Lump Sum versus Payments
Lump sum or payment is a debate that continues to rage amongst investors. The reality of the situation is, it’s hard to come to a conclusion which is suitable to suggest the pros and cons of each form of investment. In this short article, we are going to discuss some of the key differences between lump sum versus payments, as well as why it’s important to choose one form of investment over the other. By the time you’ve finished reading this, you’ll be better informed on this debate and be able to make an informed decision for yourself.
One of the key differences between lump sum versus payments is the method of calculation of taxes. In terms of taxes, the lump sum payment is calculated by looking at the amount of money available in the contract and then subtracting from it the amount of taxes required by the workers’ comp policy. The second form of calculation is more straightforward, where you simply deduct the amount of money that you’re due from your salary.
The biggest disadvantage of lump sum versus payments is that this form of investment doesn’t offer any flexibility in terms of how you invest. This means that you’re stuck with whatever you’ve got in the account, regardless of how you choose to use the money that you’ve accumulated. However, as mentioned above, if you happen to reach a point in which you need some extra cash, you might be tempted to sell your bonds, stocks, or mutual funds for a lump sum. Even though this is a perfectly legitimate strategy, it’s best to hold off, and instead use the lump sum to pay for an extended holiday, a new set of golf clubs, or a trip to Hawaii. Remember, you’ll be taxed on any profits that you make, so it’s important to think about how much of a benefit that you’d get by selling off assets instead of waiting until tax time.
Another advantage of lump sum versus payments is that they tend to be considerably more affordable than some other forms of investments. While you might not get the same returns that you would get from stock, bonds, or mutual funds, you’re still able to enjoy a bit of a safety net if you have a monthly income. As long as you’re insured and the insurance provider offers a decent annuity rate, your lump sum could easily cover the cost of a year or two of retiree benefits. The downside is that annuity payments can turn out to be expensive if interest rates drop even more, which is why it’s a good idea to take a look at what kind of coverage you’re getting with your pension. If your company offers a defined benefit pension plan, you might be in luck, as this type of retirement plan usually allows you to withdraw money before you retire without penalties.
While lump sum versus payments may not always be the best option, remember that you can use the money you receive to supplement your pension. If you need a little extra money each month, look into investing the lump sum for your own benefit. You may be surprised at how profitable these investments can be and how much better off you’ll be once you’ve retired. If you have a defined benefit pension plan, you may find that you’re eligible for a tax break once you’ve accumulated your pension payments and are allowed to invest the money.
Lump Sum versus Payments can also affect your loved ones, if you have more than one who is receiving retirement pay. If you’re contributing to their pension plans, think about how they’d feel if you had passed away and taken their annuity payments with you. In most cases, it’s simply more financially feasible for them to receive the full amount than it is for you to.