My 401k retirement plan through the company I work for is managed by Fidelity Investments. I have read recently that a "high-load" mutual fund will often return poorer yields than a "low-load" or "no-load" mutual fund. How do I find out if my plan is high-load, low-load, or no-load?
posted on May 15, 2007 - 7 answers

I've been scratching my head this whole morning, trying to figure out how my 401K is doing, my own account per se. The personalized rate of return on my statement takes into consideration other factors that don't really apply to me, and thus I think it's not a true indicator of my account performance.
I tried to find an MS Excel function to do this; so far, I have not had any luck. What I want to find out is the average return per week or per quarter given these known numbers on my statement:

1. a beginning balance in dollars (B)
2. an ending balance (E)
3. number of weeks contributed in this quarter (N)
4. weekly contribution amount (W)
5. total quarterly investment additions (W x N)

FYI, the contribution is made on a weekly basis for a same amount. It's 100% vested and is invested in one plan. What is the formula to calculate this weekly return? Thanks a lot.
posted on Oct 10, 2006 - 4 answers

my new employer is offering a 401k package via fidelity investments that is, dare I say it, overwhelming to me. I am especially bothered by the fact that the only advise available on said fidelity investment choices is via the nice folks from fidelity investment. so I looked for financial advisors - but how to judge them? [more inside]
posted on Aug 28, 2006 - 19 answers

I'm confused - I want to plan for my retirement and have got as far as applications for a 401k and a Roth IRA; but then it all goes hideously wrong.... [more inside]
posted on Aug 13, 2006 - 19 answers

What are the best options for a small business in need of 401k services? [more inside]
posted on Jul 27, 2006 - 7 answers

How can I start saving for retirement when my career will likely take me from the USA to New Zealand? I wish to benefit from the tax-free nature of a saving scheme like the 401k plans, but I do not expect to spend all that much of my career (or lifetime) in the USA. Is there any way to move 401k savings to a similar scheme in New Zealand without losing it all to the tax penalties for early withdrawal? Are there any cunning alternatives? [more inside]
posted on Jan 4, 2006 - 11 answers