Retirement planning involving IRAs, 401(k)s

Employer-sponsored retirement plans are more valuable than ever. The money in them grows tax deferred until it is withdrawn at retirement. Distributions from a tax-deferred retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan, are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to an additional 10-percent federal tax penalty if withdrawn prior to age 59½. And contributions to a 401(k) plan actually reduce your taxable income. However, figuring out how to manage the assets in your retirement plan can be confusing, particularly in times of financial uncertainty.

IRA, 401(k) investment choices

Conventional wisdom says if you have several years until retirement, you should put the majority of your holdings in stocks. Stocks have historically outperformed other investments over the long term. That has made stocks attractive for staying ahead of inflation. Of course, past performance does not guarantee future results. The stock market has been extremely volatile lately. Is it a safe place for your retirement money? Or should you shift more into a money market fund offering a stable but lower return? And will the instability in the markets affect the investments that the sponsoring insurance company uses to fund its guaranteed interest contract?

If you’re participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, you probably have the option of shifting the money in your plan from one fund to another. You can reallocate your retirement savings to reflect the changes you see in the marketplace. Here are a few guidelines to help you make this important decision.

In spite of its volatility, the stock market may still be an appropriate place for your investment dollars — particularly over the long term. And retirement planning is a long-term proposition. Since most retirement plans are funded by automatic payroll deductions, they achieve a concept known as dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging can take some of the sting out of a descending market. Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit or prevent a loss. Such plans involve continuous investments in securities regardless of the fluctuating prices of such securities. You should consider your financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of low price levels. Dollar cost averaging can be an effective way for investors to accumulate shares to help meet long-term goals.

Diversification of IRA, 401(k) investment

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Diversification is a basic principle of investing. Spreading your holdings among several different investments (stocks, bonds, etc.) may lessen your potential loss in any one investment. Do the same for the assets in your retirement plan. Keep in mind, however, that diversification does not guarantee against loss; it is a method used to manage risk.

Research Guaranteed Interest Contracts.

A guaranteed interest contract offers a set rate of return for a specific period of time, and it is typically backed by an insurance company. Generally, these contracts are very safe, but they still depend on the security of the company that issues them. Be sure to research a company’s rating before buying. The four main insurance company rating agencies are A.M. Best, Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch Ratings. A.M. Best ratings are based on financial conditions and operating performance; Fitch Ratings, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s ratings are based on claims-paying ability. You should be able to find copies of these guides at your local library.

Frequently Review Your Plan’s Performance.

You are likely to have the chance to shift assets from one fund to another. Use these opportunities to review your plan’s performance. The markets change. You may want to adjust your investments based on your particular situation.