Is Vanguard LifeStrategy Growth Fund a good 401k option?
100636
It is a "fund-of-funds" set up to own 80% stocks and 20% bonds.  That allocation is more diversified than most funds out there, and diversification in long term investing is generally a good thing.  That said, if you are young and not risk-averse, you could invest in more aggressive funds, namely more stock funds, small cap, mid cap, and international funds, and probably do better than this fund will LONG TERM.\n\nTalk to a financial advisor you trust.\n\nGood luck!
922819
Well, you're doing better than we are, I'll say that.\n\nAs for being on the "right track" it all depends on what your goals are. Investing and saving can get really complicated, so I recommend you talk to a financial advisor. They have alternatives for you that you hadn't thought before.\n\nMy manager was in a situation where she had an old 401k earning lousy interest (around 3%) for years, and is now making at least 12% on it. It's a higher risk, but she decided it was the best for her goals.\n\nAnother benefit right now is compeitions is pretty fierce for deposits, so if you do choose to go with your local bank or investment firm, chances are you can get a great deal.
221386
Fidelity Diversified International Fund.\n\nI've been doing VERY well with it.  The fast growth is going to be found overseas for the next 10 years or so, so put some money to work outside the US.  Keep yourself diversified, but if you're not overseas, this is a good choice.  [note, if you do lose money, I'm sorry but I will too]
741750
The best answer is maybe. If you can borrow from the 401k, it might be a good idea depending on your future income prospects. If you have a stable job with a stable company, it might be a good idea. The loan has to be repaid in five years otherwise it is considered a premature distribution if you are younger than 59 1/2. If your prospects for future earnings are great, this would be a good source.\nIf your job or company situation is less than favorable, it will cost you a lot of taxes.
409788
No one can answer that question unless they know how old you are now and how old you will be when you retire. Also,one would have to know what kind of investments you chose for your 401K...\n\nAlso, whatever brokerage house you use for your 401K, usually have a free service to assist people with questions like this. \n\nAs soon as I retired (at 57) I rolled over my 401K from Chase(where it was performing dismally and being eaten away with hidden fees) to Fidelity, where it has continued to grow and without all the sneaky fees.And now at 62, I haven t had to touch the principal..just the interest..and I am making more now than when I worked!!\nProduct connected investment counselors should be avoided. I work with a person who takes a percentage of what I make! So, the better I do, the better he does. Its in his best interest to make me more money..
1169132
I know an advisor and he's definitely a good guy and passionate about his career.  Just make sure you are "purchasing" what you want and don't give in to all of their suggestions.  They are one of many good financial companies.
497191
I had and IRA with them for the last 6 years.  I have since move it to Fidelity because it didn't do well, and my adviser wasn't keen on keeping me up to date.  On finsishrich.com, the site of David Bach, he has resources you can use to find a good adviser.
350599
Suzanne,\n\nLets take it from the basics. As you have already been told by many. The 401k varies per company policy. But most companies match 4% of the money you invest. So at minimum you want to invest the same percentage of your salary the company matches. Reason being the company will be matching 100% of your investment. \nNow the 401k will consist of different funds such as stock, mutual, commodoties, fixed income, etc ... You upon enrollment will have to decide how you want to allocate your 4%(persay) of your salary amongst each fund. So lets say you invest 4% = 200$(of your salary), you would have to allocate 100% of the 200$ plus the company match into the funds. For example 10% fundA, 10% fundb, 80% fundc. \nPrior to investing in any fund do some research, each 401k plan will have history relating to each funds performance since it was created. Look for the best performers and choose wisely. Wisely meaning how aggressive or passive you want to invest. Each method involving Risk, Risk meaning your can earn alot and lose alot in short or long periods of time invested.\nYour 401k plan will have historical investments plans already in place for you to follow if it fits your lifestyle.\nLifestyle, now this is the most important detail for you to think about. As you know from what we talked about you can invest the minimum or the maximum. Maximum being I think 15% or 13,000$ per year of salary. (Inquire, I am just taking a guess here)But anyways, depending on how much your salary is a year your investment can change your lifestyle tremendously. But by matching the minimum your making 100% of your investment with company match. Anything more than that and your saving without company match, but making more  on your investment than if you would put that money into a savings bank account for the long term. \nWith that in mind I would suggest you and your family if any sit down with a financial planner to give you other options on how to save your excess money (if you have more to invest over the company match) amongst other options such as IRAs, CDs, etc... This taking into account after you have agreed upon what kind of lifestyle you want to live.   \nThe final outlook is this ... Your company is giving you free money for savings in the future. FREE MONEY. Nothing beats that unless you win the lottery.\nGood luck...
