A 401(k) match is one the ‘rare guarantees’ in investing, CFP says

A 401(k) match is one the ‘rare guarantees’ in investing, CFP says

Nitat Termmee | Moment | Getty Images There are few certainties when it comes to investing. The stock market can seem to gyrate with little rhyme or reason, guided up or down by unpredictable news cycles and fickle investor sentiment. Average stock returns have historically trended up over long time periods, but their trajectory is … Read more

40% of workers are behind on retirement savings. How to catch up

40% of workers are behind on retirement savings. How to catch up

Molly Richardson, 35, regularly contributes to her 401(k) plan, but the structural engineer said she isn’t too worried about retirement yet. “It’s always something I felt like I could wait until I’m 50 to figure out,” she said. Like many other working adults, Richardson has more pressing expenses for now, she said, such as the … Read more

Here’s why some investors shouldn’t max out 401(k) contributions

Here’s why some investors shouldn’t max out 401(k) contributions

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images There’s still time to boost 401(k) contributions and max out your plan account for 2024, but not everyone should, according to financial advisors. For 2024, employees can defer up to $23,000 into 401(k) plans, up from $22,500 in 2023, with an extra $7,500 for workers age 50 and older. Some … Read more

This required minimum distribution strategy helps avoid tax penalties

This required minimum distribution strategy helps avoid tax penalties

Aire Images | Moment | Getty Images Retirees may have income from Social Security, a pension, a retirement plan or other sources — and they typically must either withhold taxes or make quarterly payments to avoid IRS penalties. For 2024, the quarterly estimated tax deadlines are April 15, June 17, Sept. 16 and Jan. 15, … Read more

Gen X reaches retirement withdrawal age; experts say don’t use the money

Gen X reaches retirement withdrawal age; experts say don’t use the money

Fg Trade | E+ | Getty Images Gen Xers are starting to reach age milestones that give them penalty-free access to certain retirement funds. The eldest members of that generation will be turning 59 this year. And once they reach a certain milestone — age 59½ — they can withdraw money from their individual retirement … Read more

Here’s how to be a retirement ‘super saver’

Here’s how to be a retirement ‘super saver’

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images A retirement savings crisis is looming for people who have 401(k) plans and other retirement balances woefully short of what they will need to live on. But some workers — called “super savers” — are managing to successfully grow their retirement nest eggs. Super savers are workers who are … Read more

Here’s the average 401(k) savings rate and where your target should be

Here’s the average 401(k) savings rate and where your target should be

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images The average 401(k) savings rate — including employee deferrals and company contributions — has maintained historic levels as plan designs make it easier for workers to set money aside. In 2023, the average combined savings rate was an estimated 11.7%, which matched a record high from 2022, according to … Read more

Kyla Scanlon on Gen Z’s divided investing attitudes

Kyla Scanlon on Gen Z’s divided investing attitudes

Economic commentator Kyla Scanlon is noticing a potentially worrying trend in the investing outlook among younger generations. “It’s a bifurcated world,” she told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” this week.  Scanlon, 26, who rose to prominence through her social media videos on the market and economy, explained why some members of Generation Z are aggressively saving for … Read more

Industries where workers tend to have higher 401(k) balances

Industries where workers tend to have higher 401(k) balances

To gauge your retirement preparedness, you may compare your 401(k) balance to other savers’ progress. But you might find people in your field are a better comparison point than those in your age group. Recent data from Fidelity finds that 401(k) plan investors on the firm’s platform had a $125,900 average 401(k) balance in the … Read more

What to know before making mega backdoor Roth conversions

What to know before making mega backdoor Roth conversions

If you’re a higher earner and looking to boost tax-free retirement savings, there’s a lesser-known strategy that could be worth considering. While Roth individual retirement accounts offer tax-free growth and other benefits, some investors earn too much for direct contributions. For 2024, the adjusted gross income limits for Roth IRA contributions are $161,000 for single filers … Read more