Here is my financial plan for the rest of the year:
· Decrease my 401(k) contribution from 20% of my salary to 4% of my salary (the maximum my employer will match, dollar for dollar).
· Stop investing $100 each month in a loaded mutual fund at Wachovia because the sales charge eats up any return I might achieve.
· Instead, invest $100 each month in a no-load, no-fee index fund at TIAA-CREF.
· Lower my federal tax withholding exemptions in anticipation of a higher tax due to my reduction of 401(k) contributions.
· After deciding on a new apartment, re-evaluate my budget and make changes to the $300 I automatically save each pay period for a car, which when I buy, I will buy in cash. Once I have enough for a car and insurance, start saving for a downpayment on a house (someday) and for my future kids’ education. And my own travel. And other stuff.
· Open a Roth IRA at ScotTrade and invest in another no-load, no-fee fund. Try to manage to max this out every year.
· Get a new job that pays more and put any extra money into the 401(k).
That’s the plan. We’ll see what really happens.