Pension Plans vs Retirement Savings: What’s the Difference?
Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As your regular income stops, your savings and investments become the primary source of financial support. Two commonly used approaches to build a secure retirement are investing in a pension plan and building retirement savings through various financial instruments. While both aim to provide financial stability after retirement, they differ in structure, purpose, and payout mechanisms. Understanding these differences helps you make better financial decisions and create a reliable retirement strategy. What Is a Pension Plan? A pension plan is a long-term financial product designed specifically to provide regular income after retirement. It allows you to invest systematically during your working years and receive a steady income once you retire. Pension plans focus on creating a structured income stream rather than just accumulating wealth. Most pension plans work in two p...