Welcome! | Ask A Question

 
 
 
 
Question

Asked 6/19/2008

401 k

I am trying to figure out what my 401 k will be worth. i make 30,000 a yer and expect a 3% raise each year. i will put in 6% to my 401 k and my employer will match it.

 
 
 
 
 
Answers

Answer 1/2 - Submitted 6/4/2010

The simplest answer, based on what you have given, is most likely the lowest you will have by the time you retire. Even then, there are several questions/assumptions that need clarified. You have said that 6% is what you put into your 401(k) Plan, but you have not said what the actual Match will be (50% of your contribution? 100%? Up to what limit? 3%? 6%?).

I could tell you that about $75 per bi-weekly paycheck would go into your 401(k), but which option are you choosing: a money-market (most conservative) that is meant only to preserve your principal and roughly keep pace with inflation; or a total stock fund (most aggressive) that is meant to net you the greatest return over the long period and a few sleepless nights when your paper losses become excessive?

Finally, what is your investment horizon - how many years do you have until retirement? If 30 years, you can likely afford a more aggressive portfolio (earning greater returns over 3 decades). Then we could assume your 401(k) will grow by at least 8% on average (a conservative number, perhaps?!).

When are ready to work on your Financial Plan again, let me know. Otherwise, I would suggest finding an objective Fee-Only Financial Advisor to run the numbers, offer customized advice, and help you to continue doing what you want to do in this life.

 
 

Answer 2/2 - Submitted 5/7/2011

With the limited information that you have provided I will make the following assumptions. I will assume the employer match will be 6% of your income and that you will earn an 8% return. If you have 10 years till retirement the outcome under these assumptions will be $58.680. 20 years till retirement and the result will be $205,548. 30 years till retirement will result in $549,748.

 
 
 
 
Answer This Question Now

Type your Answer in the box below and post your answer.

Learn more about how this works

 
 
 

Related Questions (Ask a New Question)

 
Inheriting a 401

I inherited a 401 from my sister when she passed away. she would be 591/2 this march and would have been able to draw off her 401 in 2010. will i be able to draw off of this 401 in 2010 when she was able to draw or will i have to wait until i turn 591/2 which will be in2012?

See Answers

 
If i made 2 kids beneficiary on my 401 k. then made a will leaving everything to one. will both still get the 401 k

I put a step chld and my only child 50% each of 401 k beneficiaries when i retired. then made a will leaving everything to my only son. will the 401 k still go to both of them? if i want to change the 401k beneficiaries can i clip an addition to my will that changes the two on my 401k. or...

See Answers

 
Ex is benificary of 401 k and cannot get it

My ex husband passed away and his 401 k was divided with our two children getting 20% each. i was left executor of the will, as we remained good friends. he never re married. now, there is 60% of the 401 k left and the people that work with the 401k office tell me my name is on the list but they...

See Answers

 
Related Questions

Inheriting a 401


I inherited a 401 from my sister when she passed away. she would be 591/2 this march and would...

 

If i made 2 kids beneficiary on my 401 k. then made a will leaving everything to one. will both still get the 401 k


I put a step chld and my only child 50% each of 401 k beneficiaries when i retired. then...

 

Ex is benificary of 401 k and cannot get it


My ex husband passed away and his 401 k was divided with our two children getting 20% each....

 

I will need to inquire about a 401 k plan that my mother owns.


I will need to inquire about a 401 k plan that my mother owns. the company is alabama. it...

 

401k


I was divorced in 1986 at that time i hade a 401 in my name. according to settelement my ex...

 

I am 60 and i want to pay off my mortgage with 401kyes or no?


I am 60 years old, 401 k is demenishin rapidly. should i pay off home loan befoe 401 is depleted.

 
 

See more 401k questions

 
 
 
 
 

Ask A Question

Ask a new question about
401k: