401 k

Americans who were afraid to open their 401(k) statements during the recession are finding good news inside the envelope now: For the most part, their accounts have come all the way back and then some.

The plans would allow employees to control their own retirement portfolios, but they would come at a cost.

The end may be in sight for a common investment industry practice that robs millions of 401(k) plan participants of higher returns by choosing funds with expense ratios that are some 40% greater.

How much are you paying in your 401(k)? Probably more than you think. The typical fees and charges assessed against the average 401(k) investor can be much higher than those of equivalent investments available outside a sponsored retirement plan.

People may or may not learn from their own mistakes, but apparently, the idea that people learn from other folks’ mistakes is a myth.

You've probably heard it over and over again: contribute up to the maximum amount in your 401(k) plan to improve your chances of a comfortable retirement.

Many employers are setting up financial advice sessions for employees to help them navigate through the market downturn that has reduced 401(k) balances for most of us.

It's a good idea to take advantage of one of these sessions if offered at work. If it's not an option in your workplace, you can review this checklist to make sure you're not forgetting any basics.

Employees who've watched their balances fall are getting bitter, and who can blame them? The once-vaunted employer-sponsored defined contribution plan may be failing them.

Employers aren't much more upbeat. Some have even dropped their matching contributions in recent months.