Here's a quick, off the top of my head, list of types of retirement type plans:
Defined Contribution Plans (Employer Sponsored)-Profit sharing plan: a plan that allows an employer to make a profit sharing contribution
-401(k): a feature of a profit sharing plan that allows employee deferrals (can allow for pre-tax contributions, after-tax contributions, Roth contributions)
-401(m): a feature of a profit sharing plan that provides for employer matching contributions
-Money Purchase Pension Plan
-Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Not to be confused with stock options. In this kind of plan, the primary purpose of the plan is to invest in company stock. Contributions are generally made in the form of company stock.
Defined Benefit Plans (Employer Sponsored)-Traditional Defined Benefit Plan
-Cash Balance Plan
Government Sponsored Plans-403(b): a tax sheltered annuity plan sponsored by public schools, colleges, universities and certain tax-exempt entities; contributions can be made by employees and employers
-457(b) (sometimes referred to as an eligible plan): similar to 401(k) but sponsored by government entities
-457(f) (an ineligible plan): different tax consequences than 457(b)
Individual Sponsored Plans-Traditional IRA
-Roth IRA
Small Business/Sole Proprieter Plans-SIMPLE IRA
-Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP)
-Payroll Deduction IRA
-Simple 401(k) Plan
Usually Reserved for Top Executives (With Different Tax Treatment For Each)-409A: Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
-Equity Based Plans (stock options (qualified/non-qualified), restricted stock, restricted stock units, phantom equity, stock appreciation rights, etc.)
-Long-Term Incentive Plans (usually paid in cash, tied to company and individual performance)
-Change in Control Plans/Agreements (providing benefits when there is a change in control)
Hope this is helpful.
More information can be found:
www.irs.gov http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Benefits-Practitionerwww.dol.gov http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/retirement/