In some ways, a 401(k) plan or defined-benefit plan from an employer can provide a false sense of security. You may feel, without analyzing the situation, that you're saving enough for retirement. But the reality is that the plan may not be enough to provide the retirement you had in mind. Thus, you may also want to contribute to an individual retirement account (IRA) for some or all of the following reasons:

• You'll probably need the additional funds for retirement. Even with Social Security and pension or 401(k) benefits, you'll probably need other savings to fund your retirement. There are a variety of ways to save, but an IRA can be a good alternative for retirement.
• You'll lower your taxes. You can lower your taxes currently by contributing to a traditional deductible IRA or in the future by contributing to a Roth IRA. With a traditional deductible IRA, you receive a tax deduction on your current year income tax return. When you withdraw the funds in the future, you'll owe ordinary income taxes on the contributions and earnings. With a Roth IRA, you don't receive a current-year tax deduction, but qualified distributions are withdrawn without paying any federal income taxes.
  
• You're more likely to use the funds for retirement. If you save in a taxable account, it's easy to use the funds for other purposes. However, the government discourages the use of IRA funds for other purposes by assessing a 10% federal income tax penalty when funds are withdrawn before age 59 1/2 (except in certain limited circumstances). That makes it more difficult to withdraw the funds and more likely they'll stay in the IRA.
• You have a wide variety of investing options. With a 401(k) plan, you typically have a limited number of investment options. However, with an IRA, you can invest in a wide variety of investments.

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