Latest news with #SEP
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: U.S. stocks close mixed as Fed leaves interest rates unchanged
NEW YORK, June 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. stocks ended mixed on Wednesday, following the Federal Reserve's latest policy update, where the central bank kept interest rates steady. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 44.14 points, or 0.10 percent, to 42,171.66. The S&P 500 sank 1.85 points, or 0.03 percent, to 5,980.87. The Nasdaq Composite Index increased by 25.18 points, or 0.13 percent, to 19,546.27. Seven of the 11 primary S&P 500 sectors ended in red, with energy and communication services leading the laggards by losing 0.68 percent and 0.67 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, technology and utilities led the gainers by going up 0.36 percent and 0.25 percent, respectively. The Fed kept interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, leaving the federal funds rate in the 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent range, as policymakers continued to weigh the economic fallout from U.S. President Donald Trump's expanding tariff regime. In its latest policy statement, the central bank offered a sobering view of the economic landscape, acknowledging persistent inflation pressures even as growth slows. Fed officials now expect consumer prices to rise 3 percent in 2025, up from the previous estimate of 2.7 percent, while economic growth is projected to decline to 1.4 percent, down from 1.7 percent. Trump's tariff policy is undoubtedly a contributing factor. "What we are waiting for to reduce rates is to understand what will happen with the tariff inflation. There is a lot of uncertainty about that," Fed Chair Jerome Powell said. "Ultimately, the cost of the tariffs has to be paid." The Fed also released its latest Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), offering a glimpse into how policymakers see interest rates evolving over time. The widely watched "dot plot" showed that the median forecast for the federal funds rate at the end of 2025 remains at 3.9 percent, unchanged from the March estimate. Seven of the 19 participants indicated they wanted no cuts this year, up from four in March. "After the June meeting, we still don't expect any rate cuts this year. A large share of the committee has moved towards this view, and we expect the migration to continue as tariff-driven inflation starts to hit the data," said analysts from Bank of America Global Research later Wednesday. But central bankers appear torn between competing pressures: a job market that's clearly cooling and price increases that remain uncomfortably high. The Fed revised its 2025 unemployment forecast slightly higher to 4.5 percent, indicating growing concerns about a weakening job market. "The Fed is stuck," said one analyst. "They're being pulled in opposite directions -- inflation isn't falling fast enough, and the labor market is losing steam." One of the clearest signs of that softening is in continuing jobless claims, which track Americans receiving unemployment benefits for multiple weeks. Last week, that number climbed to just under 2 million, the highest level since November 2021. While still low by historical standards, the steady upward trend suggests more workers are struggling to find new jobs. "Uncertainty about the economic outlook has diminished but remains elevated. The (Federal Open Market) Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the committee said. "People can look at the same data and they can evaluate the risks differently as you know," Powell added. "And that includes the risk of higher inflation, the risk that will be more persistent, the risk that the labor market will weaken. People are going to have different assessments of that risk." Markets remained jittery, not only from economic signals, but also from the growing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. Stocks have swung sharply in recent days as investors try to gauge the risk of broader conflict. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters outside the White House that the Iranians had reached out and signaled that they would send a delegation to Washington for negotiations. Hostilities between Israel and Iran extended into a sixth consecutive day on Wednesday, as tensions escalated further with a stark warning from Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who declared that Iran will not surrender and cautioned that any U.S. involvement in the conflict would "undoubtedly be met with irreparable damage." His remarks heightened global concern that the crisis could widen into a broader regional war, drawing in more international players and further rattling global markets.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Venu Holding Corporation's Preferred Stock Offering Now Available for Investment Using Retirement Accounts
