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401(k) Questions to Ask Your Employer: Securing Your Financial Future
By: Sarah Miller, CFP®, CFA® (Certified Financial Planner®, Chartered Financial Analyst®) – With over 15 years of experience advising individuals and corporations on retirement planning and investment strategies.
Published by: The Retirement Planning Institute (RPI) – A leading authority in retirement planning education and research, providing unbiased information for over 25 years.
Edited by: David Chen, MBA, – Senior Editor at RPI with 10+ years experience in financial journalism and a proven track record of producing accurate and engaging content.
Summary: This comprehensive guide outlines crucial 401(k) questions to ask your employer, empowering employees to make informed decisions about their retirement savings. It explores the implications of these questions for both the employee and the employer, highlighting the importance of transparency and robust retirement plans in today’s economic climate.
Introduction: Navigating the 401(k) Maze
A 401(k) plan is often the cornerstone of a secure retirement, yet many employees remain uncertain about the specifics of their employer-sponsored plan. Understanding the intricacies of your 401(k) is vital to maximizing your savings and securing your financial future. Asking the right 401(k) questions to ask your employer is the first step towards achieving this goal. This article equips you with the knowledge and questions to have a productive conversation with your HR department or benefits administrator, leading to better informed retirement planning.
H1: Essential 401(k) Questions to Ask Your Employer: Plan Features and Fees
Before contributing a single dollar, it's critical to understand the core features of your 401(k) plan. These 401(k) questions to ask your employer fall into several key areas:
H2: Understanding Your Investment Options
What investment options are available within the 401(k) plan? Knowing the specific mutual funds, index funds, and other investment vehicles offered is crucial for building a diversified portfolio.
What are the expense ratios for each investment option? High expense ratios can significantly erode your returns over time. Compare these ratios to similar funds available outside the plan.
Are there any target-date funds available? These funds automatically adjust their asset allocation based on your retirement date, simplifying investment management.
How frequently are the investment options reviewed and updated? Regular review ensures the plan keeps pace with market trends and offers competitive options.
H2: Contribution Limits and Matching
What is the employer’s matching contribution policy? Understanding the match percentage and vesting schedule is crucial. A good match can significantly boost your retirement savings.
What is the maximum employee contribution limit for this year? Staying informed about annual contribution limits allows you to maximize your tax-advantaged savings.
Is there a limit on the total amount that can be contributed to the plan (employee and employer combined)? Some plans have overall contribution limits.
H2: Plan Administration and Access
How can I access my 401(k) account balance and statements? Understanding online access and statement delivery methods is essential for monitoring your progress.
What are the procedures for loan requests and hardship withdrawals? Knowing the rules regarding loans and withdrawals is important, though these options should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
What are the plan's fees, and who pays them? Clarifying fees and who bears the cost (employer, employee, or both) is crucial for transparency.
H1: 401(k) Questions to Ask Your Employer: Long-Term Implications and Industry Trends
Asking these questions demonstrates your proactive approach to retirement planning and can influence your employer's future plan improvements.
H2: Plan Performance and Future Enhancements
How does the plan's performance compare to similar plans in the industry? This allows you to gauge the competitiveness of your employer's offering.
Are there plans to improve the plan’s investment options or reduce fees in the future? Open communication about potential enhancements indicates the employer's commitment to employee retirement security.
What educational resources are available to help employees understand and manage their 401(k) accounts? Access to workshops, online resources, and financial advisors can significantly improve employee engagement with their retirement planning.
H2: Employee Feedback and Plan Adjustments
Is there a process for employees to provide feedback on the 401(k) plan? Proactive feedback mechanisms help employers identify areas for improvement.
How does the company ensure the 401(k) plan remains compliant with all relevant regulations? Compliance is critical to protecting employee benefits and avoiding legal issues.
H1: The Broader Implications for the Industry
The questions employees ask directly impact the 401(k) industry. Increased employee awareness translates into higher demand for better plans, pushing employers to offer more competitive options with lower fees and improved investment choices. This, in turn, encourages innovation and growth within the retirement planning industry. The more employees engage in understanding their 401(k)s, the more likely they are to save effectively for retirement, improving their overall financial well-being and reducing the burden on social security and other government assistance programs.
Conclusion:
Asking the right 401(k) questions to ask your employer is a proactive step towards securing your financial future. By understanding the features, fees, and investment options of your plan, you can make informed decisions that maximize your retirement savings. Remember, your retirement is a long-term investment, and engaging with your employer on these important matters is a crucial element in ensuring its success.
FAQs:
1. What if my employer doesn't answer my questions? Consider escalating your concerns to higher management or HR leadership. You may also want to consult with a financial advisor.
2. Can I change my investment allocation within my 401(k)? Yes, most plans allow you to adjust your investment allocation as needed.
3. What happens to my 401(k) if I change jobs? You generally have options to roll over your 401(k) into a new employer's plan or an IRA.
4. What are the tax implications of contributing to a 401(k)? Contributions are often tax-deductible, and earnings grow tax-deferred.
5. What is vesting? Vesting refers to the point at which you own the employer's matching contributions.
6. What if I need to withdraw money early from my 401(k)? Early withdrawals usually incur penalties, unless you qualify for an exception (like hardship).
7. How can I determine if my 401(k) fees are too high? Compare your plan's fees to industry benchmarks and similar plans.
8. How often should I review my 401(k) portfolio? Regularly reviewing your portfolio (at least annually) is recommended to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.
9. What should I do if I believe there is a problem with my 401(k) plan administration? Report your concerns to the appropriate regulatory authorities, such as the Department of Labor.
Related Articles:
1. Understanding 401(k) Fees: A Comprehensive Guide: This article explains different types of 401(k) fees and how to identify and compare them.
