Investing in your financial 401k can provide you with the security you need as you approach retirement age. Many plans offer professional investment advice to help you choose the best investments for your financial situation. There are also target date funds that automatically adjust your investment mix, moving money from higher-risk stock funds to lower-risk bond funds as you get closer to retirement. However, these investments are not appropriate for everyone, so a financial advisor should be consulted before you make any investment decisions.
Some plans let you convert your 401(k) funds to an annuity. This investment is typically offered by a private insurance company, and it is tax-deferred. The annuity will pay out benefits over the owner’s lifetime or, in the case of joint-and-survivor annuities, for both parties’ lifetimes. In addition, you can postpone the distribution of your funds until you reach age 72, when the government requires you to start taking mandatory distributions.
Another great benefit of a 401(k) plan is that many employers will match your contributions, up to a certain amount. Oftentimes, employers will match as much as 50 percent of the first six percent of your salary. These are excellent returns for investing your money, and the tax advantages of a 401(k) plan make it one of the most popular ways to save for retirement.
Many 401(k) plans will offer third-party advice and account management. Many will also allow you to invest in individual securities. In addition, some plans will also allow you to borrow against your account balance, which could provide you with some additional security. It’s important to remember that employers are not required to offer these services, and your employer may change them from time to time.
There are several top-tier retirement providers that offer professional advice. Some of them are Transamerica Retirement Solutions, EPIC Retirement Services, and Fidelity. These three companies serve more than four million participants in 401(k) plans. Their combined assets exceed $196 billion. In addition, they are certified by the Center for Fiduciary Excellence.
An employer-sponsored 401(k) plan is a good way to save for retirement and can help you build a nest egg. It allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary and is tax-deferred. These savings can help with your living expenses after retirement. The money you accumulate through your 401(k can help you achieve your financial goals, and help you retire with more money than you ever imagined.
If your company offers a 401(k) plan, ask your human resources department about its contribution limits. Many companies match employee contributions. However, there are a number of risks associated with these investments. You may lose some or all of your money. To minimize risk, consider investing in an account that is tax-deferred.
The first step is deciding how much money you want to invest. Choosing a 401(k) plan that offers a match can help you save more money for retirement. In the case of a matched contribution, you may be able to make up to $19,000 a year without exceeding your employer’s contribution limit.