401(k)
Coverage of 401(k) in the Nexus archive.
- Why maxing out your 401(k) is a major financial mistake if you have credit-card and other punishing debt
The article advises against maxing out a 401(k) when burdened with high-interest debt, such as credit cards, as prioritizing debt repayment and emergency savings can yield better short-term financial outcomes. It emphasizes that while securing an employer match is crucial, it should not come at the expense of addressing high-cost debt.
- An IRA playbook to build wealth
The article outlines a five-stage IRA strategy to maximize tax advantages and compounding growth across different life stages. Key strategies include encouraging teens to open Roth IRAs while in a 0% tax bracket, prioritizing Roth contributions for early-career workers, shifting to traditional IRAs during peak earnings, and leveraging Roth conversions in retirement. The approach emphasizes adapting retirement savings to tax brackets and life circumstances.
- I’m 53 and want to retire in 12 years. Is 5% enough to put in my 401(k)?
A 53-year-old individual plans to retire in 12 years and questions whether contributing 5% to their 401(k) is sufficient. The article advises increasing savings to meet retirement needs.
- ‘She is retired’: Do I dip into my 401(k) to pay my mother’s $30,000 credit-card debt?
An individual is considering whether to use their 401(k) to pay their mother's $30,000 credit-card debt but prefers she live on her Social Security. The person advocates for their mother to use Social Security instead of depleting retirement savings.
- TIAA’s CEO made $26,000 in her first job but still maxed out her 401(k). She has advice for Gen Z
TIAA CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett advises Gen Z to prioritize retirement savings by maxing out 401(k)s early, sharing her own experience of doing so at age 26 when she earned $26,000 at Fannie Mae. She emphasizes the power of compounding and employer matches to build long-term wealth.
- I'm giving up on the job market and going back to school to become a nurse. At 45, I wish I'd done this sooner.
Kristy Layden, 45, is leaving the corporate job market to pursue nursing school, inspired by her Botox injector. After over a year of unsuccessful job searches, she plans to attend community college before applying to nursing programs.
- Edward Jones advisor: Gen-Z doesn’t want an office happy hour. They want financial security
Gen Z prioritizes financial security over traditional workplace social events, showing proactive behavior like tracking expenses and valuing 401(k)s as status symbols. Despite efforts, many feel financially insecure, with low participation in workplace retirement plans. Employers can help by simplifying enrollment, automating savings, and providing financial education to build confidence and retention.
- Vanguard’s alarming state of retirement in 2026: The average American has $167,970 in their account—or they have $44,115
Vanguard's 2026 report shows the average 401(k) balance is $167,970, but the median is $44,115, insufficient for retirement. Hardship withdrawals increased to 6% of participants, highlighting inequality and systemic issues in retirement savings. Plan design, not individual choices, determines savings outcomes.
- RU: Pizza Hut sold / Retirement savings weakened / Lies on AI
Yum! Brands is selling Pizza Hut for $2.7 billion, with LongRange Capital acquiring most global operations and Yum China taking over the China business due to declining sales. Americans are increasingly using 401(k) savings for emergencies, weakening retirement security. A consulting firm retracted an AI-related report containing hallucinations and inaccurate claims about organizations.
- 10 Reasons to Save for Retirement in a Roth IRA
The article outlines 10 benefits of Roth IRAs, including tax-free withdrawals in retirement, tax-free investment growth, and no required minimum distributions after 2024 for Roth 401(k) and 403(b) accounts under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Contributions are taxed upfront, making Roth IRAs advantageous for those in lower tax brackets or expecting higher future tax rates.
- You can ignore AI giants like SpaceX, but your 401(k) won’t
SpaceX is now valued at $2.1 trillion after its stock surged 19.2% in its Wall Street debut. The company's inclusion in major stock indexes could impact 401(k) accounts, as index funds—which outperform actively managed funds—track these benchmarks. Nasdaq recently adjusted rules to allow large companies like SpaceX into its Nasdaq 100 index faster than before.
- How to prepare yourself for the ticking times bomb hiding in your 401(k)
Required minimum distributions from a 401(k) can trigger taxes on Social Security benefits and increase Medicare premiums. This highlights potential financial risks associated with retirement account withdrawals.
- You can ignore AI giants like SpaceX, but your 401(k) won’t
SpaceX's stock debuted with a 19.2% increase, valuing it at $2.1 trillion, which could lead to its inclusion in major stock indexes. This impacts 401(k) accounts as index funds, which outperform most actively managed funds, track these indexes. Nasdaq recently adjusted rules to allow large companies like SpaceX into the Nasdaq 100 index faster.
- You can ignore AI giants like SpaceX, but your 401(k) won’t
The article suggests that ignoring companies like SpaceX and their developments may be possible for individuals, but retirement savings (401(k)) are still affected by these entities. It highlights the influence of SpaceX, Elon Musk, and IPOs on investment portfolios.
- You can ignore AI giants like SpaceX, but your 401(k) won't
SpaceX's stock surged 19.2% in its Wall Street debut, valuing the company at $2.1 trillion, potentially leading to its inclusion in major stock indexes. This impacts 401(k) investors as index funds, which now hold more U.S. investments than actively managed funds, track these indexes, with 21% of actively managed funds surviving and outperforming benchmarks over the last decade.
- You can ignore AI giants like SpaceX, but your 401(k) won't
SpaceX's valuation reached $2.1 trillion after its stock debuted with a 19.2% increase, potentially leading to inclusion in major stock indexes. This could impact 401(k) accounts as index funds, which outperform actively managed funds, increasingly dominate investments.