2. 401(k) Rollovers: A Step-by-Step Guide: This article details the process of rolling over your 401(k) to an IRA or other retirement account.
3. Maximizing Your 401(k) Contributions: Strategies and Tips: This article provides strategies to increase your 401(k) savings and maximize employer matches.
4. Choosing the Right Investments for Your 401(k): A Beginner's Guide: This article helps you select appropriate investment options based on your risk tolerance and retirement goals.
5. 401(k) Loans: Are They a Good Idea?: This article weighs the pros and cons of taking out a loan from your 401(k).
6. Hardship Withdrawals from Your 401(k): When and How: This article clarifies situations where hardship withdrawals may be allowed.
7. The Impact of Inflation on Your 401(k): Protecting Your Retirement Savings: This article discusses how inflation affects retirement savings and strategies to mitigate its impact.
8. Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans: A Comparison of 401(k)s and Other Options: This article provides an overview of other retirement plans and compares them to 401(k)s.
9. Retirement Planning for Self-Employed Individuals: Alternatives to 401(k)s: This article explores retirement savings options for those without access to employer-sponsored plans.
| 401k questions to ask employer: Retire Before Mom and Dad: The Simple Numbers Behind A Lifetime of Financial Freedom Rob Berger, 2019-08-29 In Retire Before Mom and Dad, you'll learn how to unlock the superpower inside of you that is capable of transforming almost any income into lasting financial freedom. And, you'll discover that it's not about scrimping and sacrificing to get there. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Ask a Manager Alison Green, 2018-05-01 From the creator of the popular website Ask a Manager and New York’s work-advice columnist comes a witty, practical guide to 200 difficult professional conversations—featuring all-new advice! There’s a reason Alison Green has been called “the Dear Abby of the work world.” Ten years as a workplace-advice columnist have taught her that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they simply don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Green does—and in this incredibly helpful book, she tackles the tough discussions you may need to have during your career. You’ll learn what to say when • coworkers push their work on you—then take credit for it • you accidentally trash-talk someone in an email then hit “reply all” • you’re being micromanaged—or not being managed at all • you catch a colleague in a lie • your boss seems unhappy with your work • your cubemate’s loud speakerphone is making you homicidal • you got drunk at the holiday party Praise for Ask a Manager “A must-read for anyone who works . . . [Alison Green’s] advice boils down to the idea that you should be professional (even when others are not) and that communicating in a straightforward manner with candor and kindness will get you far, no matter where you work.”—Booklist (starred review) “The author’s friendly, warm, no-nonsense writing is a pleasure to read, and her advice can be widely applied to relationships in all areas of readers’ lives. Ideal for anyone new to the job market or new to management, or anyone hoping to improve their work experience.”—Library Journal (starred review) “I am a huge fan of Alison Green’s Ask a Manager column. This book is even better. It teaches us how to deal with many of the most vexing big and little problems in our workplaces—and to do so with grace, confidence, and a sense of humor.”—Robert Sutton, Stanford professor and author of The No Asshole Rule and The Asshole Survival Guide “Ask a Manager is the ultimate playbook for navigating the traditional workforce in a diplomatic but firm way.”—Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After Fifty Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, Joanne Cuthbertson, 2014-04-01 Here at last are the hard-to-find answers to the dizzying array of financial questions plaguing those who are age fifty and older. The financial world is more complex than ever, and people are struggling to make sense of it all. If you’re like most people moving into the phase of life where protecting—as well as growing-- assets is paramount, you’re faced with a number of financial puzzles. Maybe you’re struggling to get your kids through college without drawing down your life’s savings. Perhaps you sense your nest egg is at risk and want to move into safer investments. Maybe you’re contemplating downsizing to a smaller home, but aren’t sure of the financial implications. Possibly, medical expenses have become a bigger drain than you expected and you need help assessing options. Perhaps you’ll shortly be eligible for social security but want to optimize when and how to take it. Whatever your specific financial issue, one thing is certain—your range of choices is vast. As the financial world becomes increasingly complex, what you need is deeply researched advice from professionals whose credentials are impeccable and who prize clarity and straightforwardness over financial mumbo-jumbo. Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and the Schwab team have been helping clients tackle their toughest money issues for decades. Through Carrie’s popular “Ask Carrie” columns, her leadership of the Charles Schwab Foundation, and her work across party lines through two White House administrations and with the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability, she has become one of America’s most trusted sources for financial advice. Here, Carrie will not only answer all the questions that keep you up at night, she’ll provide answers to many questions you haven’t considered but should. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The White Coat Investor James M. Dahle, 2014-01 Written by a practicing emergency physician, The White Coat Investor is a high-yield manual that specifically deals with the financial issues facing medical students, residents, physicians, dentists, and similar high-income professionals. Doctors are highly-educated and extensively trained at making difficult diagnoses and performing life saving procedures. However, they receive little to no training in business, personal finance, investing, insurance, taxes, estate planning, and asset protection. This book fills in the gaps and will teach you to use your high income to escape from your student loans, provide for your family, build wealth, and stop getting ripped off by unscrupulous financial professionals. Straight talk and clear explanations allow the book to be easily digested by a novice to the subject matter yet the book also contains advanced concepts specific to physicians you won't find in other financial books. This book will teach you how to: Graduate from medical school with as little debt as possible Escape from student loans within two to five years of residency graduation Purchase the right types and amounts of insurance Decide when to buy a house and how much to spend on it Learn to invest in a sensible, low-cost and effective manner with or without the assistance of an advisor Avoid investments which are designed to be sold, not bought Select advisors who give great service and advice at a fair price Become a millionaire within five to ten years of residency graduation Use a Backdoor Roth IRA and Stealth IRA to boost your retirement funds and decrease your taxes Protect your hard-won assets from professional and personal lawsuits Avoid estate taxes, avoid probate, and ensure your children and your money go where you want when you die Minimize your tax burden, keeping more of your hard-earned money Decide between an employee job and an independent