How do I manage my 401k?



Almost everyone who has a 401k has questions about managing it.

Here are a few tips on how to manage your 401k:

1. Know your company’s 401k plan.

Each company’s 401k plan is different. Some plans are better than others. Make sure you know the details of your company’s plan. You should also know how much your company matches.

2. Decide how much you want to contribute.

The amount you contribute is up to you. You should contribute enough to get the full company match. If you can afford to, contribute more.

3. Consider investing in a target date fund.

A target date fund is a good option for many people. It automatically rebalances your investments as you get closer to retirement.

4. Review your investments periodically.

Your investment choices should be reviewed periodically. This is especially true if there have been changes in your life, such as a marriage or the birth of a child.

5. rebalance your portfolio.

Rebalancing is when you adjust the mix of investments in your portfolio. This can be done periodically to make sure your investments are still in line with your goals.

6. Take advantage of catch-up contributions.

If you’re over 50, you can contribute more to your 401k. This is called a catch-up contribution.

7. Roll over your 401k when you leave your job.

If you leave your job, you have the option of rolling over your 401k account to an IRA. This can be a good idea if you want more control over your investment choices.

8. Use caution with loans and withdrawals.

You can borrow from your 401k, but you should really only do this as a last resort. If you take a loan from your 401k, you’ll have to pay it back with interest. And if you withdraw money from your 401k, you’ll have to pay taxes on it.

9. Get help if you need it.

There’s a lot to know about managing a 401k. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, get help from a financial advisor.

Following these tips can help you manage your 401k and make the most of it.



When can I withdraw money from my 401k?

Assuming you have a 401(k) through your employer, you are typically able to withdraw funds from your account once you ...

How do I manage my 401k?

Almost everyone who has a 401k has questions about managing it. Here are a few tips on how to manage your 401k: 1. K...

What is a vesting schedule?

A vesting schedule is a plan for when an employee will earn full ownership of their stock options or company shares. T...

What happens to my 401k when I leave my job?

When you leave your job, you have a few options for what to do with your 401k. You can cash it out, leave it with your...

What are some common mistakes people make with their 401k?

There are a few common mistakes that people make when it comes to their 401k. The first mistake is not contributing en...

What is a SEP IRA?

Are you looking to start your own business, or be more involved in running the one you’re already a part of? If so, ...

How do I know how my 401k is performing?

A 401k is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer. It’s named after the section of the Internal Revenue C...

How much will my employer match?

When it comes to employer matching contributions, the most important thing to know is that not all employers offer thi...

Can I change my 401k investment choices?

As you mature and your career progresses, you’ll likely want to change your 401k investment choices. Perhaps you bec...

How do I compare different 401k plans?

When it comes to your retirement savings, your 401k plan is one of the most important factors. So how do you compare d...

How do I convert my traditional 401k to a Roth 401k?

When you leave your job, you have a few options for what to do with your 401(k). You can cash it out, leave it with yo...

What is a 401k rollover?

A 401k rollover is a process by which an individual with an existing 401k account can roll over their Balance into a n...

What is a defined benefit plan?

A defined benefit plan is a type of retirement plan where an employer promises a certain level of benefits to employee...

What is a target date fund?

A target date fund is a mutual fund that automatically rebalances its asset allocation to become more conservative as ...

How do I start a 401k?

A 401k is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer. It’s a great way to save for retirement because it off...

What is a 401k?

A 401k is a retirement savings plan sponsored by an employer. It’s a tax-deferred savings account, which means you c...

What is a 457 plan?

A 457 plan is a retirement savings plan that is sponsored by an employer. It is similar to a 401(k) plan, but there ar...

Can I name a beneficiary for my 401k?

When it comes to your 401k, you may be wondering if you can name a beneficiary. The answer is yes, you can! Here’s w...

What are the tax consequences of withdrawing money from my 401k?

When you withdraw money from your 401k, you will have to pay taxes on the amount that you withdraw. The amount that yo...

What happens to my 401k if I die?

When you die, your 401k plan generally becomes the property of your designated beneficiary. What happens to the money ...