Which 401k Plan Should I Choose?

Choosing the right 401k plan can be difficult – and with so many options out there, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re selecting the best plan for your specific needs.

So, if you’re looking at enrolling in your employer-sponsored retirement plan and asking yourself, “which 401k plan should I choose,” this post is for you.

Here are some key points to consider when selecting a 401k plan:

Types of 401(k) Plans

There are two main types of 401(k) plans – traditional and Roth – each offering different levels of contribution limits and taxation rules when it comes time for withdrawal at retirement age.

A traditional plan allows you to make pre-tax contributions now, but requires you pay taxes upon withdrawal later.

With a Roth plan, you make after-tax contributions now, but all future withdrawals are tax free.

Depending on individual financial goals, both options should be considered before deciding which type best suits your needs going forward into retirement planning stages ahead.

Our Infinite Income retirement planning system uses Roth plans to ensure tax-free income for life.

Should I do a Traditional or Roth 401k?

Deciding between a traditional or Roth 401k is like choosing between chocolate and vanilla ice cream—they’re both great, but it all depends on your personal taste (and in this case, your financial situation). Let’s explore the key differences to help you make the perfect choice:

Traditional 401k:

• Contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, which lowers your taxable income now.
• Your investments grow tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay taxes on gains until you withdraw the money.
• When you retire and take withdrawals, they’re taxed as ordinary income.

Roth 401k:

• Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so there’s no immediate tax break.
• Your investments grow tax-free, which means you won’t pay taxes on gains if you follow the withdrawal rules.
• Withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, as long as you’re at least 59½ and have had the account for at least 5 years.

So, which one’s right for you? Here are a few pointers:

• If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth 401k might be the way to go. You’ll pay taxes now at a lower rate and enjoy tax-free withdrawals later.
• If you think your tax bracket will be lower in retirement, a traditional 401k could be a better fit. You’ll get a tax break now and pay taxes at a potentially lower rate when you withdraw the funds.

It’s also worth considering that you don’t have to choose just one!

Many people split their contributions between a traditional and Roth 401k, creating a mix of taxable and tax-free income in retirement.

This can be a smart way to hedge your bets and add some flexibility to your retirement plan.

Investing Style

Do you want a plan that offers more flexibility in terms of where you can invest your funds?

Or would you prefer a plan that does much of the investing legwork for you?

If you want a plan that does most of the legwork for you, then select the Lifecycle Funds or Target Date Retirement Funds.

If you want more flexibility, select individual mutual funds or index funds.

Fees and Expenses

One of the most important aspects of a 401k is how much it will cost you in fees and expenses over time.

Make sure to compare fees across different plans, as well as any additional costs associated with setting up or managing an account.

The fees will usually be called ‘expense ratio’ and it’s a percentage of the amount you have invested in the fund that you get charged every year.

The funds with the lowest fees are index funds – specifically Vanguard index funds.

Investment Options

Take time to review the range of investment options offered by each plan. Unfortunately, you’ll be limited to a small menu of mutual funds and index funds.

Pay close attention to things like diversification, returns, and most importantly, the expenses charged by the fund. High fees can really slow down the growth of your retirement savings!

How Many Funds Should I Have in My 401k?

Deciding how many funds to have in your 401k is like picking toppings for your pizza—everyone’s got their own perfect combo. The key is to create a diversified mix that’s tailored to your unique goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeline. Here are a few tips to help you find your ideal 401k recipe:

1. Start with the basics: A simple yet effective strategy is to invest in a few core funds that cover different asset classes, like stocks (both domestic and international) and bonds. This can help create a balanced and diversified base for your 401k.
2. Spice it up with diversification: To spread risk and potentially boost returns, consider adding some additional funds that focus on specific market sectors or investment styles, like small-cap stocks, emerging markets, or real estate.
3. Know your risk appetite: Your ideal mix of funds should align with your risk tolerance. If you’re more conservative, lean towards a higher allocation of bonds and stable income-producing funds. If you’re comfortable with more risk, you might tilt your portfolio towards growth-oriented funds.
4. Keep an eye on fees: While it’s essential to diversify, don’t forget to consider the fees associated with each fund. Higher fees can eat into your returns, so aim for a balance between diversification and cost-effectiveness.
5. Revisit and rebalance: As you get closer to retirement or your financial goals change, it’s a good idea to review your 401k fund mix and make adjustments as needed.

Remember, there’s no magic number of funds that’s perfect for everyone. The best approach is to create a diversified mix that matches your unique financial needs and preferences. And don’t be afraid to ask for help—we can help you fine-tune your 401k fund selection.

Employer Contributions

Many employers offer matching contributions on employee 401k contributions.

Matching contributions are when an employer matches a portion or all of the employee’s contribution into their 401(k).

For example, if you contribute 6% of your salary into your 401(k), then your employer may match that amount up to 3%.

This means that you will have 9% total going towards your retirement savings each year.

It’s important to understand what type of matching structure is offered by employers so that you can make sure you’re maximizing this benefit.

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a 401k plan. If you need some help, contact us and we’ll help.

Which 401k Plan Should I Choose FAQs