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cover of episode 401(k) vs. Brokerage Account: Which Is Better for Retirement Savings? Plus, the National Debt Explained

401(k) vs. Brokerage Account: Which Is Better for Retirement Savings? Plus, the National Debt Explained

2025/4/3
logo of podcast NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast
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People
A
Anna
E
Elizabeth
J
June
S
Sean
著名个人财务专家和广播主持人，创立了“婴儿步骤”财务计划。
V
Vicki
播
播音员
主持著名true crime播客《Crime Junkie》的播音员和创始人。
Topics
Anna Helhofsky: 我解释了美国国家债务的构成、增长原因以及对经济的影响。国家债务是政府借款但尚未偿还的总和，目前已超过36.2万亿美元。债务增长主要是因为政府支出和利息支出增长速度超过了收入增长速度，这与减税和疫情期间的支出增加有关。债务由公共债务和政府内部债务组成，债权人包括美国公众、外国政府和金融机构。高额的国家债务会影响经济、消费者、公司和投资者的行为，并可能导致经济增长放缓。债务上限是指政府为履行其法律义务而可以借款的总额，如果超过债务上限，美国可能会无法偿还债务，导致严重的金融危机。 Elizabeth Ayoola: 我引导了与Anna Helhofsky关于国家债务的讨论，并提出了听众关于401(k)计划的问题。 Sean Pyles: 我与June Sham一起回答了听众关于401(k)计划的问题。我们讨论了401(k)计划的优缺点，以及与经纪账户相比的差异。 June Sham: 我解释了401(k)计划的运作方式，以及保险公司在管理401(k)计划中的作用。401(k)计划的优势在于税收优惠，而缺点包括对费用和投资选择的控制有限，以及提前取款的税收和罚款。与401(k)计划相比，经纪账户的优势在于没有提前取款限制、供款限额或雇主限制，以及更多的投资选择。选择退休投资方案时，应考虑投资选择和费用，以及供款限额和雇主匹配。 Vicki: 我提出了关于401(k)计划的问题，我的401(k)计划由保险公司管理，没有雇主匹配，投资选择有限，想知道是否值得投资。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter explains the U.S. national debt, its causes, and its impact on the economy. It breaks down the debt's composition, who holds it, and the potential consequences of a default. The role of government spending, tax revenue, and the debt ceiling are discussed.
  • The U.S. national debt is over $36.2 trillion.
  • The debt has increased due to increased spending and tax cuts.
  • Major debt holders include Japan, China, and the U.K.
  • A U.S. debt default would have catastrophic consequences for the global economy.

Shownotes Transcript

Learn about the U.S. national debt and how it impacts economics and what options to explore if your employer-offered 401k plan seems limiting. 

What exactly does it mean when you read about the enormous national debt in the United States? What options do you have if you’re not happy with the 401k plan offered by your employer? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola dig into investing options with NerdWallet personal finance lead writer June Sham. But first, NerdWallet senior news writer Anna Helhoski joins the show to break down what exactly is the national debt, who does the U.S. owe, and why it matters to everyday Americans. 

Next, Sean, Elizabeth and June answer a listener’s question about whether it’s worth it to invest in their employee-offered 401k plan even if it feels limiting. The Nerds explain the pros and cons of a 401k as well as alternative options to explore, including a brokerage account or an IRA, and why you don’t have to limit yourself to just one type of account. 

NerdWallet’s list of best IRA accounts:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/investing/ira-accounts)

Choose the best retirement plan: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/best-retirement-plans-for-you) 

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: national debt, what is the national debt, how much is the US in debt, US debt ceiling explained, difference between debt and deficit, publicly held debt, intragovernmental debt, who owns the US debt, debt to GDP ratio, US debt crisis, what happens if the US defaults, national debt impact on economy, foreign holders of US debt, Congressional Budget Office debt projections, US budget deficit, treasury securities explained, debt ceiling vs national debt, federal spending and tax revenue, 401k vs brokerage account, should I invest in a 401k without a match, 401k managed by insurance company, 401k fees and disclosure rules, retirement investment options, Roth IRA vs 401k, traditional 401k benefits, taxable brokerage account vs 401k, 401k contribution limits 2025, early 401k withdrawal penalties, required minimum distributions 401k, investment fees and expense ratios, choosing a Roth IRA provider, best retirement account for long-term growth, retirement planning tips, comparing retirement accounts, 401k rollover options, best Roth IRA accounts 2025.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected]).

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