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Fixing Your 401(k)

By Ashley Thiesen Caldwell | September 21, 2009

For those of you who are looking to retire soon, the recent plunge in the economy may have changed your plans. However, the outlook for your savings probably isn’t as bad as you think.

A recent study by Financial Engines, a company that provides advice to retirement-plan participants, found that investors with as few as five years until retirement can recover their 2008 losses by making modest increases in savings and working two or three more years.

Young investors, on the other hand, have a great opportunity for investment. With many years in front of them before retirement, or even the thought of retirement, they are able to invest at bargain-basement prices.

Here are a few tips courtesy of USA Today on how you can rehabilitate your 401(k) plan:

Gen Y: People born from 1982 through the early 2000s

The “buy low” advice really works for you. You can afford to be bold because you don’t have much to lose. Having the market go down allows you the opportunity to buy at the bottom. For a young, moderately aggressive investor, it is recommended that you invest 85-90% in stocks and 10-15% in bond funds. Of the stock fund allocation, 45% should go in large-company stocks, 15% in small-company stocks, 20% in international funds, 15% in bonds and 5% in money market or stable value fund.

Gen X: Those born from 1965 through 1981

Time is on your side. You’re probably still years away from retirement, so you can afford to recover from market downturns, even larger ones. Some Gen Xers saw their portfolios shrink by 30% or more last year and may have had nightmares about retirement. Depending on your age, a drop this significant may only shave 7-10% from your retirement income – a deficit you can close by saving just 1% more each year. It can also be made up by working just one extra year.

Investors who plan to work at least 15 more years should have about 75 of their portfolios in stock fund while older Gen Xers should gradually move toward a mix of 60% stocks and 40% bonds. Of the stock allocation, 60% should be in large-company stocks, 15% in small-company stocks, and 25% international

Boomers: Those born from 1946 through 1964

Many boomers who sustained big losses will need to save more, work long, or both. Avoiding the stock market entirely isn’t a good idea, even if you’re close to retirement. It is recommended that boomers invest 65% or their portfolio in stocks, with 40% in large-company fund, 25% in international funds, 15% in small or madcap stocks and 20% in bond funds.

Many boomers are in their prime earning years, which means that they should try to save as much as possible. Workers 50 and older are eligible to make catch-up contributions to their 401 (k)s. And for those who receive a pension, investing more aggressively is a viable option as compared to those utilizing only savings to fund retirement.

There’s tons of advice out there, all differing in strategy and plan. Ensure you make smart, calculated decisions and invest wisely. You are not going to regain the money you lost in a short period of time. If you have questions on how to wisely invest for your retirement, seek the advice of a professional money manager. Happy investing!

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One Response to “Fixing Your 401(k)”

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