Comments on: Is Your 401K Making a Comeback

By: Jeffrey Kosola

Jeffrey Kosola — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:12:15 +0000

Yes, you win some and you lose some. I just checked my 401k YTD change. It’s at plus 39%. Not a bad recovery. Although not having a ton of money in my 401k yet helps the recovery effort. Looking at Financial Samurai’s comment, I’m glad I didn’t have half a million in play at the time of the down turn.

Congrads on kicking ass this year, I hope you can double it for next year.

Thanks for the comment Doctor S, Jeff

By: Doctor S

Doctor S — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:31:56 +0000

My 401K kicked some serious ass this year. Made up of Vanguard mutual funds (80% VWIGX) I made a annual return this year of 45% as of yesterday. The big comeback was helpful because the year before I was down 39%. You win some and you lose some, being that I am 26 years old, I have a ton of time left before I need to even think about withdrawing.
.-= Doctor S´s last blog ..7 Days Left in 2009 or 372 Days Left in 2010? =-.

By: Jeffrey Kosola

Jeffrey Kosola — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:55:57 +0000

That was written PERFECTLY.

Thanks Samurai

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:13:39 +0000

No worries. It’s simple math really.

Let’s say you have $50000, and you lose 50% to $25,000. You recover 50% to $38,000, but because one also contributes $16,500, you get $54,000, so many people think sweet! All is good!

But let’s say you have $300,000, and you lose 50% to $150,000. You recover 50% to $225,000 and you contribute $16,500. You still only have $242,500, or some 20% less than you have original.

Down 50% means you need to be up 100%. But down 80% means ya gotta be up 400%! It’s tough!

Better than a poke in the eye!
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..How Would You Spend $500 On Kids This Holiday Season? =-.

By: Jeffrey Kosola

Jeffrey Kosola — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:09:27 +0000

I’m not overly excited about any of this now, just a little surprized it’s not as bad as I’d though. Contributing and getting a match will help. I’m just trying to look farther ahead these days. Yeah, I still have a pile of debt, just look at my sidebars But I know that will be gone soon and then I can really try to save and invest.

Sorry you haven’t bounced back yet, I’m sure you have a master plan Shogun

By: Financial Samurai

Financial Samurai — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:58:13 +0000

Lucky dog! My 401K is still in the sheeter b/c down 50%, and then up 50% is still down down 25%! A contribution doesn’t help move the needle too much, which is sad… but i guess good given the amount, but still.

Congrats!
.-= Financial Samurai´s last blog ..Federal Government Employees Raking It In =-.

By: Jeffrey Kosola

Jeffrey Kosola — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:09:14 +0000

I guess I am a nerd, but there are MANY other nerds much more nerdy than me. It must be my Engineering background.

Thanks for adding me, you’ll be in my blog roll later

You need to start following more Tweeps, there is a ton information out there to help with our endeavors.

By: BudgetsaretheNewBlack

BudgetsaretheNewBlack — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:03:26 +0000

We also stopped our retirement contributions while we work on our snowball. My husband is military, however, so there is no match we’re missing out on.

I wish I knew how to do cool graphs! You must be a Nerd of the Highest Order. I’m adding you to my linky-list of bloggers who are also on their debt-free journeys. Keep up the good work!
.-= BudgetsaretheNewBlack´s last blog ..Come Visit Me Over at My New Digs! =-.