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Are PC Connection Employees Consistently Making These 401(k) Mistakes?

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This paper is for PC Connection 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 PC Connection 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 PC Connection 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 type of retirement plan does PC Connection offer to its employees?

PC Connection offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to its employees.

When can employees at PC Connection enroll in the 401(k) plan?

Employees at PC Connection can enroll in the 401(k) plan during the initial enrollment period or during the annual open enrollment period.

Does PC Connection match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, PC Connection offers a matching contribution to employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

What is the vesting schedule for employer contributions at PC Connection?

The vesting schedule for employer contributions at PC Connection typically follows a graded vesting schedule over a period of years.

How can employees at PC Connection access their 401(k) account information?

Employees at PC Connection can access their 401(k) account information through the company's designated retirement plan website or portal.

What investment options are available in PC Connection's 401(k) plan?

PC Connection's 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles.

Can employees at PC Connection take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, employees at PC Connection may be able to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific plan rules.

What is the minimum contribution percentage required for employees at PC Connection to participate in the 401(k) plan?

The minimum contribution percentage required for employees at PC Connection to participate in the 401(k) plan is typically set at 1% of their salary.

Are there any penalties for withdrawing funds from the PC Connection 401(k) plan before retirement age?

Yes, there are generally penalties for withdrawing funds from the PC Connection 401(k) plan before reaching retirement age, unless certain conditions are met.

How often can employees at PC Connection change their contribution amount to the 401(k) plan?

Employees at PC Connection can change their contribution amount during the annual open enrollment period or as permitted by the plan.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

In 2024, PC Connection announced a restructuring plan that involves a reduction of approximately 5% of its workforce. The company also revised its 401(k) matching contributions, reducing the match percentage from 6% to 4%. This restructuring is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on high-growth areas.