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401(k)

Definition of 401(k)

You participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan by deferring part of your salary into an account set up in your name. Any earnings in the account are federal income tax deferred. If you change jobs, 401(k) plans are portable, which means that you can move your accumulated assets to a new employer's plan, if the plan allows transfers, or to a rollover IRA. With a traditional 401(k), you defer pretax income, which reduces the income tax you owe in the year you made the contribution. You pay tax on all withdrawals at your regular rate. With the newer Roth 401(k), which is offered in some but not all plans, you contribute after-tax income. Earnings accumulate tax deferred, but your withdrawals are completely tax free if your account has been open at least five years and youÔÇÖre at least 59 1/2. In either type of 401(k), you can defer up to the federal cap, plus an annual catch-up contribution if youÔÇÖre 50 or older. However, you may be able to contribute less than the cap if youÔÇÖre a highly compensated employee or if your employer limits contributions to a percentage of your salary. Your employer may match some or all of your contributions, based on the terms of the plan you participate in, but matching isnÔÇÖt required. With a 401(k), you are responsible for making your own investment decisions by choosing from among investment alternatives offered by the plan. Those alternatives typically include separate accounts, mutual funds, annuities, fixed-income investments, and sometimes company stock. You may owe an additional 10% federal tax penalty if you withdraw from a 401(k) before you reach 59 1/2. You must begin to take minimum required distributions by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 70 1/2 unless youÔÇÖre still working. But if you prefer, you can roll over your traditional 401(k) assets into a traditional IRA and your Roth 401(k) assets into a Roth IRA.

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Financial Dictionary

What is Financial Dictionary?

Financial Dictionary is a dictionary or database that contains the meaning of all financial terms. Financial Dictionary has been created to help anyone, interested in understanding financial terms. It is extremely important to know what the financial terms mean when signing on terms and conditions. When availing financial products, you can be easily cheated if you don’t know what you have signed up for. To avoid this, you must be aware on what the terms really mean.

 

Who is this Financial Dictionary for?

We have developed this Financial Dictionary that could be used by anyone for free on our website. We have provided the meanings of almost all the financial terms along with the context in which they can be used. If you have lingering doubts on any financial term, then all you must do is log on to our website and check out the Financial Dictionary.

 

Why do you need to refer a Financial Dictionary?

If you wish to invest in the stock market, then it is extremely important to understand each and every term associated with it. A small misunderstanding can lead to huge losses in a matter of few seconds. It is only wise to know the meaning of all the terms before investing. The most comprehensive Financial dictionary covering all the financial terms. Brought to you by India's largest Free Financial Education company - IndianMoney.com.

 

What happens if I don’t refer a Financial Dictionary?

If you are planning to avail a Home Loan, then it is crucial for you to understand under what conditions your bank is sanctioning the loan. You must understand each and every term written on the loan agreement or else you will end up choosing a lender who charges high interest or with tough terms and conditions. To avoid this, just log on to our website and understand the meaning of financial terms with the Financial Dictionary.

 

Consequences of Misunderstanding a financial term

If you want to invest in a financial product, you must understand various financial terms. Not doing this could mean losses. Many financial intermediaries misguide you to make quick profits. You can avoid this by understanding financial terms and make smart investment decisions.

 

Uses of Financial Dictionary

If you are a Financial Advisor, then it is extremely important to stay updated on the latest financial terms. We at IndianMoney.com update all the new terms used in personal finance in the Financial Dictionary. You can refer and update yourself, to serve clients effectively. This is a double bonanza of increasing your efficiency and fetching clients more money.

 

How does our Financial Dictionary work?

Our Financial Dictionary has three main categories. First being ‘Most Searched Words’. These are the terms/words that are generally used in finance. You can just click on the words to know their meaning. Second category is ‘Recently Added Words’. These are the terms/words that are new to finance but have significance. Third being ‘You Recently Read’. If you have previously used our Financial Dictionary, then the words checked and their meaning would be displayed under this category.

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