Named after Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, this powerful retirement vehicle was created in the early 1980s by Congress as an alternative to traditional defined benefit plans. Funded with pre-tax contributions, 401(k) plans help employees save while lowering their taxable income. Employee matching funds, when available, make this retirement planning option hard to beat.
Perhaps you’ve lost a job, faced an illness or have been delt a family crisis that emptied out your emergency fund. What are your next steps?
You’re eyeing center-hall colonials in your neighborhood and dreaming about the garden you want to plant in the backyard and all the holiday celebrations you’ll host. You’ve saved toward this goal and think you’re ready to pull the trigger. But the real question is: How much house can I afford?
Or is it?
Social Security’s financial cliff is coming closer into view. Experts project that the fund that pays for government retirement benefits through FICA taxes will be depleted within the next 15 years.
© 2026 The Participant Effect. All rights reserved.
