How to Handle a 401k When You Change Jobs

How to Handle a 401k When You Change JobsHow to Handle a 401k When You Change JobsWhen starting a new job, theres a lot to think about. There are new responsibilities, new processes, new people - and, most likely, theres also a new 401k plan to consider. Even as you sort out your new tasks and work environment, its important to make your retirement plan a priority. Timing is everything, and when changing jobs you have a lot of options that could help you to streamline your retirement plan and investments. Heres how to handle the transition from one 401k plan to another. Questions to Ask About Your New Employers Plan Employers typically include 401(k) plan information in a new hire package. You should get a letter outlining the specifics of your companys plan, and maybe a brochure with investment options and other details. Most 401(k) providers have websites that will walk you through an introduction. Take a few minutes to skim and read the details and get to know a little bit abo ut the plan. Look for answers to the following questions, when reviewing the plan details Is there an employer matching program? More than 95 percent of large U.S. companies match the contributions that employees make to a 401(k). The average employer contribution amount is 4.5 percent of salary some companies contribute up to 6 percent. Think of it as a 6 percent, tax-free bonus and you get why an employer match is not a benefit to be missed. Whats the vesting schedule? Many employers offer a vested match, which means that although the company is contributing up to 6 percent of your match, your access to that money is given on a timeline. After year one or two, you get 25 percent of the money, then 50 percent, until you receive the full 100 match after five or more years. Getting started on a vesting schedule is one of the reasons its important to sign up for the 401(k) as soon as you can. Youll optimize the funds the company matches if you enroll at the earliest possible date. Wha t types of investment options does the plan have? There are financial professionals who would argue that a portfolio with one or two broad-market, low-fee index funds (e.g., a Standard Poors 500 fund) is enough for most young savers. But its still nice to have options to choose from. You can look up each fund offering on a site like Morningstar. The site offers star ratings for each fund, but those do not tell the whole story. Look at the investment style box to see if it fits your own (for example are you looking for aggressive growth, or afraid to risk losing money?). When comparing two fund choices, look to the fees and expenses. And if you opt for a target-date retirement fund or lifecycle fund that does the asset allocation for you, theres no need to invest in anything else. How Much Should You Save in Your 401(k)? Some experts recommend that individuals save 10 percent to 15 percent of pre-tax salary for retirement. Others simply advise saving as much as you possibly can. A good rule of thumb for starters is to save at least what your employer will match. Anything less and you are leaving money on the table. If your employer will match it, save up to 6 percent with the goal of working your way up to 10 percent and beyond. If the new job represents a jump in salary for you, consider increasing your contribution amount. As you continue to rise up the corporate ladder and earn more, try to increase the amount you put away in your plan. If you shift 1 to 2 percent every few years, youll hardly notice the difference. What to Do With Your Old 401(k) Many 401k plans offer the ability to move money from a former employers 401(k) into a new plan. If you like your new employers plan, it makes sense to combine accounts and reduce your total amount of investments and fees. Moving Your Old 401(k) to the New PlanThe information on how to move the former 401(k) should be included in your new plans sign-up package, or you can ask the plan sponsor directly. Once you cash out of one plan, you only have 90 days or less to get it the assets into the new plan, otherwise it will be considered a taxable distribution. The funds should ideally be transferred directly from one company to the next.If you get a check mailed to you personally, do not cash it. Contact the new plan manager to find out how to transfer the assets correctly. If you dont particularly like the new employers plan, its still worth saving there to get the opportunity to invest pre-tax dollars and take advantage of the employer matching funds. Move Your Old 401(k) to a Rollover IRABut your old 401(k) doesnt have to be part of the new plan. Instead, you can move the money into a rollover individual retirement account (IRA). Think of a rollover IRA as a catch-all account that combines all the assets from the 401(k)s you leave behind. With a rollover IRA, you can choose from a huge selection of investments, and the money continues to grow tax-deferred until retirement. That takes c are of the 401(k). Now to find the good lunch places in your new office neighborhood.

