401(k) is a type of defined contribution plan with varying contribution limits based on age. Employers may match 401(k) contributions; withdrawals before age 59 1/2 can incur penalties. Other defined ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Eric's career includes extensive work in both public and corporate accounting with ...

Defined benefit plans guarantee a set retirement payout, reducing investment risk for employees. These plans are rare in the private sector, with employers bearing the majority of funding and risk.

In my ongoing effort to educate people on how life insurance works, I seek out new analogies and examples on a regular basis. Along with others, I’ve written exhaustively about underperformance and ...

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Peter Gratton, Ph.D., is a New Orleans-based editor and professor with over 20 years of experience in investing, risk management, and public policy. Peter began covering markets at Multex (Reuters) ...

Defined benefit plans are often referred to as pensions. For employees who meet certain criteria in the workplace, these accounts typically pay out predetermined benefits in retirement. Here's a look ...