• Defined contribution (DC) pension plans allow employees to invest pre-tax dollars in capital markets where they can grow with tax deferral until retirement.

  • 401(k) and 403(b) are two popular DC plans that are commonly used by companies and organizations to encourage their employees to save for retirement.
  • DC plans can be contrasted with defined benefit (DB) pensions, in which retirement income is guaranteed by the employer.
  • There are no guarantees with the DC plan and participation is both voluntary and self-guided.