401(k) Strategies
On this episode of Better Money on WFSB, Joel Johnson, CFP® and Kara Sundlun discuss 401(K)s, which are often people’s biggest retirement asset. Some important factors to consider are:
- Risk level
- Company match requirements
- Fund selection
- Rollovers
When considering your risk level, you’ll want to ask yourself, “How would I feel if I lost 10% or 20% of the money?” and think of it in dollar amounts. If you are not okay losing that amount of money, lower your risk to a more appropriate level.
Many employers offer a match in addition to contributions by employees. For example, contribute 6% to receive a 3.5% match. It is highly recommended to save at least the minimum for the match, or you end up throwing away free money. Like Joel said, “It’s like walking over $100 dollar bills on the sidewalk and not picking them up.”
Making a fund selection is much more challenging than it was, say, 20 years ago when there were only 4 options to choose from. Nowadays, there are over 70 different funds. A lot of people will spread their money out between too many; choosing just 4 or 5 funds will do the job.
When you’re over the age of 59 1/2, consider looking at rollover options. Look at this with a financial advisor; some people shouldn’t move this money out, but others will see more flexibility with a rollover.
Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.
Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.
Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.
Related Resources
-
Getting It All Together for Retirement
After a long, fulfilling career, the time has come to embrace the next chapter. You may have envisioned the age at which you’d retire since you began working, but it’s important to distinguish bet… -
Key Questions for Planning Your Retirement Income
Replacing your income in retirement is a significant undertaking that raises many important questions and requires careful planning. First and foremost, it’s essential to have a retirement income … -
Health Care Expenses in Retirement
Of all the expenses to expect in retirement, health care often makes up a significant portion of your costs. Monthly premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, and services not covered by Medicare can quic… -
Income Planning 101
You’ve spent the last few decades saving for retirement but are you truly prepared? To help address any concerns or uncertainties you may have, you need an income plan – one that considers every f… -
Frequently Asked Social Security Questions
Almost every American is impacted by Social Security in some way, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most frequently asked topics in retirement planning. When and how you start taking benefits… -
Maximizing Your Social Security Income
Social Security can serve as a safety net for many retirees, sometimes acting as a primary source of income. However, the program is highly complex with over 500 ways to claim benefits. Even one o… -
How Much Money Can I Spend in Retirement?
“How much can my spouse and I realistically spend in retirement at age 62 with $1 million saved?” Today’s hypothetical couple is asking the very question that most pre-retirees ponder when gearing… -
What Steps Should I Take If My Retirement Savings Fall Short?
One of the biggest fears today’s pre-retirees and retirees face is running out of money in retirement – but what happens when that once-distant fear becomes your reality? Today’s question addre… -
How Will I Receive Income from My Retirement Savings?
Today’s question centers around the core of retirement planning – how do I turn my retirement savings into retirement income? After decades of building up your nest egg, life after work introduces… -
What Should My Tax Plan Be at Age 65 with $1 Million?
Approaching retirement with $1 million saved is an impressive milestone, but turning those savings into a sustainable income stream requires careful planning. At age 65, many retirees face the cha…