Use automation to save more and stress less

You’ve got a lot going on. With everything that competes for your attention, it’s no surprise that saving for your future isn’t always top of mind. Since your 401(k) will likely be a key source of income in retirement, we want to make sure you’re taking advantage of the Fidelity tools that simplify saving and investing. You can access these tools by logging in to your Fidelity account.

Boost savings automatically

Use the annual increase program to set your 401(k) contributions to automatically increase at regular intervals.

Rebalance your portfolio automatically

Market fluctuations can shift your portfolio. Use the rebalancing feature to maintain your preferred asset allocation without constant monitoring.

Simplify investing with a target date fund

Leave it to the experts. Choose a target date fund for an age-appropriate and diversified mix of stocks and bonds that adjusts as your target retirement date approaches.

More smart money moves

Schedules get busy, so be sure to prioritize these smart money moves.

Don’t leave money on the table

couple working on financesSandia contributes 66.667 cents to your 401(k) account for every dollar you contribute each pay period up to the first 6% of your earnings. Make sure you contribute at least 6% to get the full match. Otherwise, you’re losing out on free money from Sandia that can help you accumulate greater savings faster.

To receive every dollar of the Sandia match, be sure your contributions are spread evenly through the year. If you contribute up to the IRS limit before the end of the year, Sandia’s match will stop.

Sandia also makes an enhanced contribution to your 401(k) if you are not eligible for the Sandia pension plan. The enhanced contribution amount increases with your years of service with Sandia:

  • Years 1-14: 6% of eligible pay
  • Years 15+: 7% of your eligible pay

To make sure you’re receiving the full match, log in to your Fidelity account.

Consult an investment advisor

couple working on financesGetting on the right financial path may be easier with support from an investment advisor. In addition to accessing tools and resources through Fidelity, you can use Edelman Financial Engines.

There are two ways to work with Edelman:

  • Take advantage of do-it-yourself resources (at no cost to you)
  • Work with an advisor to personalize your plan for paying debt and planning for short- and long-term needs (fee-based service)

For more information, visit the Edelman Financial Engines website or call 800-601-5957.

Establish a will and have an estate plan

couple working on financesTo be sure that your assets go to the people you want to have them when you die, you need an estate plan that includes a will and/or a trust, advanced medical directives, and a power of attorney on your behalf. As your financial circumstances and the people in your life change through the years, it’s likely that you’ll want to be sure to keep your plan updated to reflect those changes.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

Fidelity tip

Make sure you’re saving enough to catch the match all year. Log in to your Fidelity account and use the Contribution Calculator to determine the amount to contribute each pay period so you can spread out your contribution through the year to get every matching dollar.

Learn more

Log in to your Fidelity account to register for Invest Confidently for Your Future. This workshop will help you look at your investments and understand how to build a long-term investment plan.

Set it and forget it

A 2022 study conducted by the Employee Benefits Research Institute found that over a 10-year period, employees who participate in automatic 401(k) savings programs typically have balances that are 15% higher than those who manually contribute to their plans. They also experience about 20% less stress.