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Are Cornerstone Building Brands Employees Consistently Making These 401(k) Mistakes?

This paper is for Cornerstone Building Brands employees who will have to know the basics of their 401(k) plans, including the role of the company's contributions and the way the assets are invested in order to understand the basics of the retirement planning process.'

'['Free' means that, as a Cornerstone Building Brands employee, you can optimize your retirement savings and, thus, your future financial independence by frequently checking and changing your 401(k) contributions, as well as by consulting for a Roth 401(k)].

In this article, we will discuss:

1. How to increase your chances of retirement savings by taking advantage of employer contributions.

2. What are the conditions under which you own the company contributions? Do not miss the money! A simple guide to the basics of stock investing within your 401(k) plan.

3. It is not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the subject, but rather a general introduction that will help you understand the basics and consider whether or not to participate.

In a time of increasing financial complexity, it is essential to know how to make the most out of your savings, especially when you are planning for your retirement. The 401k plan has been and will be one of the best ways to build wealth over the long term. However, as with any instrument, its effectiveness depends on the user’s understanding of its capabilities and potential risks.

Harnessing Matching Contributions:

Most of the Cornerstone Building Brands companies provide for matching schemes under which they pay for a certain percentage of the amount an employee places into a 401k. On average, companies match 4.5% of employee contributions, as per Vanguard’s annual report. Although this percentage may not be very high, it can amount to a lot of money over the years. When you include the interest that is charged on the account, this can make for a good retirement portfolio.

Vesting Requirements - Patience Pays:

Vesting refers to the conditions under which an employee is entitled to the company contributions to a 401(k) plan. Two main types are:

Cliff Vesting: Contributions are fully vested at the end of the set period, which is usually three years.

Graded Vesting: The employer’s contributions become vested at 20% annually from the second year and at 100% by the end of the sixth year.

Thus, if you change jobs before your contributions become vested, you will deny yourself access to the money. So, it is important to know your company’s vesting policy.

The Risk of Company Stock:

While it may be tempting to invest in your company’s stock, it’s wise to limit such investments to 5-10% of your total 401(k) assets. This is because too much money is at risk in the event the company is not doing well.

The Dual-Edge of Stock Investments:

Equities, or stocks, shouldn’t be avoided entirely. Although they are risky, very conservative products may not perform well versus inflation, and, thus, reduce your buying power in the future. This is where balanced equity investments come in to help with this.

Sources:

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Articles you may find interesting:

1. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Matching Contributions Help You Save More for Retirement.' IRS, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/matching-contributions-help-you-save-more-for-retirement . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

2. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). 'Retirement Topics - Vesting.' IRS, https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-vesting . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

3. Empower. 'What is 401(k) Matching & How Does It Work?' Empower, https://www.empower.com/the-currency/work/how-does-401k-matching-work . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

4 Investopedia. '401(k) Vesting Rules.' Investopedia, https://www.investopedia.com/401-k-vesting-rules-5323652 . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

5. National Council on Aging (NCOA). 'Leverage Employer Matching Contributions to Your 401(k).' NCOA, https://www.ncoa.org/article/matching-contributions-101-how-to-maximize-your-retirement-savings-now . Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.

What is the 401(k) plan offered by Cornerstone Building Brands?

The 401(k) plan at Cornerstone Building Brands is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their paycheck before taxes are taken out.

How can I enroll in the 401(k) plan at Cornerstone Building Brands?

Employees can enroll in the Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan through the company’s HR portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.

Does Cornerstone Building Brands match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Cornerstone Building Brands offers a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees boost their retirement savings.

What is the maximum contribution limit for the 401(k) plan at Cornerstone Building Brands?

The maximum contribution limit for the Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan is set according to IRS regulations, which may change annually.

Can I change my contribution percentage for the 401(k) plan at Cornerstone Building Brands?

Yes, employees can change their contribution percentage for the Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan at any time through the HR portal.

What investment options are available in the Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan?

The Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds and target-date funds, to suit different risk tolerances.

When can I start withdrawing from my 401(k) plan at Cornerstone Building Brands?

Employees can typically start withdrawing from their Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan at age 59½, but there are specific conditions and options available.

Is there a loan option available through the 401(k) plan at Cornerstone Building Brands?

Yes, Cornerstone Building Brands allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to certain terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) plan if I leave Cornerstone Building Brands?

If you leave Cornerstone Building Brands, you have several options for your 401(k) plan, including rolling it over to an IRA, leaving it with the plan, or cashing it out.

How often can I change my investment allocations in the Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan?

Employees can change their investment allocations in the Cornerstone Building Brands 401(k) plan as often as they like, typically through the HR portal.

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For more information you can reach the plan administrator for Cornerstone Building Brands at 5020 Weston Pkwy. Cary, NC 27513; or by calling them at 919-677-3900.