What is a 401k and why should I care?
1. First off, 401ks are company sponsored, or set up with the company you work for. You are responsible for enrolling yourself. And you absolutely should! The sooner you enroll the more money you will gain. 25% of workers fail to sign up. Don’t be that person.
2. 401ks are funded with pre-tax money.
Chart 1 is based on 25 years of contributions (age 35 - age 60)
Total Contributions of $33,892 with earnings of $208,107
Chart 2 is based on 35 years of contributions (age 25 - age 60)
Total Contributions of $49,992 with earnings of $511,634
My personal view is: Under 50 = good mix of stocks, no bonds.
- A 401k is offered by companies to workers as a way to save for retirement.
- The 401k is funded with pre-tax money, meaning you haven’t paid taxes on it yet.
- Some companies might offer a 401(k) match up to a dollar amount or percentage.
- The 401k will grow, tax-free, until retirement age, when you can withdraw the money. The 401k is taxed when the money is withdrawn at retirement.
- The employee can select from a number of investment options (Mutual Funds, Stocks, Bonds, Etc)
1. First off, 401ks are company sponsored, or set up with the company you work for. You are responsible for enrolling yourself. And you absolutely should! The sooner you enroll the more money you will gain. 25% of workers fail to sign up. Don’t be that person.
2. 401ks are funded with pre-tax money.
Let’s say I put $100 into my 401k and I invest $100 on my own. The $100 that I invest on my own actually costs me $118 because I have to pay income taxes on it (15% or so). THIS IS HUGE!3. 401k company matches are great and take full advantage of them. Most companies will match your 401k contributions up to a certain percentage or dollar amount. THIS IS FREE MONEY!
If your company has a 3% 401k match, then absolutely put 3% in your account. At the end of the year, your company will also put in 3% for a total of 6%. If you only put in 2%, your company would also only put in 2% for a total of 4%. In other words, by only contributing 2% instead of 3%, you are actually cutting your retirement 2% (6%-4%). TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE COMPANY MATCH! FREE MONEY!4. 401ks grow tax-free. The Earlier you start, the better. The following charts are based on the exact same information except for the number of years. Chart 1 is based on 25 years of contributions (age 35 - age 60) and Chart 2 is based on 35 years of contributions (age 25 - age 60). Basically, if you start saving now, you will have OVER TWICE AS MUCH WHEN YOU RETIRE!
Chart 1 is based on 25 years of contributions (age 35 - age 60)
Total Contributions of $33,892 with earnings of $208,107
25 Years of Contributions
Total Contributions of $49,992 with earnings of $511,634
35 Years of Contributions
Charts based on…5. Last of all, you can choose from a select number of investment options. Don’t let this scare you and just pick a good mix of stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. Bonds are for old people. Stocks are for younger people. Stocks are more risky but generally offer a better return. Bonds are less risky and offer a lower return.
8% Rate of Return
3% Contributions
3% Company Match
$40,000 Annual Salary
My personal view is: Under 50 = good mix of stocks, no bonds.
Some other notes on 401ks…
- Don’t worry about switching jobs, you can take your 401(k) with you
- You will pay Income Tax on the money you withdraw around retirement age
- In 2008, you are limited to putting $15,500/year in your 401k
- You can Withdraw your money before you’re 59.5 years old, but you will have to pay a 10% Penalty
- Special Early Withdrawal exceptions…such as a down payment to a house
- Automatic payroll deductions make it super easy to start a 401k
- YOU HAVE TO SIGN UP, THE COMPANY WILL NOT DO IT FOR YOU!
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