Partnership with My IPO Enables Access through Traditional IRA, Roth IRA and SEP Accounts COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the "Company") (NYSE American: VENU), a developer, owner, and operator of upscale live music venues and premium hospitality destinations, today announced its recently launched, one-of-a-kind, Preferred Stock Offering can now be purchased through Traditional and Roth Individual Retirements Accounts (IRA) and Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEP). VENU's Preferred Offering gives shareholders an opportunity to earn an 8.0% dividend and to convert to VENU's common stock, traded on the NYSE American under ticker symbol VENU. As part of the fan-owned model, shareholders can also unlock access to exclusive loyalty perks based on the level of investment, ranging from free concert tickets and custom signed guitars to unforgettable all-inclusive concert experiences. Learn more at VENU has partnered with My IPO*, a division of TradingBlock, to allow U.S. investors a simple way to invest in the Offering using Retirement Accounts. On each closing of the Offering, the transfer agent will automatically transfer the shares into investors' My IPO retirement brokerage account. To invest with a retirement account, visit "We saw a significant wave of interest from fans who wanted to invest using their retirement accounts, so we got to work to make it possible," said J.W. Roth, Founder and CEO of VENU. "That's what this is all about, right? At VENU, we are fan-founded, and fan-owned. This initiative gives music lovers, investors and everyone in between the chance to own a piece of music history. As a lifelong music fan, ensuring that our ownership model remains inclusive is a priority." How To Invest: Those interested in purchasing shares in the offering should visit and hit the "Invest Now" button. For IRA investors, visit Once investors complete the My IPO account set up, the electronic subscription agreement and funding process will be provided as part of the investment flow. Due to regulatory requirements, this process requires a few more questions to be asked because investors are setting up an actual brokerage account. Investors are not required to be accredited and any individual over 18 years of age is able to purchase shares at $15.00 per share. *Certain shareholders of Digital Offering, LLC have ownership in Cambria Holdings Inc., which owns 100% of AOS, Inc. (does business under the names TradingBlock and My IPO), Cambria Asset Management, Inc and Digital Offering LLC. Digital Offering and AOS, Inc. are registered broker dealers. Member FINRA/SIPC. About Venu Holding Corporation Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") (NYSE American: VENU), founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur J.W. Roth, is a premier hospitality and live music venue developer dedicated to building luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. VENU's campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Georgia, each feature Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, and unique to Colorado Springs, Notes Eatery and the 9,750-seat Ford Amphitheater. Expanding with new Sunset Amphitheaters in Oklahoma and Texas, VENU's upcoming large-scale venues will host between 12,500 and 20,000 guests, continuing VENU's vision of redefining the live entertainment experience. Click here for company overview. VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Denver Post, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents and NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Lager, Troy Aikman, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit VENU's website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X. Disclaimer: VENU is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. Before making any investment, you are urged to read the Final Offering Circular carefully for a more complete understanding of the issuer and the offering. There is no guarantee of return, and you should only invest money that you can afford to lose. Use proper risk management when considering this investment. The offering documents may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee accuracy. Although we believe our expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that they will be realized. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the risks and uncertainties set forth in the attached materials, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results set forth in such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. The securities offered by VENU are highly speculative. Investing in these securities involves significant risks. The investment is suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. VENU intends to apply to have our Series A Preferred Stock listed on the NYSE American under the symbol "VENUP" following the NYSE American's certification of the Form 8-A of the Company to be filed after the final closing of this offering. The listing of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE American is not a condition of the Company's proceeding with this offering, and no assurance can be given that our application to list on the NYSE American will be approved or that an active trading market for our Series A Preferred Stock will develop. Our Series A Preferred Stock is not currently listed or quoted on any exchange. For additional information on VENU, the offering and any other related topics, please review the Form 1-A offering circular that can be found by searching for VENU under Filings/Company filings search on Additional information concerning Risk Factors related to the offering, including those related to the business, government regulations, intellectual property and the offering in general, can be found in the risk factor section of the Form 1-A offering circular. View source version on Contacts Media Relations - Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU")Venu@ Investor Relations - Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") Chloe Hoeft, choeft@
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Venu Holding Corporation's Preferred Stock Offering Now Available for Investment Using Retirement Accounts
