Mark Zayti

Mark Zayti

Welcome to the digital hub of Mark Zayti, a respected leader and trusted expert in the fields of finance and retirement planning. This platform showcases Mark’s decades-long dedication to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures and protect what matters most. With a career marked by excellence in asset protection, insurance, and financial advisory, Mark has established himself as a top producer nationwide and a pillar of integrity in the industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark Zayti is deeply committed to his community, empowering others with knowledge and support to achieve lasting security. Through his unwavering values, innovative approach, and personal dedication, Mark Zayti continues to make a meaningful impact, guiding clients toward financial confidence and peace of mind.

About Mark Zayti

Mark Zayti’s journey began at 16 when he joined his father in the trucking industry, learning the value of hard work and dedication early on. After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at Ferris State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing. Mark Zayti married his high school sweetheart, and together, they have built a life centered around family and their three children.

Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and community support, Mark Zayti entered the insurance industry in 1991. His dedication and expertise have consistently placed him among the top 1% of producers nationwide. In 1992, he founded GreenLine Retirement, focusing on helping clients protect their assets and secure their futures.

Mark Zayti is proud to be an Approved Member of the Better Business Bureau, the National Ethics Society, and the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors. He firmly upholds the values of honesty, integrity, and truth in every aspect of his work. Guided by GreenLine Retirement’s mission, HOPE—Helping Other People Every day—Mark Zayti remains committed to making a positive impact in his community.

Understanding Different Types of Retirement Accounts: 401(k), IRAs, Roth IRAs, and More

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you can take, yet navigating the various types of retirement accounts can feel overwhelming. Each option comes with its own rules, tax implications, and benefits. Mark Zayti of GreenLine Retirement aims to demystify the most common retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and other less familiar options, so you can make informed decisions for your financial future.

1. 401(k) Plans

A 401(k) plan is one of the most widely used retirement savings tools in the United States, typically offered by employers. Mark Zayti understands that these plans allow employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax income, which reduces their taxable income for the year. Contributions grow tax-deferred, meaning you’ll pay taxes on withdrawals during retirement.

Key Features

  • Employer Matching: Many employers match a percentage of your contributions, effectively providing free money for your retirement.
  • Annual Contribution Limits: For 2025, you can contribute up to $23,000 if you’re under 50, or $30,500 if you’re 50 or older (catch-up contributions).
  • Withdrawals: Penalties apply for early withdrawals before age 59½, with few exceptions, such as medical expenses or first-time home purchases.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Tax-deferred growth, potential employer match, higher contribution limits than IRAs.
  • Cons: Limited investment options compared to IRAs, mandatory withdrawals (required minimum distributions, or RMDs) starting at age 73.

2. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)

IRAs are retirement accounts you can set up independently, making them an excellent option for self-employed individuals or those without access to employer-sponsored plans.

Traditional IRA

  • Tax Benefits: Contributions may be tax-deductible, depending on your income and whether you’re covered by a workplace retirement plan.
  • Growth: Like a 401(k), earnings grow tax-deferred.
  • Withdrawals: Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, with penalties for withdrawals before 59½, except under specific conditions.

Roth IRA

Roth IRAs operate differently from traditional IRAs. Contributions are made with after-tax income, but withdrawals are tax-free if certain conditions are met.

  • Tax Benefits: No immediate tax deduction, but qualified withdrawals (after age 59½ and the account being at least 5 years old) are tax-free.
  • Income Limits: Eligibility phases out at higher income levels (e.g., $153,000–$183,000 for single filers in 2025).
  • No RMDs: Unlike a traditional IRA, Roth IRAs don’t require withdrawals during the account holder’s lifetime, making them a strategic tool for estate planning.

Contribution Limits

As of 2025, the combined annual limit for traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,000 if you’re under 50, and $8,500 if you’re 50 or older.

3. Roth 401(k)

A Roth 401(k) is a hybrid that combines features of a traditional 401(k) and a Roth IRA. Mark Zayti explains that contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but withdrawals are tax-free, provided you meet the requirements.

Key Features

  • No Income Limits: Unlike Roth IRAs, anyone can contribute to a Roth 401(k) regardless of income.
  • Higher Limits: Contribution limits align with those of traditional 401(k)s.

Ideal For

Those who anticipate being in a higher tax bracket during retirement may benefit from paying taxes upfront through a Roth 401(k).

4. SEP and SIMPLE IRAs

These plans cater to small business owners and self-employed individuals.

SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)

  • Eligibility: Ideal for self-employed individuals or small businesses with few employees.
  • Contributions: Made by the employer and can be up to 25% of compensation, capped at $66,000 for 2025.

SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)

  • Eligibility: Designed for small businesses with 100 or fewer employees.
  • Contributions: Both employers and employees can contribute. The employee limit is $15,500 for 2025, with an additional $3,500 catch-up contribution for those 50 and older.

5. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

While not a traditional retirement account, an HSA can serve as a powerful supplement. Contributions are tax-deductible, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free. After age 65, withdrawals for non-medical expenses incur no penalty, but are taxed as ordinary income.

6. Other Options to Consider

  • 403(b) Plans: Available for employees of public schools and tax-exempt organizations, similar to a 401(k).
  • 457(b) Plans: Offered to state and local government employees, with no penalties for early withdrawals.
  • Solo 401(k): Tailored for self-employed individuals, offering high contribution limits and flexibility.

Choosing the Right Account

When deciding which account(s) to use, consider:

  1. Tax Situation: Determine whether you’d benefit more from tax deductions now (traditional accounts) or tax-free withdrawals later (Roth accounts).
  2. Employer Options: Take full advantage of employer-sponsored plans, especially if there’s a matching contribution.
  3. Flexibility and Goals: If you anticipate significant medical expenses, HSAs can complement retirement savings.

Saving for retirement is a long-term commitment that benefits from early planning and understanding your options. Mark Zayti of GreenLine Retirement emphasizes that by leveraging the right accounts for your situation, you can maximize your savings, minimize tax burdens, and secure a comfortable retirement. Whether you opt for a 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, or a combination of these, the key is to start early and contribute consistently. Your future self will thank you.

Thank you for visiting the online portfolio of Mark Zayti, a trusted leader in financial planning and retirement solutions. With a career grounded in asset protection, insurance expertise, and a dedication to helping others, Mark has built a reputation for empowering individuals and families to secure their financial futures and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. His extensive experience in retirement planning, financial strategies, and community-focused initiatives has made a lasting impact on his clients and the industry. Beyond his professional success, Mark Zayti of GreenLine Retirement is devoted to educating and mentoring others, fostering financial literacy, and promoting a culture of integrity and care. His client-centered approach combines expert knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping people achieve lasting security and peace of mind in their financial journeys.