It seems simple to open up a 401(k), you just fill out the forms and send them into your human resources office, soon you will see the deductions show up on your pay stub, and then you begin receiving account balances in the mail annually. But what if you additional questions about your 401(k), here is a list of the five common questions asked about 401(k)s.
1. How Can I Tell If I'm Vested in My 401(k)?
What does vested even mean? Companies want to increase your longevity, and they do this by setting a guideline for how long it takes for you to be vested in their contributions to your retirement plan. The vested amount is the amount that you take with you if you were to leave your job. You do get to take all of your contributions, but you may not be able to take all of your employer’s contributions until you are vested.
2. How Do I Rollover My 401(k)?
When it is time to change jobs, and you are moving on to better and bigger things, don’t leave behind your 401(k). It is not difficult to roll your 401(k) over into a traditional IRA, and it will benefit you financially in the future. If you have less than $5000.00 in your 401(k), your former employer may decide to remove you from the plan. They will send you a check if the amount is $1000.00 or less. If it is $1000.01-$5000.00 then they will roll it over into an IRA for you.
3. What Should I Do Once I've Reached My Employer's Match?
It is important to take advantage of any match that your employer offers you. This is free money that will help your retirement account to grow, but once you reached that match amount should you consider other retirement options? You may want to diversify slightly by opening up and contributing to an IRA.
4. Should I Choose a Traditional 401(k) or a Roth 401(k)?
If your employer gives you the opportunity to choose between a traditional or a Roth 401(k), you may be unsure about what one to choose. A Roth 401(k) is taken out after taxes, but grows tax free, while a traditional is taken out before taxes, but you are taxed on your earnings.
5. Should I Understand the Different Types of Mutual Funds in My 401(k)?
It is always good to understand the funds that your money is invested in. You should at least understand the basic types of mutual funds and the risks associated with them. This will help you to make choices that you are comfortable with when you choose where to invest your money.
