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Comerica Employees: Navigating Market Dips with Roth Conversions for Retirement


Market downturns can create a unique tax-efficient window for Roth conversions, and for many Comerica employees, this strategy—when timed and planned carefully—may enhance long-term retirement outcomes. – Paul Bergeron, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.


Roth conversions during market volatility can be a smart strategic move for Comerica employees seeking to manage future tax liabilities and improve retirement flexibility. – Tyson Mavar, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

In this article, we will discuss:

  1. Best timing for Roth conversions during market downturns.

  2. Tax implications and Medicare considerations.

  3. Retirement planning strategies with long-term value.

Why Roth Conversions Can Benefit During Market Volatility.

While some caution against retirement accounts like 401(k)s in volatile markets, Roth conversions present a compelling opportunity for Comerica employees. This involves moving money from tax-deferred accounts like traditional IRAs or 401(k)s into Roth IRAs where earnings are not taxed. The reasoning is simple: Converting when market values are lower reduces the taxable amount and opens up more growth potential when the market recovers.

Thoughtful Roth Conversion Planning

To convert - it takes more than market conditions to consider your tax outlook, future income needs, and other economic factors. Financial planner Russell Hackmann recommends Roth planning for five to ten years to accommodate complicated financial modeling. These projections can help assess the impact on inheritances and required minimum distributions (RMDs) in a context of broader retirement strategy.

Timing Roth Conversions During Market Changes.

The timing of a Roth conversion often matters. Converting during market downturns means assets are moved at temporarily reduced values with potential for future growth. Such an approach should be evaluated alongside your overall financial plan, considering present and future tax rates as well as estate planning - particularly for Comerica employees working in retirement.

Tax & Medicare Effects.

The conversion typically involves selling assets in tax-deferred accounts to a Roth. This can mean higher taxable income in the year of conversion and potentially put people in a higher tax bracket. And people over 65 could see higher Medicare premiums because of IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) rules that tie premiums to income.

Prepare Financially for Conversion.

Paying taxes from outside funds instead of the converted amount may help avoid having the transferred amount reduced to a Roth IRA. This is particularly important during economic uncertainty when liquidity for unplanned expenses is essential. Two types of reserves - one for regular expenses and one for conversion-related taxes - may help employees plan ahead.

Long-Term Value and Considerations

The resulting reduction in RMDs may reduce future tax brackets for retirees. For those with large retirement balances, acting earlier could save on future taxes. This makes it a consideration for Comerica employees looking to improve their retirement planning outcomes.

Roth conversions may help with tax management and long-term retirement planning. But they require close review of an individual's financial profile, tax considerations, and market conditions. Detailed planning tools or financial professional advice can help direct those choices toward longer-term goals.

Becoming proactive and responsive to changes - like IRS life expectancy table updates that affect RMDs - is also important. These changes also extend the timeline for tax-deferred growth and make Roth conversions more appealing to some employees over age 60.

Five prestigious financial publications support the claim of Roth conversions. Identifies each source with author name and publication date, page/reference, and explains how it helps retirees and defends the arguments in your article.

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Sources: 

1. Schwab-Pomerantz, Carrie. Roth Conversions Can Benefit Retirees, Even With IRMAA Considerations.  Kiplinger , 8 Feb. 2024,  Kiplinger Article .

2. Benz, Christine. Why You Should Consider a Roth Conversion Now.  Morningstar , 31 Oct. 2022,  Morningstar Article .

3. Templin, Neal. Roth Conversions Can Be a Smart Way to Reduce Required Minimum Distributions Later.  Barron’s , 21 Nov. 2023,  Barron's Article .

4. Rae, David. Roth Conversions During a Market Downturn Make Financial Sense.  Forbes , 14 June 2022,  Forbes Article .

5. Dore, Kate, CFP®. Roth IRA Conversions Are Up as Investors Seek to Reduce Future Taxes.  CNBC , 16 May 2023,  CNBC Article .

What is the primary purpose of Comerica's 401(k) plan?

The primary purpose of Comerica's 401(k) plan is to help employees save for retirement by allowing them to contribute a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

How can Comerica employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Comerica employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan by accessing the employee benefits portal and following the enrollment instructions provided.

What types of contributions can Comerica employees make to their 401(k) accounts?

Comerica employees can make pre-tax contributions, Roth (after-tax) contributions, and may also have the option for catch-up contributions if they are age 50 or older.

Does Comerica offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Comerica offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which is based on employee contributions up to a certain percentage of their salary.

What is the vesting schedule for Comerica's 401(k) matching contributions?

The vesting schedule for Comerica's 401(k) matching contributions typically follows a graded schedule, meaning employees become vested in the company match over a period of time.

Can Comerica employees take loans against their 401(k) accounts?

Yes, Comerica employees may be able to take loans against their 401(k) accounts, subject to the plan's terms and conditions.

What investment options are available in Comerica's 401(k) plan?

Comerica's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to suit different risk tolerances.

How often can Comerica employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Comerica employees can typically change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines and payroll processing schedules.

What happens to a Comerica employee's 401(k) account if they leave the company?

If a Comerica employee leaves the company, they can choose to roll over their 401(k) balance to another retirement account, cash out, or leave the funds in the Comerica plan if allowed.

Is there a minimum contribution requirement for Comerica's 401(k) plan?

Comerica's 401(k) plan may have a minimum contribution requirement, which is typically outlined in the plan documents.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Comerica at 1717 Main Street Dallas, TX 75201; or by calling them at (214) 462-4000.

*Please see disclaimer for more information

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