Investment Insights Blog | Plancorp | 401(k)

Numerous options exist for stashing your discretionary ("extra") money in a safe place and when saving for retirement, it's essential to understand exactly how your savings plan works. That way, you'll maximize your potential earnings so that you have a secure future.   Are you utilizing your Read more…

With inflation continuing to rise, many investors are concerned about the impact that this may have on their 401(k) plans. These concerns have become even more valid as inflation rates continue to hit decades-high levels, reaching 8.52% in August 2022. Investments and their dividends don’t adjust Read more…

As another year winds down, there is a lot on business owners minds.  How do I keep my best employees? How do I reduce business expenses?  Now is a great time to assess portions of your business.  Is there a better, cheaper, way to do something?  Is there a way to make your teams life easier? Read more…

For a myriad of reasons – from automatically passing ADP testing, helping with Top-Heavy failures, or owners saving $60,000+, many businesses choose to use a Safe Harbor formula in their 401(k) retirement plan. Let’s find out what the Safe Harbor formulas are and why you may choose one over the Read more…

For many people, the question “How much can I save into my 401(k)?” has a simple answer. If you are under age 50 in 2021 you can save $19,500 into your 401(k). If you are over 50 you can save $26,000. Read more…

If you are an executive or business owner, you may have received a refund from your 401(k). That can be a frustrating experience. What you thought was tax-deferred savings is now taxable income. So why are you getting refunds and is there anything you can do about it? Read more…

While women certainly seem to be taking a greater role in making household financial decisions, men still make the majority of them. The unfortunate reality is that women are much more likely to become widowed. In fact, more than 60 percent of women between the ages of 75 and 84 are single or Read more…

What is the top-heavy test? 401(k) plans must be tested annually to determine if they are top-heavy. The top-heavy test compares the account balances of “key employees” to those of “non-key employees.” If the sum of all key employee balances exceeds 60% of the total plan balance the plan is Read more…

2020 has been hard for small businesses; those who remain open have often had to make painful operating decisions for all concerned. Hopefully, your employees understand you’re not taking those decisions lightly. But they can still be frustrating. Read more…

For many business owners, starting a 401(k) plan is both expensive and an administrative challenge. 401(k) plans can be a great benefit to your employees, but is it worth it for you and your business? Read more…