- Live Q&A: Haley Sacks, aka Mrs. Dow Jones, will answer your questions on investing, careers, and more
Haley Sacks, known as Mrs. Dow Jones, is a financial influencer, author, and podcast host who will participate in a live Q&A on BI Live to discuss investing and careers. Her mission is to educate Zillennials on financial topics, and her Instagram following has grown from 162,000 in 2020 to 1.3 million. She will discuss her book 'Future Rich Person' and career journey during the event.
- Hiltzik: Here's how Musk's SpaceX IPO could crash your 401(k)
The article warns that SpaceX's IPO could negatively impact small investors' 401(k)s as Wall Street pushes the potentially overpriced stock into their portfolios.
- Stock markets surge higher as US economy delivers a MASSIVE jobs win in May - and your 401(k) will love it
Stock markets surged higher following a significant jobs report for the US economy in May, which is expected to positively impact retirement accounts like 401(k)s.
- ‘This would be a one-time event’: How can I take extra money from my 401(k) without triggering higher Medicare premiums?
The article discusses strategies to withdraw extra funds from a traditional 401(k) without increasing Medicare premiums. It includes an example of using 401(k) withdrawals for projects, expenses, and bill management.
- Morning Minute: Bitcoin Falls Below $67k as MSTR Plummets
Bitcoin fell below $67k as MicroStrategy's stock plummeted following Saylor's first Bitcoin sale in years. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are advocating to remove cryptocurrency from 401(k) plans.
- Democrats Sanders and Warren Push Labor Department to Abandon Bitcoin 401(k) Rule
Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren urge the Labor Department to withdraw a proposed rule allowing 401(k) plans to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, citing risks to workers' savings and potential conflicts of interest with the Trump family's crypto business. The rule, based on an executive order, would shift retirement investment standards to permit volatile assets if fiduciaries follow a specified process.
- 10 Important Ages for Retirement Planning
The article outlines key retirement planning milestones by age, including contribution limits, penalty-free withdrawal rules, Social Security claiming ages, and Medicare eligibility. It emphasizes starting early to leverage compound growth and adjusting strategies as retirement approaches.
- I’m cutting my 401(k) contribution to 3% for one year to help with moving expenses. Is that risky?
The article discusses a person in their early 30s reducing their 401(k) contribution to 3% for one year to cover moving expenses. They acknowledge having sufficient time to save for retirement due to their age.
- More Americans dipping into 401(k) early, data shows
A new report from Fidelity indicates that more Americans are withdrawing from their 401(k)s prematurely. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady provides analysis on the trend.
- New bipartisan bill would let retirees use their 401(k) to make direct charitable donations
A new bipartisan bill aims to allow retirees to make direct charitable donations from their 401(k) accounts. Currently, qualified charitable distributions can only be made from individual retirement accounts for people aged 70 1/2. The proposed change would expand donation options for retirees.
- ‘He didn’t really pay attention’: I told my friend he left millions of dollars on the table in retirement. Was I right?
A person's friend lived frugally and maxed out his 401(k)s, potentially leaving millions on the table in retirement. The writer questions whether they were right to point this out. The situation involves significant financial planning.
- You may be making a big mistake with your Roth conversion, this expert says
An expert advises individuals with high IRA or 401(k) balances to consider an alternative strategy instead of a Roth conversion. This suggestion is aimed at those with significant retirement savings. The expert's advice may help individuals make more informed decisions about their financial planning.
- Home Depot warning sign that has Wall Street experts convinced the mother of all stock market crashes is coming: What it means for your 401(k), home value and mortgage amid echoes of 2008
Wall Street experts are warning of a potential stock market crash, which could impact 401(k) values, home prices, and mortgage rates, drawing comparisons to the 2008 financial crisis. The Home Depot is cited as a key indicator. Investors are advised to be cautious.
- America shakes off recession fears with bumper jobs report that sends Wall Street and 401(k)s surging
The US jobs report has exceeded expectations, alleviating recession fears and causing a surge in Wall Street and 401(k) values. This growth indicates a strong labor market and positive economic outlook. The report's positive numbers have boosted investor confidence.
- 401(k) loan vs. debt relief: Which is better for getting rid of credit card debt now?
The article discusses the options for getting rid of credit card debt, comparing 401(k) loans and debt relief. It highlights the potential costs of choosing the wrong fix. Credit card debt is a significant issue with brutal math.
- If Bitcoin dips below 49k, should I take a loan out of my 401(k) to buy another coin?
The author holds 2 BTC and is considering taking a loan against their 401(k) to buy more if Bitcoin dips below 49k. They can access up to $50K from their 401(k). The author is seeking advice on whether this is a good idea.
- Am I Being Scammed?
A user met a woman on a dating app who initially showed excessive affection but later pressured him to invest in Bitcoin via CashApp. After he refused, she used gaslighting tactics and manipulated him with claims of financial success, leading him to suspect a scam.
- A quarter of US stock market gets report cards from Wall Street on same day this week. Even one bad grade can spell catastrophe for your 401(k). Here's EXACTLY what you need to do
A quarter of the US stock market faces evaluations from Wall Street this week, with a single negative report potentially harming retirement accounts like 401(k)s. The article emphasizes the urgency of monitoring these assessments to mitigate financial risks.
- Hiltzik: Trump wants you to invest your 401(k) in crypto and private equity. Should you bite?
The article discusses Trump's push to allow 401(k) investments in high-risk assets like cryptocurrency and private equity, while highlighting employers' historical reluctance to include such options due to their volatility and complexity.