401(k)

As the threat of foreclosure continues to mount for many homeowners, the temptation to borrow against a 401(k) increases. Very bad idea, yet one that occurred to 13-19% more 401(k) holders in 2007. A recent article in CFO Magazine details a few of the ugly scenarios that can result. Yes, many...

In case you haven't watched anything other than HGTV for the past few days, the once-proud investment banking giant Bear Stearns has collapsed, going from $150 a share to $6 in less than a year.Of course, top executives will be fine. But today's Wall Street Journal reports (subscription required)...

Reserve Solutions is marketing a new kind of debit card - one that lets you stop at the ATM and withdraw money from your 401(k). The withdrawals are treated as loans against your retirement account, and you must repay the funds to the plan with interest. Of course, it's being marketed as a...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, or Easter Bunny, and it's impossible to "recession-proof" your 401(k), because no sector is immune from an economic slowdown. You can, however, take some reasonable precautions to limit the damage.For one thing, stay the...

A survey of over 1,800 finance chiefs around the world has found that employees are more frequently using retirement funds to pay their bills. So-called "hardship withdrawals" from 401(k)s and other retirement accounts have been increasing at 20% of the companies surveyed by Duke University and CFO...