(Forbes) -- Can you believe over 52 million Americans have over $4 trillion invested in 401(k) accounts?
While most understand the mechanics behind the 401(k) – allowing workers to save and invest a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out – many are not aware that there are things to think about regarding maximizing your account’s financial security.
Here is a five-point checklist to maintain a healthy 401(k):
- Know Your Investments
With close to 30 years in the financial service industry, I still hear quite regularly from people who are not familiar with their 401(k) options.
Often, people pick and choose their funds based on what did well last year, which from a strategic standpoint is setting yourself up for increased risk in growing your retirement income.
It is important to know what you have and how to allocate and diversify your assets around different types of funds.
Appropriately diversifying your assets amongst a variety of funds is an important way to reduce your overall investment risk.
Certainly, there are highly qualified professionals within the financial services industry able to assist your concerns, but if you are not inclined to utilize their services, many providers have someone you can talk to about your account.
- Identify Risk and Rebalance
One of the biggest tips in the investment world is setting up a portfolio and then rebalancing to maximize your account value. Taking the time to identify, analyze and rebalance is one of the easiest ways to minimize your risk. About once a year, take the necessary steps to follow through with this assessment.
- Have a Withdrawal Strategy
When withdrawing funds, it is important during retirement to create a strategy based upon your long-term needs and not react based on short-term wants.
People can take distributions from their 401(k) prior to the age of 59 ½ but the IRS will assess a penalty of 10% in addition to the income taxes due.
The IRS offers significant tax benefits for employer-sponsored retirement plans because the government is encouraging individuals to save for retirement.
Therefore, these accounts are never subject to capital gains taxes and allow employees to make contributions on a pretax basis, including company matching contributions.
- Know the Beneficiary Options for Passing on a 401(k)
Interestingly, despite what many individuals think, options for passing along a 401(k) to a beneficiary is based upon plan-specific rules and is not mandated by the IRS.
Investigate and understand the plan’s restrictions and requirements as they may vary from employer to employer.
Due to this, once you retire, it is a wise business decision to roll over your 401(k) to an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), which offers more flexible beneficiary options.
- Age 59 ½ or Retirement Roll over
If you are still in the workforce at age 59 ½, almost every 401(k) allows the option to roll the money into an IRA where you have more flexibility, control and you can receive professional advice.
At retirement, you should roll your money into an IRA but also something to seriously consider at age 59 ½ as well.
Even though there is over $4 trillion invested in 401(k) accounts according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 55% of the American workforce has access to a 401(k) and only about 38% of the total workforce participate.
If you are fortunate enough to be offered an employer-sponsored plan, take the time to know your investments, identify the risks and rebalance, create a withdrawal strategy, understand beneficiary options and know how and when to roll over the account.
