5 Frequently Asked 401k Questions

Today’s Prep:

Do you have a question about your 401(k)? There’s a good chance you’ve wondered about at least one of these five frequently asked questions when it comes to your 401(k).

 

Equipping Points:

401(k)s are often a person’s largest asset outside of their home, especially because it is relatively simple to sign up for through your work. A typical rule of thumb is to save between 10-15 percent of your income toward retirement. But past that, there are common questions everyone asks at one point or another when it comes to 401(k)s. Eric answers five FAQs on today’s episode of Retirement Ready.

Is it worthwhile to use the advice offered through the 401(k) plan at work or not worth the fees? Eric says to ask what kind of services you are actually receiving for that advice. Will the funds be managed or is it a one-time thing to get the funds set up?

Should you contribute beyond the company match? Definitely always contribute at least up to the match! But after that it can get a little more complicated. You may want to contribute more to a Roth IRA after you’ve contributed to the 401(k). There may be future tax benefits in doing this.

Are target date funds a good idea? The target date will shift the allocation as you get older so they are less aggressive. Eric says to choose a target date a few years beyond when you actually plan to retire if you do a target date fund.

Finally, when should you take money out? While these accounts are relatively easy to set up, be sure to work with a financial advisor so that whatever you do with the money aligns with your financial plan.

Listen to the full episode above as we revisit this topic or click on the timestamps below to get your 401(k) FAQs answered.

1:47 – Should you get advice through the company’s 401(k) program?

3:21 – Should you contribute as much as possible to a 401(k) or just up to the match?

6:00 – Should you use a target date fund?

8:28 – Is it a bad idea to take a loan against the 401(k)?

9:54 – When should you take money out and rollover the 401(k) to an IRA?

 

 

Related Resources:

A Message For The Good Savers

7 Deadly Sins of Financial Planning

Getting Your Health And Wealth In Shape

 

Today’s Takeaway:

[spp-tweet tweet= “One of the biggest threats to your wealth in retirement is going to be taxes.   –Eric Peterson“]

More From Eric:

The host: Eric Peterson - Contact - Call: (515) 226-1500

Subscribe To The Podcast:

Apple Podcasts  -  Google Podcasts  -  Spotify  -  Stitcher  -  iHeartRadio  -  TuneIn

Check out some other recent episodes

The Use Of Technology In Financial Planning

November 26, 2024

As technology keeps advancing, it’s made our lives easier in so many ways. Tasks that used to need outside help can now be done on our own with just a few clicks. This shift has also brought more accessible online financial tools, but how accurate and helpful are they really?

Read More

Retirement Planning Conversations With Dorothy Parker

November 21, 2024

Dorothy Parker is one of the great writers of the 20th century. Her wit and prose have been appreciated by readers for generations. But are there any lessons we can learn when it comes to finance with some of Parker’s most well-known quotes?

Read More

Mailbag: Moving To A State With Income Tax And More

November 14, 2024

In this episode, Eric is answering your questions! We’ll cover a range of topics today, including key considerations for income taxes when moving to a new state, how to initiate financial conversations with parents or grandparents, and whether using a life insurance policy to save for a college fund is a wise choice.

Read More

What Is Lazy Money?

November 7, 2024

What is lazy money and why do you want to not have too much of it in your retirement portfolio? Simply put, lazy money is money that isn’t growing as much as it could be. Having your money grow and work for you is a key part of building a solid portfolio, so Eric breaks down some strategies to help get the most out of your money in this episode.

Read More

Retirement Planning Today Is Harder Than It Used To Be

October 31, 2024

Retirement planning simply isn’t the same as it used to be. From changes in life expectancy, the lack of pensions, and getting caught in the sandwich generation, there’s a lot to keep in mind when putting together your financial plan. Instead of taking advice from others who may have retired in a different era, it’s important to understand what strategy is right for you.  

Read More

Social Security Variables That Impact Your Claiming Strategy

October 24, 2024

After so many years of paying into Social Security, you might feel ready to reap the benefits. But before you get too eager, it’s best to have a thorough understanding of the different variables and how to best leverage them.

Read More

Retirement Real Estate Decisions: Downsizing, Snowbirding, and More

October 17, 2024

One of the key discussions you may have in retirement is what to do about the house. Should you downsize your home? Pay it off early? Buy a vacation home and become a snow bird? Eric emphasizes the importance of considering not just the financial implications but also the lifestyle changes each of these decisions entail. Weighing out the pros and cons of each decision can highlight what is right for you (which isn’t always the same as what your neighbor is doing).

Read More

Healthcare in Retirement

October 10, 2024

One major (yet often overlooked!) expense in retirement is healthcare. Especially if you are retiring early, healthcare can be a huge expense as you bridge the gap between your working years and when eligible for Medicare. Not only will you have an increased monthly cost, but you may need to budget for additional medical costs as time goes on or even long-term care needs.

Read More

Family Matters When It Comes to Finances

October 3, 2024

Today we talk about what happens in a family, particularly when someone has passed away and the financial impact that can have.

Read More

Water Wheels and Retirement Planning

September 26, 2024

Have you ever wondered how a water wheel can relate to your retirement planning? It might seem like an odd comparison, but in today’s podcast, Eric breaks down this fascinating analogy and its significance in maintaining a stable financial future.

Read More

Leave a Comment