Top 10 luxury spas for a couples getaway

Top 10 luxury spas for a couples getawayTop 10 luxury spas for a couples getawayLong gone are the days when spas were just for women only. Over the past few years, spas and spa resorts have greatly expanded their offerings to not only envelop guests mind, body and spirit, but also welcome couples- of any gender- to enjoy all things wellness.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraOffering their own unique combination of ambiance, services, amenities and products, these international luxury spa resorts will leave you and your partner rubbed, scrubbed, and rejuvenatedAlderbrook Resort Spa Union, WashingtonIn Washington State, two hoursfrom Seattle, the Alderbrook Resort Spa combines the spectacular beauty of the Pacific Northwest with an amazing luxury spa experience.The rahmen of this full-service spa, surrounded by the Olympic Mountains on the shores of the Hood Canal, a glacier-carv ed fjord, is enough to captivate the senses.The wide variety of treatments includes luxurious hot oil scalp massages, seestreitkraft algae, sea brine and aloe wraps, volcanic pumice scrubs and ginger renewal,and invigorating body scrubs combined with full body massages. You can also opt for a glycolic peel or aromatherapy indulgences. Head-to-toe Spirulina Splendor, Moor Wellness, and Soothing Summer are among the Alderbrooks Seasonal Experience offerings.Kirini Suites Spa Santorini, GreeceNestled on a spectacular cliff in the village of Oia in Santorini, Kirini Suites Spa attracts an international clientele seeking the finest, holistic health and wellness services and the ultimate in relaxation.At A. SPA, choose from three elegant and serene suites- The Kalliste, Iris or Thalia- in which youll enjoy their signature rejuvenating and restorative facial and body treatments. Among them are the Chill Out massage, using clam shells with self-heating properties and cold-pressed avocado oil, the Apivita Signature combining trasditional massage techniques like reflexology and shiatsu, the Aqua Vita Deep Hydration Treatment designed to replenish and prevent premature aging, and the St. Barth Softness Body Exfoliation with Caribbean Sea sand, coconut oil and fresh papaya, just to name a few.CastaDiva Resort Spa Blevio, ItalyPerched on the shores of scenic Lake Como, just north of Milan, CastaDiva Resort Spa provides guests with the ultimate in nourishing, restorative and sensory experiences. The distinctive setting melds with the historic 19th-century villas dotting the area, creating an intimate, romantic ambiance at every turn.Pamper your face with a Caviar Essence, Rose Infinity or Essential Man Facial. Revel in an apricot polish Skin Refining Scrub, or a chestnut, arnica, and menthol extract Light Legs Treatment. Or, heighten your tactile senses with a Crystals Chakra Balancing, Intensive Muscle Relief, or Calming Hot Stones Massage.For the ultimate treat, choo se one of their extraordinary Water, Fire, Air, or Earth-themed combination treatment experiences for couples.Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph CollectionPart of the Autograph Collection of the Marriot portfolio, the magnificent Hotel Punta Islita, set along the picturesque shores of Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica, is the ideal place to relax your body and soothe your soul.Here, natural ingredients combined with ancient Chorotega healing wisdom- derived from a tribe of American Indians that inhabited this area during the time of the Spanish conquistadores- are the basis of the resorts Casa Spa signature wellness treatments. Guests can enjoy everything from couples massages to relaxing foot baths, facials, and paraffin hand treatments, detoxifying body wraps, restorative mens skin services and more in an unforgettable lush tropical setting.Schloss Elmau Elmau, GermanySchloss Elmau- Schloss, a German castle or manor house, and Elmau, a nod to the town in the Bavarian Alps where i t resides- has been family-owned for over a century, and represents a unique combination of history and culture.Choose from multiple facilities and experiences at seven distinctive spas specifically tailored for adults, couples and families. The Badehause Spa Experience (for adults only) is touted as an oasis of perfect calm featuring a reception area with open fireplaces, tea lounges, 15 treatment rooms, a salon, steam baths and saunas, fresh and saltwater infinity pools, a cold plunge, and Pilates, Taiji, QiGong and Jivamukti Yoga.The Oriental Hamam Spa focuses on ancient traditional Chinese medicine healing techniques. Here youll find both family and adults only areas, each with three different spas and pools. Steam baths, water tubs, dome rooms with hot stones, and a relaxing Orientaltea lounge round out the experience.The Sports Performance Break Palacio Estoril Sports Performance, PortugalHitting an athletic plateau is demotivating and unbelievably common. On the sunny coast of Cascais, luxury 5-star resort Palacio Estoril offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to overcome physical and mental barricades, enhancing performance and refining skill. Utilizing treatments such as physiotherapy and Chinese medicine, guests benefit from improved posture and well-being. In addition to an array of fitness classes, the programme focusses on nutritional performance enhancement, providing all the tools necessary to achieve athletic goals.The Mediterranean Healthy Escape Ayii Anargyri Healing, CyprusA boutique hotel amid a valley of mature trees in the village of Miliou, Cyprus, Ayii Anargyri promotes an idyllic location for a healthy healing escape. Restore well-being as you harness the time-tested, natural healing powers of the areas mineral-rich waters. Find profound calmness and tranquillity through hydrotherapy treatments, such as underwater massage, and treat ailments in the phlebology, kinesiotherapy, and rheumatology pools. The healing waters are also util ized in spa therapies like the indulgent mud therapy cocoons and massages.The Detox and Pilates Break Amatara Detox, ThailandWith stunning views out over Cape Panwa, Phuket, Amatara is an idyllic destination for a relaxing detox and Pilates retreat. Following a juice cleanse and healthy eating regime, achieve optimal well-being with treatments such as colonic hydrotherapy, coffee cleansing, manual lymphatic drainage, and detoxifying ayurvedic massages. Gain strength and flexibility with mat Pilates and private reformer Pilates in stunning surroundings. This healthy holiday will give you the chance to experience your most energized and most radiant self.The Safari and Yoga Break Karkloof Safari Yoga, South AfricaCombining passions for yoga and nature, this wellness holiday takes you to one of the most exceptional and unspoiled areas of South Africa. During the Safari Yoga program at Karkloof Safari Spa, guests experience two game drives, observing wildlife such as giraffes, rhinoce ros, and a plethora of bird species. With daily yoga classes, mountain biking, fishing, and guided hikes, finding your connection with nature and developing inner peace has never come more naturally.The Short-haul Health Booster Six Senses Kaplankaya De-stress Reconnect, TurkeyGive your health a well-deserved boost this year as you enjoy a selection of indulgent spa treatments including massages and body wraps at Six Senses, Kaplankaya. Disengage from the stresses of daily life as you find your calm with sunrise yoga or a morning coastal walk, then work out your tensions in an invigorating personal training session. Whether its a quick break or an extended getaway, this Turkish stay is guaranteed to help you take a step back, finding clarity in the process.This article first appeared on Travel Squire.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin F ranklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

