The 401(k) backlash

Recently I’ve read articles calling for either reform or dismantling of the retirement accounts known as 401(k). I understand Enough of human nature to know that in times when the market is shooting higher and higher there are those who will lobby for putting the Social Security Trust Fund into the stock market. Now that we are down nearly 50% depending on which index you follow, the finger is pointed at the 401(k) account. The one single point I wish to make today is that all 401(k)s are require to offer multiple investment options, one of which must be a short term bond type fund. So the choice is with the employee as to how to invest. Remember, the 401(k) is just an account designation, it’s the employee who mush choose among the available funds. I’ll revisit this thought on Thursday in my Money Merge Account Analysis series.
Joe