Taking full advantage of your 401(k) – how well do you know your plan.
Taking full advantage of your 401(k) plan today can help you achieve financial goals sooner, and provide enough income for a comfortable retirement. For most working people, Social Security checks alone will not be enough to maintain the standard of living they are used to, once they are no longer working. If you are lucky, your employer offers a 401(k) plan which, if used wisely and to the fullest advantage, can provide you with additional income for your golden years.
401(k) plans differ greatly depending on the employer who sets the rules. The only way to get the most out of the plan is to get to know it and make educated choices.
Things you should know:
- What is the maximum percentage of your salary you are able to contribute?
- Is your employer matching the contributions? If yes, what is your minimum contribution, before your employer’s contribution starts, and what is the maximum?
- What are the number of years you have to be with the company (so called vesting) to be eligible for the employer’s contributions to your 401(k)?
- How often can you switch among available investment options?
- Are earnings posted to your account on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis? When do you get your account statements? Note, it is always more beneficial if earnings are added to your balance more often.
- What methods can you use to access the account? By phone, on the internet or only in writing?
- Did you spread your money among different investments to reduce the risk?
- Did you learn enough about the investments you are using?
Do you know that 401(k) plans are not insured by the federal government, and its investments are at risk? However, different investments carry different degrees of risk. It is always best to diversify your investments by investing in different types of assets. To find out more about 401(k) investment options, ask your plan administrator for information. Financial magazines, prospectus and brochures can be a good source for learning about particular investment options.
There’s a new 401k coming to town.
Beginning in January of 2006, a brand new retirement savings plan will be unveiled called the Roth 401k. This new plan allows for "after-tax" contributions as opposed to "pre-tax" dollars with a traditional 401k. Upon withdrawal at retirement, no tax is due, which is not the case with a 401k, since the tax has been deferred and is due at retirement. Check with your employer to see if the Roth 401k will be implemented; a recent survey shows that 31% of employers will offer it.
Consumers, start your engines. There is still time to get a great deal on a new car.
If you're looking to buy a new car, now is the time. Interest rates, although rising, are still at historical lows, and along with buyer incentive programs like the highly successful "employee discount," the end of 2005 is a great time to purchase. Many indicators point to a slowing economy, so consumers should take advantage of the rates and the willingness of dealers to clear their lots at year end.
Save yourself from homebuying disasters.
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