If you don't know what a 401k is, it's essentially a savings plan that is used to help someone prepare for retirement. As money is regularly taken out of one's pay, it is then pooled into a separate account that can be used once retirement is reached. You might know the importance of saving, but did you know that there are other ways to get the most out of your 401k? Here are 4 tips, offered by Bob Jain, to help you do so.
According to authorities on finance like Robert Jain, you should contribute more to your 401k with every pay raise you receive. While you don't have to contribute your entire raise to each month's savings, the truth is that a little more can go a long way. This is especially true if you remember that a 401k has to be built over the course of several years. Don't let your raises go to waste; invest them wisely in this plan.
Next, consult your employer to see if they can match your contribution. Believe it or not, there are many places of work that match the amount that their workers save toward their 401k plans. What this means is that, depending on how much you put into your account, your employer will be able to match it. This is free money, in a sense, and it all but ensures that you get to retire sooner than you previously anticipated.
You should also resist dipping into the money in your 401k plan, as it can have many negative consequences. First, you will be penalized for taking money out, meaning that you'll have to make a payment on top of what you've withdrawn. Second, you will reduce progress made from a retirement saving standpoint. While it's understandable that someone may fall on hard financial times, taking money out of the 401k is an absolute last resort.
Finally, at the end of each year, take the time to review your 401k plan in relation to your long-term goals. See how much money you've saved over the last several months. Do you feel like there's room to invest more money? Do you feel like you have to pull back on the amount saved from week to week? These are just a few questions to bring up during the review process. The time spent on this will make a considerable difference for your 401k.
According to authorities on finance like Robert Jain, you should contribute more to your 401k with every pay raise you receive. While you don't have to contribute your entire raise to each month's savings, the truth is that a little more can go a long way. This is especially true if you remember that a 401k has to be built over the course of several years. Don't let your raises go to waste; invest them wisely in this plan.
Next, consult your employer to see if they can match your contribution. Believe it or not, there are many places of work that match the amount that their workers save toward their 401k plans. What this means is that, depending on how much you put into your account, your employer will be able to match it. This is free money, in a sense, and it all but ensures that you get to retire sooner than you previously anticipated.
You should also resist dipping into the money in your 401k plan, as it can have many negative consequences. First, you will be penalized for taking money out, meaning that you'll have to make a payment on top of what you've withdrawn. Second, you will reduce progress made from a retirement saving standpoint. While it's understandable that someone may fall on hard financial times, taking money out of the 401k is an absolute last resort.
Finally, at the end of each year, take the time to review your 401k plan in relation to your long-term goals. See how much money you've saved over the last several months. Do you feel like there's room to invest more money? Do you feel like you have to pull back on the amount saved from week to week? These are just a few questions to bring up during the review process. The time spent on this will make a considerable difference for your 401k.
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Contact Bob Jain if you'd like additional information about what you've just read.. Also published at 4 Pointers Related To Your 401K Provided By Bob Jain.
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