Benefits of saving now Eligibility and participation – when you can join your employer’s plan Contributions to your retirement account - types and limits Investing Plan Assets Participant-directed accounts – when you can choose your own investments Fees you can be charged Automatic enrollment - when your employer deposits part of your salary into your retirement account unless you make a different election Distributions - withdrawing money from your account When can a retirement plan distribute benefits? Tax on early distributions – before you reach age 59 ½ Hardship distributions – if your plan allows, the rules to follow Loans – if your plan allows, the rules to follow Required minimum distributions (RMDs) - when and how much you're required to withdraw Lifetime Income Calculator - Department of Labor tool to estimate monthly income from your account balance Rollovers to and from other retirement plans Notices (information) – from your employer Vesting – in a retirement plan, means ownership Retirement Savings Toolkit PDF – Department of Labor Retirement saving tips for individuals These articles contain basic information about planning for retirement and understanding your employer’s retirement plan. SIMPLE IRA Withdrawal and Transfer Rules IRA Year-End Reminders How to Take Responsibility for Your Retirement Maximize Your Salary Deferrals Matching Contributions Help You Save More for Retirement Mid-Year Retirement Savings Check-up Rollover to a Roth IRA or Designated Roth Account Roth Account in Your Retirement Plan 401(k) Plan Hardship Distributions - Consider the Consequences Plan Disclosure Documents: Understanding Your Employer’s Retirement Plan