Simply put, a 401(k) is a long-term investment tool designed to turn a small amount of money today and tomorrow into a lot of money for a comfortable retirement. Because, if you spend all of your time working to pay the bills, living paycheck-to-paycheck, what are you supposed to live on when you retire?
A small percentage of your pay is invested in a group of stocks called a mutual fund.
Historically mutual funds average about 8% annual growth. The longer you leave your money in, the more your 401(k) grows. In fact, there are hefty tax penalties if you take your money out before the age of 60. The sooner you start and the longer you go without touching it, the greater your returns.
When you set aside just $3, the cost of a fast-food cheeseburger, out of every $100 you earn, Ōnin will match it, doubling your investment (does that make it a double-cheeseburger?). That money goes to work for you in the stock market, building wealth quietly in the background while you work to pay your bills like normal.
As long as that money sits there and works for you and you keep contributing, in 40 years, you will have invested a few bucks per paycheck, but your 401(k) will be worth a hefty 6-figures.
Be on the lookout for your enrollment packet… don’t worry, you’re not alone.
If you have questions, get in touch with your local branch. They’ll have answers or direct you to someone who does.
If the cost of a few cheeseburgers sounds reasonable for a 6-figure retirement, be ready to enroll and super-size your retirement dreams.