Why Is the 401(k) Crucial to Retirement Saving?

After you listen:

• Find more resources about 401(k) accounts and how they fit into your retirement plan.
• Read the article "Tracking Down a Lost 401(k)."

On this episode, Mark is joined by Lee McAdoo, head of Retirement Plan Services, to cover the fundamentals of a how 401(k) supports long-term retirement saving and investing. They explain why 401(k)s can be so effective, including the role of tax benefits, employer contributions, and automated saving habits. The conversation also highlights how smart choices around contribution rates, investment approach, and staying disciplined during market swings can shape outcomes over time. Finally, they discuss common decision points that come up as life changes, so listeners can feel confident using a 401(k) as a core part of a retirement plan.

Articles mentioned in the episode:

• "Why a 401(k) Is a Smart Move – Not a Scam"
• "How the 401(k) Student Loan Match Works"
• "What to Know About Catch-Up Contributions"

Financial Decoder is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the series, visit schwab.com/FinancialDecoder. 

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Important Disclosures

Investors in mutual funds and/or ETFs should consider carefully information contained in the prospectus, or if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a prospectus via Schwab. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.

All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions.

Earnings on Roth 401(k) contributions are eligible for tax-free treatment as long as the distribution occurs at least five years after the year you made your first Roth 401(k) contribution and you have reached age 59½, have become disabled, or have died.

A rollover of retirement plan assets to an IRA is not your only option. Carefully consider all of your available options, which may include but not be limited to keeping your assets in your former employer's plan; rolling over assets to a new employer's plan; or taking a cash distribution (taxes and possible withdrawal penalties may apply). Prior to a decision, be sure to understand the benefits and limitations of your available options and consider factors such as differences in investment-related expenses, plan or account fees, available investment options, distribution options, legal and creditor protections, the availability of loan provisions, tax treatment, and other concerns specific to your individual circumstances.

Target date funds and target date trusts (collectively “target date funds”) are built for investors who expect to start gradual withdrawals of  assets on the target date to begin covering expenses in retirement. The values of the target date fund will fluctuate up to and after the target date. There is no guarantee the funds will provide adequate income at or through retirement.

Asset allocation strategies do not ensure a profit and cannot protect against losses in a declining market

Schwab Retirement Plan Services, Inc. provides recordkeeping and related services with respect to retirement plans[. and has provided this communication to you as part of the recordkeeping services it provides to the <401(k) Plan.>]

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal.

​Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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