The title given to 401K retirement plans is related to the taxation code that it is governed by. The plan was first launched during the ’80s as an add-on to the then existent pension funds. This particular plan is an option to save for retirement, which is sponsored by employers.

Prior to 1980, employees were usually offered a pension fund by their employer. This type of fund was generally managed by the company of employment and a regular amount was paid to the employee during their retirement. This option may still be available to those who work in government departments or belong to the unions. The costs related to the maintenance of pension funds are what have prompted the move to 401K plans.

The option of 401K plans allows workers to save and invest a portion of their wages before it is taxed. Tax is levied when the money is withdrawn from the plan. The worker has some form of control over the investment aspect of the funds. Most of the plans spread the money across money market, bonds and stock investments. One of the most popular investment options is target-date funds. This is normally made up of a combination of bonds and stocks that are geared to become more conservative as the retirement age is reached.

There are distinct benefits linked to 401K retirement plans. The first is the tax advantage. You will not be taxed on the interest, dividends and capital gains until the amount is withdrawn. During this time period, you will have the benefit of gaining compounded income from your account. If you join a plan at a fairly young age, this can make a huge difference to your total savings.

The other benefit is the added contribution made to the plan by your employer. The amount invested by your employer may vary. Many employers opt to invest as much as six percent of your wages to the fund.

A benefit of this type of fund is that you are able to transfer the full value from employer to employer. You could also choose to leave the invested amount in the fund of your past employer, however, this option could incur fees which would affect the final amount you receive. An alternative would be to transfer the available funds to the plan offered by your new employer. You may only be able to do this if you have another job offer prior to leaving your current employer.

Your choice of whether to arrange a rollover or not is dependent on the options available to you with the new plan you are offered. You could choose to rollover the funds to an IRA if you do not like the current available options. You also have the option to withdraw the funds already invested from your current plan. This will attract a penalty fee, as well as taxation.

There are many options available to 401K retirement plans and how you invest your money. The options available to you when you leave your current employer should be considered carefully. Your only target should be to retain as much of the funds as possible and to re-invest it in a plan that matches your retirement aims.

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