Labor Department Steps Up 401(k) Enforcement

December 15, 2010

As if the hit taken to 401(k) accounts over the last few years isn’t enough, participants also need to be on the lookout for fraud and theft of their hard earned retirement savings. Are your accounts safe? Probably. In the larger context of the $3 trillion plus 401(k) market, violations are still rare. The DOL [...]

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Top Advisors for 2011

December 11, 2010

Congratulations to all of those who made the 401kWire’s 2011 300 most influential DC advisors list. All are eligible finalists for the top 40 Top Advisors of 2011. http://www.401kwire.com/advisors/topadvisors2011.asp?bhcp=1 Did your advisor make the list?

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Hidden Fees Explained

December 9, 2010

Investopedia has details on some of the most common fees found in many 401k plans. Many plan participants do not even realize these fees even exist, let alone how much they are really paying. Hidden fees in 401k plans have come under greater scrutiny lately for these very reasons. http://financialedge.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1210/401k-Fees-You-Need-To-Know.aspx Freedom 401k online only charges [...]

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Investing in Vanguard

December 7, 2010

With a wide selection of available index funds, and a reputation for low cost and high quality, the Vanguard fund family offers great investment choices for your 401k. Especially since some of the top performers may be available to 401k plans that are otherwise closed to new investors. Thestreet.com is up with their best Vanguard [...]

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Generating Income From Your 401k

December 2, 2010

So you have scrimped, sacrificed and saved in the years leading up to your pending retirement. You’ve done well. The finish line is in site. You’ve built yourself up a nice retirement nest egg. Now what? Just as you’ve planned and carefully managed your retirement accounts to get this far, you’ll need a plan to [...]

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Maxing Out Your 401k

December 1, 2010

As a high earner, be careful when maxing out your 401(k) contributions. Nondiscrimination rules can kick in when lower earning employees in the company don’t contribute to the plan. With companies of all sizes cutting back on the company match, the nondiscrimination rules are kicking in for more and more high earners. From Market Watch [...]

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In-Plan Roth Rollover Guidance

November 30, 2010

Thanks to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, in-plan Roth rollovers are now permitted under IRC 402(c)(4). Presented in question and answer format, IRS guidance in Notice 2010-84 covers such topics as how rollovers can be accomplished, treatment of loans, spousal consent, withholding rules and more. The plan must have a qualified Roth contribution [...]

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401k Plan Limits Unchanged For 2011

November 30, 2010

COLA remains unchanged again this year, so goes the 2011 plan limits. The maximum allowed 401k contribution rate remains at $16,500 per employee. Individuals over 50 can contribute $5,500 their catchup contributions, also unchanged from 2010 levels. The total that can be contributed to a 401k plan in 2011 is $49,000 or 100% of your [...]

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