Withdrawing funds from your 401(k) retirement account before you reach age 59½ generally triggers a 10% early withdrawal penalty tax, in addition to any applicable income tax. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as withdrawing funds to pay for medical expenses, disability, or a first-time home purchase. However, it is generally advisable to … Read more
Individuals saving for retirement through a 401(k) plan set by their employers face limits on how much they can contribute each year. These limits are set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and adjusted periodically to keep pace with inflation. For 2023, the maximum amount an employee can contribute to their 401(k) plan is $22,500. … Read more
Understanding whether the 401k max includes company match requires knowing the distinction between the two. The 401k max refers to the maximum amount an individual can contribute to their 401k plan annually, set by the federal government. On the other hand, the company match is a contribution made by the employer to the employee’s 401k, … Read more
Deferral in a 401(k) plan refers to the process of setting aside a portion of your salary before taxes are deducted. This money is then invested in the 401(k) account and grows over time. The advantage of deferral is that you reduce your current taxable income, which can lower your tax bill. Additionally, the earnings … Read more
401(k) catch-up contributions are a special provision for individuals who are 50 or older. These contributions allow individuals to save additional money in their 401(k) plans beyond the regular contribution limits. The catch-up contribution limit is set annually by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For 2023, the catch-up contribution limit is $7,500. Catch-up contributions are … Read more
Borrowing from your 401k can be a way to access retirement savings before retirement age. The process of taking a 401k loan typically involves contacting your plan administrator and completing an application. Once approved, you can borrow up to 50% of your vested account balance, not exceeding $50,000. The loan must be repaid within five … Read more
Moving your 401(k) funds to a new account, known as a rollover, can be a smart financial move. Start by selecting a new retirement account that aligns with your financial goals and investment preferences. Then, reach out to your current plan administrator and inquire about the rollover process. They will provide you with instructions on … Read more
401k plans offer tax-advantaged savings and can be a great tool for retirement. Whether or not you should maximize your contributions depends on your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance. If you have other financial priorities or higher-yield investment options, you may want to consider allocating your savings differently. However, if you have the financial … Read more
When deciding how much of your paycheck to contribute to a 401(k) plan, it’s important to consider factors such as your financial goals and risk tolerance. A common rule of thumb is to contribute around 10-15% of your gross income, with the option to adjust this percentage based on your personal circumstances. If you’re able … Read more
Cashing out your 401(k) before retirement can have financial consequences. Early withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are subject to income tax, plus an additional 10% penalty tax if you’re under age 59½. This can significantly reduce the amount of money you receive. Additionally, you’ll miss out on the potential growth of your investments over time. … Read more