Do any of the following excuses sound familiar?
None

I can't afford to save.

Do you buy a cup of coffee or a newspaper every day? If so, don't underestimate what even a little bit of money can do over time. Think about how much the cost of that cup of coffee can add up to over the years! Consider contributing that amount to your plan on a regular basis with each paycheck. Convenient automatic payroll deduction makes it painless, and you can increase the amount you contribute over time if you'd like, up to the annual IRS dollar limit. Even better, when you participate in the plan, your company may help build your savings by making a matching contribution to your account.

I don't understand investing.

You don't need to be an expert to invest in your future, you just need to know a few fundamentals. And the most important of these is to participate now. If you're uncomfortable choosing your investment options, you may want to try starting with one that is more conservative and has a lower level of risk. Once you participate, your company and Fidelity Investments will offer educational tools that can help you develop your investment strategy.

I worry about losing money.

Fear of losing money is understandable. But not investing your money doesn't give it a chance to grow. Your plan offers a broad range of investment options with different risk and return characteristics - from more conservative choices to more aggressive, growth-type investments. When you enroll in the 401(k) plan, you will be provided with tools to help identify generally what type of investor you are, and which choices may be appropriate for you.

I've waited too long. Now it's too late.

Not necessarily. Consider how fast your money can grow. The chart below shows how it can all add up. Plus, you will enjoy immediate tax advantages because you don't pay current federal and, in many cases, state income taxes on your pre-tax contributions or on any account earnings until you withdraw them. If you start now, you may be that much further ahead. Don't wait any longer!

I won't be able to get at my money.

While the plan is primarily designed for retirement saving, many plans have a loan feature that makes it possible to borrow from your account when you need to. Withdrawals in cases of financial hardship may also be available. Should that become necessary, and if your withdrawal meets plan guidelines, your distributions will be subject to ordinary income tax, and possibly to a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you are under age 59 1/2.*

I don't plan to stay at this job forever.

Many people work at more than one job during their career. That's why the plan is portable, which means that your contributions and any earnings are yours to take with you if you leave the company. To maintain the tax-deferred status, you may want to roll over the eligible account balance to an IRA or into a new employer's plan.

Stop making excuses and start now !

Retirement may seem far away, but each day you delay contributing to your retirement plan, you could be jeopardizing your chances for a secure enjoyable retirement. It's common knowledge that the sooner you start saving, the greater your chances may be of reaching your retirement goals. Start by getting the 401K Kit and then enroll in your company's retirement plan today!