The 401k Podcast with Fexingo: Employer Retirement Plans, Matching, and Long-Term Saving

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the growing trend of Roth 401(k) options, which allow employees to contribute after-tax dollars and enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement. With the SECURE Act 2.0 making Roth accounts more attractive, many employers are now offering this option for the first time. The hosts break down the key differences between traditional and Roth 401(k)s, explain how to decide which one is right for you based on your current tax bracket and expected retirement income, and discuss the impact of employer matching contributions on Roth accounts. They also cover the new rule that requires employers to offer Roth catch-up contributions for higher earners starting in 2026, and what that means for your savings strategy. Listeners will learn the practical steps to evaluate their own 401(k) plan and make an informed choice. Whether you're a young professional just starting out or a seasoned saver nearing retirement, this episode offers actionable insights to help you maximize your retirement savings.

#Roth401k #RetirementSavings #401kPlan #TaxFreeWithdrawals #SECUREAct2 #EmployerMatch #CatchUpContributions #TaxPlanning #RetirementPlanning #PersonalFinance #Investing #WealthManagement #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyTips

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In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a growing trend in employer retirement plans: 401k loan alternatives, such as employer-sponsored emergency savings accounts and payroll-deducted personal loans. With statistics showing that over 30% of participants have an outstanding loan balance, they discuss why these alternatives are gaining traction and how they can help you avoid the double taxation trap and the risk of defaulting if you leave your job. The conversation centers on the SECURE 2.0 Act's emergency savings account provision, which allows employers to link a sidecar savings account to your 401k, and how some employers are partnering with fintech lenders to offer lower-cost personal loans. Lucas and Luna break down the pros and cons, including the impact on retirement savings and credit scores, and offer practical tips for evaluating whether your plan offers these options. If you're curious about how to avoid tapping your retirement savings early, this episode provides a clear framework for making smart borrowing decisions.

#401kLoanAlternative #EmergencySavingsAccount #SECURE2Act #RetirementPlanning #EmployerBenefits #FinancialWellness #PayrollDeduction #PersonalLoans #FintechLending #LoanDefault #DoubleTaxation #RetirementSavings #LucasAndLuna #Business #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast

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Episode 141 of The 401k Podcast examines the growing trend of 401k plans replacing traditional mutual funds with collective investment trusts (CITs). Lucas and Luna explain why plan sponsors are making the switch, how CITs differ from mutual funds, and what it means for participants' fees and returns. Using a real-world example of a $1 billion plan, they quantify the potential cost savings—often 10 to 30 percent in expense ratios—and discuss the trade-offs, including less regulatory disclosure and the need for participants to understand the change. This episode equips listeners with the knowledge to evaluate their own plan's investment menu and ask the right questions. No prior knowledge of CITs needed.

#401k #Retirement #CollectiveInvestmentTrusts #MutualFunds #PlanSponsor #FeeSavings #Fiduciary #SECUREAct #CIT #Investing #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #The401kPodcast #RetirementPlanning #ExpenseRatios #PlanFees

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Episode 140 of The 401k Podcast with Fexingo dives into the mega backdoor Roth strategy — a powerful way to supercharge retirement savings for those already maxing out their 401k. Lucas explains the mechanics: after-tax contributions beyond the $23,500 elective deferral limit, converted to Roth either in-plan or via rollover to a Roth IRA, allowing you to stash up to $70,000 total in 2026. Luna asks about the tax implications, the pro-rata rule, and why only about 50% of plans offer after-tax contributions. They walk through a concrete example of a 45-year-old adding $40,000 in Roth space, and discuss how to check your plan's features. Plus, why the mega backdoor is often overlooked — and a sincere conversation about how listener support keeps the show ad-free.

#MegaBackdoorRoth #AfterTaxContributions #Roth401k #RetirementSaving #SECURE2 #2026Update #401kStrategy #TaxDiversification #Fidelity #Vanguard #EmployerPlan #PlanFeatures #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #401kPodcast #RetirementPlanning

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Not all 401k matches are created equal. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the three most common matching formulas: per-paycheck matching, annual true-up matching, and lump-sum year-end matching. You'll learn how each formula changes the timing of your contributions and how to maximize your full employer match. Using a concrete example of an employee earning $80,000 with a 4% match, they show why front-loading can backfire under a per-paycheck formula and how a true-up provision saves the day. Plus, they explain the growing trend of 'auto-true-up' features in 2026 plan designs. If you've ever wondered whether you should spread contributions across the year or max out early, this episode gives you the exact strategy based on your plan's fine print.

