401K Financial Planning

Peter W asked:

I have two questions about my employer retirement 401k contributions.
1. The maximum I can put in is $15,500 for 2007. But I started in mid year. Is it prorated from the time I started? Example: I started on July 1, is the contribution $15,500/2 = $7,750.
2. My employer matching is 2:1 up to a maximum of 6% of salary. Example: $50,000 annual salary, employer contribution is $3,000. For every dollar I put in, they will put in $0.50. Is the employer matching of $3,000 included in the $15,500 which means the employee total amount invested is $12,500, or, is it $15,500 from employee plus $3,000 from employer which would equal $18,500. I think it’s the former but just want to check.
Thanks….


Question posted courtesy of: James

Angela C asked:

I am looking for an agency to take my 401K to but unsure of where to start but I know I want to put it into a growth stock mutual fund.
Should I withdraw my funds first or contact (insert name here)?
Thanks!


Question posted courtesy of: Darrell

vsdbk asked:

Can I have an IRA and also a 401K plan at the sametime?

I am planning on getting a Traditional IRA plan so I can put away $4000 tax free for this year. However, my company may possibly introduce a 401K plan soon.

If I invest $4000 in an IRA account this year, and if my company introduces a 401K plan a little later this year, am I allowed to contribute to both IRA & 401K plans in the same year?

FYI, my filing status is married filing jointly and my wife has a 401K plan at her work place.

Would appreciate any guidance here. Thanks.


Question posted courtesy of: Raul