A hardship loan is a loan you can take out from your 401(k) retirement account. It allows you to access funds in case of financial hardship. Hardship loans must be repaid with interest, usually within a short period of time. To qualify for a hardship loan, you must demonstrate that you have an immediate and … Read more
When switching jobs, it’s important to decide whether to rollover your 401k to an IRA. Rolling over allows you to preserve your retirement savings in an account you control, potentially giving you more investment options. IRAs often offer lower fees and more flexibility, but there may be tax implications to consider. Weigh the pros and … Read more
The 401(k) contribution limit includes both employee and employer contributions. The employee contribution limit for 2023 is $22,500 (plus a catch-up contribution limit of $7,500 for those age 50 and older). The employer contribution limit for 2023 is $66,000 (plus a catch-up contribution limit of $7,500 for those age 50 and older). This means that … Read more
A beneficiary can cash out a 401(k) if the account holder passes away. The beneficiary must provide proof of death and complete the necessary paperwork to claim the funds. Depending on the beneficiary’s designation, they may be eligible for a lump sum payment or an annuity. If the account holder has designated multiple beneficiaries, the … Read more
If you contribute more than the annual limit to your 401(k) plan, the excess amount will be subject to a 6% excise tax. You can avoid this tax by withdrawing the excess amount by April 15th of the following year and repaying any earnings on the excess. If you are unable to withdraw the excess … Read more
Loans taken from a 401k retirement account are generally taxable if they are not repaid within a certain timeframe. The loan must be repaid within five years unless it is used to purchase a primary residence. If the loan is not repaid within this period, the outstanding balance is considered a taxable distribution and is … Read more
Consider your income, tax bracket, and future financial goals when weighing if converting your 401k to a Roth IRA is right for you. If you’re in a lower tax bracket now but expect to be in a higher one during retirement, a Roth conversion may benefit you. You’ll pay taxes on the converted amount now, … Read more
Vesting is a term used to describe the process of gradually acquiring ownership of your employer’s contributions to your 401(k) plan. When you first start contributing to your 401(k), your employer may make matching contributions on your behalf. However, these matching contributions may not be immediately vested, meaning that you do not have full ownership … Read more
Consolidating your 401(k) accounts can simplify your retirement savings management. By combining multiple accounts into a single one, you’ll have a clearer view of your investments, making it easier to track your progress. Additionally, you may be able to reduce fees and expenses by eliminating duplicate accounts and potentially access a wider range of investment … Read more
Consider carefully the potential long-term consequences before cashing out your 401k. While it may provide immediate financial relief, withdrawing funds early can significantly impact your future financial security. 401k funds grow tax-free until withdrawn, making it a valuable savings tool for retirement. Cashing out early incurs taxes and potential penalties, reducing the available amount for … Read more