Candidates’ proposals

Hillary Clinton

Proposes savings plans with a 100% federal match for the first $1,000 put in by households earning less than $60,000, and a 50% match for the first $1,000 saved by households earning $60,000 to $100,000. Employers would be encouraged to enroll workers and offer payroll deductions.

John Edwards

Proposes savings accounts featuring a 100% federal match on the first $500 saved by families earning up to $75,000. Employers would be encouraged to enroll workers and offer payroll deductions.

Barack Obama

Proposes savings plans featuring a 50% federal match on the first $1,000 saved by households earning less than $75,000. Employers would be required to enroll workers and offer payroll deductions.

Rudolph Giuliani

Would enhance the system of tax- advantaged retirement accounts by simplifying categories, easing limits to participation and penalties for withdrawals. Would cut taxes on capital gains and qualified dividends.

Mike Huckabee

Would replace the federal income tax with a sales tax and offer some private investment options in Social Security. Would offer retirees the option of a one-time lump-sum payment of Social Security benefits.

John McCain

Has expressed support for private savings accounts in the context of overhauling Social Security. Emphasizes helping families through low taxes that strengthen the overall economy.

Mitt Romney

Would eliminate taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains for taxpayers with adjusted gross income below $200,000 to spur savings by the middle class and would ease rules on tax-advantaged retirement accounts.