Pensions [CapiPedia]

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======Pensions======
A pension is a retirement fund designed to provide you with a steady income after you stop working. Think of it as a long-term savings plan with a superpower: //[[compound interest]]//. Throughout your career, you, and often your [[employer]], contribute money into a special pot. This money isn't just sitting there; it's invested in assets like [[stocks]] and [[bonds]] with the goal of growing substantially over decades. When you retire, this nest egg is converted into a regular stream of payments, replacing the paycheck you no longer receive. While the word "pension" might conjure images of gold watches and guaranteed checks for life, the modern pension landscape is much more diverse. Understanding how your specific plan works is one of the most critical steps in securing your financial future, putting you in the driver's seat of your own retirement journey.
===== How Pensions Work =====
Pensions operate in two main stages. The first is the **accumulation phase**, which lasts for your entire working life. During this time, you and/or your employer make regular contributions to your pension account. This pool of money is invested, allowing it to grow through market gains and compounding. The second stage is the **payout phase**, which begins when you retire. Your accumulated savings are then converted into an income stream. This can be a lump-sum payment, a guaranteed income for life (an [[annuity]]), or flexible withdrawals from your invested pot, depending on the type of plan and local regulations. The goal is to build a large enough sum during the accumulation phase to support your lifestyle during the payout phase.
===== Types of Pension Plans =====
Pension plans are not all created equal. They generally fall into two major categories, and the difference between them is crucial: who bears the //[[investment risk]]//.
==== Defined Benefit (DB) Plans ====
A [[Defined Benefit (DB) Plan]] is the classic, traditional pension. With a DB plan, your employer guarantees you a specific, predictable retirement benefit for life. This payout is typically calculated using a formula based on your final salary, years of service, and a predetermined percentage.
Think of it as a **pre-ordered retirement paycheck**. Your employer is responsible for investing the plan's assets and ensuring there's enough money to meet its promises to all retirees. You don't have to worry about market fluctuations; the risk is entirely on the employer. These plans have become increasingly rare in the private sector due to their high cost and risk for companies. In the U.S., these plans are partially insured by a government agency called the [[Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)]].
==== Defined Contribution (DC) Plans ====
A [[Defined Contribution (DC) Plan]] is the modern standard for retirement savings. In a DC plan, you and/or your employer contribute a set amount or percentage of your salary to an individual account in your name. You are then responsible for choosing how that money is invested from a menu of options provided by the plan administrator.
This is like a **personal investment account for retirement**. The amount of money you have at retirement depends entirely on how much was contributed and, most importantly, how well your investments performed. The investment risk shifts from the employer to you, the [[employee]]. This gives you more control but also more responsibility.
Common types of DC plans include:
  * **In the United States:**
    - [[401(k)]]: Offered by private, for-profit companies.
    - [[403(b)]]: For employees of public schools, non-profits, and other tax-exempt organizations.
    - [[Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)]]: For U.S. federal government employees and members of the military.
  * **In Europe:**
    - **Occupational Pensions:** Company-sponsored DC plans are common across Europe.
    - **Personal Pensions:** Individuals can set up their own plans. A prominent example in the United Kingdom is the [[Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP)]], which offers a wide range of investment choices.
===== A Value Investor's Perspective =====
For a [[value investor]], a pension, particularly a DC plan, is the ultimate long-term portfolio. It’s an opportunity to apply core value principles over a time horizon spanning decades.
  * **Be the CEO of Your Pension:** Treat your DC plan not as a forgotten account but as a business you own. Your job is to make it grow efficiently over time. This means actively understanding your investment options, contribution levels, and fees.
  * **Mind the Fees:** Fees are the silent killer of returns. A 1% annual fee might sound small, but over 30 or 40 years, it can consume a massive portion of your final nest egg. A value investor always seeks to minimize costs. Scrutinize the [[expense ratios]] of the [[mutual funds]] or [[index funds]] offered in your plan and choose low-cost options whenever possible.
  * **The Only Free Lunch:** Many employers offer to "match" your contributions up to a certain percentage. For example, they might contribute 50 cents for every dollar you put in, up to 6% of your salary. This is an instant, risk-free return on your investment. Failing to contribute enough to get the full employer match is like turning down free money.
  * **Automate Your Success:** Pay yourself first. By setting up automatic contributions from every paycheck, you are practicing [[dollar-cost averaging]] and ensuring you consistently invest for the long run, removing emotion from the decision. Your future self will thank you.