contractor job Choose between sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, S Corporation, and C Corporation Take a look at the first pages of the book by clicking on the Look Inside feature Praise For The White Coat Investor Much of my financial planning practice is helping doctors to correct mistakes that reading this book would have avoided in the first place. - Allan S. Roth, MBA, CPA, CFP(R), Author of How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street Jim Dahle has done a lot of thinking about the peculiar financial problems facing physicians, and you, lucky reader, are about to reap the bounty of both his experience and his research. - William J. Bernstein, MD, Author of The Investor's Manifesto and seven other investing books This book should be in every career counselor's office and delivered with every medical degree. - Rick Van Ness, Author of Common Sense Investing The White Coat Investor provides an expert consult for your finances. I now feel confident I can be a millionaire at 40 without feeling like a jerk. - Joe Jones, DO Jim Dahle has done for physician financial illiteracy what penicillin did for neurosyphilis. - Dennis Bethel, MD An excellent practical personal finance guide for physicians in training and in practice from a non biased source we can actually trust. - Greg E Wilde, M.D Scroll up, click the buy button, and get started today! |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Power of Zero, Revised and Updated David McKnight, 2018-09-04 OVER 300,000 COPIES IN PRINT, WITH A NEW CHAPTER ON THE 2018 TAX CUTS. There's a massive freight train bearing down on the average American investor, and it's coming in the form of higher taxes. The United States Government has made trillions of dollars in unfunded promises for programs like Social Security and Medicare—and the only way to deliver on these promises is to raise taxes. Some experts have even suggested that tax rates will need to double, just to keep our country solvent. Unfortunately, if you're like most Americans, you've saved the majority of your retirement assets in tax-deferred vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs. If tax rates go up, how much of your hard-earned money will you really get to keep? In The Power of Zero, McKnight provides a concise, step-by-step roadmap on how to get to the 0% tax bracket by the time you retire, effectively eliminating tax rate risk from your retirement picture. Now, in this expanded edition, McKnight has updated the book with a new chapter on the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, showing readers how to navigate the new tax law, and how they can extend the life of their retirement savings by taking advantage of it now. The day of reckoning is fast approaching. Are you ready to do what it takes to experience the power of zero? |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Fixing the 401(k) Joshua P. Itzoe, 2008 Are you a retirement plan fiduciary but unsure of what's required of you? Does it scare you to be held personally liable for bad decisions? Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your plan is paying too much in fees but you're not sure how to find out? Are you worried that your employees won't be able to retire? If the answer to any of these questions is Yes, this book is for you. Josh Itzoe has a remarkable capacity for seeing through the maze of regulations surrounding qualified plans to the handful of core ideals by which successful plans must operate. This is a great, understandable guide for plan sponsors. -Pete Swisher, CFP, CPC, Vice President and Senior Institutional Consultant, Unified Trust Company, N.A. and author of 401 (k) Fiduciary Governance: An Advisor's Guide Fixing the 401(k) is a bold and excellent work. Josh Itzoe reminds us that excellence is desperately needed within our private retirement system. By following the solid principles shared in this book, Itzoe reveals how any employer, large or small, can build and operate an excellent 401(k). The 401(k) is the mechanism that over fifty million people will rely upon to help their retirement dreams become a reality. This book is the starting point for employers who want to understand how to make their 401(k) truly excellent and help secure the common good of society. -Matthew D. Hutcheson, Congressional Expert and Independent Pension Fiduciary |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The New Rules of Work Alexandra Cavoulacos, Kathryn Minshew, 2017 In this definitive guide to the ever-changing modern workplace, Kathryn Minshew and Alexandra Cavoulacos, the co-founders of popular career website TheMuse.com, show how to play the game by the New Rules. The Muse is known for sharp, relevant, and get-to-the-point advice on how to figure out exactly what your values and your skills are and how they best play out in the marketplace. Now Kathryn and Alex have gathered all of that advice and more in The New Rules of Work. Through quick exercises and structured tips, the authors will guide you as you sort through your countless options; communicate who you are and why you are valuable; and stand out from the crowd. The New Rules of Work shows how to choose a perfect career path, land the best job, and wake up feeling excited to go to work every day-- whether you are starting out in your career, looking to move ahead, navigating a mid-career shift, or anywhere in between-- |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Cash Or Deferred Arrangements David L. Raish, |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Coffeehouse Investor Bill Schultheis, 2013-01-29 In 1998, after thirteen years of providing investment advice for Smith Barney, Bill Schultheis wrote a simple book for people who felt overwhelmed by the stock market. He had discovered that when you simplify your investment decisions, you end up getting better returns. As a bonus, you gain more time for family, friends, and other pursuits. The Coffeehouse Investor explains why we should stop thinking about top-rated stocks and mutual funds, shifts in interest rates, and predictions for the economy. Stop trying to beat the stock market average, which few “experts” ever do. Instead, just remember three simple principles: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. There’s no such thing as a free lunch. And save for a rainy day. By focusing more on your passions and creativity and less on the daily ups and downs, you will actually build more wealth—and improve the quality of your life at the same time. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Who's the Employer Samuel Derrin Watson, 2012-04-04 Who's the Employer has long been a key source of information and analysis about the US retirement plan rules relating to controlled groups, common control, affiliated service groups, multiple employer plans, leased employees, independent contractor, compensation, attribution, and more. The new 6th edition updates the work, with discussions of important cases and the most current guidance. It also expands the book's coverage of multiple employer plans, rehired employees, independent contractor initatives, and Titles I and IV of ERISA. The book is filled with over 900 examples to make the frequently complex topics understandable. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Best Real Estate Investing Advice Ever Joe Fairless, Theo Hicks, 2016-06-24 Inspirational stories with actionable advice from interview guests on the world's longest running daily real estate podcast. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Bank On Yourself Pamela Yellen, 2010-03-23 The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and BusinessWeek bestseller Bank On Yourself: The Life-Changing Secret to Growing and Protecting Your Financial Future reveals the secrets to taking back control of your financial future that Wall Street, banks, and credit card companies don’t want you to know. Can you imagine what it would be like to look forward to opening your account statements because they always have good news and never any ugly surprises? More than 100,000 Americans of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds are already using Bank On Yourself to grow a nest-egg they can predict and count on, even when stocks, real estate, and other investments tumble. You’ll meet some of them and hear their stories of how Bank On Yourself has helped them reach a wide variety of short- and longterm personal and financial goals and dreams in this book. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: A Look at 401(k) Plan Fees , 2010 |
