New Retirement Option Could Boost Worker Savings

Maine’s new state-facilitated retirement savings program is up and running. It offers a savings option for the estimated 200,000 Maine private-sector workers who do not have access to a retirement plan through their jobs.

Businesses with five or more employees that do not already offer a qualified retirement plan are required to enroll in the program, called the Maine Retirement Investment Trust. Employers then coordinate enrollment for their workers and set up an automatic 5 percent payroll deduction, with the money placed in a Roth IRA. Employees can opt out or change the contribution amount. Visit meritsaves.org to learn more.