<prompt> Human: I may be starting a new job soon that instead of a 401k offers a Simple IRA. I did some research, and this is what I understand please correct me if Im wrong:1. Can contribute up to 12,500year2. Employer MUST match your contributions up to 3. Or they can match up to 2 if they do it for everyone, even for people who contribute nothing.3. I can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA and a traditional IRA at the same time to the respective limits4. A SIMPLE IRA is self-directed, meaning I can choose any funds I want including Vanguard!Heres what Id like to know:1. Do I need to spread out my contributions over time, or can I use 100 of my first few paychecks to max it? I have savings I can live off of in the meantime. Does the employer have any say in this?2. Can the employer contribute more than 3 if they so choose?3. A SIMPLE IRA is for companies with 100 employees. What happens once they gain more than 100 employees? Will they have to offer a 401k instead?4. Why would an employer choose to use a SIMPLE IRA instead of a 401k? I presume its largely due to costs?Thanks guys!  <response>: A SIMPLE IRA has extremely low management costs compared to other retirement plans in terms of time and money. Additionally though, small businesses may fail the 401k test for highly compensated employees more easily, which is a headache for wveryone.If you want to advocate for a better retirement plan, you should suggest a safe harbor 401k, which have moderately more expenses, but are not subject to the tests as long as certain rules are followed. For a company of about 50, Vanguard quoted me less than 5k a year for overhead costs, which is reduced by percentage points of the total amount invested with them across the company. So its reasonable. 