Thursday, 16 May 2019

What To Ask About 401(K) Plans Before Applying

By Jason McDonald


Preparing for the future is vital, especially when it comes to retirement. You should want to retire at an age that's most comfortable, not to mention financially stable, for you. This is one of the many reasons why the likes of Robert Jain recommend 401(k) plans. For those that would like to learn about what these plans entail, and why you should consider signing up as soon as possible, here is what you should ask.

"What is a 401(k) plan defined as?" Essentially, it's a savings plan that is used to prepare for retirement. What makes it stand out from other plans, among other things, is that it's sponsored by employers. One of the biggest examples of this is that if you contribute a certain amount of your paycheck, your employer will match it. This is a great incentive, to say the least, but there are other reasons why a 401(k) plan may work to your benefit.

"What are the benefits that 401(k) plans offer?" One of the most notable, as mentioned earlier, is the fact that employers can match contributions made by their employees. This means that more money will be added to the aforementioned plans. Additionally, contributions aren't taxed, which means that they will have a greater impact on the 401(k) plans they're associated with. Keep these in mind if you're still on the fence about signing up.

"What makes a 401(k) plan different from an IRA?" According to names in finance such as Bob Jain, 401(k) and IRA plans differ in numerous ways. To begin with, while 401(k) plans are often employer-matched, IRAs aren't, as the latter are owned by individuals. Also, 401(k plans have fixed investment options, while IRAs offer more by comparison. These differences should give you a general understanding of what these plans entail.

"What are some requirements to sign up for a 401(k)?" An employee must meet certain criteria, such as being at least 21 years of age and having worked for their employer for at least two years. However, some plans may only require 1 year of service, so ask about this before moving forward. The employee must also work full-time; the specific number of hours is irrelevant. If you fulfill these requirements, you're most likely eligible to apply for a 401(k).




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