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RETIREMENT LIVING
Devilish details
Even as 401(k) balances march higher, overall retirement picture is mixed
By Andrea Coombes, MarketWatch
Last Update: 6:52 PM ET Jul 31, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Many American workers appear to be struggling to find dollars to stash away for retirement, but a report released Tuesday finds that those who consistently contribute to a 401(k) can see their nest egg grow substantially over time.
The average account balance for savers who participated in a 401(k) plan consistently over the past seven years saw a healthy increase, despite suffering through a significant bear market in that time, according to the latest study of 401(k) participation by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the Investment Company Institute.
The average account balance for people who saved consistently was $121,202 at the end of 2006, an average 8.7% hike each year from year-end 1999.
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In 2006 alone, that average account balance rose 17%, thanks in part to stock-market gains. Account balances are also affected by contributions and withdrawals.
Meanwhile, the median balance, with half of account balances below this amount and half above, was $66,650 in 2006, a 15.1% average annual increase.
"If you focus on consistent participants, you can see how people who stay in the system tend to build significant account balances," said Jack VanDerhei, a Temple University professor and EBRI fellow.
"With the discipline of saving little by little through 401(k) plans, workers can successfully build a nest egg for retirement," VanDerhei said.
Savers held about $2.7 trillion in 401(k) plans overall at the end of 2006, according to a separate ICI report. Tuesday's EBRI/ICI study focuses on plans representing 46% of total dollars invested in 401(k)s, or, put another way, the study looks at 20 million 401(k) participants, about 40% of the 50 million workers actively taking part currently.
About two-thirds of 401(k) assets are invested in equities, including equity funds, the equity portion of balanced funds and company stock, according to the study.
Devilish details
Even as 401(k) balances march higher, overall retirement picture is mixed
By Andrea Coombes, MarketWatch
Last Update: 6:52 PM ET Jul 31, 2007
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Many American workers appear to be struggling to find dollars to stash away for retirement, but a report released Tuesday finds that those who consistently contribute to a 401(k) can see their nest egg grow substantially over time.
The average account balance for savers who participated in a 401(k) plan consistently over the past seven years saw a healthy increase, despite suffering through a significant bear market in that time, according to the latest study of 401(k) participation by the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the Investment Company Institute.
The average account balance for people who saved consistently was $121,202 at the end of 2006, an average 8.7% hike each year from year-end 1999.
Check out Personal Finance
From real estate to retirement, MarketWatch covers the topics that are vital to your pocketbook. Don't miss these recent winners:
• Beating midlife mind weakness
• Stogie smokers huff and puff
• Five megacap funds to bank on
• Beating a neighborhood eyesore
Get our free PF Daily newsletter
In 2006 alone, that average account balance rose 17%, thanks in part to stock-market gains. Account balances are also affected by contributions and withdrawals.
Meanwhile, the median balance, with half of account balances below this amount and half above, was $66,650 in 2006, a 15.1% average annual increase.
"If you focus on consistent participants, you can see how people who stay in the system tend to build significant account balances," said Jack VanDerhei, a Temple University professor and EBRI fellow.
"With the discipline of saving little by little through 401(k) plans, workers can successfully build a nest egg for retirement," VanDerhei said.
Savers held about $2.7 trillion in 401(k) plans overall at the end of 2006, according to a separate ICI report. Tuesday's EBRI/ICI study focuses on plans representing 46% of total dollars invested in 401(k)s, or, put another way, the study looks at 20 million 401(k) participants, about 40% of the 50 million workers actively taking part currently.
About two-thirds of 401(k) assets are invested in equities, including equity funds, the equity portion of balanced funds and company stock, according to the study.