Partnership with My IPO Enables Access through Traditional IRA, Roth IRA and SEP Accounts COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the "Company") (NYSE American: VENU), a developer, owner, and operator of upscale live music venues and premium hospitality destinations, today announced its recently launched, one-of-a-kind, Preferred Stock Offering can now be purchased through Traditional and Roth Individual Retirements Accounts (IRA) and Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEP). VENU's Preferred Offering gives shareholders an opportunity to earn an 8.0% dividend and to convert to VENU's common stock, traded on the NYSE American under ticker symbol VENU. As part of the fan-owned model, shareholders can also unlock access to exclusive loyalty perks based on the level of investment, ranging from free concert tickets and custom signed guitars to unforgettable all-inclusive concert experiences. Learn more at VENU has partnered with My IPO*, a division of TradingBlock, to allow U.S. investors a simple way to invest in the Offering using Retirement Accounts. On each closing of the Offering, the transfer agent will automatically transfer the shares into investors' My IPO retirement brokerage account. To invest with a retirement account, visit "We saw a significant wave of interest from fans who wanted to invest using their retirement accounts, so we got to work to make it possible," said J.W. Roth, Founder and CEO of VENU. "That's what this is all about, right? At VENU, we are fan-founded, and fan-owned. This initiative gives music lovers, investors and everyone in between the chance to own a piece of music history. As a lifelong music fan, ensuring that our ownership model remains inclusive is a priority." How To Invest: Those interested in purchasing shares in the offering should visit and hit the "Invest Now" button. For IRA investors, visit Once investors complete the My IPO account set up, the electronic subscription agreement and funding process will be provided as part of the investment flow. Due to regulatory requirements, this process requires a few more questions to be asked because investors are setting up an actual brokerage account. Investors are not required to be accredited and any individual over 18 years of age is able to purchase shares at $15.00 per share. *Certain shareholders of Digital Offering, LLC have ownership in Cambria Holdings Inc., which owns 100% of AOS, Inc. (does business under the names TradingBlock and My IPO), Cambria Asset Management, Inc and Digital Offering LLC. Digital Offering and AOS, Inc. are registered broker dealers. Member FINRA/SIPC. About Venu Holding Corporation Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") (NYSE American: VENU), founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur J.W. Roth, is a premier hospitality and live music venue developer dedicated to building luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. VENU's campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Georgia, each feature Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, and unique to Colorado Springs, Notes Eatery and the 9,750-seat Ford Amphitheater. Expanding with new Sunset Amphitheaters in Oklahoma and Texas, VENU's upcoming large-scale venues will host between 12,500 and 20,000 guests, continuing VENU's vision of redefining the live entertainment experience. Click here for company overview. VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Denver Post, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents and NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Lager, Troy Aikman, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit VENU's website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X. Disclaimer: VENU is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. Before making any investment, you are urged to read the Final Offering Circular carefully for a more complete understanding of the issuer and the offering. There is no guarantee of return, and you should only invest money that you can afford to lose. Use proper risk management when considering this investment. The offering documents may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee accuracy. Although we believe our expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that they will be realized. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the risks and uncertainties set forth in the attached materials, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results set forth in such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. The securities offered by VENU are highly speculative. Investing in these securities involves significant risks. The investment is suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. VENU intends to apply to have our Series A Preferred Stock listed on the NYSE American under the symbol "VENUP" following the NYSE American's certification of the Form 8-A of the Company to be filed after the final closing of this offering. The listing of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE American is not a condition of the Company's proceeding with this offering, and no assurance can be given that our application to list on the NYSE American will be approved or that an active trading market for our Series A Preferred Stock will develop. Our Series A Preferred Stock is not currently listed or quoted on any exchange. For additional information on VENU, the offering and any other related topics, please review the Form 1-A offering circular that can be found by searching for VENU under Filings/Company filings search on Additional information concerning Risk Factors related to the offering, including those related to the business, government regulations, intellectual property and the offering in general, can be found in the risk factor section of the Form 1-A offering circular. View source version on Contacts Media Relations - Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU")Venu@ Investor Relations - Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU") Chloe Hoeft, choeft@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Venu Holding Corporation's Preferred Stock Offering Now Available for Investment Using Retirement Accounts
