Personal Finance: 401(k): Video Series

Contribution limits for 401(k)s include both government limits and employer limits, which are rising each year to accommodate for more saving. Learn about 401(k) contribution limits, the government limit currently being $15,500, with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Employers have 401(k) contribution limitations to restrict employees from contributing more than a certain percentage or amount to their investment each year. Compare an employer's contribution limits to the government's contribution limits with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Avoiding penalties with a 401(k) rollover requires getting advice from a qualified tax advisor, thoroughly researching the new location for 401(k) money and collecting the IRS paperwork necessary from that new institution. Move over 401(k) money seamlessly, checking its status at least quarterly, with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

The key to borrowing money from a 401(k) is to conduct thorough research to avoid fines and penalties, take out a loan of up to half of the total principal and establish a monthly budget to repay the loan consistently. Borrow money against a 401(k), maintaining a repayment plan, with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

To purchase a home using a 401(k), be cognizant of the penalties and taxes that may apply by the IRS, and make sure that using 401(k) money is less expensive than other alternatives. Consider other financial options before buying a home with a 401(k), like mortgage insurance or a second mortgage, with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Withdrawing 401(k) money without penalties requires waiting until the minimum age for taking out money, requesting an old 401(k) fund from past employers or taking out a loan from it to avoid early withdraw penalties. Avoid penalties when withdrawing 401(k) money, using it for higher education or uninsured medical bills, with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Withdrawing money from a 401(k) might result in facing IRS penalties and taxes unless the money is used to stave off hardships, pursue advanced education or pay off uninsured medical bills. Avoid IRS penalties when withdrawing money from a 401(k) with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Saving money for future college expenses is possible through a 529 plan, available in every state and offering a lot of versatility in regards to choosing a college or university. Use a 529 plan, which is similar to a 401(k) plan, to save for college expenses with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Determining how much to save in a 401(k) plan depends on the amount an individual is able to spare each month out of their paycheck. Maximize 401(k) contributions to better plan for the unforeseeable future with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Figuring out if a 401(k) plan is a good investment requires reading through a company's 401(k) prospectus, determining a personal tolerance for risk and analyzing an employer's contribution. Decide if a 401(k) plan is the best investment, maximizing the returns as much as possible, with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Accessing 401(k) contributions in case of an emergency is possible without penalties when the situation is an IRS-deemed hardship or disability. Avoid penalties when withdrawing form a 401(k) with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Using target market timing in a 401(k) is beneficial in both a good and bad economy, though participants never have an opportunity to purchase shares at a specified price. Use target market timing in a 401(k) with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Repaying a 401(k) loan usually requires making 60 equal monthly payments over a five-year time period, often in the form of payroll deductions. Repay a 401(k) loan to keep saving money with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Changing jobs with a 401(k) offers two different options; one can transfer to a new employer's 401(k) plan or use an IRS rollover. Choose how to transfer 401(k) funds when switching employers with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.

Avoiding hardship withdraw penalties with a 401(k) involves making sure the hardship falls under the IRS guidelines for an emergency financial need, such as funeral expenses, college tuition or to stop the foreclosure or eviction process. Avoid being penalized with a 10 perecnt fee when withdrawing from a 401(k) with tips from an investment professional in this free video on personal finance.