Should I make the 401(k) asset allocation decision myself?
Use your 401(k) investment menus to allocate your new contributions and plan balance among a range of investment options ranging from aggressive stock funds to conservative cash equivalents and stable value options. The decision of how to allocate among these alternatives has a huge impact on the investment results you will get. If you don't feel comfortable making such a critical investment decision, see if your 401(k) plan menu offers target-date or life-cycle funds. These are options that represent a professionally managed mix of stocks, bonds, and cash, with the aggressiveness of each mix depending on the plan participant's investment time frame. The EBRI reports that about two-thirds of 401(k) plans now offer these options, and they are a useful tool for people who do not want to make detailed asset allocation choices themselves. Making catch-up contributions is a great step toward building your retirement nest egg. That mission should also be helped when you allocate the money according to your needs, time frame, and comfort level with making asset-allocation decisions.