Examine your 401(k) rollover options and find the best way to maximize qualified plan account(s).
I just couldn’t keep my big mouth closed and gave Harry and Sally the report on their 401 (k) annual expenses being charged to manage their funds. These expenses were in addition to the $50 per year administration fees and were tied to the actual account value of the funds in the 401 (k).
As with all things, no one will know that you are unhappy unless you say something. While this may sound like an impossibly daunting task, tactfully voicing your complaints and concerns might just make you realize that you are not the only one who has them.
Investing in your 401k is absolutely crucial to your future financial security, and as such, it is important to know how hidden fees and other 401k provider practices can impact your investment. With investing, as in life, it is often the unexpected things that have the biggest impact. Keep reading to find out how certain aspects of typical 401k plans may impact you.
You know that investing in your 401k is vital to your continued financial security, but you maybe confused by the myriad of investment choices and options currently available. If find yourself currently in a quandary over how to best invest your 401k, these simple tips can help you to make an intelligent decision, and avoid common investing mistakes.
Asset allocation and portfolio diversification are words often bandied about by investment advisors and financial planners. But what exactly does it mean for the ordinary investor and why do you need it? Simply put, asset allocation is how you distribute your investments among the different types of investment vehicles such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
There are rules which can be followed to allow pre-mature access to your 401(k) account. A 401(k) was created by congress to allow workers to accumulate funds for retirement on a pre-tax basis. Eventually he taxes will need to be paid on your 401(k) retirement plan. Accessing the funds should be done with planning and with the goal of using them for retirement income. Life being full of uncertainty, the funds in your 401(k) can be assessed for other reasons; with that access can come unwanted or excessive taxation and penalty. Make sure you fully understand your options before taking action.
....when should you and when should you NOT max out your 401k plan? 401(k’s) differ from IRA’s in one significant way: 401(k)’s allow current workers under 50 to put away up to $18,000 a year. For those over 50, a special “catch-up “provision will let them put in an additional $6,000, raising that threshold to [...]
Most 401 (k)s offer investment options such as mutual funds. Investment options in the mutual funds can be stocks or bonds or a combination of both. As we age, providing a layer of safety and security to our 401 (k) seems only prudent. As an option, your 401 (k) will also offer a stable money investment option. These options could include a money market account. The problem with money market accounts is the yield, a yield which may not keep up with inflation.
According to the Washington Post, the average 401k account has around 40% invested in company stock. While this may seem like a safe way to diversify your investments, and express your loyalty to the company, it is important to remember that true diversification involves investment outside of your own corporation, and that the practice of investing heavily in company stock is not always as safe as it seems.
Options, options, options … Here are many misconceptions about what must be done with a 401(k) when someone leaves a company. Some people think they have to cash out their 401(k) upon leaving a job. Others think they must "roll it over" into a new 401(k). Still, others believe that they must leave the 401(k) [...]
