Leveraging a 401K
- Emily Theo & Alex Le
- Mar 15, 2023
- 2 min read
A 401k is a retirement savings plan that allows you to save and invest a portion of your income for your retirement.
There are several ways to leverage your finances through a 401k, including:
Employer Matching Contributions: Many employers offer matching contributions to their employees' 401k plans, which means that the employer will contribute a certain percentage (often up to 6%) of the employee's salary to the 401k account. This is essentially free money, and by contributing enough to your 401k to receive the maximum matching contribution from your employer, you can grow your savings.
Tax Benefits: One of the main advantages of a 401k is the tax benefits it provides. Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, which means that they are deducted from your taxable income, reducing your current tax liability. Additionally, the money in your 401k account grows tax-free until you withdraw it in retirement, which can help maximize your retirement savings and that’s far away - but planning ahead will get you ahead!
Investment Options: Most 401k plans offer a range of investment options, including mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. By choosing the right mix of investments based on your risk tolerance and investment goals, you can potentially earn higher returns and grow your savings more quickly.
Borrowing against your 401K: If your plan does allow for it, you may be able to take out a loan from your 401(k) to use for a down payment on a home. This loan will need to be repaid with interest, usually over a period of 5 years. Not all plans are the same - do the research on your very own.
Overall, a 401k can be a powerful tool for leveraging your finances and building wealth for your retirement. By taking advantage of employer matching contributions, tax benefits, investment options, and automatic contributions, you can maximize the value of your 401k and build a strong financial foundation for your future.
Easy TIPS:
Always ASK your employer if they match a contribution to your 401K - MAX it if you can!
Set up a direct deposit so it goes directly to the 401K!
Strategically use this money to make more money when the time is right.