Quote:
Originally Posted by wheeler08
I just opened this thread for the first time today, and read a few pages.
So here's my story and question
I worked in a factory for 18 years, since the day I turned 18. I put 7% of every paycheck into a 401k, company matched 3-5 % for 3/4ths of that time (It was mind blowing how many co workers didn't put anything in, I tried to convince them to at least do 3% to get the company to match) anyway, I decided in May last year to quit. I moved my family across the state to work for my father in law, with the plan to take his place when he retires.
So I roll over my 401k to an IRA, both at Fidelity. I immediately notice that I have a ton more options in what to invest in with an IRA. Not only are there way more mutual funds to choose from, but from what I think I understand, I can invest in individual stocks if I want to.
So from June to December this past year I only invested $200. Because we were paying all the bills of a house we were trying to sell, plus building a new house where we moved to. With my IRA I gained almost $20k in that 6 months with only investing $200. For the year I gained almost $30k.
I was talking to my Dad the other day, and we both talked about how great our 401k/IRA's had done this year, and he said, yeah but when is the bottom gonna fall out? And I joked that I had thought of moving all my investments to bonds before it happened. And he said he was thinking seriously about doing that, because he's almost 60, I'm only 36. He's already almost lost everything once before from the housing market and he had to see friends work years past retirement because of it.
So thats the question, are you guys worried at all about the bottom falling out, or are you still watching the DOW climb to new heights ever day?
|
Smart of you to take advantage of the 401k match and using it as a vehicle to save more. A savvy investor may opt to contribute the minimum to a 401k to earn the match, and invest in an an IRA/Roth outside of work to take advantage of additional fund offerings, but for the every day saver you've made the right choice.
As far as the "bottom falling out," you being 36 should not worry about this as long as you have a disciplined long term strategy. A market correction of 10% won't break you like it would a person near retirement, and you will be able to participate in the inevitable recovery, which is the most lucrative time in a market.
As for your father, he may want to reallocate his portfolio to something more defensive, or at least conservative. If he is content with his savings, he can take a preservation of capital approach so his Principle isn't eroded by inflation.
There are so many variables here depending on his objective. Does he plan to retire soon and just need income to supplement social security? Does he plan on working for several more years?
To go down the planning rabbit hole, does he have significant liabilities, and has he considered long term care insurance? Medical expenses can significantly reduce retirement savings and are typically woefully prepared for. Just a few things to consider.