talullah wrote:
<<Have been tracking 2 401Ks via internet, mine and my husbands. Same funds, same allocations, similar amounts. Same day results his will gain mine will lose.>>

In addition to Pixy's points, keep in mind that often what you can purchase within a 401(k) LOOKS exactly the same as something outside the 401(k), but it really isn't. Lots of regular funds have 401(k) twins, which are vaguely related, but aren't the same. In addition, I wouldn't be surprised if different 401(k) plans with the exact same offerings in them wouldn't actually have subtle differences which No Mere Mortal can comprehend.


rant=on

BTW, I really dislike the 401(k) concept's implementation for these reasons and others. Sometimes, you get lucky and have an excellent plan, but often you're getting ripped off by all parties involved. It doesn't have to be that way. My wife has been part of various 401(k) plans, while I'm self-employed and so use a SEP-IRA. The differences are _appalling_. The SEP-IRA expenses are low, I can track my account without having to read through various gobbledigook, and there aren't three organizations trying to pawn fees off on me.

If we can come up with a simple, transparent, cheap retirement system for companies of _one_, it's hard to believe we couldn't come with something better when we're talking about companies with hundreds and thousands of workers.

rant=off

Later,
scott