Frequently Asked Questions
Just like most retirement plans, after you retire and reach the age of 59½, you can start withdrawing your contributions from a 401(k).However, if you withdraw before the age of 59½, you will have to pay a 10% withdrawal penalty. It is also important to know that you don’t have to start receiving your distributions right away. Because a 401(k) is also an investment account, it means your money can keep growing as long as it remains in the account. Show Less You can keep the money in you 401(k) account and allow it to grow until you reach the age of RMD (required minimum distribution), which is age 72. There are other steps to take to make the most of your retirement contribution and withdrawals, especially if you would like to roll over your retirement account. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a 401(k) financial advisor to guide you through the process so you can access potential tax benefits and other investment opportunities.
By the time you retire, you should have saved 10 to 12 times your annual salary in your 401(k) account. This typically applies to those age 67 or older. From age 30-60, you should have saved at least 3 to 8 times your annual salary by retirement. Show Less Some people might be unable to save as much before retirement, and some might be able to save more. The most important part is to save within your income means and also within the maximum contribution allowed for an employee. If you have the opportunity to get matched with your employer, you can save according to your employer’s maximum contribution.
It is important to note that a 401(k) is a part of an income plan for retirement and should not be your only source of income. There are other financial opportunities to utilize to achieve retirement goals. A 401(k) financial advisor understands this and serves as a guide for you while you navigate retirement planning. Here are reasons you should use a 401(k) financial advisor: Show Less Explore tax benefit opportunities: A 401(k) financial advisor helps you explore your tax benefit option and gives you advice on how to potentially maximize it. A financial advisor can also help you decide what type of 401(k) to choose and which of them can potentially benefit your financial situation in the long run. There are also decisions to be made on the number of contributions to be made annually and when you should start withdrawing from your account. Investment advice and guidance: A 401(k) plan usually has limited investment opportunities and is mostly restricted to mutual funds. But with a financial advisor, you can be guided on how to choose a self-directed option which can open you up to more investment opportunities. Your 401(k) financial advisor may also suggest investments that will best suit your financial situation and retirement goals. Financial guidance: As mentioned earlier, a financial advisor will not only give you 401(k) related advice, but they can also help you make general financial decisions and give you advice on other investment options to select from for a better financial future.