#401kMatch #RetirementPlanning #EmployerMatch #ContributionStrategy #PerPaycheckMatch #AnnualTrueUp #YearEndMatch #SECURE2dot0 #AutoTrueUp #FinancialWellness #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #PersonalFinance #401kTips #RetirementSavings #MatchingFormula #PlanDesign

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In this episode of The 401k Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the hidden costs of borrowing from your 401k. Using a concrete example of a $10,000 loan at 7% interest, they break down how double taxation works: you repay the loan with after-tax dollars, then pay income tax on the same money again in retirement. They also discuss the risks of default when changing jobs, the typical loan terms (up to $50,000 or half your vested balance, repaid within five years), and alternatives like personal loans or HELOCs. A 2024 Vanguard study shows 17% of 401k participants have outstanding loans, making this a common but often misunderstood feature. If you're considering a 401k loan, listen to this before signing.

#401kLoans #RetirementPlanning #401k #Employment #PersonalFinance #FexingoFinance #RetirementSavings #DoubleTaxation #LoanRisks #VanguardStudy #SECUREAct #EmployerPlans #Finance #FinancialEducation #PlanLoans #401kBasics #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast

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Health savings accounts already offer triple tax advantages, but now some 401k plans let you earn an employer match on HSA contributions. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how the feature works, what 8% of plans are now offering in 2026, and how a typical employee could pocket an extra $500 in healthcare savings. They also discuss the catch: you need a high-deductible health plan and the match may count against your 401k match cap. A tax-smart strategy for retirement healthcare costs.

#401k #HSA #HealthSavingsAccount #EmployerMatch #RetirementPlanning #HealthcareCosts #TripleTaxAdvantage #HighDeductibleHealthPlan #SECUREAct2 #PlanSponsorCouncil #EmployeeBenefits #TaxEfficientSaving #Fexingo #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #PersonalFinance #Money

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In this episode of The 401k Podcast, Lucas and Luna explore the growing trend of employers adopting safe harbor 401k plans. As of mid-2026, nearly two-thirds of plans use a safe harbor design, up significantly from a few years ago. They break down what safe harbor means for your match vesting, automatic enrollment, and whether you might lose out on employer contributions if you leave early. Plus, a look at how SECURE 2.0's new two-year cliff vesting option is making safe harbor more attractive for small businesses, while still protecting workers. Tune in to understand how this shift affects your retirement savings.

#401k #SafeHarbor #EmployerMatch #Vesting #SECURE2.0 #RetirementPlans #PlanSponsor #AutomaticEnrollment #SmallBusiness #MatchingContributions #NonElective #TopHeavy #Compliance #Fidelity #Vanguard #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast

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As of mid-2026, nearly 40% of large 401k plans now include some form of guaranteed lifetime income option, up from under 20% three years ago. This episode breaks down what these options look like—from target-date funds with built-in annuities to standalone in-plan annuities—and what they mean for your retirement. We discuss the SECURE 2.0 Act provisions that made these options more common, including the safe harbor for plan sponsors and the increased cap on QLACs (Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts). Lucas and Luna walk through the trade-offs: higher fees vs. peace of mind, liquidity constraints vs. longevity protection. They also share a practical framework for deciding whether a guaranteed income feature makes sense for your personal situation, with a real-world example of a plan that added a QLAC option in 2025. No hype, just the numbers and decision points you need.

#401k #GuaranteedIncome #Annuity #RetirementPlanning #SECUREAct #QLAC #LifetimeIncome #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #RetirementIncome #PlanSponsor #TargetDateFunds #LongevityRisk #EmployeeBenefits #InPlanAnnuity #RetirementSecurity #FinancialPlanning

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Starting in 2026, catch-up contributions to 401k plans must be made as Roth contributions for participants earning over $145,000. This episode explains the new rule under SECURE 2.0, who it affects, how plans are adapting, and strategies for employees to navigate the change. Lucas and Luna break down the numbers, the practical implications, and what this means for your retirement savings strategy.

#401k #CatchUpContributions #Roth #SECURE2.0 #Retirement #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #Savings #TaxPlanning #EmployeeBenefits #HighEarners #RothCatchUp #PlanSponsors #PersonalFinance #RetirementPlanning #FinancialLiteracy #Business

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