New Job and Four Tips for Your New 401(k)
Saving for retirement is important for all ages, the key is to start early
Land a great new job? Awesome. Now is the perfect time to think about your 401(k) and retirement plan, whether you had one before or not. Saving for retirement is important at all ages, so don’t let this opportunity fall to the bottom of your list.
Here are four tips to consider when starting a new job and a new 401(k).
- Make more contributions if you have a bigger paycheck. When you get a raise, it is a good idea to increase the amount you contribute to your 401(k).
You didn’t have this money in your pocket, so you don’t miss it when you put it straight into your 401(k).
The contribution limit for 2022 is $20,500, or $27,000 if you are over 50. If you already meet the limit, ask your financial professional whether you should consider contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA) for even more retirement savings.
- Don’t pass up the new employer’s match.
Sometimes, employers provide a 401(k) match as part of their employee benefits package. They may match your contribution dollar for dollar or a percentage of it up to a set amount.
Your company match is free money. Don’t let it slip through your fingers. If I offered you a bundle of cash
— a few thousand dollars, perhaps — would you turn it down? Find out the limit and at the bare minimum, contribute that amount.
- Name your beneficiaries for your new 401(k) plan. Keep your beneficiaries consistent across all retirement accounts and according to your estate plan. So be sure to update your new plan to reflect changes in your beneficiaries. Are you now a parent or do you have a new spouse? Updates allow your 401(k) account to pass directly to the person of your choice should you pass away.
- Above all, don’t forget to enroll in your new plan. While this may seem obvious, it’s easy to forget signing up for your new company’s 401(k) plan, because many employers require a short waiting period before new employees are eligible to join. If you have to wait, put a reminder in place – circle the enrollment date on your calendar and set an alarm on your smartphone. Just don’t forget.
Wondering what you should do with your old 401(k) accounts? While you may leave your money in your old 401(k) or roll it over into your new plan, you may prefer to roll your old 401(k) over to an IRA, as it gives you the ability to invest your account in a variety of mutual funds, stocks or bonds beyond what your employer may offer. This helps you to build a well-diversified investment allocation. Choosing low-cost mutual funds in an IRA can save you money in the long-term over generally more expensive 401(k) investment fees.
For easier management, some may consider consolidating an old 401(k) account with a new one. First, you need to research what investment options
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your new plan offers. It is common that employer-
offered 401(k)s have a smaller number of investment
options than an IRA. For example, emerging markets
equity funds and small-capitalization value funds are
rarely offered.
Then you should compare the underlying fees and
expenses in your plan with those in an IRA. The
operating expense ratios of the available options can
often be higher. Finally, talk to your new 401(k) plan
administrator to guide you through the steps for
rollover.
Taking your money out of an old 401(k) as a
distribution may be an option, however if you’re under 59½,
you have to pay taxes on the withdrawal and a
penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. Typically,
keeping those dollars in a tax-free or tax-deferred
account as long as possible is a good idea.
Important Disclosures
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing.
Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
This article was prepared by AIQ.
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