According to the likes of Bob Jain, a 401k is perhaps the most worthwhile savings plan that you can implement. It helps you prepare for retirement so that you have ample money saved up when you no longer have to work. Retirement is one of the most common goals that people strive for, but you can get there quicker by getting the most out of your 401k as possible. To succeed in this endeavor, here are 4 pointers that should be remembered.
One of the ways to get the most out of your 401k plan is by increasing your savings with each pay raise received. This doesn't mean that the entirety of your raise has to be dedicated to the plan in question, but you can still contribute a few dollars more if you'd like. As a matter of fact, this is one of the best ways to reach the point of retirement earlier in life. Financial authorities such as Bob Jain would be hard-pressed to disagree.
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.
What if you find yourself in a position where you need money fast? Dipping into your 401k savings may be the worst thing that you can do, as it can severely impact your savings in the long-term. It also doesn't help that you are liable to be penalized, meaning that you might have to pay back more than what the money you take out is worth. An important rule to remember is to forget that you even have a 401k. It makes saving up for retirement that much easier.
To wrap things up, and to help you truly maximize your 401k, review the plan in question at the end of each year. This will provide you with an opportunity to evaluate the progress you've made up until that point. It may also encourage you to make any financial changes that you see fit. If you feel like more money can be invested without hampering your day-to-day responsibilities, this should be considered. The more thorough your review is, the more you stand to gain from it.
One of the ways to get the most out of your 401k plan is by increasing your savings with each pay raise received. This doesn't mean that the entirety of your raise has to be dedicated to the plan in question, but you can still contribute a few dollars more if you'd like. As a matter of fact, this is one of the best ways to reach the point of retirement earlier in life. Financial authorities such as Bob Jain would be hard-pressed to disagree.
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.
What if you find yourself in a position where you need money fast? Dipping into your 401k savings may be the worst thing that you can do, as it can severely impact your savings in the long-term. It also doesn't help that you are liable to be penalized, meaning that you might have to pay back more than what the money you take out is worth. An important rule to remember is to forget that you even have a 401k. It makes saving up for retirement that much easier.
To wrap things up, and to help you truly maximize your 401k, review the plan in question at the end of each year. This will provide you with an opportunity to evaluate the progress you've made up until that point. It may also encourage you to make any financial changes that you see fit. If you feel like more money can be invested without hampering your day-to-day responsibilities, this should be considered. The more thorough your review is, the more you stand to gain from it.
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