Saving and investing wisely is not an easy achievement. How much do you need to save for retirement? Where should you put your money? There are thousands of financial advisors who offer differing opinions on these matters. But if there is one utterly clear maxim of saving for retirement it’s this: contribute at least enough money to your 401(k) to maximize your employer’s contribution.
Much to my shock and dismay, 39% of 401(k) participants don’t follow this totally noncontroversial advice, according to a new study by Financial Engines, via the NY Times Bucks blog. That’s crazy. Here’s why maxing out your 401(k) is the biggest financial no-brainer you’ll ever encounter.
When your company promises to match some contribution to a 401(k), it’s like giving you a raise. Refusing the match is like telling your company that you don’t want extra money. Imagine an example where you make $1,000 per paycheck. Now imagine if your company agrees to match 50 cents per dollar up to 6% of your 401(k) contribution per paycheck. That means you can put up to $60 per paycheck into your 401(k) and your company will also contribute $30.
Did you see what just happened? You got a 3% raise. Sure, you had to contribute $60 of your gross income as well, but this money just becomes savings — something you will surely need some day anyway. Unless you are one of the few people who believe Social Security alone will be sufficient to allow for a pleasant, comfortable retirement at a reasonable age.
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(The Atlantic.com)
