--The rule of thumb for 401(k) plans during market volatility is to, in fact, do nothing. As this best practices guide from T. Rowe Price explains.
Many of us have just seen our 401k claw back to what they were pre-2008 crash. The crash that is unfolding will be deeper and longer than our previous recession.
It's time to cash out.
401k Funds have been a dumping ground of bad stocks for their respective institutions. There is a reason why 401k funds seem to crash harder and take longer to recover. They know that 90% will do nothing as the market declines.
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arrggg ago
That is exactly what they said to me in 2007... I transferred it to a self managed fund right after that grand advice.
tragicwhale ago
I have an old 401k with not too much in it. How do I transfer it to a self managed fund (what is a self managed fund?)
dontwatchtv ago
Maybe you can roll it into your own IRA.
tragicwhale ago
I had thought of that too just didn't know if that also meant self managed.
arrggg ago
First you have to find a brokerage account that will take it, like ETrade\Scottrade and setup an account so you have the # to transfer it to. If its an old one not managed by your employer then it should be easy, just tell them to roll it over to the new account. If it is managed by your employer, then you have to read the fine print in your plan, and take that to your HR or 401k people at work and tell them you want to roll it over. I had to argue with them for weeks about it, finally showing them the fine print that says it is allowable worked.
Once you have it in your own self managed account, you can buy and sell the market bounces. (or just sell and hold it in cash if everything is crashing)
tragicwhale ago
Sweet, thanks for the advice aarrgg!
arrggg ago
You're welcome, good luck trading.