Healthcare Provider Update: IDEX provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through national and regional carriers. Employees benefit from prescription drug coverage, HSAs, FSAs, and company-paid life insurance. The company offers a 401(k) with matching and standalone contributions, tuition assistance, and wellness programs. Community involvement is encouraged through the IDEX Foundation 9. IDEX With ACA premiums projected to rise sharply, IDEXs competitive benefits and community-focused support help employees avoid the financial burden of marketplace plans. Click here to learn more
This paper is for IDEX 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 IDEX 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 IDEX 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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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 type of retirement plan does IDEX offer to its employees?
IDEX offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.
How can IDEX employees enroll in the 401(k) plan?
IDEX employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the employee benefits portal or by contacting the HR department for assistance.
Does IDEX offer any matching contributions to the 401(k) plan?
Yes, IDEX provides matching contributions to the 401(k) plan, which helps employees save more for retirement.
What is the maximum contribution limit for IDEX employees participating in the 401(k) plan?
The maximum contribution limit for IDEX employees is set by the IRS and may change annually; employees should refer to the latest IRS guidelines for specific limits.
Are there any vesting requirements for the employer match in IDEX's 401(k) plan?
Yes, IDEX has a vesting schedule for employer matching contributions, which determines when employees fully own those contributions.
Can IDEX employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?
Yes, IDEX allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions outlined in the plan.
What investment options are available in IDEX's 401(k) plan?
IDEX offers a variety of investment options in its 401(k) plan, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.
How often can IDEX employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?
IDEX employees can change their 401(k) contribution amounts during designated enrollment periods or as specified in the plan documents.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave IDEX?
If you leave IDEX, you have several options for your 401(k), including rolling it over to another retirement account, cashing it out, or leaving it in the IDEX plan if eligible.
Is there a penalty for withdrawing funds from my IDEX 401(k) before retirement age?
Yes, there is typically a penalty for early withdrawals from the IDEX 401(k) plan, in addition to regular income taxes.