There are over 70 million active participants in 401(k) plans, holding more than 7 trillion dollars in assets. With numbers like that, you'd think there'd be a lot of books written about 401(k)s—but there aren't! While there's a lot of money to be made in selling 401(k) plans to employers, there's little to no money to be made in educating each plan participant. Ask yourself: Has my employer adequately educated me regarding my plan? If your answer is yes, that's great! You are among the lucky few. If your answer is no, then this book can help. The goal of 401(k) Basics is to educate you on your plan. 401(k) Basics is a different kind of 401(k) book. It uses amusing real-life stories to teach you the concepts that will assist you on your journey to a financially successful retirement. You can chuckle and learn at the same time! 401(k) Basics is not a textbook written to make you an authority. Instead, it is a fun-to-read guide to give you a much greater understanding of the many aspects of your 401(k) plan. Those include:

• Rethinking your view of money
• Realizing what a 401(k) plan is and isn't
• Getting to know your personal risk tolerance
• Understanding stocks, bonds, and mutual funds
• Learning the tax aspects of 401(k)s and Roth 401(k)s
• Seeing the amazing difference between starting your plan early and starting late

David Stordahl, a semiretired accountant who also was a registered representative for a major securities broker, explains these concepts through everyday examples that are easy to understand and may even make you smile. Who knew a book about a 401(k) plan could do that!

David "Dave" Stordahl lives in McIntosh, Minnesota, with his wife, Wanda. He owned and operated Stordahl Tax, Inc., where he specialized in individual and business tax preparation, accounting, and payroll services. His business also included fiduciary services, and he was a court-appointed administrator for many decedents' estates. For several years, Dave was also a registered representative for a major investment firm and sold mutual funds, variable annuities, and small-business retirement plans. In addition, he was a licensed life-insurance and fixed-annuity sales representative. Dave is currently semiretired and works part-time as an accountant for FarmChek Services, Inc. He recently completed his forty-third income-tax season as an accountant. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, grilling, spending time with family and friends, and playing more golf.