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Pension vs. 401(K): Pension May Be a Better Boost to U.S. Economy

Pension Payments [Photo: ET Money]
Pension Payments [Photo: ET Money]

In between pensions and 401(K)s, the former may appear outdated. However, pensions may actually be a better boost by providing a more reliable return to the U.S. economy!

Pension Payments [Photo: The Economic Times]

Pension Payments [Photo: The Economic Times]

In 2020, the National Institute on Retirement Security has announced that pensions have helped in maintaining around 6.8 million jobs. The pensions have also provided around $62.9 billion in federal tax revenues and $422.2 billion in labor income. Altogether, the pensions have contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy amidst the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data previously mentioned highlights how the pensions may have provided a more reliable return to the U.S. economy. This is regardless of the 401(K) plans being the leading retirement plan offered by the country, as reported by Vincent.

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Multiplier Effect

According to Vincent, Ilana Boivie, the senior economist of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, stated that pensions can run a local economy using the “multiplier effect”. Every dollar paid in pension is equal to $2.13 produced to a local economy.

Job Impact

The pensions have supported numerous jobs despite changes due to the environment in the COVID-19 pandemic era. For instance, pensions have supported 678,678 administrative jobs in the office. Employees of that department have received $42.25 billion in salaries and bonuses. Pensions have also supported 662,188 jobs in hospitals, physician’s offices, and community care facilities. Lastly, pensions have supported 227,553 employees in restaurants that offer full service and 547,819 employees in restaurants with limited service only.

Future Recessions

Vincent also stated that in comparison, employers and employees contribute funds to the 401(K) plans. The retired beneficiaries do not have an established retirement amount. The amount is based on how much they contribute during their retirement and the balance left on their accounts after withdrawal. Unfortunately, the amount fluctuates depending on the performance of the stock market.

On the other hand, pensions are provided by the employer. The retired beneficiaries have can receive an established amount per month. With pensions, all the money goes into retirement unlike in 401(K) plans. This means that retired beneficiaries can withstand fluctuating economic conditions, even a recession, better than those who rely on 401(K) plans.

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