For years, the idea of attaching a credit card to 401(k) accounts has been met with ridicule and skepticism. However, in light of recent events, emergency savings has become a pressing matter for many Americans. Suddenly, the 401(k) credit card doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.
The concept of a 401(k) credit card was first proposed in the 1990s by a respected duo: Franco Modigliani, an MIT economics professor and Nobel laureate, and Francis Vitagliano, an employee benefits practitioner. Essentially, the credit card would allow employees to access a limited amount of their 401(k) money in the event of an emergency. The amount they could withdraw would be capped at $10,000 or 40% of their account balances.
This proposal could solve a major problem for employers. Currently, the only way for employees to gain access to their 401(k) money is through a loan, which can be costly and time-consuming for everyone involved. However, with a third party such as Mastercard, Visa, or American Express administering the credit card program, the administrative burden would be significantly reduced.
While the idea of a 401(k) credit card may have seemed far-fetched in the past, it’s worth exploring as an option for emergency savings. Who knows? It may be just the solution we need.
The 401(k) Card: A Smart Way to Borrow
The 401(k) card is a great option for both employers and employees. Currently, those who carry balances on their credit cards face an average interest rate of 20%, which can be a real burden for low-income households who are often forced to take out payday loans at even higher rates.
With the 401(k) card, borrowers pay the prime rate and a small service fee – to themselves! This can help employees manage their finances and avoid exorbitant fees and interest rates, effectively boosting their retirement savings by paying themselves back with interest.
Despite initial criticism regarding the potential to undermine retirement savings, capping the loan amount and instituting a maximum repayment period of five years mitigates any potential negative effects on long-term savings strategies.
Furthermore, concerns about encouraging overborrowing are unwarranted, especially given the proliferation of credit cards already on the market today. The 401(k) card simply offers a smarter, more sustainable alternative to traditional credit cards.
Simplifying Emergency Savings with Secure 2.0
When it comes to emergency savings, many find it difficult to save enough to cover unexpected expenses. Secure 2.0 aims to simplify the process with Pension-linked Emergency Savings Accounts (PLESAs).
Employers can auto-enroll their employees, contributing up to 3% of their salary into a Roth account. Employers are required to match contributions to an existing account, however, the match goes to the traditional account, not the PLESA.
Once an account reaches $2,500, contributions are capped. However, to access these funds, the employee must transfer the funds to an account that permits transactions. While some may find this process limiting, it provides a structured approach to emergency saving.
Although the idea may seem unconventional, a similar approach was attempted in 2012 with a 401(k) credit card. However, the proposal was deemed commercially unsuccessful. Despite being implemented by approximately 20 small employers with 25-150 employees over a period of one year, less than 20 participants established a 401(k) card account, and activity on these accounts was minimal.
While it remains to be seen whether PLESAs will become widely adopted, it signifies a new approach to emergency savings.
Rethinking 401(k) Plans: The “My Money” Card
While 401(k) plans have become the standard for retirement savings in America, they still fall short when it comes to accessibility and ease of use. The average person may find it difficult to navigate complex investment options and properly allocate their funds.
But what if there was a solution that made saving for retirement simple and secure? That’s where the “My Money” card comes in.
By making the “My Money” card a mandatory component of 401(k) plans, Congress could help improve accessibility and encourage greater participation in retirement savings. This could be implemented through a Secure 3.0 bill, as well as efforts to expand coverage through auto-IRAs.
Not only would the “My Money” card make employees feel more secure, but it could also increase retirement savings in the long run. By streamlining the process of investing and monitoring funds, individuals could more easily set aside money for their future.
It’s time to rethink the traditional 401(k) plan and embrace practical solutions like the “My Money” card. Let’s make retirement savings accessible for all.
