403 b - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

mused76 · 11-07-2004, 05:04 PM

is not the time to be aggressive when putting my retirement funds into stocks that are more aggressive? i know it's a marathon and not a race but i want to see more grown than i currently see. my company currently contributes 3% a month and i match. i'm only 28 but i'm looking down the road in the long run.

braisler · 11-09-2004, 10:49 AM

Yeah, at 28 you can easily afford to be more aggressive with the investments in your retirement account. Unless you already have a substantial amount in your account, I would recommend increasing the amount that you contribute to that account. 6% of your income contributed per year isn't going to get you very far. It is nice that your employer is bumping in 3%, but you should consider upping your own contribution to 10% of your gross income if you want to have a happy and easy retirement. Particularly, I would say to go heavier now on your contributions since the stock market is still fairly depressed from the levels it was at 4-5 years ago. Historically, things should be rebounding soon and you will be happier to have put the money in earlier.

Mr. Market · 11-09-2004, 01:25 PM

Be reasonably aggressive. You're at the lucky stage of life where you can put a fair amount into a retirement plan and have it compound. Remember that there are stages to the stock market, but over the last 50 years it has compounded nicely. May I also suggest that you contact a fee based financial advisor or at least buy an hour or two from a CPA each quarter. They'll help you chart a path towards financial freedom. Good luck.

gar1976 · 11-09-2004, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Market

Be reasonably aggressive. You're at the lucky stage of life where you can put a fair amount into a retirement plan and have it compound. Remember that there are stages to the stock market, but over the last 50 years it has compounded nicely. May I also suggest that you contact a fee based financial advisor or at least buy an hour or two from a CPA each quarter. They'll help you chart a path towards financial freedom. Good luck.

Most companies, in order to reduce their liability post-enron, have company sponsored meetings with investment advisors at least 1-2 a year. Check with your HR department to see if there is one coming up.

11-07-2004, 05:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
mused76 Crazy Location: NE Ohio	403 b is not the time to be aggressive when putting my retirement funds into stocks that are more aggressive? i know it's a marathon and not a race but i want to see more grown than i currently see. my company currently contributes 3% a month and i match. i'm only 28 but i'm looking down the road in the long run.

11-09-2004, 10:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
braisler Addict Location: Midway, KY	Yeah, at 28 you can easily afford to be more aggressive with the investments in your retirement account. Unless you already have a substantial amount in your account, I would recommend increasing the amount that you contribute to that account. 6% of your income contributed per year isn't going to get you very far. It is nice that your employer is bumping in 3%, but you should consider upping your own contribution to 10% of your gross income if you want to have a happy and easy retirement. Particularly, I would say to go heavier now on your contributions since the stock market is still fairly depressed from the levels it was at 4-5 years ago. Historically, things should be rebounding soon and you will be happier to have put the money in earlier.

11-09-2004, 01:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mr. Market Crazy	Be reasonably aggressive. You're at the lucky stage of life where you can put a fair amount into a retirement plan and have it compound. Remember that there are stages to the stock market, but over the last 50 years it has compounded nicely. May I also suggest that you contact a fee based financial advisor or at least buy an hour or two from a CPA each quarter. They'll help you chart a path towards financial freedom. Good luck.