Investopedia Special Feature- 401(k) Guide

Whether you are are new to the workforce, or approaching retirement, read on to learn how to use a 401(k) to save for your golden years while deferring some income tax at the same time.

Most Popular Questions

Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?
I own a small business. Can the SBO-401(k) work for me?
I overcontributed to my 401(k). What are my options?
What effect will a prenuptial agreement have on a 401(k)?
Can I use my 401(k) for living expenses now and report it as income next year?
Am I too old to contribute to my employer's 401(k)?
If I take a distribution from my 401(k) to purchase my first house, will I have to pay a penalty on this distribution?
I do not want to totally get out of my retirement 401(k). What are my options?
Why would a former employer delay distributions from a 401(k) plan?
Does participation in a 401(k) plan prevent an individual from contributing to a Traditional IRA?
I failed to distribute an inherited 401(k) that was found in an audit. What happens now?
Why can't we make a hardship withdrawal from my husband's 401(k) account?
Can 401(k) contributions be based on gross earnings?
Must I hit my 401(k) contribution limit before I can make catch-up contributions?
Can I contribute to my company-sponsored 401(k) after the company's year-end?
If a company undergoes an acquisition can an employee withdraw 401(k) funds tax free?

Articles

Roth Feature Boosts Benefits For 401(k) And 403(b) Plans
SIMPLE IRA Vs SIMPLE 401(k) Plans
Eight Reasons To Never Borrow From Your 401(k)
Must-Know Rules For Converting A 401(k) To A Roth
Which Retirement Plan Is Best?
Fundamentals Of A Successful Savings Program
Are You An Active Participant
A Closer Look At The Roth 401(k)
How To Include ETFs In A Client's 401(k)
Introducing The Roth 401(k)
A Great Time To Add Roths To Your Retirement Planning
An Overview Of After-Tax Balance Rules
Common Questions About Retirement Plans
Introduction To SIMPLE 401(k) Plans

Terms to Know

Accumulation Phase
Active Participant Status
Automatic Rollover
Beneficiary
Brokerage Window
Deferred Account
Direct Rollover
Early Withdrawal
Elective-Deferral Contribution

Employee Contribution Plan
Employee Retirement Income Security Act - ERISA
Employer-Sponsored Plan
Financial Plan
In-Service Withdrawal
Involuntary Cash-Out
Net Unrealized Appreciation - NUA

Nondiscrimination Rule
Nonperiodic Distribution
Pay Yourself First
Portable Benefits
Pre-Tax Contribution
Qualifying Investment
Required Beginning Date - RBD
Rollover

Salary Reduction Contributionc
Saver's Tax Credit
Substantially Equal Periodic Payment - SEPP
Tax Deferred
Tax Shelter
Thrift Savings Plan - TSP
Triggering Event
Vesting