| 401k questions to ask employer: What You Should Know about Your Retirement Plan U.S. Department of Labor, 2006 Helps you understand your employer's retirement savings plan, know what information you should review periodically and where to go for help with questions. Explains when and how you can receive retirement benefits, the responsibilities of those who manage |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ed Slott, 2021-03-02 AS SEEN ON PUBLIC TELEVISION New for 2021—The complete action plan from Ed Slott, the best source of IRA advice (Wall Street Journal), to help you make sure your 401(k)s, IRAs, and retirement savings aren't depleted by taxes by the time you need to use them. If you're like most Americans, your most valuable asset is your retirement fund. We diligently save money for years, yet most of us don't know how to avoid the costly mistakes that cause a good chunk of those savings to be lost to needless and excessive taxation. Now, in the midst of a financial crisis, there is more need than ever to protect your assets. The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb, by renowned tax advisor Ed Slott, shows you in clear-cut layman's terms how to take control over your retirement savings plan. This easy-to-follow plan helps you place your assets to avoid the latest traps set out by congress in addition to any that might be set down the road, so you can keep your hard-earned money no matter what. And, it's fully up-to date with information on the SECURE Act and everything you need to know about how the coronavirus relief bills will affect your savings down the road. This book is required reading for every American with savings and investments who is planning to retire, be it five years from now or fifty. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Ask the Right Questions; Get the Right Job Edward Barr, 2021-07-20 Too often people go to interviews prepared only to answer questions. They study the tough questions for days hoping to give the right responses on D-Day. These same people treat the interview as a cross examination; they see themselves on trial, under the spotlight, deer in the headlights. People who are being interviewed need another attitude, an attitude that says, “I’m here to interview you, to see if I want to bring my talents and experiences to your organization.” Most people don’t know how to do this. However, if armed with a few questions, they can even the playing field and engage in a useful conversation with their hosts. This book provides a set of questions that are appropriate for any job candidate to ask and allows candidates to participate in a dialogue, a conversation. Experience suggests that only a handful of questions are necessary in most interviews. Review all of the questions. Choose the ones that you believe provide you with the information you need. Learn to interview the interviewer! |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Financial Peace Dave Ramsey, 2002-01-01 Dave Ramsey explains those scriptural guidelines for handling money. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, Michael LeBoeuf, 2006-04-20 Within this easy-to-use, need-to-know, no-frills guide to building financial well-being is advice for long-term wealth creation and happiness, without all the worries and fuss of stock pickers and day traders. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Killing Sacred Cows Garrett B. Gunderson, Stephen Palmer, 2008 Our culture is riddled with destructive myths about money and prosperity that are severely limiting our power, creativity, and financial potential. In Killing Sacred Cows, Garrett B Gunderson boldly exposes ingrained fallacies and misguided traditions in the world of per-sonal finance. He presents a revolutionary perspective that can create unprecedented opportu-nity and wealth for individuals. Our financial lives are intimately connected to our societal contributions, and we must be financially free in order to achieve our fullest potential. Yet most people are held captive in their financial lives by misinformation, propaganda, and lack of knowledge. Through well-reasoned arguments and pitiless logic, Gunderson attacks these sacred cows with revelatory insights, such as: High returns without high risk; Security without a corporate job; Debt that increases your financial productivity; Enjoying your money instead of waiting for retirement. Killing Sacred Cows is a must-read for brave individuals willing to question common assumptions and teachings, overcome the herd mentality, break through financial myths, and live a purpose-ful, passionate, and prosperous life. Investors seeking financial advice in The Little Book That Makes You Rich will find this to be a must-read for anyone who wants to achieve their financial potential today. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Smartest 401(k) Book You'll Ever Read Daniel R. Solin, 2010-07-06 This book will change the way you think about and invest in your retirement savings plan-forever. Internationally bestselling author and consumer advocate Dan Solin challenges some basic and misguided assumptions about traditional retirement plans to reveal that: ? 401(k) and 403(b) plans are laden with Porky Pig fees, poor investment choices, and conflicts of interest. You may be better off just saying No! ? There is a simple way to make smart choices in these plans- and this book shows you exactly what to do and which funds to avoid. ? There is one investment that could be the key to a successful retirement plan. You can do it yourself, with pre-tax or after-tax money. Create your own, inflation-proof pension plan that is guaranteed to provide you with monthly income for as long as you live, and beyond! Smart Investing is not complicated. You have the power to make meaningful changes to your retirement savings plan-no matter what your age or financial status. If you haven't taken a recent look at what your own retirement investments are doing and-perhaps even more important-how they are put together, reading Solin's smart little book might provide the impetus for action. -Miami Herald |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Intelligent Asset Allocator: How to Build Your Portfolio to Maximize Returns and Minimize Risk William J. Bernstein, 2000-10-13 Time-Tested Techniques - Safe, Simple, and Proven Effective - for Building Your Own Investment Portfolio. As its title suggest, Bill Bernstein's fine book honors the sensible principles of Benjamin Graham in the Intelligent Investor Bernstein's concepts are sound, his writing crystal clear, and his exposition orderly. Any reader who takes the time and effort to understand his approach to the crucial subject of asset allocation will surely be rewarded with enhanced long-term returns. - John C. Bogle, Founder and former Chief Executive Officer, The Vanguard Group President, Bogle Financial Markets Research Center Author, common Sense on Mutual Funds. Bernstein has become a guru to a peculiarly '90s group: well-educated, Internet-powered people intent on investing well - and with minimal 'help' from professional Wall Street. - Robert Barker, Columnist, BusinessWeek. I go home and tell my wife sometimes, 'I wonder if [Bernstein] doesn't know more than me.' It's humbling. - John Rekenthaler, Research Chief, Morningstar Inc. William Bernstein is an unlikely financial hero. A practicing neurologist, he used his self-taught investment knowledge and research to build one of today's most respected investor's websites. Now, let his plain-spoken The Intelligent Asset Allocator show you how to use the time-honored techniques of asset allocation to build your own pathway to financial security - one that is easy-to-understand, easier-to-apply, and supported by 75 years of solid history and wealth-building results. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Questions that Work Andrew Finlayson, 2001 Written by a seasoned business reporter and manager, this provocative questioning manifesto and practical how-to book gives people the insights and tools to ask thoughtful questions in every realm of their professional lives. It also helps business leaders create a progressive environment where questions flow freely and creatively. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Retirement 101 Michele Cagan, 2019-12-24 A comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide to the ins and outs of retirement planning—the key resource for creating a retirement you can live on! How much do I need to retire? Can I retire early? What’s the retirement age, anyway? No matter whether you are 25, 65, or any age in between, you probably have questions about retirement and knowing the answers is the key to planning your future. Whether you want to retire as soon as possible or are looking forward to continuing to work in some form for as long as you can, Retirement 101 guides you through each step as you approach this important milestone. From how to save for the day when you stop—or scale back—working to smart investment strategies to the best states to retire in to how to calculate your benefits, Retirement 101 helps you create a retirement plan to accomplish your goals, whatever they are. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Careerealism J. T. O'Donnell, 2008-04 Why are so many people unhappy on-the-job? . As many as 7 out of 10 Americans are currently dissatisfied with their careers. . Expensive college degrees are seen by our society as a requirement to enter the American workforce. Yet, many students fail to graduate with the skills and knowedge necessary to embark on a satisfying career path.The result is an unprepared individual, saddled with debt, and frustrated with a system that has left them hanging with respect to making good career decisions. . The concept of work-life balance continues to elude our society as thousands of workers complain of 'living to work' instead of 'working to live.' It's no secret that career satisfaction eludes much of the American working population, but what's worse is the lack of resources and coaching to help today's employee find the career satisfaction they seek. In this innovative, step-by-step guide, workplace expert, professional development specialist, and nationally syndicated career advice columnist, J.T. O'Donnell (www.jtodonnell.com) unlocks the secrets to working smarter when it comes to creating a career you can get excited about.With more than 15 years experience, having coached thousands of individuals, O'Donnell will show you how to develop an authentic definition of professional success that will get you results. Here's what readers have to say: Her strategic approach really helped me flesh out what traits and experience I brought to the table for a potential employer in a different field. Her methods, encouragement and continued support have led me to find the right career path.- Helen D. I hated my job, wanted out, and didn't know where to begin. I had a decision to make: I could continue on the track to working my 9-5 job in front of a desk and let it define me and make me miserable, or look for something different. J.T.showed me that it's not your job that defines you at all;it's you who defines your job. She worked with me to figure out my strengths and work on my weaknesses. J.T.helped me learn that who I am is far more than the paycheck I bring in. Through that exploration of my own real desires, J.T.helped me to realize that I needed a far more creative outlet to be successful in. I can truly say that without J.T.'s help, I certainly would not be where I am today. I'm more aware of my life and the people in it...I absolutely love my job and really feel successful. I owe an immense amount of gratitude to J.T. for getting me to this place in my life. - Danielle H. The information in this book is so on target, I wish I'd found it earlier in my career.I can't begin to express what it is like to have finally found not just the reasons, but the solutions, to my past career disappointments.- John T. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Pension Coverage Issues for the '90s Richard P. Hinz, John Andrew Turner, Phyllis A. Fernandez, 1994 |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio William J. Bernstein, 2010-07-08 The classic guide to constructing a solid portfolio—without a financial advisor! “With relatively little effort, you can design and assemble an investment portfolio that, because of its wide diversification and minimal expenses, will prove superior to the most professionally managed accounts. Great intelligence and good luck are not required.” William Bernstein’s commonsense approach to portfolio construction has served investors well during the past turbulent decade—and it’s what made The Four Pillars of Investing an instant classic when it was first published nearly a decade ago. This down-to-earth book lays out in easy-to-understand prose the four essential topics that every investor must master: the relationship of risk and reward, the history of the market, the psychology of the investor and the market, and the folly of taking financial advice from investment salespeople. Bernstein pulls back the curtain to reveal what really goes on in today’s financial industry as he outlines a simple program for building wealth while controlling risk. Straightforward in its presentation and generous in its real-life examples, The Four Pillars of Investing presents a no-nonsense discussion of: The art and science of mixing different asset classes into an effective blend The dangers of actively picking stocks, as opposed to investing in the whole market Behavioral finance and how state of mind can adversely affect decision making Reasons the mutual fund and brokerage industries, rather than your partners, are often your most direct competitors Strategies for managing all of your assets—savings, 401(k)s, home equity—as one portfolio Investing is not a destination. It is a journey, and along the way are stockbrokers, journalists, and mutual fund companies whose interests are diametrically opposed to yours. More relevant today than ever, The Four Pillars of Investing shows you how to determine your own financial direction and assemble an investment program with the sole goal of building long-term wealth for you and your family. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: How to Protect and Manage Your 401k Elizabeth Opalka, 2003 To keep retirement savings growing and safe, 401(k) account investors must take action. How to Protect and Manage Your 401(k) pays special attention to risk tolerance, diversification, and the factors that 401(k) plan participants should consider in allocating their retirement savings across their investment options. It also includes how 401(k) accounts may fare in the hands of tax collectors, divorce lawyers, and heirs, explaining the steps to take now to minimize the damage in each scenario. Today's 401(k) account investors are looking for authoritative answers and reassurance. Elizabeth Opalka provides both. She also follows the Enron stock story -- from bargain to bankruptcy in 67 days -- and details the tax advantages of investing in employer stock. Book jacket. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Retirement the Right Way Clint Haynes, 2022-02 Retirement is one of the most significant changes that can happen over the course of a human life. So why don't we give it the thought and attention it deserves? Most of us focus just on the financial piece, and getting across the finish line. But what will it really mean for you to exit the workforce and retire?Clint Haynes' seminal book offers a balanced perspective on retiring. In it, you will hear from folks of all walks of life, how they navigated their retirement transition, and what they learned about themselves in the process. It includes 27 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Retire that will challenge you to look at your blind spots and help clarify and simplify your future.RETIREMENT THE RIGHT WAY is your comprehensive roadmap to retiring well. It collaborates with you to design your best plan for a smooth, secure transition into retirement... and how to enjoy it fully once you're in. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Smart Women Love Money Alice Finn, 2017-04-11 YOU ARE A SMART WOMAN, BUT DO YOU STILL: —Feel you’re too busy to invest your money? —Rely on someone else to deal? —Get bored by financial talk? —Think that investing is something only men do? —Worry you’re not smart enough? THINK AGAIN. Women have made strides in so many areas and yet we still have a blind spot when it comes to managing our money. Why? A myriad of factors cause women to earn less than men over a lifetime, making it all the more imperative that we make the money we do have work for us as much as possible. And here’s a reality check: as many as nine out of ten of us will have to manage our finances and those of our family at some point in our lives. And a lot of us think that means keeping our money “safe” in savings accounts, and not investing it. But not doing so has an opportunity cost that will lead to opportunities lost—the ability to pay for a college education, own a home, change careers to pursue a dream, or retire. Alice Finn wants to change how you think about your money, no matter how much or little you have. In Smart Women Love Money, Finn paves the way forward by showing you that the power of investing is the last frontier of feminism. Drawing on more than twenty years of experience as a successful wealth management adviser, Finn shares five simple and proven strategies for a woman at any stage of her life, whether starting a career, home raising children, or heading up a major corporation. Finn’s Five Life-changing Rules of Investing will secure your financial future: 1. Invest in Stocks for the Long Run: Get the magic of compounding working for you, starting now. 2. Allocate your Assets: Strategize your investing to get the most of your returns. 3. Implement with Index Funds: Take advantage of “passive” investing with simple, low-cost, and diverse funds. 4. Rebalance Regularly: Sell high and buy low without much effort, to keep you on track toward your goals. 5. Keep Your Fees Low: Uncover hidden fees so you don’t lose half of your wealth to Wall Street. Finn will also provide the tools you need to achieve long-term success no matter what the markets are doing or what the headlines say. So even in the face of uncertainty— such as the possible dumping of the fiduciary rule (requiring financial advisers to act in their client’s best interests) by the Trump administration—Smart Women Love Money will help you protect yourself and all of your assets for your future. Whether you have $10, $10,000, or more, it’s time to get smart about your money. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Interview Questions and Answers Richard McMunn, 2013-05 |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Employee and employer views on retirement security United States. Congress. House. Committee on Ways and Means. Subcommittee on Oversight, 2002 |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Complete Idiot's Guide to 401(K) Plans Wayne G. Bogosian, Dee Lee, 2001 Annotation. The second edition of this popular title is completely updated for 2001 tax laws, including the President's Tax Bill.-- Currently, 76 million Baby Boomers are looking ahead to their retirement; when you add in all the people who are eligible to join a 401(k) program, the audience is huge!-- It's important to do your own research on 401(k)s and not just trust the company you work for to get the best deal for you - 55% of the typical 401(k) portfolio is invested in company shares; co-workers investing the same amount of money over the same period of time can have a 100% differential (Money Magazine).-- Likewise, most of the information workers are given by their employers is provided by a particular fund or investment group - information that may be slanted in its own favor.New, improved text referencing stock market volatility and need for diversification -- and how to do it. Expanded text, analysis, and examples on Roth IRAs and conversions Congressional/presidential action -- fromPresident Bush's proposed tax cut to proposed changes to 401(k), 402(g), 415, and pension portability. How to use 401(k), Roth, and Sec. 529 plans -- and which one is right for you -- to save for your children's education. ETFs and other new investment products and self-directed brokerage accounts. Pension plans, pension equity plans, Cash balance plan conversions -- what's the difference? |
| 401k questions to ask employer: The Index Card Helaine Olen, Harold Pollack, 2016-01-05 “The newbie investor will not find a better guide to personal finance.” —Burton Malkiel, author of A RANDOM WALK DOWN WALL STREET TV analysts and money managers would have you believe your finances are enormously complicated, and if you don’t follow their guidance, you’ll end up in the poorhouse. They’re wrong. When University of Chicago professor Harold Pollack interviewed Helaine Olen, an award-winning financial journalist and the author of the bestselling Pound Foolish, he made an offhand suggestion: everything you need to know about managing your money could fit on an index card. To prove his point, he grabbed a 4 x 6 card, scribbled down a list of rules, and posted a picture of the card online. The post went viral. Now, Pollack teams up with Olen to explain why the ten simple rules of the index card outperform more complicated financial strategies. Inside is an easy-to-follow action plan that works in good times and bad, giving you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to seize control of your financial life. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Selecting Your Employer Gordon Bing, 2007-06-01 Selecting and evaluating jobs and employers is a task for which few are well prepared, yet the process of changing jobs requires major personal decisions. Improving the outcome involves evaluating the job, the employer, and the community in a systematic and comprehensive manner to determine both desirable and undesirable factors. All employment decisions are made in the context of comparing one's present situation with alternatives. This book will provide the tools to evaluate a present or potential job, employer or community. Business consultant Gordon Bing draws on his years of experience to guide the reader to develop a plan of action, to identify critical factors such as personal goals, cultural factors, employment environment, job descriptions, company position, industry climate, and compensation and benefits that will result in a successful match for both the employee and the employer. