It’s natural to review your financial decisions and consider potential mistakes when it comes to your retirement savings, especially with your 401(k) plan. Here are some common 401(k) mistakes that individuals may have made a year ago, along with strategies to avoid or rectify them:

1. Not Maxing Out Contributions

One common mistake is not contributing the maximum allowable amount to your 401(k) each year. If you didn’t maximize your contributions last year, consider increasing your contributions this year to take advantage of tax benefits and accelerate your retirement savings.

2. Not Taking Advantage of Employer Match

Failing to contribute enough to receive your employer’s full 401(k) match is a missed opportunity. Ensure you’re contributing at least enough to capture the full match, as it’s essentially free money that can significantly boost your retirement savings.

3. Not Diversifying Your Portfolio

Overconcentration in a single asset or investment can increase risk. Review your 401(k) investments and ensure you have a diversified portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.

4. Ignoring Investment Fees

High investment fees can erode your 401(k) returns over time. Analyze the fees associated with your investment options, and consider lower-cost index funds or ETFs if available within your plan.

5. Not Rebalancing Regularly

Your asset allocation can shift over time due to market fluctuations. Failing to rebalance your 401(k) portfolio periodically can result in an unintended risk level. Consider rebalancing annually to maintain your desired asset mix.

6. Taking Early Withdrawals

Withdrawing funds from your 401(k) before retirement age can result in penalties and taxes. If you made early withdrawals last year, make a plan to avoid them in the future to preserve your retirement savings.

7. Not Keeping Track of Contributions

Ensure you’re aware of your annual contribution limits and monitor your contributions throughout the year. If you exceeded the limit last year, work with your plan administrator to rectify the situation.

8. Neglecting Beneficiary Designations

Review your beneficiary designations to ensure they reflect your current wishes. Failing to update beneficiaries can lead to complications in the event of your passing.

9. Lack of a Retirement Strategy

Having a clear retirement strategy is essential. If you don’t have a plan or didn’t review it last year, take the time to define your retirement goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

10. Not Seeking Professional Advice

Consider consulting a financial advisor or retirement planner to optimize your 401(k) strategy. They can provide personalized guidance based on your unique financial situation and goals.

It’s never too late to rectify past mistakes and make better decisions for your financial future. Use these insights to improve your 401(k) strategy, maximize your retirement savings, and ensure a secure retirement.