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Why Dave Ramsey Is Wrong About 'Pausing 401(k) Contributions'

"Financial pundit Dave Ramsey's advice to pause 401(k) contributions while paying off debt forfeits employer match dollars and halts compounding growth. Staying invested through market downturns is a way to avoid missing the reward of the market rebounding. Only consider tapping your tax-free retirement savings as part of a carefully structured 401(k) loan."

Could Your 401(k) Be Overestimating Your Future?

"Outdated return assumptions can distort your 401(k) projections, leaving you underprepared for retirement. Market forecasts for a 60/40 portfolio are lower than many tools assume as a default, often in the 4% to 6% range, not 8% or more. Recalibrating your plan now -- by saving more or adjusting your retirement age -- can dramatically improve your long-term outlook."

Facts About Pooled Employer Plans That Could Change Your Retirement Outlook

"[1] PEPs work much like traditional 401(k) plans ... [2] PEPs are available for 403(b) plans, too ... [3] PEPs are simpler for employers than traditional 401(k) plans ... [4] PEPs reduce the employer's liability ... [5] Employers may get a tax break for enrolling in a PEP."

A 401(k) Lost and Found to Track Forgotten Plans Is Now Live; It's Far from Perfect

"This database will only be useful for people who have worked for a private sector employer, participated in a workplace retirement plan and qualified for benefits through that employer.... [T]he service. This is because the database doesn't provide information on retirement plans sponsored by the government or religious organizations."

Most of Gen Beta Isn't Even Born Yet, But They're Inheriting a Bleak Retirement Outlook

"Potential parents of Generation Beta, which will include those born between 2025 and 2039, worry about Gen Beta's ability to retire and save for that retirement. More than half (55%) of Americans surveyed ... said Gen Beta would struggle to save enough for retirement. Respondents expect Gen Beta will need $1.88 million in retirement funds."

How Blockchain Could Change 401(k)s

"Having everything stored in one easy-to-access place would give people a clearer picture of their retirement assets and perhaps incentivize them to invest more.... Blockchain doesn't require a third-party intermediary to validate transactions, resulting in speedier turnaround times and potentially lower costs. The technology, thanks to its decentralized structure, is more difficult to hack."

Most Common Mistakes with Roth IRAs and Estate Planning

"[1] Failing to name a beneficiary ... [2] Choosing the wrong beneficiary ... [3] Establishing a trust incorrectly ... [4] Neglecting to take required minimum distributions (RMDs)."

How to Open a Small Business 401(k) Using the New DOL Rule

"If you’re an employer or self-employed 'working owner,' consider potential existing organizations you belong to that might qualify as a bona fide group or association for purposes of offering an ARP. At the top of your list should be the local or state chamber of commerce. Trade and industry groups could form other opportunities. Remember that local organizations can include companies or businesses in any industry. National groups must be related to your specific industry."

Target Date Funds: The Dangers of Putting Your 401(k) on Autopilot

"The biggest issue with target-date funds is that they only focus one variable: your retirement age.... [D]efined contribution plan participants should focus on at least three variables: their contribution rate, company matching contributions or profit sharing, and how much progress they've made thus far toward their retirement goals."

Just How Little Have Americans Saved for Retirement?

"[O]ne third of Americans simply have not been able or willing to save for their retirements.... [A]nother 23% of respondents reported having less than $10,000 saved.... [As] pensions and employer match programs decline, many employees may perceive that their employer's matching contribution isn't sufficient enough to sustain a sizeable retirement plan.... As frequent job-hopping moves from a trend to a generational norm, financial experts suggest that employees are less likely to feel that employer-sponsored 401(k) plans -- which need to be rolled over for each job change -- are worth the hassle."