When a Large Market Move Might Trigger a Rebalancing Review
Big market swings might make retirement investors want to act fast. But with a 401(k), the key question isn’t what the market will do next—it’s whether your portfolio has drifted from your target mix and needs review. Rebalancing keeps your investments aligned with your goals; it’s not about predicting the market.
Working With an Advisor on 401(k) Rebalancing as Part of a Larger Plan
On the surface, rebalancing a 401(k) might seem straightforward: check your current mix of funds against your target allocation, and make changes if things have drifted. But in reality, your 401(k) is just one piece of your financial puzzle.
Behavioral Hurdles That Can Delay Necessary Rebalancing
Rebalancing looks simple: set a target mix, monitor your portfolio, and correct when it drifts. Emotionally, rebalancing is difficult, especially when selling top-performing investments.
Why Rebalancing Can Help Maintain a Consistent 401(k) Risk Level
There is a moment, often unnoticed, when the arc of a retirement account begins to bend. Years may pass—years in which the diligent saver, believing the hard work done, watches the balance rise and fall with the tides of the market.
How 401(k) Loans Fit Into a Broader Debt Picture
For many households, decisions about debt and retirement go hand in hand. A 401(k) account is often one of the biggest financial assets, while credit cards, auto loans, student loans, medical bills, or a mortgage can create ongoing monthly stress.
Understanding Duration: How Interest Rate Changes Affect Bond Fund Values
Many 401(k) investors think of bond funds as the “safe” or conservative part of their retirement savings. While they’re generally less volatile than stocks, bond funds don’t always hold steady—they rise and fall in value for several reasons.
Comparing Stable Value, Money Market, and Short-Term Bond Options
For many people saving for retirement, the "cash-like" part of a 401(k) plan seems straightforward.
What Bond Funds Do Inside a 401(k) Portfolio
Bond funds are often called the “safer” side of a 401(k), but that label can be misleading. They don’t eliminate risk or guarantee income. Within a retirement portfolio, bond funds typically provide income, diversify beyond stocks, and help smooth market swings.
Written Rules Can Help 401(k) Investors Stay Disciplined
Market volatility can make even long-term investors second-guess their 401(k) strategy. One way to reduce emotional decision-making is to write down neutral investment rules in advance, including when to review allocations, when to rebalance, and when a true change in risk may be appropriate.
Why 401(k) Changes Based on Daily Headlines Can Be Risky
Many investors feel the urge to react to the latest market headlines. News about inflation, interest rates, geopolitical conflict, or sharp market drops often creates a temptation to quickly adjust a 401(k) allocation.
Building a Personal “News Filter” for Your 401(k)
For many Americans, their 401(k) isn’t just a retirement account—it’s an emotional companion, something they think about often even if retirement is still decades away.
How Often Should You Look at Your 401(k) Balance?
For many of us, checking our 401(k) has become as routine as checking the weather. With just a few taps on your phone, you can see if your retirement savings are up, down, or holding steady.