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Venu Holding Corporation ('VENU' or the 'Company') (NYSE American: VENU), a developer, owner, and operator of upscale live music venues and premium hospitality destinations, today announced its recently launched, one-of-a-kind, Preferred Stock Offering can now be purchased through Traditional and Roth Individual Retirements Accounts (IRA) and Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEP). VENU's Preferred Stock Offering can now be purchased through Traditional and Roth Individual Retirements Accounts (IRA) and Simplified Employee Pension plans (SEP). VENU's Preferred Offering gives shareholders an opportunity to earn an 8.0% dividend and to convert to VENU's common stock, traded on the NYSE American under ticker symbol VENU. As part of the fan-owned model, shareholders can also unlock access to exclusive loyalty perks based on the level of investment, ranging from free concert tickets and custom signed guitars to unforgettable all-inclusive concert experiences. Learn more at VENU has partnered with My IPO*, a division of TradingBlock, to allow U.S. investors a simple way to invest in the Offering using Retirement Accounts. On each closing of the Offering, the transfer agent will automatically transfer the shares into investors' My IPO retirement brokerage account. To invest with a retirement account, visit 'We saw a significant wave of interest from fans who wanted to invest using their retirement accounts, so we got to work to make it possible,' said J.W. Roth, Founder and CEO of VENU. 'That's what this is all about, right? At VENU, we are fan-founded, and fan-owned. This initiative gives music lovers, investors and everyone in between the chance to own a piece of music history. As a lifelong music fan, ensuring that our ownership model remains inclusive is a priority.' How To Invest: Those interested in purchasing shares in the offering should visit and hit the 'Invest Now' button. For IRA investors, visit Once investors complete the My IPO account set up, the electronic subscription agreement and funding process will be provided as part of the investment flow. Due to regulatory requirements, this process requires a few more questions to be asked because investors are setting up an actual brokerage account. Investors are not required to be accredited and any individual over 18 years of age is able to purchase shares at $15.00 per share. *Certain shareholders of Digital Offering, LLC have ownership in Cambria Holdings Inc., which owns 100% of AOS, Inc. (does business under the names TradingBlock and My IPO), Cambria Asset Management, Inc and Digital Offering LLC. Digital Offering and AOS, Inc. are registered broker dealers. Member FINRA/SIPC. About Venu Holding Corporation Venu Holding Corporation ('VENU') (NYSE American: VENU), founded by Colorado Springs entrepreneur J.W. Roth, is a premier hospitality and live music venue developer dedicated to building luxury, experience-driven entertainment destinations. VENU's campuses in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Georgia, each feature Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern, The Hall at Bourbon Brothers, and unique to Colorado Springs, Notes Eatery and the 9,750-seat Ford Amphitheater. Expanding with new Sunset Amphitheaters in Oklahoma and Texas, VENU's upcoming large-scale venues will host between 12,500 and 20,000 guests, continuing VENU's vision of redefining the live entertainment experience. Click here for company overview. VENU has been recognized nationally by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Denver Post, Billboard, VenuesNow, and Variety for its innovative and disruptive approach to live entertainment. Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as AEG Presents and NFL Hall of Famer and Founder of EIGHT Elite Light Lager, Troy Aikman, VENU continues to shape the future of the entertainment landscape. For more information, visit VENU's website, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X. Disclaimer: VENU is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. Before making any investment, you are urged to read the Final Offering Circular carefully for a more complete understanding of the issuer and the offering. There is no guarantee of return, and you should only invest money that you can afford to lose. Use proper risk management when considering this investment. The offering documents may include 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee accuracy. Although we believe our expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that they will be realized. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the risks and uncertainties set forth in the attached materials, which could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results set forth in such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement except as may be required by law. The securities offered by VENU are highly speculative. Investing in these securities involves significant risks. The investment is suitable only for persons who can afford to lose their entire investment. Investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time. VENU intends to apply to have our Series A Preferred Stock listed on the NYSE American under the symbol 'VENUP' following the NYSE American's certification of the Form 8-A of the Company to be filed after the final closing of this offering. The listing of the Company's Series A Preferred Stock on the NYSE American is not a condition of the Company's proceeding with this offering, and no assurance can be given that our application to list on the NYSE American will be approved or that an active trading market for our Series A Preferred Stock will develop. Our Series A Preferred Stock is not currently listed or quoted on any exchange. For additional information on VENU, the offering and any other related topics, please review the Form 1-A offering circular that can be found by searching for VENU under Filings/Company filings search on Additional information concerning Risk Factors related to the offering, including those related to the business, government regulations, intellectual property and the offering in general, can be found in the risk factor section of the Form 1-A offering circular.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A complete guide to SEP IRAs: Why those who are self-employed should take a look
A SEP IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account that's an especially attractive option for workers who don't have access to an employer-sponsored plan. The annual contribution limits for an SEP IRA are significantly higher than those of traditional and Roth IRAs. A SEP IRA could be an ideal retirement plan if you own your own business and don't hire other employees. About 16.5 million people in the U.S. are self-employed, according to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For many of these workers, planning for retirement has its own quirks and challenges. They can't rely on a company for a retirement plan, and the modest contribution limit for a traditional or Roth IRA just isn't going to cut it. Rather than run the risk of having a lower standard of living in retirement, self-employed workers do have other savings options to boost the size of their retirement nest egg, including the SEP IRA. With a higher contribution maximum and a lot of flexibility, the SEP IRA might be the retirement plan that best suits many self-employed workers. A SEP IRA, or Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account, has many features similar to an IRA, but comes with a few extra perks that make it especially desirable for those without an employer-sponsored plan. A SEP IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement plan for anyone who is self-employed, owns a business, employs others, or earns freelance income. SEP IRA contributions are considered employer contributions, so the business makes them to the employee (which may be you). The SEP IRA is designed for simplicity — especially if you own your own business and don't hire other employees. Make tax-deductible (traditional) or after-tax (Roth) retirement contributions as a self-employed person Contribute the lesser of 25 percent of your income or $70,000 in 2025 Easy to open with an account provider Must contribute an equal percentage of compensation for any employees First of all, rather than limiting your annual IRA contributions to $7,000 — the maximum that workers under age 50 can contribute to traditional and Roth plans in 2025 — SEP IRAs allow a company to contribute up to the lesser of 25 percent of your compensation or $70,000 in 2025. For workers who double as their own bosses, this also provides an opportunity to set aside more than they could in an employer's 401(k), which caps 2025 employee contributions at $23,500. The SEP IRA is subject to the same investment, distribution and rollover rules as IRAs, according to the IRS. Traditional SEP IRA: While you can take distributions from your SEP IRA at any time, withdrawals before the age of 59 ½ will be included in your taxable income and may be subject to a 10 percent tax penalty. Additionally, the IRS requires you to take required minimum distributions in the year you turn age 73, as you would with a traditional IRA. Roth SEP IRA: The Roth SEP IRA was created in 2023, as part of the SECURE Act 2.0. You may take out contributions at any point without tax or penalty, since you've already paid tax on the money. But any earnings withdrawn before the age of 59 ½ are subject to a 10 percent tax penalty. There are no required minimum distributions on Roth accounts. You're eligible to contribute to a SEP IRA if you're self-employed — even if you have other retirement accounts. If your business is a side hustle and you still have a regular employer, you can open a separate SEP IRA and contribute, while still socking money away in a 401(k) with that employer. Plus, a SEP IRA is different from an IRA, so you can contribute to both. 'For the self-employed individual, [a SEP IRA is] really an easy and cost-effective way to save a decent-sized chunk of money into a retirement plan,' says Tim Steffen, director of advanced planning at Baird, a financial advisor. Realize, though, that if you end up hiring people, the SEP IRA must treat them the same as you. If you contribute a large percentage of your earnings to a SEP IRA, you'll have to contribute that same percentage of your employees' income to their own retirement accounts. Qualified workers who need to receive the same percentage from your employer contribution as you do include those who: Are at least 21 years old Earn more than $750 annually Have worked in your business three out of the last five years Keep that in mind as you move forward. For some business owners, a SIMPLE IRA might offer a better solution. If you open a SEP IRA at a brokerage, the account allows you to invest in potentially high-return assets such as stocks and stock funds. But you'll also be able to invest in a whole range of securities