with your plan administrator for the details and availability of the loan and the repayment provisions. The mortgage lender will need to know the amount owed, repayment term and monthly payment.

Under the 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act, first-time homeowners can withdraw up to $10,000 penalty free from an individual retirement account (IRA) or 401(k) for a down payment to purchase a principal residence (though you might have to pay income tax on the amount withdrawn.) Borrowing against your 401(k) offers several advantages: This $10,000 is a lifetime limit -- and the money must be used within 120 days of the date you receive it. See similar questions...

The maximum for pre-tax or "Salary Savings" contributions under IRC Section 401(k) limitations is the lesser of $15,000 for the year 2006 (plus $5,000 "catch-up" contribution for 2006 calendar year). Other limitations on contributions, such as total contribution (combined employee and employer) or testing requirements, may reduce that maximum for a specific employee, plan, or plan year. See similar questions...

No. It is up to you as to how much money you would like to contribute to your Health Savings Account or 401(k), subject to each plan's limits. A Savings Maximizer tool will be available in September to help you plan your savings. After you estimate your potential costs, the Savings Maximizer tool can help you consider how much to contribute to your various savings accounts - for example, HSA, limited purpose Health Care FSA, and 401(k). See similar questions...

Your 401(k) plan helps you start regular investing, and stick with it. Your contributions are automatically deducted from your salary before you receive your check. Since the money is deducted from your gross income, you will have a lower taxable income, which means you will pay less in annual taxes. The money you save will accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. This means you pay no federal or state taxes on your contributions or investment earnings until you start withdrawing money from the plan. See similar questions...

Yes. If you are a client and are actively participating in your company's 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan, we will provide guidance assisting you to choose among the available funds in your company plan without additional charge. As a quid pro quo, we ask that you consider our firm for asset management when you withdraw your assets from your plan. See similar questions...

Yes. Current tax law (EGGTRA tax reform legislation passed in 2001 and effective beginning January 1, 2002), permits an individual under Portability provisions to transfer funds from a 401(k) plan offered by a for-profit corporation to a 403(b) plan such as the plan offered by Northwestern University and vice versa. Individuals wishing to do so should contact their investment companies. See similar questions...

You request a “hardship withdrawal,” which is approved by Putnam Investments in accordance with the rules of the Plan for the amount needed. Please see page 12 of the Summary Plan Description (PDF, 215K) for more information about hardship withdrawals. See similar questions...

IRA can be rolled over into a qualified retirement plan, assuming the qualified retirement plan has language permitting such rollovers. See similar questions...

No, it is not a new type of plan. Designated Roth contributions are a new type of contribution that can be accepted by new or existing 401(k) or 403(b) plans. This feature is permitted under a Code section added by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), effective for years beginning on or after January 1, 2006. See similar questions...

Yes, we want to help our nurses plan for the future, so we offer the best 401(k) program in the industry. k) Safe Harbor Plan Eligibility: First of the month following 90 days of employment; must be at least 21 years of age. Company Match: 100% of contributions up to the first 3% of compensation plus 50% of contributions up to the next 2% of compensation Contributions: Employee may contribute up to $13,000; Age 50 and over may contribute up to an additional $3,000. See similar questions...

A 401(k) safe harbor plan is a 401(k) plan that automatically satisfies the nondiscrimination rules for elective deferrals and matching contributions. For a 401(k) plan to be considered a safe harbor plan, employers must satisfy certain contribution, vesting, and notice requirements. See similar questions...

the name implies, a 401(k) "look-alike" plan works much like a conventional 401(k) plan. Rather than offering a traditional 401(k) retirement plan, some corporations offer their employees, typically their executives, a "look-alike" plan. Most "look-alike" plans are funded by the employer with a variable universal life insurance policy that insures the life of the employee. See similar questions...

an American Mobile Healthcare traveler, you can start saving for retirement as soon as you begin your first assignment. You can contribute 50 percent of your salary or $13,000 annually, whichever is less. If you are age 50 or older, you may contribute $16,000 a year. After 1,000 hours of continuous service, American Mobile Healthcare will match 50 cents for each dollar you defer up to 6 percent. See similar questions...

The advantages of IRAs, 401(k) plans, and other retirement saving vehicles are their tax deferred earnings growth. With an IRA, you do not pay taxes on your earnings so long as your money stays in the IRA. Your money compounds faster because of this. In addition, IRA contributions (up to a certain level and with some restrictions) are tax deductible. 401(k) plans offer special tax advantages. See similar questions...