Tax-Deferred Investment

A Tax-Deferred Investment with Great West offers you a smart way to grow your wealth while deferring taxes on your investment earnings until a later date. This type of investment allows your funds to grow faster since you are not required to pay taxes on the interest, dividends, or capital gains until you withdraw them, often during retirement when you may be in a lower tax bracket.

Key Features of Tax-Deferred Investments:

1. Tax Benefits:
   With a tax-deferred investment, you won’t pay taxes on the income earned from your investment—such as interest, dividends, or capital gains—until you withdraw the funds. This allows your investment to grow more quickly, as you retain more of your returns.

2. Flexible Investment Options:
   Great West offers a variety of tax-deferred investment options, including retirement accounts (like IRAs or 401(k)s), annuities, and other specialized products. You can choose the investment vehicle that aligns best with your financial goals and time horizon.

3. Grow Your Wealth Faster:
   Since taxes are deferred, the compounded returns on your investments can significantly accelerate over time. This can result in a larger nest egg when you retire, or when you decide to make a withdrawal at a later stage.

4. Retirement Focused:
   Tax-deferred investment accounts, such as retirement accounts, are ideal for long-term growth. You can contribute regularly and let your investments grow without worrying about annual tax bills, helping you save for retirement more efficiently.

5. Choice of Investment Vehicles:
   Choose from a wide range of investment options including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other securities. This flexibility allows you to diversify your portfolio based on your risk tolerance and financial goals.

6. Tax-Deferred Withdrawals:
   Withdraw funds when you need them, typically during retirement, and only pay taxes when you take distributions. This strategy may lower your tax liability, as you might be in a lower tax bracket after retirement.

Benefits of Tax-Deferred Investments with Great West:

• Maximize Your Returns:
  By deferring taxes, you can reinvest the money you would have spent on taxes, allowing you to generate returns on a larger principal amount.

• Tax Advantages for Retirement:
  Tax-deferred investments are ideal for retirement planning. Since you are not taxed on earnings until later, you can focus on building your retirement savings without worrying about the immediate tax impact.

• Reduced Tax Burden During Retirement:
  When you withdraw your funds, you might be in a lower tax bracket than during your working years, which means you will pay less tax on the withdrawals.

• Long-Term Wealth Building:
  These investment strategies are perfect for building wealth over a longer time period, allowing you to accumulate funds without worrying about annual tax obligations.

Common Types of Tax-Deferred Investment Accounts:

1. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs):
   These accounts allow you to contribute funds without paying taxes on the income you earn from the investments. Taxes are deferred until you withdraw the funds, typically after retirement.

2. 401(k) Plans:
   Employer-sponsored retirement plans that allow you to contribute pre-tax income. Your contributions and investment growth are tax-deferred, providing substantial tax advantages as you build your retirement savings.

3. Annuities:
   Tax-deferred annuities are a popular way to ensure a steady income stream in retirement. Your investment grows without being taxed until you begin receiving payments, which can help ensure stable retirement income.

4. Other Tax-Deferred Accounts:
   Certain specialized investment products also offer tax-deferred growth. These include variable annuities or other types of retirement-focused savings accounts.

How to Get Started with Tax-Deferred Investments:

1. Consult with an Expert:
   Start by discussing your goals with a Great West financial advisor who can help you determine if tax-deferred investments are the right strategy for you based on your financial situation and retirement goals.

2. Select the Right Investment Vehicle:
   Choose the tax-deferred investment option that aligns with your long-term financial objectives. Whether it’s an IRA, 401(k), or another product, we’ll guide you through the selection process.

3. Start Contributing Regularly:
   Once you’ve chosen the right account, begin contributing regularly to grow your wealth. You can set up automatic contributions for consistency and ease.

4. Monitor Your Investments:
   Track the growth of your investments using our online platform or mobile app. You’ll be able to review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to ensure you’re on track to meet your goals.

Eligibility for Tax-Deferred Investment Accounts:

• Age Requirements:
  Generally, tax-deferred accounts are available to individuals over the age of 18. Some accounts, like IRAs and 401(k)s, may have additional contribution limits or restrictions based on age.

• Income Limits:
  Some tax-deferred investment options, such as IRAs, may have income limits or other qualifications. Your financial advisor can help determine the best fit for you.

• Documentation:
  To open an account, you’ll need to provide necessary documentation, including proof of identity and, in the case of employer-sponsored plans, information regarding your employment.