offered by the brokerage, including bonds, options and more. The contribution limit for a SEP IRA for 2025 is straightforward. Your maximum contribution is the lesser of: 25 percent of the employee's compensation $70,000 Remember, the SEP IRA is an employer contribution (not an employee contribution), so it's made by the company rather than the individual worker. There are no catch-up provisions for older workers in SEP IRAs. The SEP IRA is a popular retirement plan for the self-employed because it offers many useful advantages, but it's not the perfect plan for everyone. Provides a way for you to save for retirement: If you're self-employed, you might not have many options for tax-advantaged retirement savings, and the SEP IRA can help. Tax-deferred or tax-free: You can choose to contribute on pre-tax basis (traditional) or after-tax basis (Roth), meaning your money will not be taxed until withdrawn or it will come out entirely tax-free, depending on which plan type you choose. Easy to set up: A broker offering SEP IRAs can guide you through a few simple steps after you fill out one IRS form. Make bigger contributions: Contribution limits are higher than traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as more than what you can contribute to a 401(k) at a typical employer, though a solo 401(k) may let you save even more. Flexibility: You don't have to contribute every year, whether for yourself or your employees. Employees must be treated the same as you: This is an employer-only contribution. Employees don't make their own contributions and you must contribute the same percentage of employee compensation as you do to your own SEP account. No catch-up contributions: If you're over the age of 50, there are no catch-up contributions like you see with IRAs and 401(k)s. However, the higher contribution limits of a SEP IRA might outweigh this negative. The SEP IRA is a popular retirement account, and those who have the option for a SEP IRA may also be considering a 401(k) or a Roth IRA account. Here are some of the key differences:A SEP IRA is available only if your employer offers it, and in some cases, the employer may be you. If you're a single freelancer, the account allows you to stash as much as 25 percent of your company's earnings in your account tax-deferred, up to an annual maximum of $70,000 in 2025. The account's distribution rules are like those of a traditional IRA or Roth IRA, depending on which type of plan you've selected.A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that lets you save money on a tax-deferred or tax-free basis. Employees can save up to $23,500 in 2025, and employers may add matching funds into the account as well. The account comes in two major varieties: the (pretax) traditional 401(k) or the (after-tax) Roth 401(k). One-person businesses may also open a solo 401(k) and save even more.A Roth IRA allows anyone with earned income (or even spouses of those with earned income) to contribute. Contributions are made with after-tax money, and you'll be able to grow the account tax-free and then withdraw your money tax-free in retirement. Annual contributions are limited to $7,000 in 2025. The good news is that you can contribute to all these plans. However, your maximum contribution to the SEP IRA and the 401(k) together is $70,000 in 2025, including both employer and employee contributions. You can max out your employee contribution in the 401(k) at your day job, taking full advantage of an employer match there, and then still add money to your SEP IRA, until you hit the annual maximum. And regardless of how much you contribute to either a 401(k) or a SEP IRA, you're still able to contribute to a Roth IRA (or a traditional IRA), up to the annual maximum. Setting up a SEP IRA is simple. Start by filling out and filing IRS Form 5305-SEP. Rather than sending the form to the IRS on your own, you can use a broker like Fidelity Investments or Vanguard to sign up and provide the form for you. Compare SEP IRA custodians before making your choice, though. Review minimum investments, fees and investment options offered. Find out how other employees can access their accounts as well, should you choose to add employees. Remember: Your SEP IRA is a type of retirement account, not an actual investment. As with any investment account, how aggressively you invest and the types of assets you buy depends on your age, the age at which you plan to retire and your risk tolerance. Carefully consider your own future needs as you choose investments for your portfolio. In general, asset allocation models suggest that you weight your retirement portfolio toward stocks while you're young and further away from retirement. As you move closer to retirement, many experts suggest reducing the risk level of your portfolio and boosting its income component by rebalancing it to include more bonds. The reason? Stocks historically have generated bigger returns over the long term than fixed income assets, but suffer more price volatility in the short term. Your account provider should have a variety of stocks, ETFs, bonds and mutual funds to choose from. Each of your employees should have their own accounts with the provider so they can choose their own investments and asset allocation. If you're self-employed and looking for a way to contribute to a tax-advantaged retirement plan, a SEP IRA can be a good option. It offers you the chance to contribute a hefty sum each year and have your savings grow tax-deferred or even tax-free. A SEP IRA can be especially useful if you don't have any other employees (and don't plan to hire them in the future).. — Bankrate's Erin Kennedy contributed to an update of this article.
