Complete Idiot's Guide to 401(K) Plans

Book excerpt: Annotation. The second edition of this popular title is completely updated for 2001 tax laws, including the President's Tax Bill.-- Currently, 76 million Baby Boomers are looking ahead to their retirement; when you add in all the people who are eligible to join a 401(k) program, the audience is huge!-- It's important to do your own research on 401(k)s and not just trust the company you work for to get the best deal for you - 55% of the typical 401(k) portfolio is invested in company shares; co-workers investing the same amount of money over the same period of time can have a 100% differential (Money Magazine).-- Likewise, most of the information workers are given by their employers is provided by a particular fund or investment group - information that may be slanted in its own favor.New, improved text referencing stock market volatility and need for diversification -- and how to do it. Expanded text, analysis, and examples on Roth IRAs and conversions Congressional/presidential action -- fromPresident Bush's proposed tax cut to proposed changes to 401(k), 402(g), 415, and pension portability. How to use 401(k), Roth, and Sec. 529 plans -- and which one is right for you -- to save for your children's education. ETFs and other new investment products and self-directed brokerage accounts. Pension plans, pension equity plans, Cash balance plan conversions -- what's the difference?