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Types of retirement plans. Retirement plans are classified as either defined benefit plans or defined contribution plans, depending on how benefits are determined.. In a defined benefit (or pension) plan, benefits are calculated using a fixed formula that typically factors in final pay and service with an employer, and payments are made from a trust fund specifically dedicated to the plan.

Traditionally, defined benefit plans for employers have been administered by institutions which exist specifically for that purpose, by large businesses, or, for government workers, by the government itself. A traditional form of defined benefit plan is the final salary plan, under which the pension paid is equal to the number of years worked ...

401 (k) In the United States, a 401 (k) plan is an employer-sponsored, defined-contribution, personal pension (savings) account, as defined in subsection 401 (k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. [1] Periodical employee contributions come directly out of their paychecks, and may be matched by the employer.

A defined contribution (DC) plan is a type of retirement plan in which the employer, employee or both make contributions on a regular basis. Individual accounts are set up for participants and benefits are based on the amounts credited to these accounts (through employee contributions and, if applicable, employer contributions) plus any investment earnings on the money in the account.