Canva | GeorgePeters from Getty Images Signature and 77DZIGN from Getty Images Signature Key Points 401(k) plans typically do not allow individual stocks. This limits the ability to beat market returns. Early withdrawal penalties apply before age 59.5. Exceptions exist if you leave your employer at 55 or later. Direct rollovers avoid penalties better than indirect rollovers when changing jobs. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Am ...

Group 1 - The importance of contributing to a 401(k) for a financially stable retirement is emphasized, highlighting that many individuals rely solely on Social Security, which may not be sufficient [1] - Avoiding common mistakes in 401(k) plans is crucial for maximizing retirement savings, particularly in 2026 [2] Group 2 - Not claiming the full workplace match is a significant mistake; for example, if an employer offers $3,000 in matching dollars and an employee only contributes $2,000, they forfeit $1,000, which could grow substantially over time [3][4] - An investment of $1,000 today at an 8% annual return could potentially grow to nearly $22,000 in 40 years, underscoring the long-term benefits of maximizing employer contributions [5] Group 3 - Ignoring investment fees in 401(k) plans can lead to reduced returns; high fees associated with certain funds, such as target date funds, can significantly impact overall investment performance [6][8]

Announced as part of Budget 2023, the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Ordinary Wage (OW) monthly salary ceiling will be gradually raised to S$8,000 by 2026.To the employees, it means higher CPF savings and lower take-home pay. For investors, this change could reshape how you plan your long-term savings and investment strategy. Let us break down what this change means, how it can benefit you, and how it can affect your retirement planning.  What’s Changing — and Why It MattersFrom 1 January 2026, the CPF OW mon ...

Change is life’s only constant, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once observed. More than 2,000 years later, the premise still holds — for topics from the seismic to the mundane, like saving money for retirement. And while change is often unsettling, many of the alterations in rules governing retirement accounts that take effect in 2026 can simplify building up the savings necessary to live the life you want when you stop working full-time. Here’s a look at the new standards and how they might affect your ...

Milan_Jovic / Getty Images KEY TAKEAWAYS As Americans' average lifespans continue to increase, the average amount of savings will likely not last an entire retirement. Additionally, as inflation continues to persist, retirement accounts need to have more savings to afford the increased price of goods and services. Retirement accounts can shift to a "purpose-oriented portfolio strategy" and increase savings so that they earn 4% to 5% more than inflation. Americans are facing longer retirement as w ...

With stocks and bonds down, should I use retirement assets, such as a Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) IRA, Roth or annuity, to pay down credit card debt? My stocks are down 15% to 20%, and my annuity is the only investment in the positive. I just turned 59 1/2. My debt is $240,000. -William My first suggestion would be to not make things more complicated for yourself than necessary. Specifically, I mean don’t worry about where the market is in relation to your portfolio. Although it is tempting, tryi ...

Key Points The more tax breaks you can take in the course of building retirement savings, the better. Though an HSA isn't strictly a retirement account, it can function as one. It pays to see if you're eligible to participate in an HSA in 2026, especially if you have new insurance. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › IRAs and 401(k) plans are popular for a reason. These accounts offer tax breaks in the course of building retirement savings. And since you'll need ...

Key Points You don't want to give up free money in your retirement plan. It's important to understand when you're eligible to keep your 401(k) match. Investing too conservatively could limit your portfolio's growth. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › Sometimes, despite your best efforts, retirement savings can fall by the wayside. And you're certainly not alone if you've had that experience. After all, when you have pressing bills to cover, it's kind of hard to ...

fcafotodigital / Getty Images “Forget what the average American needs as their goal and determine what your goal needs to be,” said Lawrence Sprung, a Hauppauge, New York-based chartered financial planner. Key Takeaways According to a new survey, Americans think they'll need $1.28 million to retire comfortably, yet about half will struggle to reach $500,000. You shouldn't get caught up in what others think they need. Set your own target based on your own situation. Financial planners advise people wh ...

Gen Xers are between the ages of 45 and 60, with the oldest of them next in line to ride the retirement train while the youngest are still trying to save for kids’ college life goals and their own retirement.Find Out: The Most Common Retirement Mistake, According to an Expert Read Next: 6 Clever Ways To Pocket an Extra $1K This Month How much of their paycheck should the average Gen Xer realistically aim to save in 2026, given their goals, current inflation and cost pressures? As Much as Possible While ...