Navigating Your Owens & Minor Retirement: The Key Differences Between Traditional and Roth 401(k) Options

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Owens & Minor: Owens & Minor, Inc. is a healthcare solutions company that partners with various health care providers, offering a broad range of essential products and services. While Owens & Minor does not operate its own healthcare provider network, it supplies hospitals, healthcare providers, and other institutions through its vast logistic capabilities and product offerings within the healthcare sector. In 2026, Owens & Minor employees may face significant healthcare cost increases due to a perfect storm of rising premiums in the ACA marketplace and higher medical costs. Premium hikes by major insurers could average 18%, with some states seeing increases as high as 66%. The loss of enhanced federal subsidies at the end of 2025 could exacerbate the situation, leading to potential out-of-pocket premium increases of over 75% for many enrollees. It's crucial for employees to explore their options early and consider adjusting their healthcare benefits to manage these impending costs effectively. Click here to learn more

With the advent of the Roth 401(k) in addition to the regular 401(k), Owens & Minor individuals looking to increase their retirement savings now have a compelling alternative in the ever-changing world of retirement planning. It is vital to comprehend the subtle differences and strategic ramifications between these two kinds of accounts, particularly in view of recent legislative modifications like the SECURE Act 2.0.

The Conventional 401(k): A Synopsis

For many years, a conventional Owens & Minor 401(k) has been an indispensable part of retirement planning. Because pre-tax contributions lower current taxable income, they provide an instant tax benefit. Traditional 401(k) funds grow tax-deferred, deferring taxes on gains and contributions until withdrawal. This can be especially helpful if you anticipate retiring in a lower tax bracket.

There are, nevertheless, things to keep in mind. Traditional 401(k) withdrawals are subject to regular income taxation. Furthermore, you should consider required minimum distributions (RMDs), which are mandatory starting at age 73 (under the SECURE Act of 2019). These could increase your retirement tax rate and have an effect on your entire financial situation.

The Roth 401(k): Recognizing the Variations

The Roth 401(k) offers an alternative strategy. There is no immediate tax benefit because contributions are made using after-tax money. The main benefit, though, is that withdrawals are tax-free on both contributions and gains as long as the account has been kept for at least five years and withdrawals start at age 59½.

This feature of the Roth 401(k) might be especially helpful in situations where you intend to retire in a higher tax band or if future tax rates are predicted to increase. Furthermore, there are no income restrictions on the Roth 401(k), so those with greater Owens & Minor incomes can take advantage of this option.

Analyzing Your Choices: Now vs. Later

Choosing between a standard and a Roth 401(k) requires weighing your expected future tax situation against your current tax condition. If you anticipate paying more in taxes when you retire from Owens & Minor, a Roth 401(k) may be a better option. Conversely, a typical 401(k) can be more advantageous if you anticipate being in a lower tax rate in retirement.

It's critical to take into account how taxes will compound on your retirement assets. For instance, each dollar taken out of a regular 401(k) under the current tax regulations may be subject to a large tax in retirement. On the other hand, withdrawals from a Roth 401(k) may result in tax-free income, which is a desirable option for handling future tax obligations.

Allocating Strategically: The Best of Both Worlds

It's interesting to note that you are not limited to either a standard or Roth 401(k). It is common for employer plans to let contributions to be divided between the two kinds of accounts. You can protect yourself from unforeseen tax situations in the future by using this strategy. For example, in 2022, the 401(k) contribution cap is $20,500 (plus an extra $6,500 for individuals fifty years of age or over), which enables a thoughtful allocation of assets between the two account types.

Additional Things to Consider

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1. RMDs and Roth 401(k)s: Roth 401(k)s are subject to RMDs, just like regular 401(k)s. RMDs can be avoided, though, by rolling over a Roth 401(k) into a Roth IRA. This move necessitates carefully weighing a number of variables, including account fees and legal safeguards.

2. Effects on Estate Planning: Roth 401(k) accounts have special advantages in relation to estate planning. Distributions from a Roth 401(k) to heirs are tax-free as long as the account is at least five years old.


Final Thoughts

For Owens & Minor employees, making the important choice of whether to invest in a standard 401(k), a Roth 401(k), or a combination of both requires careful consideration of your current financial status and long-term goals. The decision you make about these accounts should be in line with your overall financial plan, which should take estate planning goals, retirement income requirements, and tax planning into account.

A complicated but essential component of sound financial management is retirement planning. It is essential to speak with a financial counselor who understands Owens & Minor and their retirement plans in order to help you customize a plan that best fits your unique situation. The dynamic nature of retirement savings, characterized by alterations in legislation and fluctuations in the economy, emphasizes the significance of remaining knowledgeable and flexible in your retirement planning strategy.

To calm the fears of high earning Owens & Minor employees who are saving for retirement, it is critical to draw attention to the recent modifications to the tax deductibility of 401(k) contributions. Forbes (published in 2023) reports that new tax rules will result in lower tax benefits from traditional 401(k) contributions for high workers, especially those in the highest income brackets. Due to these modifications, high-income persons will no longer benefit as much from the tax-deferred nature of standard 401(k) plans. As a result, the Roth 401(k) option, which offers tax-free withdrawals after retirement, will become more appealing. The necessity of reassessing retirement savings plans in order to optimize post-retirement financial security is highlighted by this change in tax law.

Selecting a Traditional or Roth 401(k) to save for retirement is like a seasoned gardener trying to decide which annuals or perennials to plant. Like annuals, the Traditional 401(k) has immediate, short-term benefits. Just like annuals, you get a tax savings today, and the benefits grow quickly over time. But just like with annuals, the benefits are short-lived; withdrawals made after retirement are subject to taxes. The Roth 401(k) on the other hand is more like a perennial. Long-term benefits come with paying taxes up front, but patience and judgment are needed. Your retirement withdrawals are tax-free, giving you long-lasting financial beauty in your golden years, much like a fully grown perennial garden. With the recent tax benefits for high earners' Traditional 401(k) contributions being reduced, this decision becomes even more crucial, with the Roth option becoming more and more appealing for optimizing retirement wealth.