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Smart Questions to Ask Your Stockbroker Dorothy Leeds, 1993-02-25 How do you go about buying stocks? When is the best time to invest? This book provides the investor with the right questions to ask and increases the reader's knowledge about the ingredients of a comfortable financial plan of investment. These questions will improve your money management know-how and detect the clues you need to make the best decisions. Fourth in Leeds' Smart Questions series. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) United States. Internal Revenue Service, 1990 |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Soldier of Finance Jeff Rose, 2013-09-03 Too much debt? Not enough savings? It's time to become a battle-ready financial warrior, prepared to tackle any money challenge. Modeled on the Soldier's Handbook, which is issued to all new U.S. Army recruits, Soldier of Finance is a no-nonsense, military-style training manual to overcoming financial obstacles and building lasting wealth. Financial planner and experienced army veteran Jeff Rose has divided this book into 14 modules, each section covering an essential element of financial success. You will learn how to: Evaluate your position and commit to change Target and methodically eliminate debt Clean up your credit report Create tactical budgets Build emergency savings Invest for the short and long term Determine an affordable mortgage size, insurance needs, and more. Complete with tales from the trenches and useful tools including quizzes, debriefings, and more, Soldier of Finance is the survival guide you need to face down your finances and bring order and prosperity to your life. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: 401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies Ted Benna, 2021-09-27 From the basics down to investing, get the most out of your 401(k) and IRA in any economic environment When you’re ready to start setting aside (or withdrawing) money for your retirement—whenever that might be—401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies is here for you! It covers both types of retirement plans because they each have valuable tax benefits, and you may be able to contribute to both at the same time. With the practical advice in this book, you learn how to manage your accounts, minimize your investment risk, and maximize your returns. Sounds like a win-win, no matter your situation or where you’re at in life. Written by a well-known expert and ‘father of the 401 (k)’ , Ted Benna, 401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies helps you keep up with the ever-changing rules surrounding both retirement plans—including the rules from the SECURE and CARES Acts—and avoid the mistakes that can lead to higher taxes and penalties. Additional topics include: Tax strategies before and after retirement Required distributions and how much you need to take Penalties for taking money out early and how to avoid them What happens to your or your spouse’s retirement plan after death or divorce The rules for taking money out of an inherited plan Methods for calculating required minimum distributions Special tax benefits for conversions to Roth IRAs How to recharacterize IRA or Roth contributions Why IRA based plans are a better options for many small employers Helping solo entrepreneurs and other small businesses pick the right type of plan Whether you’re just starting to think about a retirement plan, planning when to retire, or you’re facing retirement, you’ll find useful and practical guidance in 401(k)s & IRAs For Dummies. Get your copy today! |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Women & Money (Revised and Updated) Suze Orman, 2018-09-11 Achieve financial peace of mind with the million-copy #1 New York Times bestseller, now revised and updated, featuring an entirely new Financial Empowerment Plan and a bonus chapter on investing. The time has never been more right for women to take control of their finances. The lessons, revelations, and shocks of the past few years have made it clear that standing in our truth is the only way to care for ourselves, our families, and our finances. With her signature mix of insight, compassion, and practical advice, Suze equips women with the financial knowledge and emotional awareness to overcome the blocks that have kept them from acting in the best interest of their money—and themselves. Whether you are single or in a committed relationship, a successful professional, a worker struggling to make ends meet, a stay-at-home parent, or a creative soul, Suze offers the possibility of living a life of true wealth, a life in which you own the power to control your destiny. At the center of this fully revised and updated edition, Suze presents an all-new Financial Empowerment Plan, designed to get you to a place of emotional and financial security as quickly as possible—because the most precious commodity women have is time. Divided into four essential components, the plan will teach you how to • Protect yourself • Spend smart • Build your future • Give to others Also included is a bonus chapter on investing—for those who are living by Suze’s unbreakable financial ground rules and ready to learn how to invest with confidence. Women & Money speaks to every mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and wife. It gives readers the opportunity to tap into Suze’s unique spirit, people-first wisdom, and unparalleled appreciation that for women, money itself is not the end goal. It’s the means to living a full and meaningful life. |
| 401k questions to ask employer: Beyond 401(k)s for Small Business Owners Jean D. Sifleet, 2003-10-13 The ultimate reference on compensation for small business owners Beyond 401(k)s for Small Business Owners presents strategies for reducing taxes, planning for your retirement, and rewarding high-performing employees. Expert advice from attorney and CPA Jean Sifleet will help small business owners maximize their own rewards and create an environment in which employees know that their hard work will mean a better future for themselves. In clear, simple language this book helps you figure out what kind of plan you can afford, what your employees want, and what to do. Important tax and insurance issues are covered in detail and step-by-step guidance lets you design a compensation strategy that works for both you and your employees. Case studies, sample plans, and helpful references make this book your one-stop source for complete coverage of alternatives, from cash bonus programs to employee stock option plans (ESOPs) and everything in between. With Beyond 401(k)s for Small Business Owners you'll have all the tools you need to: * Maximize owner benefits, reduce taxes, and enhance your retirement income * Use creative compensation to motivate your employees * Understand qualified and nonqualified plans * Address the unique issues of family businesses * Get the best deal on insurance and benefits for your company * Avoid expensive pitfalls * Measure your progress and keep your plan on track |
Fidelity 401 (k) retirement savings | Fidelity NetBenefits
We answer the question “What is a 401 (k)?” breaking down how it works and offering answers about how to contribute to this retirement plan.
