What is an individual private pension? An individual private pension is a Canadian pension fund that does not have any type of employer guarantee. An individual pension is typically defined as a one-man/woman maximum defined benefit pension scheme that enables the plan participant to accumulate retirement income on a fully tax-deferred basis until such time as he/she stops working. In Canada, this pension is often referred to as an “employer supported pension”.
Individual pension funds are considered tax deferred until the retirement benefit is received. Withdrawals are usually limited to the amount of funds remaining in the account. All members are entitled to their full pension at retirement.
When should I consider an individual private pension? There are many circumstances in which an individual pension can be a sound investment. If you are planning on retiring at a younger age with your job still available, it makes sense to invest in a pension plan as young as possible.
On the other hand, if you are planning on retiring with your job, you may be better off waiting to receive your pension at a later date. Most pension funds reward their members for lifetime service with sizable increases in their pension funds over the life of the account holder. If you are young and have years ahead of you in which you will not have to make any payments, a pension with a decent rate can save you tens of thousands of dollars in annual pension payments. This money can go toward your down payment on your first home, your children’s college education, etc.
How do I know how much I will be able to invest in my individual plan? Most individual pension funds allow their members to invest up to a certain amount on each account. The catch is that these investments must be used solely for the benefit of the individual member. In other words, you cannot use the money you make from your pension fund to purchase a home or car.
What are some things I should know before deciding on an individual pension? Investing in an individual pension is never right for every individual. Some people simply do not have enough savings built up to make this type of investment work for them; others may have too much invested and their pension funds would be too far gone to make this type of move.
What is the average rate of return on pension plans? Individual pension plans differ greatly in the rate of return they offer. Some offer high returns with low risk, while others offer low returns with high risk. It is up to you to research individual pension plans thoroughly before you choose one for your own retirement.
What is an individual pension plan used for? Individual pension plans are used for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you want a quick way to get your money. You can invest in individual retirement accounts and let the money grow tax free until it is taken out. You can also use the money to purchase a new car or pay for college expenses. There is no right or wrong reason for using an individual pension plan, but you need to decide if this is the best option for you before investing.
What are the benefits of using different investment options? Individual pension plans allow you to choose between investment options. This means you can invest your money in both stocks and bonds or you can just invest in the stock market. A mutual fund is another option, but it will take longer to draw a return on your investment. Both of these options can give you a good solid investment foundation that you can build upon over the years, but it is important to understand that in order to maximize your individual pension plan you are going to need to take the time to educate yourself about the investment options available and how to choose the one that will benefit you most.
What are some of the drawbacks of an individual pension plan? One of the greatest drawbacks is that if you do not have long term health problems, then the money you are earning as a result of the plan may not be enough to cover your needs. Some employers do provide insurance, but it may not be adequate coverage. This type of insurance is usually considered an elective benefit for the employee and employer, and therefore it is not included in the traditional pension plan.
Is an individual pension plan right for me? Only you can decide if this type of retirement plan is right for you. Make sure you take the time to educate yourself about the different options available so that you can make an informed decision. If you are planning to retire at a later date, then now may be the time to consider one of these pension plans.