6 things that you should never wear on an airplane

6 things that you should never wear on an airplane6 things that you should never wear on an airplanePlanning your super-cute airplane outfit to kick off your vacation on a fashionable note?Make koranvers to keep these no-nos in mind because there are certain things you never want to wear on an airplane.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more1. Super-tight SocksSave any extremely tight socks for outings on the ground. Clothing that cuts off your circulation can lead to blood clots in the air. A good way to tell if your socks are too tight for plane-wear is to see whether they leave marks on your legs. If yes, those are too tight (ow). The exception to this rule is compression socks, which are made to be extra tight to increase your circulation instead of preventing it.2. JumpsuitsOkay, friends, lets get real. Airplane bathrooms are tiny and to do your business while wearing a jumpsuit o r romper, it all has to come off. Do yourself (and the rest of the bathroom line) a favor and stick to two-piece outfits.3. High heelsWere proponents of wearing high heels to the airport for the sole reason that it saves room in your suitcase in cases of overflowing luggage. But when youre actually on the airplane, its time to switch back to some flats. Not only do your feet swell when youre in the air, but in the teeny-tiny case where there needs to be emergency action taken during your flight, you want to be steady and grounded.4. Skimpy outfitsWere less worried about you offending the grandma seated next to you than you freezing your scantily-clad butt off during your flight. It gets cold on airplanes, so even if youre heading to a warm-weather destination, make sure to bring light layers for the plane ride.5. ContactsTravel days are a great opportunity to wear your glasses. Your eyes will thank you. The pressure and dry air in the airplanes cabin dont make for a great contact-we aring experience. Plus, if youre going to nod in and out of naptime, you probably dont want your contacts in anyways. Give those peepers a break6. Strong perfumeBe kind to your air travel neighbors and dont wear strong scents on an airplane. Its a pressurized tube in the sky - theres really not a lot of air flow. So if youre rocking a generous spray of perfume, everyone will smell it. And besides sensitive noses, some people have fragrance allergies that could lead to breathing problems. Stick with plain ol deodorant for the flight, please.Thispostwelches originally published onSwirled.comin the Thrive section, which covers valuable career and personal finance content for Millennials.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people