- Bitcoin is the most recognized digital currency in the crypto market.
- 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan.
- These are digital asset accounts that give employees the option to gain exposure to digital assets.
Bitcoin cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital currency that was developed in 2009. Retirement plans such as 401(k), IRA, and others are created to help investors in the long run.
What Is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin, a crypto coin, is a form of digital currency just like other cryptocurrencies. It is not controlled by any government, authority, bank, or financial institution. Hence, it is decentralized, unlike our physical currency. It was the first established cryptocurrency, a digital asset that can be exchanged. It was developed by an anonymous Satoshi Nakamoto as a “new electronic cash system” in 2009. It is so completely decentralized that even Bitcoin owners are anonymous, with no details related to their accounts, names, social security numbers, or other identifying features.
There are currently 16 Million Bitcoins and the maximum limit of their existence is 21 Million. Just like diamond and gold mining, Bitcoins also mine to make more. The process of mining involves computers that solve extremely complex and challenging mathematical problems to make more Bitcoins which gets harder each time. Every time the problem gets solved, a new block of Bitcoin gets mined and processed to the Bitcoin address of the miner.
There are other ways of getting Bitcoins than mining, which is by accepting Bitcoins as a payment for services and goods. There are many websites that give Bitcoins after completing certain tasks. Since it is a form of digital currency, it has some risks. There is no governing body and hence, it is more appealing to criminals. The lack of regulation makes it risky as well.
401(k) Accounts With Bitcoin
401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. 401(k) administrators have traditionally offered an assortment of mutual funds as the primary investment options for plan participants. There is a possibility of investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as well and if it does not offer cryptocurrency as an investment option, then investors can go for an IRA (individual retirement account).
The defined benefit plans, such as 401(k)s are managed by fiduciary standards, where managers must act in the best interests of plan participants. Many companies create a digital asset account for 401(k)s, which is an innovative investment account that gives employees the option to gain exposure to digital asset investments and provides more choices in investment options to meet the demands of an evolving workforce.
Users can use dollar cost averaging over a long period of time for their 401(k) accounts. Traditionally, participants of 401(k) use their accounts to purchase equities and bonds in a cost-effective and tax-efficient manner. These were designed to be accumulation tools offered by employers to their employees, where participants save money and build wealth. 401(k) balances reached their highest point in 2021.
Conclusion
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are available for different retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and others. ETFs can indirectly track the prices of cryptocurrencies but do not actually own crypto. The cryptocurrency market is very volatile and hence, many experts are skeptical of crypto’s value and wary of its volatility.
