Friday, September 28, 2012

Top 5 Ways to Maximize the Value of Your 401(k) ? Scott on MONEY

It?s more than likely that you?re using a 401(k) account to save up for retirement. Many of us are doing it, and it?s one of the most popular ways to make sure that your ?nest egg? is going to be there and ready for you when you need it. Our retirement savings can be one of the most important aspects of our careers, and many of us rely on our 401(k) accounts to provide for us our only source of income once we enter those golden years and stop enjoying a regular income from the jobs at which we might no longer work. The 401(k) is a fantastic way to set aside money for later in your life, but there are ways you can make sure you?re doing everything possible to maximize the value that you wind up taking home at the end of the day, so to speak.

1) Make Sure Your Employer Matches

    Most employers that offer a 401(k) plan will match your investments. That is to say that when you put money into your 401(k), the company that employs you will match the donation, providing the same amount of money to your 401(k) savings. This is a great way to effectively double your contributions to your later-in-life adventures.

    2) Watch Out for Borrowing Taxes or Fees

      One of the nice things about a 401(k) is that your money is typically there when you need it. This can be huge in case of any kind of emergency, but you must be careful if you make this kind of decision. It?s important that you?re familiar with all the conditions, fees, and taxes associated with this sort of thing. Any loan you withdraw from your 401(k) might wind up incurring a large tax or penalty, should you wind up laid off or changing jobs.

      3) Tax Deductible Investments

        Many of your investments can be arranged so that they don?t incur a great deal of taxation, even though the contents of your 401(k) are deferred already. There are other types of accounts into which you can transfer funds from your 401(k) to avoid some of the drawbacks that taxes might impose upon your retirement savings.

        4) Know Inflation

          The rates at which your contributions are limited typically has to do with the inflation of the current year. This is one of the more important pieces of information you might want to know about your 401(k). Things like the current rate of inflation or the cost of living adjustment (also known as the COLA) will affect the rates at which your 401(k) investments grow, so knowing this information can help you make the most out of your retirement. A quick Google search of a term like 401k limits 2013 can give you this information. These tips are some of the easier solutions that will help you maximize the benefits of your 401(k) in a very serious way.

          5) Go with a Rollover IRA when You Leave Your Company

            Just because you?re moving on with your career doesn?t mean you?ve got to ditch your 401(k), though many mistakenly assume it does. If you?re quick and early enough about it, you can register for rollover and move your funds to a high-yield savings account when you?re ready to make the transition. This way you don?t have to abandon all the hard work you did when you saved up for your retirement during your time with your previous employer. Making the most out of your 401(k) account is a lot easier than it might seem.

            Source: http://www.scottonmoney.com/top-5-ways-to-maximize-the-value-of-your-401k-2

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