401k Employer Maximum Contributions
I’d like to clear up a very common 401(k) misconception surrounding maximum contribution limits.
Question: The IRS maximum 401(k) contribution limits for 2009 are $16,500. But what exactly does this mean? Does this …

The Roth 401K Match Misconception
Why would anyone choose a Traditional 401K over a Roth 401K?? After all, your company paid match is equivalent and if it’s post tax with a Roth, you’re really getting more …

This post is a tad bit longer than the typical post on this site, but in my opinion, it should be an eye opener. I have some strong opinions on this topic and I’m VERY …

ETrade Paper Statement Fee Strikes!
Back in 2005, I started a Roth IRA with ETrade because they offered a ‘no-fee IRA’ and they had a reputable name. All stock market losses aside, everything had been running …

The End of Buy and Hold Investing?
With the Dow dipping to the mid 6K range (down from 14K) and the S&P 500 facing a similar decline recently, market levels like this have not been seen …

Roth IRA basics and terminology in a question and answer format will be covered in this post. If you have any unanswered questions on Roth’s, please feel free to add them through a comment. You …

How to Choose a Financial Planner
There’s nothing better than self reliance and personal empowerment when it comes to financial planning. However, if you don’t yet have the confidence in yourself to manage your financial situation, …

The other day I was searching through the 401k section of my employer’s intranet and was shocked and delighted to find that employees are now offered a self-directed brokerage option through Vanguard. I have been …

The IRS maximum allowed 401K contribution will increase from 2008’s $15,500 to $16,500 in 2009 (for those over 50 years old, the 401k catch-up contribution increases to $22,000). Why is this timely? Read on. Looking …

401k Match Cuts Becoming Popular
Recently GM, Ford, Frontier Airlines, and some other iconic companies announced that they were suspending matching 401k contributions. I find this to be a disturbing trend that I really hope does …