will your retirement look like?

Put your savings into perspective. Learn how much you would be able to withdraw each year and calculate how long your own savings could last. 

Don’t forget your beneficiaries

Learn why it’ s important to designate — and periodically review — your primary and contingent beneficiaries. 

How to access your money in an emergency

You might be able to take a loan or hardship withdrawal from your retirement plan account. 

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the American Funds. This and other important information is contained in each fund’s summary prospectus and prospectus, which can be obtained from your plan’s financial professional or downloaded and should be read carefully before investing.

What are mutual funds?

Review the basics about mutual funds and learn about their benefits.
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