195053
You should put in at least as much as you need to in order to receive your company's match.  If you put in less than, then you're walking away from "free" money.  Anything over that amount is a personal investment decision.  My old company had a terrible 401(k) program with few, and mostly bad, investment options.  I put in enough to get my company match, and then put more money into an IRA.  My current company has a great matching program, and terrific investment options, so I'm maxing out my contribution.  \n\nThe short answer is put away as much as you can.  The longer it sits in an investment that's growing, the more money you'll have at the end.
870260
Vanguard is one of the three largest mutual fund companies in the world (varies between them, Fidelity, and American Funds), they have been around for decades and have nearly $1 Trillion under management.  It is probably the best place to go for someone starting out.  \n\nI used to do consulting for them, while it doesn't seem like the best place to work (low salaries and numbers on the cubicles), they are one of the best mutual fund companies.
246979
growth or value?\n\nI've looked at this one.  It might be something that I'd consider, if I was looking for another fund.  Though its a bit toward growth.\n\nhttp://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=PISRX&d=t
284237
It is a good idea.  You can never make up the difference if you don't start investing until you are older (due to compounding interest).  A 401 K is dogmarked for YOU and no one can take that money.\n\nThe thing about baby boomers, that is really only affecting PENSIONS which are not the same as 401K.  Even if the market returns drop, your money will still be there.\n\nIf you feel worried, get an IRA from an independant investment firm.  Your return won't be as high and you will not get to put the money in before taxes, but this way your company cannot drain you.
733043
18% in one year? That's really good.\n\nKeep in mind we're talking just one year, and we haven't begun to factor in losses from time to time cutting into that rate of return. \n\nOver a long period of time your rate of return for the typical balanced fund should settle around the historical 6-8% return. \n\nConsidering it's the end of the year and about time to think about taxes, now would be a good time to evaluate your portfolio and figure out a good way to lock in some of those gains in your retirement portfolio, which includes your 401k.\n\nI would rebalance my portfolio so that some of my gains are transferred over into underperforming parts of my account, as well as consider whether those underperformers still provide balance in your overall investment strategy. Just because some portion lost money doesn't mean that, one day, they won't provide support when those high-flyers take a hit.\n\nI'm no professional, so my experience is all personal. But I can at least say I pay enough attention to my investments w/o being obcessed by it. And they've been doing pretty nicely, even through the rough spots a few years ago.
135030
I would look at the ETFs that are proposed by Barclays through www.ishares.com. Basically these are index trackers. So when you buy one of those you buy a "diversified" set of stocks. Diversification is a "free gift from God" as it leads to extra return for the same amount of risk. Just use these ETFs as bricks to build your portolio.
288141
Buy a good S&P index fund. Vanguard has a good one with lows fees.  Should get you 8-10% a year over the long run.
317461
Definately a 401k eligible mutual fund specializing in resources (oil specifically, but any resources will do)
1142367
Looks like a scam to me.  If you are looking to invest your money, you may want to try an index fund.  You won't double your money with an index fund in 70 weeks, but you also are much less likely to lose your money in an index fund.\n\nSomething that has worked in the past was following my mothers advice, "Invest in companies that make things you like."  So if you really like Nike shoes, invest in Nike, or if you really like shopping at Walmart, invest there.  If you really like Gold, buy Gold.