What is a 401(k)? | Fidelity - Fidelity Investments
Dec 10, 2024 · Named for the tax code section that created it, a 401 (k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan with special tax benefits. (The exact tax advantages depend on which …
401(k) Plans: What Are They, How They Work - Investopedia
Jan 24, 2025 · Named after a section of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the 401 (k) is a defined-contribution plan provided by an employer. The employer may match employee contributions; …
401 (k) plans - Internal Revenue Service
Helps you keep your 401 (k) plan in compliance with important tax rules. Tips on how to find, fix and avoid common errors in 401 (k) plans. Learn about Internal Revenue Code 401 (k) retirement …
What Is A 401(k) A Beginners Guide – Forbes Advisor
Mar 5, 2025 · What Is A 401 (k)? How Does It Work? A 401 (k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Commonly offered as part of a job benefits package, employees may save a portion …
401(k) - Wikipedia
In the United States, a 401 (k) plan is an employer-sponsored, defined-contribution, personal pension (savings) account, as defined in subsection 401 (k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. …
What is a 401 (k) and How Does It Work? - Charles Schwab
Feb 25, 2025 · What is a 401 (k) and How Does It Work? Learn how 401 (k) retirement plans work and get answers to questions on contribution limits, distributions, and more. If you're like most …
401(k) Plan Overview: Definition, How It Works, & Guidelines
2 days ago · Contribution Type Contribution Limit (2025); Employee contributions: $23,500: Catch-up contribution (employees 50 or older) $7,500: SIMPLE 401(k) contributions
What Is a 401(k) and How Does It Work? - Paycom
Dec 12, 2024 · What Is a 401 (k) and How Does It Work? Most in HR know a 401 (k) is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan for employees. But with a wave of Generation Z and millennial workers …
401(k) Plans | Definition, History, Costs, & Types - Finance …
Feb 12, 2025 · Are You Retirement Ready? A 401 (k) plan is a retirement savings account sponsored by an employer. Employees can choose to have a portion of their paycheck withheld and …
Fidelity 401 (k) retirement savings | Fidelity NetBenefits
We answer the question “What is a 401 (k)?” breaking down how it works and offering answers about how to contribute to this retirement plan.
What is a 401(k)? | Fidelity - Fidelity Investments
Dec 10, 2024 · Named for the tax code section that created it, a 401 (k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan with special tax benefits. (The exact tax advantages depend on which …
401(k) Plans: What Are They, How They Work - Investopedia
Jan 24, 2025 · Named after a section of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the 401 (k) is a defined-contribution plan provided by an employer. The employer may match employee contributions; …
401 (k) plans - Internal Revenue Service
Helps you keep your 401 (k) plan in compliance with important tax rules. Tips on how to find, fix and avoid common errors in 401 (k) plans. Learn about Internal Revenue Code 401 (k) retirement …
What Is A 401(k) A Beginners Guide – Forbes Advisor
Mar 5, 2025 · What Is A 401 (k)? How Does It Work? A 401 (k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Commonly offered as part of a job benefits package, employees may save a portion …
401(k) - Wikipedia
In the United States, a 401 (k) plan is an employer-sponsored, defined-contribution, personal pension (savings) account, as defined in subsection 401 (k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. …
What is a 401 (k) and How Does It Work? - Charles Schwab
Feb 25, 2025 · What is a 401 (k) and How Does It Work? Learn how 401 (k) retirement plans work and get answers to questions on contribution limits, distributions, and more. If you're like most …
401(k) Plan Overview: Definition, How It Works, & Guidelines
2 days ago · Contribution Type Contribution Limit (2025); Employee contributions: $23,500: Catch-up contribution (employees 50 or older) $7,500: SIMPLE 401(k) contributions
What Is a 401(k) and How Does It Work? - Paycom
Dec 12, 2024 · What Is a 401 (k) and How Does It Work? Most in HR know a 401 (k) is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan for employees. But with a wave of Generation Z and millennial workers …
401(k) Plans | Definition, History, Costs, & Types - Finance …
Feb 12, 2025 · Are You Retirement Ready? A 401 (k) plan is a retirement savings account sponsored by an employer. Employees can choose to have a portion of their paycheck withheld and …
